The new year brings new opportunities for us to elevate our emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. There is no denying that the last year was a difficult one for many of us, and even though you wanted to travel more in 2020, this might not have been a possibility because of the global COVID-19 crisis. Now that 2021 is well under way, you can look forward to a year with a bit more travel options, but you still need to plan your escapades thoroughly and avoid the regions where the pandemic is still raging strong.
Your best and safest option is to plan your travels to the great outdoors in order to avoid the crowds, stay fit while you travel by hiking and trekking, and to soak in Mother Nature’s nurturing bliss. Whether you’re going on a local trip to a national park, on a cross-country road trip, or if you’re traveling to nature abroad, here’s what you need to do in order to plan an unforgettable outdoor adventure in 2021.
Know when to visit national parks
First things first, you need to organize your 2021 nature escapades by seasons, and find out when the best time is to visit each and every destination in your wanderlust itinerary. You can start by listing the regions around the country, in neighboring countries, and overseas where you would like to experience the natural scenery. Have your budget in mind the whole time you’re doing this so that you can prioritize destinations more easily.
Typically, if you’re going to national parks and want to avoid the crowds, you’d want to visit during the shoulder seasons when the kids are at school and the parents are stuck at home. If you’re traveling with kids, then you can try to get them out of school for this trip so that you can have a peaceful adventure in the great outdoors. That said, you need to keep in mind that weather conditions vary greatly between regions and countries, and that some seasons can be very harsh. Double-check the local climate and weather forecasts before setting a date.
Research the destination and make a plan
Once you have a destination in mind, it’s time to take your research to the next level and plan your adventure thoroughly. When you take a look at the sheer size of the natural park or the region you’re planning to visit, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out where to start and how best to utilize your time. If you’re going with kids, then you have to be extra prepared and have a detailed plan so that you’re always able to take a break, get back to your accommodation or trailer, and simply stay on top of your little ones’ needs.
To that end, be sure to list all points of interest that you want to visit, break them up by days and distance, and factor in any potential detours. Because when you get there, you will want to wander off the beaten path, so you want to make sure you’re always on schedule.
Also be sure to check out global pandemic travel advisory advice before you plan to travel.
Bring your essential outdoor tools
When exploring the great outdoors, you want to be prepared for every eventuality. Well, there’s not much you can do if you encounter a wild animal, but there’s plenty you can do when you need to start a fire, administer first aid, or cut something. If you ever watched Bear Grylls and his famous survival show, you will know that a knife is a must-have, which is why having something like the durable OTF automatic knives is a great idea for outdoor travel, camping, road trips, hiking, and general adventuring.
You also need a big first-aid kit, durable flashlights, some rope (great for tethering your kids to yourself so that there’s no way of losing them), a portable water purifier, and of course, your camping and fire-starting tools. And by the way, if the rope sounds a bit silly, just consider the fact that your kids can wander off in a blink of an eye in unfamiliar terrain, especially if you’re walking around at dark. Don’t risk it.
Get the right insurance and stay safe
Whenever you’re visiting any urban or natural setting, safety should be your top priority. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family members, you need to focus on keeping everyone safe and healthy at all times. That said, you also need to get the right insurance to protect yourself against every eventuality. Get the right travel insurance and check the insurer’s policy on outdoor travel and activities, and you should be all set to have a carefree adventure.
Keep your essential tech close at hand
Last but not least, just because you are going on a nature escapade doesn’t mean that you should disconnect yourself from the outside world. It might sound tempting to do otherwise, but it is important that you bring your must-have travel gadgets in order to stay in touch with loved ones, continue working if you’re a digital nomad, and stay in touch with the emergency services.
Be sure to bring a rugged smartphone that can withstand all outdoor conditions, bring a local SIM card if you’re traveling abroad, and have a portable Wi-Fi hotspot on hand. Get a power bank as well so that you can keep all your devices topped-off and you should be all set!
Wrapping up
In the new year, you want to finally start traveling more in order to reconnect with Mother Nature, your loved ones, and your inner self. With these tips in mind, you can easily organize an outdoor adventure to remember. Some of these tips may also help if you plan on going to an upcoming SwellWomen retreat this year and beyond.
About the Author
Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced writer and editor. He’s a regular contributor to numerous blogs and online publications, where he writes about lifestyle, travel, home improvement, family life, and sustainable living.
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