Top 3 Overland Trip Failures (And How To Avoid Them)
Overlanding can be one of the most thrilling experiences you can have! But before you pack your bag and hit the road, it’s important to understand the reality of this popular way of travel.
Is Overlanding Dangerous?
Yes, Overlanding comes with certain risks. After all, you would be out on the road on your own, navigating tough and unfamiliar terrain. So, what is it that makes some Overland stories fail and others succeed?
Know that most risks associated with Overlanding can be easily eliminated with ample preparation!
Learn from the mistakes of others and identify the most common overland trip blunders.
Three Common Overland Trip Failures—And How To Avoid Them
1. Not Establishing Expectations.
Overlanding can be tougher for some people. Imagine being out in a remote area with no cellular signal and only the bare essentials to keep you going. Your comfort and patience will be greatly and constantly tested! If you are Overlanding with a group, the trip can easily be spoiled or cut short if even one of your members is not having a good time.
How To Avoid It:
2. Vehicular Failure.
Consider the possibility that your car can break down, run out of fuel, and run into all sorts of issues. Since you'll be out in remote areas, it's likely that there won't be anyone nearby who can help you fix your car.
How To Avoid It:
- Don’t overload your car. Level out the weight in your car with the help of a roof rack. A roof rack not only lets you carry more things in your vehicle; it also keeps it safe! Overloading your car with bags, tents, and other off-road gear can cause instability while driving or tire failure and blowout. Get the most suitable roof rack for your vehicle to stay safe on the road.
- Have your local mechanic check your vehicle for any issues before hitting the road. A car tune-up will go a long way in preventing vehicular failures during the trip. Let your mechanic know you are going on an off-road trip and ask for their recommendations.
- Bring enough fuel and water. As far as water is concerned, a good benchmark is 1 gallon of water per person per day. Make sure to use proper storage solutions for both water and fuel.
- Bring a spare tire, a patch kit, and a recovery kit. There are many kits on the market with essential content to help you with basic tire repair and off-road car recovery.
3. Safety Risks.
A lot of elements can pose risks to your well-being. The weather, the wild animals in the area, the remoteness of your destination, and malicious intent towards tourists can quickly turn your dream trip into a nightmare.
How To Avoid It:
- Check weather forecasts and schedule your trip accordingly.
- Find out if wild animals are known to roam around the area, and avoid driving at night.
- Visit your doctor to see if you need shots before going on a trip to a foreign destination.
- Use mosquito repellant spray and wear protective clothing, especially if you’re trekking or wading through swamps. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit!
- Always consider the possibility of being injured. Read up or watch a first-aid course and pack a first-aid kit to take on your trip.
Final Thoughts
Overlanding will demand your utmost care, presence of mind, and discernment. One wrong decision can lead to a series of catastrophic results!
Fortunately, you have a better chance at a successful and enjoyable trip! Remember these common Overland trip failures and the different ways to avoid them.
