Everyone enjoys to do different things, and the same goes for overseas trips. Some would prefer to have a laid-back sightseeing excursion, while others would want to embark on an adrenaline-pumping hiking expedition. Each type of trip needs to be prepared for differently, and some even require long-term efforts.
However, standard preparation for health and safety reasons always remains a top priority. For example, bringing along a first aid kit or if much needed, knowing who to call for medical evacuation services in times of an emergency.
Considering that COVID-19 is keeping us grounded, for the time being, there is no better time to start getting ready. Here are some ways that you can prepare for the trip of your dreams.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing is the quintessential travel activity. If you are the kind of person who needs to see all the main attractions, this kind of trip is for you. On the surface, sightseeing seems like a simple trip to plan for. It only involves visiting places, after all. However, a lot of thought goes into planning a sightseeing trip that will not only be exciting but also give you the most bang for your buck.
One of the main factors you need to consider is travel time. Plan to visit nearby attractions within the same day, so you minimise travel time and cost. You would also want to read up on the background of the landmarks, especially for religious or cultural sites. This would help you to respect the customs and know what to prepare for your eventual visit (e.g. covered shoes and long pants).
Backpacking
Those who love free exploration or just want a budget option would probably go for a backpacking trip. Just as with sightseeing, research is crucial. It may even be more critical since you will be travelling around without any fixed accommodations to return to.
Ideally, every aspect of the trip, from the available lodgings to the local food, should be well-researched before the start of the trip. As much as spontaneity is part of the backpacking experience, you need a fall-back to ensure that you will have food and shelter in any case.
Since everything needs to fit into a compact backpack, you have to plan your logistics well. Besides purchasing a sturdy backpack, you should also ensure that everything you need can fit into the bag. If not, be absolutely sure that you can stock up at the location you are planning to visit.
Group tour
Taking a trip with a tour group takes much of the preparation off your hands. The tour group would have already settled accommodations and food, and even decided on sites to visit. But because of this rigid itinerary, selecting the right tour is all the more crucial.
While you do not have to be excited about the entire itinerary, most of the stops or activities should fit your interests. The tour should also fit your schedule. If you are not an early bird, you may want to skip on tours that have you waking up at 5 o’clock every morning.
As for costs, some tours may have wildly differing price tags, despite having a similar itinerary. It is up to you to look at different tour agencies and compare the price tags.
Mountaineering or trekking
Mountaineering or trekking are perhaps the most preparation-intensive forms of travel. As with the other forms of travel, you need to research the locality intensively. The altitude, conditions, and pathways are all essential information for any hiker to know.
There is also a lot that you would need to purchase, such as appropriate clothing, backpacks, and rations, among countless other items. Due to the numerous region and season-specific preparations that need to be made for a safe expedition, it is often recommended that first-time trekkers engage a trekking company. They will be able to plan the entire trip for you, so that you can familiarise yourself with the environment and route before trying it yourself in the future.
But even if you do engage a trekking company, you still need to prepare physically. Trekking is no easy task, and you should be in good shape before going over. A common technique to train up stamina for trekking is to climb stairs. As you start to become more comfortable, you can increase the number of flights of stairs, or even wear a weighted backpack.
Conclusion
How you prepare for your trip depends a lot on what you are planning to do. That being said, certain things are essential for any trip. For example, you will need to prepare sufficient funds for any kind of trip. You may also want to read up on air ambulance services, which can ensure your safe return home in the event of a medical emergency. With the appropriate preparation measures, you will be able to enjoy your trip with better peace of mind.
