No matter if it's your first time overlanding or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s never too early to start planning your outdoor adventure.
Getting a head start can help answer many questions and prevent issues you hadn’t even thought about occurring. Everything from the weather to logistical considerations can be anticipated.
This gives you more flexibility and options when you’re traveling and will help you decide what to bring as you prepare for your overland trip.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through four essential steps to jumpstart your planning process and transform potential challenges into seamless and unforgettable experiences.
These steps will help you ask the right questions and emphasis the importance of being prepared.
So, let’s dive in and get you ready for your next great adventure!
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How to Plan an Overland Trip
Preparing for an overland trip presents a unique set of challenges that differ significantly from traditional camping or road trips.
Unlike conventional travel, overlanding involves extended journeys through remote and often rugged terrain, requiring a high-level of self-sufficiency and meticulous planning.
When considering how to plan an overland trip, be sure to plan for the following challenges:
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Identifying safe and accessible routes.
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Ensuring the vehicle is capable and well-maintained for off-road travel.
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Estimating fuel requirements and locating fuel stops.
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Finding suitable and safe camping spots.
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Preparing for medical emergencies with a well-stocked first aid kit.
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Obtaining necessary permits and visas for border crossings.
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Using reliable GPS and maps for navigation.
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Communicating effectively in regions with different languages.
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Minimizing impact on natural environments.
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Budgeting for fuel, food, accommodation, and unexpected expenses.
The vast distances and unpredictable environments demand thorough preparation to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Missteps in preparation can lead to serious consequences, such as running out of supplies or encountering unexpected obstacles without the means to handle them.
Therefore, taking the time to meticulously plan and prepare for every aspect of your overland trip is crucial to transforming potential challenges into a seamless and memorable adventure.
Here are four important steps to help you prepare for your overland trip:
Step 1. Do Your Research
Start by deciding where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.
Here are some helpful questions to ask when you start researching your overland trip:
- What are the limitations of your overlanding vehicle?
- Will you be traveling solo or with a group?
- Are there limited days you can travel?
- What amenities do you need?
- Are there specific excursions you want to take or activities you want to do?
- What are the potential weather conditions for your destination and route?
- Do you need any special permits or reservations for camping or park access?
- What is your budget for the trip, including fuel, food, and lodging?
- Are there any health or safety concerns specific to the regions you'll be traveling through?
- What backup plans do you have in case of vehicle breakdowns or other emergencies?
- Do you have the necessary navigation tools, such as maps and GPS devices, and do you know how to use them?
- What communication methods will you use in remote areas where cell service may be limited or nonexistent?
- How will you manage waste disposal and adhere to “Leave No Trace" principles?
- Are there any local wildlife considerations, and do you have the appropriate gear and knowledge to stay safe?
- What food and water supplies will you need, and how will you store and prepare them?
You also might want to research fun things to do along the way or at your destination.
This can look like fun roadside attractions, interesting places to eat, places of historical interest, or camp games and outdoor adventure gear that’s sure to make your trip memorable.
Reading the site reviews and looking at the photos of the area will be helpful too. People love to share their experience by giving first-hand accounts of what their trip to your destined location was like.
There's so much inspiration available out there, that you should be able to get a good idea of what to bring on your overland trip and what to expect.
Finally, look up all the best maps and hiking trails before you embark on your trip. Knowing everything, such as the potential length of time and visual landmarks, makes it much easier for you and your travel companions.
Proper preparation and planning will help you have a much better overland trip overall.
Tip: Mobile Apps like All Trails can be handy, but also be sure to have a printed guidebook on hand in case you don’t have cell reception.
Step 2. Make Reservations Early
National parks have become increasingly popular, so it’s important to get a head start on your planning.
Due to limited parking, areas that used to operate on a first-come, first-served basis now require advance online reservations. Some popular and photogenic trails, which attract visitors from all over the United States, also require online booking prior to access.
Additionally, if planning an overland trip on USDA or protected national forests, you may need to call in advance to alert local rangers of your presence in the area.
With so many more people visiting in a season, parks are put in a unique situation. While they don't want to compromise the experience of their guests, there also can be dangerously high numbers of visitors, which may put the park at risk.
To avoid this frustration try looking for alternative opportunities off the beaten path and plan your overland trip well in advance. Because of their natural beauty and affordability, national parks are now topping the vacation destination list for many people.
Tip: You can book National Park campsites up to 6 months in advance. If you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks during your overland trip, a U.S. Park Pass may be the way to go!
Step 3. Get Organized
From meal prepping to planning excursions, there seem to be endless things you can do to pack and plan for your overland trip.
The last thing you want to do is get there and realize you forgot an essential piece of overlanding equipment.
The key is making sure you have a way to keep your overlanding equipment organized to avoid the frustration of unpacking and realizing all the contents have shifted and buried an essential item you need.
Many people recommend using clear plastic tubs or some kind of overlanding-friendly organizational box and creating specific kits out of each tub to store all their overlanding accessories. For example, a kitchen kit, first aid kit, sleeping kit, etc.
Ultimately, your goal should be to spend less time digging through your equipment and more time enjoying the outdoors.
Tip: A portable storage solution like this Out-In-About Box™ is a simple and compacted way to store all your supplies and equipment for your outdoor adventures.
Step 4. Create a Checklist to Ensure You’re Overland Ready
Before you decide how you're going to organize it, you should know what you're going to bring.
Creating a comprehensive checklist for your overland trip is an essential step in ensuring a successful and enjoyable adventure.
Your checklist should encompass all the critical aspects of your journey, from vehicle maintenance and gear preparation to safety protocols and itinerary details.
Developing the discipline to follow through with this checklist before each and every trip is essential, as even seasoned overlanders can overlook important details.
A well-structured checklist helps you systematically review and confirm that everything is accounted for, minimizing the risk of forgetting essential items or tasks.
This includes verifying that your vehicle is in peak condition, double-checking that all necessary permits and reservations are secured, ensuring your navigation tools are updated and functional, and confirming that your food and water supplies are adequately stocked.
By consistently adhering to your list, you can catch potential issues early, avoid last-minute scrambles, and embark on your overland journey with confidence and peace of mind.
This disciplined approach not only enhances your safety but also maximizes your enjoyment by allowing you to focus on the adventure itself rather than worrying about what might have been overlooked.
Preparation is Key
The main theme throughout all four steps on how to plan an overland trip is preparation.
When overlanding in remote areas, a failure to prepare for certain logistical concerns, such as packing an appropriate amount of food, carrying excess fuel reserves, and failing to prepare for adverse environmental factors, can put you and your group in a dangerous situation.
While an overland trip should be a fun and light-hearted experience, a successful overland trip should include a serious period of preparation and planning.
Use the four steps as starting point to prepare for your next overland trip. Once you master these steps, you’ll be able to truly enjoy your time exploring America’s great outdoors!
