Planning your next adventure
This blog provides a guide on planning your next big adventure or expedition. We've organized numerous trips, whether for a single day or multiple days, and the same principles apply. We simply put them into phases.
Phase 1: Generating Ideas
This phase presents the greatest challenge for us as we endeavor to generate ideas that cater to both of our preferences. We often start by considering which mode of transport we want to utilize and build our plans from there. The choice of transportation depends on the area we select for the adventure and the duration we have in mind.
Phase 2: Planning
Now that we have the idea, it's time to plan and determine if it's feasible. This is where we conduct some initial planning to ensure the idea can be executed. We focus on several key areas: Logistics, route choices, required skill set, necessary equipment, and cost. Let's explore each of these aspects individually.
Cost:
Costs vary depending on the adventure and individuals' budgets. We typically have a ballpark figure and work from there. For us, the two biggest expenses are transportation and food. While hiking along a trail for days, the temptation to dine at a restaurant often gets the better of us. However, this is something you can plan for. All these topics involve costs, so when planning, it's important to factor them in. Personally, I use a spreadsheet as it helps me keep track and prevents overspending without realizing it.
Logistics:
For us, we don't delve too deeply into route support, as we've never required it. Our focus is simply on getting to and from the starting and ending points of our adventures. This process can range from something as straightforward as driving to the start point and completing a circular route back to our vehicle, to more complex journeys like our trip to Iceland. Here's a breakdown of how we reached our starting point:
Flight from Manchester to Iceland, landing at Keflavik Airport.
Flight from Keflavik to Akureyri.
Public bus to Myvatn.
Private tour bus to the beginning of the hike.
Upon completing the hike in Myvatn, we reversed the journey to return.
Route choice:
This is the enjoyable part: getting the maps out and devising the route. Depending on the mode of transport you require, your options for destinations may vary, but during the idea phase, you generally determine what you want from the adventure. However, examining maps starts to bring your plans to life. It's also wise to identify places to seek refuge in case of an emergency while plotting your route. Sometimes, this may not be feasible, but knowing what to do in an emergency is crucial, especially considering that each country may have different protocols. If you are doing it with support this would be the time to plan drop off points and meet up points.
Skills needed:
While some adventures may seem feasible without any training, others may require additional knowledge and skills. In such cases, it's important to seek the necessary training well in advance of your trip. This allows you ample time to practice and familiarize yourself with the required skills, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Equipment needed:
Do you already have the necessary equipment, or do you need to acquire it from somewhere or seek sponsorship? If you're trying something new, it's definitely worth investing time to get accustomed to your gear and how it works. Additionally, consider the setup you require. For us, camping is our go-to option as it helps keep costs down, and we've fine-tuned our gear to suit our needs. At this stage, it's also important to consider the weight of your equipment, as the more gear you carry, the harder it is to transport.
The more thorough your planning, the better your overall experience will be. In fact, as you become more adept at planning, it adds to the enjoyment of the entire process and enhances the excitement of your adventure or expedition. While this list isn't exhaustive, it provides a solid starting point for your planning efforts.
Phase 3: Your exped
The most important aspect is to enjoy the journey and be prepared for the unexpected. It's perfectly fine to change your plans along the way; after all, it's your adventure, not anyone else's. If things don't go as planned, it's okay—just stay adaptable and make the most of the experience.
Phase 4: reflection
This part is crucial for any adventure, as it's the time when the excitement settles, and you can reflect on your achievements. It's always worthwhile to look back and evaluate each stage of your planning process, considering what went well and what didn't. This reflection helps you learn and grow from your experiences, improving your skills for future adventures.
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