Preparing For Different Travel Activities
Planning a trip that involves outdoor activities?
Millions of adventurers travel without proper equipment every year. And it shows…Some return with wonderful memories. Others return burned, injured or worse.
Here’s the truth:
Training for various types of travel activities requires different things. Preparation for relaxing on the beach won’t suffice on a hunting trip in the woods. Nor will hiking training prepare you for a fishing charter.
Here’s how to prepare properly for each type of trip.
What’s Covered In This Guide:
- Why Preparation Matters For Every Trip
- Gear Up For Hunting Travel
- Preparing For Outdoor Adventures
- Water-Based Travel Activity Prep
- Safety Tips That Apply To Every Trip
Why Preparation Matters For Every Trip
More people are travelling for outdoor activities than ever before.
Actually, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, 181.1 million Americans enjoyed outdoor recreation in 2024. That’s almost 6 out of 10 Americans heading outdoors for some activity or adventure. The number of Americans spending time outside increases every year.
And here’s the thing:
Gear. Most outdoor trips involve gear. Hiking boots. Fishing rods. Shotgun shells. … Before you leave for the backcountry, make sure you have what you need. Because if you don’t, you’ll likely regret it.
Poor preparation leads to:
- Missed opportunities on the trip
- Wasted money on last-minute rentals
- Safety issues in remote locations
- Trips cut short due to injury or illness
Here’s the solution. Spend some time beforehand planning what you need for your specific activity. Work hard at home so you don’t have to stress on the road.
Gear Up For Hunting Travel
Hunting trips need the most preparation of any travel activity.
Why? Because you’re transporting guns, ammunition, and specialized equipment between states (and occasionally countries). Mess up on any of them and your trip doesn’t even get started.
The good news? Approximately 15.2 million Americans bought hunting licenses in 2024 which means there are tons of resources and communities online that can help you get started.
Begin with ammunition. If you will be shooting birds or small game, you will need shotgun shells appropriate for both weapon and quarry. Different loads are ideal for different kinds of game. Purchase quality 12 gauge shells before departing on your trip, especially if you will be going to a remote area where shotgun shells may be hard to find or over-priced.
Other hunting prep essentials include:
- Valid licenses and tags for your destination state
- Blaze orange safety clothing where required
- Field dressing kit and coolers for the meat
- Proper firearm cases for transport
NOTE: Verify the ammunition laws for your destination. Many states and carriers have very specific requirements on transporting ammunition. TSA also has restrictions on quantities and packaging.
Planning on booking a guided hunt? Request a specific equipment list from the outfitter several weeks ahead of time. You’ll then have time to purchase or borrow what you don’t have and avoid expensive rush shipping charges.
Preparing For Outdoor Adventures
Hiking, camping, and backpacking trips are the most popular outdoor activities.
Number one on the list from the industry’s research. Don’t let that fool you, these trips take planning.
Begin with shoes. Break boots in before you depart. Nothing short-circuits a hike like blisters on the first day.
Next up, clothing. Layers are more important than high-end equipment. You want to be able to put on/off layers as necessary.
Pack these clothing basics:
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- An insulating mid-layer
- A waterproof outer shell
- Extra socks (more than you think you need)
Remember your navigation. Cell phones won’t be enough. Always have a paper map and compass as backup. Batteries and signals fade in the backcountry.
Travel Tip: Dry run everything at home before you leave. Pitch your tent in the backyard. Test your stove. Fill your water filter. You want to discover issues in your driveway, not on the trail.
Water-Based Travel Activity Prep
Fishing charters. Kayaking trips. Sailing holidays.
Water sports are extremely popular which means they require a checklist of their own. The number one water activity mistake? Failing to plan for sun + water.
You’ll need:
- Waterproof sunscreen (reef-safe if snorkelling)
- Polarised sunglasses with a strap
- Quick-dry clothing and swimwear
- A dry bag for electronics and documents
When going out fishing specifically… see what tackle is furnished vs what you should bring. Most charter boats will have rods available but most anglers like to have their own.
Sea sickness exists. If you get sea sick, then take medicine beforehand. Don’t wait until you’re onboard feeling like you want to hurl.
Hydration – remember that hydration. Even if it’s cool out there, boating dehydrates you quickly. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need on every water adventure.
Safety Tips That Apply To Every Trip
No matter what activity you’re travelling for, some prep is universal.
Share your itinerary first. Provide a friend or family member with your travel plans, where you will be going and when you will return. This is especially important if you will be going somewhere remote.
Sort out your health basics:
- Pack a proper first-aid kit
- Bring extra prescription meds
- Get travel insurance for international trips
- Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic
Get your paperwork in order. Make copies of your ID, passport and permits. Store electronic copies on the cloud in case you can access them from anywhere.
Okay, one more thing… Tell someone where you’re going. If you’re traveling to an area without cell phone coverage take along a satellite messenger device. They have rescued hundreds, if not thousands of people over the years, and they aren’t terribly expensive either.
Weather preparation is another thing people forget as well. Keep up with forecasts all the way up until your departure date. Things can change rapidly and being prepared for unexpected weather can mean the difference between success and failure.
Final Thoughts On Travel Prep
Every type of travel activity needs its own approach.
Beach trips are easy. Hunting trips are hard. Hiking trips are kind of in-between. The trick is knowing how much prep you need for what you’re doing where and for how long.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Research your destination thoroughly
- Match your gear to the specific activity
- Test everything at home before you leave
- Bring safety and communication tools
- Share your plans with someone at home
Adventure is cool, but preparation isn’t the fun part. Sitting at home planning isn’t as fun as being out on your trip. But five minutes of prep work can save you hours of headaches while traveling…
Or worse.
Always plan ahead of time. You’ll thank yourself when things go smoothly and you can enjoy the activity you traveled for.
