Tips for Staying Safe in the Countryside… Anywhere in the World!

Published On May 30, 2015 | By Staff Writer | Travel Planning

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!

The single biggest problem facing countryside adventurers is lack of preparation before setting off. No matter where you are in the world, by taking a few simple precautions before you set out you can dramatically reduce your risk of ending up in an emergency situation. You should always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back, be that a family member, a friend who’s not going on the trip, or if you’re travelling a member of staff at the place you’re staying. If something goes wrong and you don’t return, it’s important that someone knows so they can raise the alarm. Be aware there might not be cell phone reception everywhere you go, especially if you’re planning to hike mountain trails or go rock climbing, so don’t rely on your mobile for directions, a lift home, or indeed any emergency help. Even so, make sure your battery is fully charged before you set out – you’ll be able to use it to check the time if nothing else, and checking whether you have signal should be your first port of call if an emergency situation does arise.

Take a whistle and torch for attracting attention from the other members of your group or summoning emergency help – and make sure they work! You should also make sure you’ve got plenty of food and water for your outing, as well as some extra emergency provisions. Basics like sandwiches and trail mix are always good, as well as chocolate or energy bars for a quick boost. It might be tempting to take a few beers along, but if you’re doing anything even vaguely strenuous it’s a bad idea – not only will alcohol slow your reactions; it will also make you more vulnerable to hypothermia.

Make Realistic Plans

It’s easy when planning your day to overreach and map out a trail or climb that with all the will in the world you’re just not going to be able to manage in the time you’ve got. If you do this, you risk being stuck with the sun coming down, your trail getting steadily darker, and not enough time to get back to base – therefore risking getting yourself into a genuine emergency. So be sensible when choosing your route, and make sure that you’ll have plenty of time to finish your adventure, not just start it.

It’s also important to be realistic about your fitness – this is not the time to reach for a new personal best! The majority of accidents happen on the return journey, when people are tired, so make sure you and the rest of your group are fit enough to get out there and back. A good guide is to pace the route to suit the slowest person in the group. Finally, always check the weather forecast before you set off. But no matter what it says, take waterproof clothing, windproof clothing and spare clothing for warmth.

photo credit: Biking in Bangkok via photopin (license)