Nature-based travel has become our escape from the stress of the pandemic, a means to restoring our connection to Mother Earth. While we have yet to go back to restorative yoga retreats, some still crave the adrenaline-packed adventure trips that help you feel pure exhilaration and still get away from the pandemic-related chaos. The preparation process for your typical retreat is completely different from what you need to do in order to brace yourself for an adventure – which is why we’ve decided to address this vital topic.
Especially if this is your very first adventurous road trip or camping getaway, there are a few crucial skills you should master before you hit the road. Ensuring your own safety and the safety of your travel companions will help you enjoy your adventure even more and allow you to immerse yourself in the natural wealth you’re about to discover!
Get to know the geography
We’ve grown accustomed to our phones and the built-in GPS systems that help us move around without putting too much thought into it. Alas, when you’re in the wild, and especially if your phone battery gives out or you lose reception, you need to be able to get back to your car or camping zone without getting lost.
Research the area you’re going to explore, so that you learn about the topography beforehand, as well as any potentially dangerous zones to avoid, together with the wildlife. Always bring a physical map with you, so that you can get back safely in case your gadgets fail you!
First aid and CPR essential skills
When you’re on your own, or with few people around you, but away from civilization, you need to be aware of potential health emergencies. Especially if someone in your group has allergies or could potentially experience a cardiac episode. In such situations, it’s best to master the basics of CPR and first aid to be properly equipped to provide emergency assistance.
First and foremost, always bring a first aid kit and check that you have enough supplies for all. Additionally, practice these essential skills before you go off the grid, and you’ll be much safer during your adventure outings and you’ll be able to provide medical assistance until you can reach a hospital safely.
Ensuring clean water
Clean water in nature doesn’t mean that you can safely drink it, no matter how translucent or cool and fresh it might be based on your personal assessment. Clean water means that you have eliminated pathogens and potential microorganisms that could be harmful for your health, so it’s always advisable to boil the water you find in nature.
Alternatively, you can use portable water filters designed for such occasions, to help adventure travelers drink water safely wherever they are! Of course, you should ideally bring your own drinking water or find a nearby place where you can purchase it, but for real outdoor travelers, these filters can be lifesavers.
Learn how to start (and manage) a fire
It’s one thing when you have designated barbecue areas and safe fire pits, but when you’re out in the while and on your own, you should learn how to start and control a fire. This means you should be able to keep yourself warm, prepare food and boil water safely, but also avoid losing control over the fire and potentially wreaking havoc on the local flora and fauna.
Practice in a safe area in your backyard or with someone more experienced, by collecting tinder (twigs, leaves, dry grass, and the like) and using rocks or something equally safe to create a fire bed that will control the expansion of the flame. You can even try out some of the gritty ways to start a fire with little to no assistance of modern tools, so that you can be fully prepared for any scenario.
Packing essentials for an adventure
When you’re planning your yoga retreat, you’ll likely focus on soothing things such as setting up your ideal playlist or packing the most comfortable pair of leggings. For an adventure, you need a completely different approach to packing, so here’s a list of the most essential must-haves to keep in mind:
- A multipurpose knife to help you with food preparation, terrain difficulties, lighting fires, and other tasks.
- A tent and sleeping bags for you and your travel companions if you plan to sleep under the stars, and make sure they are waterproof and suitable for the climate in which you’ll spend your adventure.
- A flashlight that is both durable and perhaps waterproof if you plan on some boating, or any other water-based activities.
- Clothing layers – because temperatures might suddenly change and you could experience bad weather, it’s good to have waterproof and windproof garments to keep you safe and prevent health issues.
- The means to build a fire, since you cannot possibly rely on available resources on the premises, you should always plan ahead and bring two lighters, since matches are unreliable.
Adventure trips should by no means jeopardize the safety of your travel companions, no matter how exciting or thrilling they might be. Staying healthy, safe, and mindful of your surroundings is crucial for such escapades, as they give you the freedom to enjoy all activities and the destinations you choose with peace of mind. Create a careful plan for your adventure, and make sure you put a strong emphasis on safety for all!
