survival guide trip

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel

Before You Go

Take these steps to prepare for your travels aboard and anticipate issues that might arise.

Check your destination for country-specific health risks and safety concerns . You should also know your health status before you make travel plans. When you are sick, you can spread diseases to others. Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick.

Make an appointment with your health care provider to get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and advice at least a month before you leave. Discuss your itinerary and any planned activities with your provider so that he or she can make customized recommendations to ensure a healthy and safe journey.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people.

Plan for unexpected health and travel issues. Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad—many plans don’t! Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying travel insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

Prepare for emergencies. Leave copies of important travel documents (e.g. itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, proof of school enrollment) with someone at home, in case you lose them during travel. Make sure someone at home knows how to reach you in an emergency and carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.

Enroll with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . Monitor travel warnings for your destination. Enrolling also ensures that the US Department of State knows where you are if you have serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties while traveling. In the event of an emergency at home, STEP can also help friends and family contact you.

Pack smart. Prepare a travel health kit with items you may need, especially those that are difficult to find on your trip.

Fill your travel health kit with your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines (enough to last your whole trip, plus a little extra), a first aid kit, insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.
Please visit the Traveling Abroad with Medicine for more information.

During Your Trip

Choose safe transportation. Always wear a seat belt, and children should ride in car seats. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy travelers. Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left side of the road. Find out other steps you can take to stay safe on the roads.

Avoid bug bites. Use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. These bugs are typically more active during warm weather.

If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can’t be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit  Getting Health Care During Travel  to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.

Choose safe food and drink. Contaminated food or drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases and disrupt your travel. Travelers to low or middle income destinations are especially at risk. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to choose safer food and drinks to prevent getting sick.

Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold. You are at the highest risk for UV exposure when you are traveling during summer months, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am to 4 pm.

Wash your hands. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. 

Be safe around animals. Avoid animals , including pets, local farm animals, and wild animals. In addition to the risk of rabies, all animal bites carry a risk of bacterial infection.

Be careful during water activities. Drowning is a major cause of death when traveling. Follow water safety recommendations , which includes swimming, boating and diving, especially in countries where emergency services may not be quickly available.

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel.

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

File Formats Help:

Adobe PDF file
Microsoft PowerPoint file
Microsoft Word file
Microsoft Excel file
Audio/Video file
Apple Quicktime file
RealPlayer file
Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Survive Ready

Survival Gear and Guides

Mastering Long-Term Wilderness Survival: Your Essential Guide

Surviving in the wilderness for an extended period can be a daunting task. It requires essential techniques, skills, and a resilient mindset to encounter any challenges you may face. In this comprehensive guide, we will equip you with everything you need to know about long-term wilderness survival, from the right survival gear and camping tips to emergency preparedness and bushcraft skills.

Whether you’re planning a backcountry adventure or want to be ready for unexpected situations, this guide will provide you with invaluable knowledge and strategies to thrive in the great outdoors.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Long-term wilderness survival requires essential skills and the right survival gear.
Understanding the fundamentals of survival skills and a resilient mindset will help you endure extended periods in the wilderness.
Knowing how to navigate unfamiliar terrain and coexist with wildlife is vital for outdoor survival.
Proper planning for emergency situations and selecting appropriate survival food can make a significant difference in your survival journey.
Building psychological and emotional resilience is essential for your overall well-being when facing long-term wilderness survival.

Understanding Long-Term Wilderness Survival

Before you start packing your bags and heading out into the wilderness, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of long-term wilderness survival. The ability to survive in the wilderness for an extended period of time requires a unique set of skills and mindset that differ from those needed for short-term camping trips or day hikes.

To master long-term wilderness survival, you need to acquire the essential survival skills that will help you thrive in the great outdoors. These skills include building shelters, finding and purifying water sources, starting a fire, and identifying edible plants and animals. Developing these skills requires practice and dedication.

Disclosure : When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It’s also important to have the right mindset when facing the challenges of long-term wilderness survival. The ability to stay calm and assess situations quickly is crucial. You should also be comfortable with solitude and isolation, as you may not have the luxury of constant human interaction.

The Importance of Long-Term Wilderness Survival Skills

Having the right survival skills can mean the difference between life and death in the wilderness. While some skills are more important than others, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of all elements of survival.

For example, knowing how to build a shelter can protect you from the elements and keep you warm at night. You’ll also need to find and purify water sources to stay hydrated and healthy. Starting a fire is also critical for cooking food, staying warm, and signaling for help. And knowing which plants and animals are safe to eat can help you avoid potentially deadly mistakes.

It’s important to remember that acquiring the necessary skills takes time and practice. Take the time to learn about different techniques and practice them in a controlled environment before heading out into the wilderness.

Developing the Right Mindset

Surviving in the wilderness for an extended period of time requires a unique mindset. You should be able to stay calm and focused in high-stress situations, and be comfortable with isolation and solitude.

One way to develop the right mindset is to practice meditation and visualization. These techniques can help calm your mind and allow you to focus on the task at hand. You should also practice positive self-talk and affirmations, reminding yourself of your strengths and abilities.

Another important aspect of developing the right mindset is learning to live with uncertainty. In the wilderness, anything can happen, and you may not always have control over your situation. Accepting this uncertainty and remaining adaptable can help you navigate unexpected challenges.

Mastering long-term wilderness survival requires both essential skills and the right mindset. By understanding the fundamentals of survival and developing the necessary skills and mindset, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in the wilderness for an extended period of time.

Essential Wilderness Survival Skills

When it comes to long-term wilderness survival, having the right skills is essential. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a novice looking to improve your knowledge, mastering these wilderness survival techniques will significantly increase your chances of survival.

Bushcraft Skills

Bushcraft skills refer to the traditional techniques used for living off the land in the wilderness. These skills include:

Identifying and using natural resources for shelter, such as building debris huts or lean-tos.
Gathering water by building a solar still or collecting rainwater.
Creating friction fire by rubbing sticks together or using a bow drill.
Foraging for wild edible plants and berries.
Setting traps and snares for small game.

Having these skills can be invaluable in situations where you need to rely on the resources around you to survive. It’s essential to learn these techniques from experienced outdoor experts or by taking courses that specialize in bushcraft skills.

Survival Skills

Survival skills are broader techniques that encompass the knowledge and resources necessary to sustain yourself in the wild. Some of these skills include:

First aid and emergency medical care.
Navigation using a compass, map, or GPS device.
Physical fitness and endurance training.
Identifying and avoiding potential hazards such as poisonous plants and dangerous wildlife.
Building and maintaining a fire.

These skills require practice and regular use to become proficient. It’s essential to test your survival skills by taking on challenging outdoor adventures that push you beyond your comfort zone.

Wilderness Survival Techniques

There are many wilderness survival techniques that can be beneficial in the long-term. These include:

Building a sturdy shelter that can withstand the elements and provide adequate protection.
Starting and maintaining fires for warmth, cooking, and signaling.
Purifying water using boiling or filtration techniques.
Using signaling devices such as mirrors, flares, or whistles to attract attention.
Creating and using makeshift tools for hunting, fishing, and other survival tasks.

It’s essential to practice and refine these techniques before you need them. Consider taking a wilderness survival course or practicing these skills with an experienced outdoorsman to hone your abilities.

The Right Outdoor Survival Gear

Choosing the right survival gear is essential for staying safe and comfortable during long-term wilderness survival. Your gear must be durable, reliable, and versatile enough to handle any situation that comes your way.

Here’s a list of essential items to pack for your outdoor survival:

When selecting your gear, consider the climate, terrain, and potential hazards you may face during your outdoor survival. Invest in quality gear that will last for years and don’t skimp on the essentials.

Remember, your survival gear is only as useful as your knowledge and skills to use it properly. Practice with your gear before heading out into the wilderness to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

Planning for Emergency Situations

When it comes to long-term wilderness survival, it’s essential to prepare for emergency situations. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.

Creating a Survival Plan

The first step in emergency preparedness is to create a survival plan. Your plan should cover all aspects of survival, including food, water, shelter, and first aid. Develop a checklist of essential items to bring with you, and make sure you have enough supplies to last for an extended period. Keep your plan updated and accessible, so you can access it quickly in case of an emergency.

Understanding First Aid Techniques

Injuries can happen at any time, so it’s important to understand basic first aid techniques. Learn how to treat common injuries such as cuts, burns, and fractures. Make sure you have a comprehensive first aid kit and know how to use all the items inside.

Communication Strategies

In an emergency situation, communication can be critical. Make sure you have a reliable communication device, such as a two-way radio or satellite phone. Learn how to use distress signals, such as smoke signals or mirrors, to communicate with rescuers.

Stay Calm and Focused

When faced with an emergency, it’s important to stay calm and focused. Don’t panic or give up hope. Focus on your survival plan and take one step at a time. Remember that long-term wilderness survival requires patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude.

By preparing for emergency situations beforehand, you can increase your chances of survival in the wilderness. Keep in mind that emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected.

Navigating the Wild: Land and Water

When it comes to long-term wilderness survival, navigating through unfamiliar terrain is a critical skill to have. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or exploring the great outdoors, having a good sense of direction and the knowledge to read maps and use compasses is essential. However, water navigation skills are equally important if you plan on traversing rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.

Land Navigation Techniques

Reading maps and using compasses are the two most important skills to have when navigating on land. Maps provide a wealth of information about the terrain, and with the right knowledge, you can use them to determine your location, the direction you should go, and the distance you need to travel.

Land Navigation Tips:

Use a topographic map to get an accurate picture of the terrain.
Use a compass to orient the map and determine your direction of travel.
Look for prominent landmarks and terrain features to help you stay on course.

Water Navigation Skills

Water navigation skills are essential if you plan on navigating rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. There are a few things you need to consider when navigating on water, such as understanding the flow and direction of the water, using landmarks to navigate, and having the appropriate equipment.

Water Navigation Tips:

Use a map or chart specifically designed for water navigation.
Use landmarks such as buoys or shoreline features to help you stay on course.
Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, such as a life jacket, whistle, and signaling devices.

By mastering these wilderness survival techniques and navigation skills, you’ll be well-prepared to handle any challenges you may encounter while exploring the great outdoors.

Outdoor Cooking and Survival Food

When you’re in the wilderness, food is essential for survival. But finding and preparing food in the wild requires knowledge and skills.

Bushcraft skills are crucial when it comes to finding and gathering survival food. Learn to identify edible plants, like berries and mushrooms, while avoiding toxic ones. You can also hunt and fish for food, using traps, snares or improvised fishing gear like a line and hook.

Once you have gathered your food, cooking it becomes the next challenge. With limited resources, it’s essential to have camping tips for outdoor cooking. Start by building a fire and creating a simple tripod with sticks for suspending a pot over the flames.

Survival food should be lightweight, non-perishable, and high in calories. Non-perishable goods like canned food and dried fruits, nuts, and beef jerky are good choices for survival food.

If you are skilled enough, you can also hunt wild game for your survival food. This requires proper preparation, such as bringing along a hunting rifle and ammunition. Make sure that you are aware of the hunting regulations in your area before you embark on your trip.

Remember to always be mindful of food safety and hygiene when preparing your meals. Cook your food thoroughly, and clean your utensils and cooking surfaces properly, to avoid contamination.

Bonus Tip: Make Your Own Jerky

Jerky is a high-protein survival food that can be made at home or in the wild. All you need is meat, salt, and a drying method.

Slice the meat into thin, even strips and sprinkle them with salt. Allow the meat to sit in the salt for a few hours to absorb the flavor. Then use a drying method, such as hanging the meat in a dry, well-ventilated area or using a dehydrator, until the jerky is dry and chewy.

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to find, cook, and enjoy survival food in the wilderness.

Staying Safe from Wildlife

The wilderness is a beautiful and exciting place to explore, but it’s also home to a variety of wildlife that can pose a threat to your safety. To ensure your survival, it’s essential to take precautions and know how to protect yourself in the event of an encounter. Here are some wilderness survival tips to keep in mind:

Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for any signs of wildlife activity, such as tracks, droppings, or scratch marks on trees.
Make noise: Avoid startling animals by making noise while hiking or camping. Use a bell, whistle, or even talk loudly to alert creatures of your presence.
Store your food: Keep your food stored in airtight containers and away from your sleeping area to reduce the risk of attracting wildlife.
Use bear-resistant containers: If you’re in bear country, consider using bear-resistant containers to store your food. These containers are designed to withstand bears’ attempts to break in.
Know how to react: If you do encounter wildlife, it’s important to know how to react. Stay calm, avoid eye contact, and slowly back away without turning your back on the animal.
Carry bear spray: Consider carrying bear spray as a last resort defense against bears. Make sure you know how to use it before your trip.

By following these wilderness survival tips, you can minimize the risk of encountering wildlife and stay safe during your outdoor adventures.

Psychological and Emotional Resilience

Long-term wilderness survival can be mentally and emotionally challenging, and it’s essential to prepare yourself for the potential psychological impact of isolation, stress, and the uncertainty of the wilderness. As much as survival skills and gear are important, mental resilience is equally significant to withstand the rigors of extended periods in the wild.

Here are some strategies to help you maintain your psychological and emotional well-being:

Stay Optimistic: Keeping a positive attitude towards your situation can help you stay motivated and focused on survival. Reinforce positive self-talk and visualize success regularly.
Stay Active: Exercise, such as hiking, swimming, or any physical activity, can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
Meditate: Incorporating mindfulness or meditation practices in your daily routine can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and boost resilience.
Stay Connected: Staying in contact with family and friends can provide emotional support, encouragement, and help reduce feelings of isolation.
Engage Creatively: Participate in activities such as writing, drawing, or playing music to help maintain a positive mindset and relieve stress.

Keep in mind that everyone’s emotional and psychological needs are different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, by incorporating these strategies, you can build your emotional and mental fortitude to overcome the challenges of long-term wilderness survival.

outdoor meditation for psychological and emotional resilience

“In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then begin looking for it.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Venturing into the wilderness for an extended period of time is an immense undertaking, but profoundly rewarding. By dedicating time to honing essential skills, selecting appropriate gear, and adopting a resilient mindset, you will be prepared to confront the challenges of the wild.

Establish a solid foundation of survival knowledge, mentally condition yourself to overcome obstacles, and trust in your abilities. Adventure awaits around every corner, but you will have the tools and fortitude to thrive in the face of the unknown.

Remember, the wilderness has much to teach you, if you approach with an open mind and gritty determination. Return to civilization with invaluable lessons under your belt, feeling capable of conquering any situation.

You now possess the wisdom to brave the wilderness and emerge stronger, wiser, and more connected to the natural world. Feel empowered by your newfound mastery of survival.

What are some essential wilderness survival skills?

Essential wilderness survival skills include building shelters, fire-making techniques, navigation, and foraging for food.

What gear do I need for long-term wilderness survival?

Important survival gear includes tools, camping equipment, emergency supplies, and appropriate clothing for different weather conditions.

How can I prepare for emergency situations in the wilderness?

To prepare for emergencies, create a survival plan, learn first aid techniques, and have communication strategies in place.

What should I do if I encounter wildlife in the wilderness?

If you encounter wildlife, it’s important to stay calm, make noise to alert them of your presence, and follow appropriate safety protocols to minimize risk.

How can I maintain psychological resilience during long-term wilderness survival?

To maintain psychological resilience, focus on staying positive, finding ways to cope with isolation, and practicing self-care techniques such as meditation or journaling.

Article by Mike Martin Updated on October 27, 2023

Mike brings his technical expertise and passion for the outdoors to Survive Ready as a survival gear specialist and writer.

Discover Various Jungle Shelter Types for Adventure Survival

When you venture into the jungle, you expose yourself to a variety of hazards. From extreme weather conditions to wild animals and insects, the jungle can be an unforgiving environment….

Avoiding Snakes and Jungle Predators: A Survival Guide

When venturing into the jungle, it’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid snakes and other jungle predators. These creatures can pose a significant…

Unlocking Your Tropical Survival Skills: A Guide to Success

In the midst of a tropical jungle or a scorching desert, you need to have the right skills to survive. From finding food and water to building shelter and navigating…

Top 15 Survival Vacations to Challenge Yourself

I have a question: how do you know that you’re prepared for every possible thing coming your way? Are you ready for whatever disaster may or may not visit your area? Have you tested your survival skills in an unfamiliar setting?

Well, look no further for answers. I’ve asked around, did some research and even tried a couple of locations myself. And here it is, my list of top survival vacations in the USA and the world. You can try them on your own or as a part of a group, with your family and friends. These vacations can be very challenging, they can take you to the limit, yet somehow they might be fun as well.

SpecOps: Basic Survival Training

Can you survive one hell of a weekend ? Discovery Channel’s host Mykel Hawke takes you on an adventure of true survival. You start in a cozy hotel, but then you’re transported to the training site, where you will need to find food, water and shelter for the night. You are provided with some basic gear, but no food or cell phones are allowed! This is the most real experience of a true survivalist camp . The weekend also includes a live navigation course, first aid training and food preparation. When you finally depart home, you will feel much readier should you face similar situations in the future. Please notice that you will need to bring some of the equipment by yourself, and it is also recommended reading “Hawke’s Green Beret Survival Guide” or any other survival book before this training.

This is as real as it gets. The Black Tomato’s Get Lost experience is about dropping you in a completely unfamiliar, distant location, and you have to find your way back to the civilization. In other words, you are completely and utterly lost. You will need to look inside you, find your emotional, mental and physical resources, and survive this unusual journey.

When you sign up for the Get Lost experience, the only thing you get to choose is the type of the environment. You will not know the country and the exact location until you land there. You will be given the necessary guidance and equipment. The Black Tomato support team will track you from the distance, but you will not see or feel them there.

This is a challenging tourism to remote, uninhibited island. The opposite to the mass tourism, Docastaway takes you to secluded, untouched islands in Indonesia, Philippines and Oceania, where you can test your survival skills in an unusual environment. Essentially, you will become a Robinson Crusoe or Tom Hanks’ character from “Castaway” (hence the name). If this is something that you are tempted to try, select their Adventure Mode experience and the level of isolation.

The levels start from “low” (you have a guide nearby) all the way to “high” and “extreme” (you’ll have an island of your own with no shelter, the guide is on a different island). The tropical views are incredible, but trying to survive on an uninhibited island will surely keep you busy. The islands with the low level of isolations and prepared cottages feel like a vacation. On the other hand, the extremely isolated islands that have no constructions will push you to the limit and provide you with a genuine survival experience .

Here is an example video of someone taking a challenging survival trip with Docastaway:

Aboriginal Living Skills School

Cody Lundin’s ALSS is one of the leading and most famous preparedness schools in the United States. Its main focus is survival education . Lundin is a real instructor with three decades of unbelievable experience. He founded the school to help others to heal and improve themselves by challenging our daily comfort zones. He will gladly take you on this unique survival vacation, trekking across desert and tundra, as you learn how to overcome whatever the wild throws in your direction. Perfecting your survival qualities is always the right way.

There are many courses and locations, so you can definitely find something that can be both educational and challenging. Cody Lundin promises to teach you skills necessary for the most extreme of situations, where you need to survive without any gear available. One particularly tough yet important course is the “Nothing” course, where a group is stranded in the wild with only their clothes and nothing else. You will learn what needs are the most necessary to tend to, because your survival will fully depend on them.

SurviVacation

This Indiana-based survival clinic is perfect for a family get-a-way, where you can learn tons of camping skills during a 3 day weekend – without suffering along the way. It takes place at Survival Training Willow Haven Facility. You will pick a lot of useful skills and have fun while doing so. The location has a lodge, equipped with all the modern commodities, so you’re not going to actually sleep in the woods. It might not sound suitable for the veteran survivalists, but this can be a great starting point to acquire various skills and firsthand experience. At SurviVacation, your family will learn navigation, water purification, several methods of starting a fire, gathering and hunting for food, and much more. No prior survival experience or knowledge is required.

Bushmasters

This is a company in Britain that organizes realistic survival expeditions to the most distant and harsh destinations. This is definitely not your cuddling camping tourism; you will be taken on an adventurous journey, with no Internet and no luxuries. Your survival skills will be required and tested, no one will light the fire and prepare the food for you.

The locations are numerous and highly challenging. There is the desert survival venture, which takes place in the actual Arabian Desert. Then there is the island shipwreck experience, off the coast of Panama or Belize. Additionally, consider testing your abilities in the jungle trips to the most secluded places in South America. In all of the locations, you will be thoroughly trained, and then left to survive and escape with a small group.

The Edge is an extreme survival training under the guidance of Mark Wienert, who also consulted Bear Grylls’ “Man vs Wild”. The setting is similar to the show. The training takes place in Texas, near Austin. There are separate groups for adults (men and women) and for teenagers. You will learn and improve all the necessary surviving skills, such as making a shelter and a fire, finding food and water, facing various outdoor conditions, from freezing cold to unbearable heat, reading the weather for survival , and so on. The training also includes working with knives, how to use it safely, how to cut, strip bark, and make wood material for the fire. It’s suitable for couples, families, siblings, for amateur survivalists and for seasons military and police personnel.

Mountain Shepherd

Mountain Shepherd survival school has a really mind-boggling selection of excellent performance, camping and wilderness courses. I personally recommend to try their Survival 101 course. Guided by former US Air Force instructors, it’s a dynamic and educational adventure that teaches you how to stay alive in the wild. Armed with basic equipment and positive mindset, you will learn so much from the best! There is even a similar course tailored for a group of women, who wish to develop self-reliance and confidence while acquiring essential survival skills and abilities .

They also have several courses for girls in 6th to 8th grades. For all those moms and dads who dream that their daughters grow strong and independent, send them to one of the GEMS sessions. These sessions last several days each. The girls learn many survival and camping skills, communication, leadership, empowerment, personal health, and much, much more. This is a much better vacation than spending days and nights on the social media! The school is situated at Blue Ridge Mountains of Craig County, Virginia.

Boulder Outdoor Survival School

Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) has been around since 1968, and it is probably the oldest and most experienced survival training school in the USA. The courses take place in Southern Utah and its mountains, an area loved and worshipped by many hikers. They offer courses that last from 7 to as much as 28 days! This can be an excellent choice for those desiring to experience a true, lengthy trek detached from the civilization. Just like in the old days, or, who knows, maybe in the near future, too? It’s also a great way to lose weight in a month.

BOSS welcomes students from different life perspectives and levels of experience. They have 4 decades of training and guiding pretty much everyone and welcome any person who wishes to experience this type of a survival vacation. You can be jut someone looking to get away for a few days, or a grizzled survivalist who wishes to hone his skills and abilities. The outdoors are open to all of you.

Besides hiking and camping, BOSS organizes an annual spring event called Slickrock Gathering. This is a great opportunity to learn some traditional and primitive techniques that kept our ancestors alive for centuries and millennia. During this busy week, professional trainers will teach you among other things:

Plant medicine – using plants for healing purposes, making salves, powders, and so on.
Animal processing – skinning, cleaning and preparing a meal out of an animal.
Pottery – collecting clay, processing it, making pots and plates, firing them in the open.

As you can see, the Slickrock Gathering offers a lot to those wishing to expand the metaphorical toolbox of their skills. Here is a video with actual feedback from the BOSS students:

Kabakon Survivor

Oceania Expeditions offers a truly once in a lifetime chance to test whether you can survive on your own on a remote island. This experience takes place in the paradise of the Kabakon Island, in Papua New Guinea. The local native will teach you the survival skills that you lack. You will acquire tons of knowledge – how to fish, cook, canoe, dive, forage, harvest, build fire, weave, and so forth. The beautiful island is rich with fruit trees and seafood. You will literally become one with the nature, living by the island’s own rhythm, enjoying your surroundings while acquiring a lot of useful know-how. The Kabakon Survivor usually lasts 5 days and 4 nights, and is suitable for both single participants, as well as couples and families.

Jack Mountain Bushcraft School

This professional school was established in 1999 and offers full immersion courses. The training takes place in the state of Maine, US. While this does not count as a short vacation, you can definitely find here a great and long course that fits your needs. Some of the options are:

The Wilderness Guide – 9 weeks long semester, in which you will hone your skills while travelling for hundreds of miles on a canoe.
Woods and Waters Combo – 2 weeks of living in the forest and mastering the bushcraft + 2 weeks of traditional training
The Wilderness Bushcraft Semester – 9 weeks of bushcraft training under professional instructors.
Boreal Snowshoe Expedition – 2 weeks of challenging winter journey, equipped with hot tents, snowshoes and toboggans.

Ancient Pathways

Ancient Pathways has a multitude of survival courses and programs, suitable for every adventurous and curious survivalist. The programs take place mostly in Arizona, USA. Among them you will find the famous and private Knife Only Survival Course: you will be stripped of all the necessities and gear, and learn to rely on yourself. This is the same course they taught to Emile Hirsch, the actor who played in the brilliant “Into the Wild” movie. There are also disaster preparation programs, a desert survival course, search-and-rescue courses, and more. The Ancient Pathways company specializes in developing your wilderness skills. Founded by the experienced trainer Tony Nester, it emphasizes direct interaction with the nature while acquiring the crucial abilities to survive in the wild. These abilities are lifesavers when one faces a deadly survival situation .

Tom Brown, Jr.’s Tracker School

The Tracker School was founded all the way back in 1978 by Tom Brown, Jr., who was taught advanced tracking and wilderness survival skills from a very young age by an Apache elder. You can learn these teaching, too, in one of the 75 different survival classes that the school offers. The courses take several days and are another ideal option for survival holidays and vacations. The courses vary from basic skills (locating water and food, starting fire, building a primitive shelter) to advanced (establishing a hut, making tools from wood, making a bow and arrows).

There is also an advanced course not covered in the previous ones, which teaches you the ancient art of sign tracking. Afterwards, you will surely become an expert in all things survival and tracking. Some of the class graduates actually become volunteers who help others with their training.

Zombie Survival Camp

This fun and challenging survival vacation combines elements of fantasy with real skills. The Zombie Survival Camp takes place at a large and fully equipped facility in New Jersey, USA. You can come alone or bring friends and family. You will be trained to face any disastrous scenario, be it natural force or a theoretical zombie outbreak. The training includes:

Making a shelter or locating one you can use.
Becoming proficient in technological widgets, such as night and thermal vision.
Learning to use melee weapons.
Learning to use the very popular crossbow.
Learning to use firearms. You will get a unique chance to fire various rifles and pistols.
Learning Zombitsu, a martial arts style created by the Zombie Survival Camp people.
First aid and wound treatment – how to stay healthy and alive in extreme situations.
Building a strong and supportive team, studying the important skills of cooperation and leaderships.
Learning about the gear, emergency kits and other life-saving equipment. Ever wondered what a bug-out bag is and how to make one? Well, look no further.
Accumulating useful knowledge on urban survival .

So, as you can see, while the title of the camp might make you smile, they are only about the serious business of survival.

Survival Training School of California

Established over a decade ago, Survival Training School of California is the ideal training ground for those looking for a survival vacation. It is located mainly in California, but also provides private courses across the globe. The courses are intended for both kids and grown-ups, and vary from learning how to survive in the wild, to combat training, to preparedness for urban disasters. Their experts are fully dedicated to making you an expert in the field of your choosing.

Most of their courses are short and focused, ranging from 2 to 7 days. The amount of knowledge they offer is incredible. You can learn critical survival skills, identification and healing with wild plants, stone tool making, traps and tracking, maps and compass usage , climate survival, and so much more. The Survival Training School of California is highly recommended by everyone who trained there, including military personnel and people from Ford Motors and Stanford University.

Final Words

As you can see, the choices are limitless. Survival vacations range from the easy “walk in the park” to the extreme tests of your resilience and stamina. But that is exactly what survival is all about, overcoming whatever surprises the wild throws at you. So have a great and enlightening vacation!

Alex is a seasoned survivalist, with a passion to all things related to prepping, hiking and living off the grid.

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? >", "name": "mega-signin", "type": "link"}}' class="u-color--red-dark u-font--xs u-text-transform--upper u-font-weight--bold">Sign In

Outside watch, outside learn.

>", "name": "mega-backpacker-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.backpacker.com/">Backpacker
>", "name": "mega-climbing-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.climbing.com/">Climbing
>", "name": "mega-flyfilmtour-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://flyfilmtour.com/">Fly Fishing Film Tour
>", "name": "mega-gaiagps-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.gaiagps.com/">Gaia GPS
>", "name": "mega-npt-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nationalparktrips.com/">National Park Trips
>", "name": "mega-outsideonline-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideonline.com/">Outside
>", "name": "mega-outsideio-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outside.io/">Outside.io
>", "name": "mega-outsidetv-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://watch.outsideonline.com">Outside Watch
>", "name": "mega-ski-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.skimag.com/">Ski
>", "name": "mega-warrenmiller-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://warrenmiller.com/">Warren Miller Entertainment

Healthy Living

>", "name": "mega-ce-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/">Clean Eating
>", "name": "mega-oxy-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.oxygenmag.com/">Oxygen
>", "name": "mega-vt-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.vegetariantimes.com/">Vegetarian Times
>", "name": "mega-yj-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.yogajournal.com/">Yoga Journal
>", "name": "mega-beta-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.betamtb.com/">Beta
>", "name": "mega-pinkbike-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.pinkbike.com/">Pinkbike
>", "name": "mega-roll-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.rollmassif.com/">Roll Massif
>", "name": "mega-trailforks-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.trailforks.com/">Trailforks
>", "name": "mega-trail-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://trailrunnermag.com/">Trail Runner
>", "name": "mega-tri-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.triathlete.com/">Triathlete
>", "name": "mega-vn-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://velo.outsideonline.com/">Velo
>", "name": "mega-wr-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.womensrunning.com/">Women's Running
>", "name": "mega-athletereg-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.athletereg.com/">athleteReg
>", "name": "mega-bicycleretailer-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.bicycleretailer.com/">Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
>", "name": "mega-cairn-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.getcairn.com/">Cairn
>", "name": "mega-finisherpix-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.finisherpix.com/">FinisherPix
>", "name": "mega-idea-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.ideafit.com/">Idea
>", "name": "mega-nastar-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nastar.com/">NASTAR
>", "name": "mega-shop-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideinc.com/outside-books/">Outside Books
>", "name": "mega-veloswap-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.veloswap.com/">VeloSwap
>", "name": "mega-backpacker-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.backpacker.com/">Backpacker
>", "name": "mega-climbing-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.climbing.com/">Climbing
>", "name": "mega-flyfilmtour-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://flyfilmtour.com/">Fly Fishing Film Tour
>", "name": "mega-gaiagps-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.gaiagps.com/">Gaia GPS
>", "name": "mega-npt-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nationalparktrips.com/">National Park Trips
>", "name": "mega-outsideonline-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideonline.com/">Outside
>", "name": "mega-outsidetv-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://watch.outsideonline.com">Watch
>", "name": "mega-ski-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.skimag.com/">Ski
>", "name": "mega-warrenmiller-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://warrenmiller.com/">Warren Miller Entertainment
>", "name": "mega-ce-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/">Clean Eating
>", "name": "mega-oxy-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.oxygenmag.com/">Oxygen
>", "name": "mega-vt-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.vegetariantimes.com/">Vegetarian Times
>", "name": "mega-yj-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.yogajournal.com/">Yoga Journal
>", "name": "mega-beta-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.betamtb.com/">Beta
>", "name": "mega-roll-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.rollmassif.com/">Roll Massif
>", "name": "mega-trail-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://trailrunnermag.com/">Trail Runner
>", "name": "mega-tri-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.triathlete.com/">Triathlete
>", "name": "mega-vn-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://velo.outsideonline.com/">Velo
>", "name": "mega-wr-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.womensrunning.com/">Women's Running
>", "name": "mega-athletereg-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.athletereg.com/">athleteReg
>", "name": "mega-bicycleretailer-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.bicycleretailer.com/">Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
>", "name": "mega-finisherpix-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.finisherpix.com/">FinisherPix
>", "name": "mega-idea-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.ideafit.com/">Idea
>", "name": "mega-nastar-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nastar.com/">NASTAR
>", "name": "mega-shop-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://shop.outsideonline.com/">Outside Shop
>", "name": "mega-vp-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.velopress.com/">VeloPress
>", "name": "mega-veloswap-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.veloswap.com/">VeloSwap

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

OUTSIDE FESTIVAL JUNE 1-2

Don't miss Thundercat + Fleet Foxes, adventure films, experiences, and more!

Master essential wilderness survival skills with tips and advice from the experts at Backpacker Magazine. Our experts teach you how to build fires, forage for food, find shelter, survive animal attacks, and get the most out of every piece of gear you bring into the wilderness.

Outdoor Survival Skills

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/knots/cinch-knots-for-hikers/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "atomic_reference", "title": "fit to be tied: four common knots every hiker should know"}}'> fit to be tied: four common knots every hiker should know, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/the-night-i-was-mauled-by-a-polar-bear/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "atomic_reference", "title": "the night i was mauled by a polar bear"}}'> the night i was mauled by a polar bear, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/12-edible-bugs-that-could-help-you-survive/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "atomic_reference", "title": "12 edible bugs that could help you survive"}}'> 12 edible bugs that could help you survive, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/3-fire-building-techniques/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "atomic_reference", "title": "3 fire-building techniques"}}'> 3 fire-building techniques, latest in survival, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/how-to-navigate-in-the-dark/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "how to navigate in the backcountry at night"}}' > how to navigate in the backcountry at night.

When darkness falls, these wayfinding skills could save your life.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/deaths-in-national-parks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Here’s What Really Kills People in the National Parks"}}'> Here’s What Really Kills People in the National Parks

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/navigation-skills-no-compass/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how to find your way without a compass"}}'> how to find your way without a compass, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/cornice-collapses-in-etale-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: cornice collapses over 900-foot drop"}}'> close call of the week: cornice collapses over 900-foot drop, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/how-to-teach-survival-skills-to-young-kids/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "what survival skills should i teach my 5 year old"}}'> what survival skills should i teach my 5 year old, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/whats-in-military-sere-instructors-survival-kit/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how a military survival instructor packs for emergencies"}}'> how a military survival instructor packs for emergencies, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/finding-food-and-water/ask-a-thru-hiker-how-do-i-get-water-in-the-desert/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ask a thru-hiker: how do i get water in the desert"}}'> ask a thru-hiker: how do i get water in the desert, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/appalachian-trail-hiker-almost-hit-falling-tree-widowmaker/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: almost hit by a falling tree"}}'> close call of the week: almost hit by a falling tree, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/rescue-hiking-dog-animal-trap/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "knowing how to rescue your dog from animal traps could save his life—here’s how"}}'> knowing how to rescue your dog from animal traps could save his life—here’s how, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/the-6-biggest-bear-stories-backpacker-published-in-2023/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 6 biggest bear stories backpacker published in 2023"}}'> the 6 biggest bear stories backpacker published in 2023, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/how-to-make-a-survival-shelter-according-to-a-sere-instructor/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "caught out with no tent a survivalist shares her best shelter tips"}}'> caught out with no tent a survivalist shares her best shelter tips, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/a-rescue-gone-wrong/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a rescue gone wrong"}}'> a rescue gone wrong, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/the-toll-of-sar/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the toll of sar"}}'> the toll of sar, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/tim-watts-yosemite-climb-fall-rescue/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "vertical peril"}}'> vertical peril, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/rocky-mountain-rescue-search-and-rescue/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how to save a life"}}'> how to save a life, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/finding-food-and-water/hiker-advice-dirty-water-sources/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ask a thru-hiker: help all the water sources are disgusting."}}'> ask a thru-hiker: help all the water sources are disgusting., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-stories/a-brief-history-of-hikers-getting-trapped-under-boulders/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a brief history of hikers getting trapped under boulders"}}'> a brief history of hikers getting trapped under boulders, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/how-to-survive-in-the-cold-according-to-an-expert/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how to survive in the cold, according to an expert"}}'> how to survive in the cold, according to an expert, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/close-call-of-the-week-bison-video-in-yellowstone/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: getting in a bison’s face to take a video"}}'> close call of the week: getting in a bison’s face to take a video, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/close-call-of-the-week-picnic-lunch-with-a-bear/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: picnic lunch with a bear"}}'> close call of the week: picnic lunch with a bear, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/starting-fire/make-survival-fire-backpacking/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how to make a fire even in the windiest, wettest conditions"}}'> how to make a fire even in the windiest, wettest conditions, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/in-deaths-wake-he-decided-to-survive/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "in death’s wake, he decided to survive"}}'> in death’s wake, he decided to survive, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/you-can-be-a-bear-guide-too-if-you-can-handle-the-heat/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "you can be a bear guide, too—if you can handle the heat"}}'> you can be a bear guide, too—if you can handle the heat, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/rae-wynn-grant-elephant-chase-conservation-insights/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "dr. rae wynn-grant on being chased by an elephant and why she’ll take her chances with bears"}}'> dr. rae wynn-grant on being chased by an elephant and why she’ll take her chances with bears, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/fat-bear-week-is-back-heres-your-reading-list/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "fat bear week is back. here’s your reading list."}}'> fat bear week is back. here’s your reading list., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/surprise-rockfall-destroys-tent/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: surprise rockfall destroys tent"}}'> close call of the week: surprise rockfall destroys tent, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/mental-survival-techniques-hikers/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "8 mental techniques to keep you calm when your hike gets dangerous"}}'> 8 mental techniques to keep you calm when your hike gets dangerous, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/fallen-into-an-ice-cave/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "fallen into an ice cave"}}'> fallen into an ice cave, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/meet-the-most-whimsical-bears-of-2023/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "meet the most whimsical bears of 2023"}}'> meet the most whimsical bears of 2023, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/i-almost-died-falling-down-a-waterfall-but-it-gave-me-a-reason-to-live/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "i almost died falling down a waterfall. but it gave me a reason to live"}}'> i almost died falling down a waterfall. but it gave me a reason to live, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/animal-human-conflicts-summer/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "are the animals sick of us"}}'> are the animals sick of us, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/close-call-of-the-week-when-an-earthquake-becomes-an-avalanche/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: when an earthquake becomes an avalanche"}}'> close call of the week: when an earthquake becomes an avalanche, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/yellowstone-tourists-chase-bear-video/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "yellowstone tourists chasing a bear is the dumbest thing we’ve ever seen"}}'> yellowstone tourists chasing a bear is the dumbest thing we’ve ever seen, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/out-alive-ultra-runner-trekking-pole-accident-wind-river-mountains/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "stabbed by a trekking pole in the wind river mountains"}}'> stabbed by a trekking pole in the wind river mountains, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/how-to-find-water-desert-survival-expert-advice/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a survival expert’s best tricks for finding water"}}'> a survival expert’s best tricks for finding water, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/why-extreme-heat-is-natures-stealthiest-killer/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "why extreme heat is nature’s stealthiest killer"}}'> why extreme heat is nature’s stealthiest killer, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/how-national-parks-adjust-operations-during-heat-waves/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how national parks are trying to keep visitors safe in deadly heat"}}'> how national parks are trying to keep visitors safe in deadly heat, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/underground-survival-inaccessible-backcountry/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "hit by rockfall deep in a cave"}}'> hit by rockfall deep in a cave, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/grizzly-bluff-charge-alaska-video/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: brown bear bluff charges in alaska"}}'> close call of the week: brown bear bluff charges in alaska, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/signaling-for-help-is-the-most-important-survival-skill/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "signaling for help is the most important survival skill"}}'> signaling for help is the most important survival skill, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/survival-myths-debunked-expert-insights-practical-guidance/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "should you drink pee to stay alive we asked an expert."}}'> should you drink pee to stay alive we asked an expert., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/close-call-of-the-week-hikers-escape-a-havasupai-flash-flood/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "close call of the week: hikers escape a havasupai flash flood"}}'> close call of the week: hikers escape a havasupai flash flood, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/watching-grizzly-man-with-bear-biologist-wesley-larson/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "we watched “grizzly man” with a bear biologist. it got weird."}}'> we watched “grizzly man” with a bear biologist. it got weird., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/deadly-rescue-on-mt-rainier/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a deadly rescue on mount rainier"}}'> a deadly rescue on mount rainier, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/pack-like-your-life-depends-on-it/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "pack like your life depends on it with jessie krebs"}}'> pack like your life depends on it with jessie krebs, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-bushcraft-ancestral-living-skills/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "“survival” isn’t what you think it is"}}'> “survival” isn’t what you think it is, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/trapped-50-feet-under-snow-grand-teton/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "trapped 50 feet under the snow"}}'> trapped 50 feet under the snow, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/the-10-most-dangerous-national-parks-in-america/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "what are the most dangerous national parks one story got it wrong."}}'> what are the most dangerous national parks one story got it wrong., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/lessons-from-the-arctic/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "lessons from the arctic: eric larsen on surviving cancer"}}'> lessons from the arctic: eric larsen on surviving cancer, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/surviving-with-an-aid-dog-in-peco-wilderness/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "four nights lost in the cold"}}'> four nights lost in the cold, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/skier-rescues-stranger-from-a-tree-well/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "skier rescues stranger from a tree well"}}'> skier rescues stranger from a tree well, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/signal-fire-strategies-dos-donts-survival/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "signal fire strategies: dos and don’ts for survival"}}'> signal fire strategies: dos and don’ts for survival, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/neurological-disease-on-a-glacier/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "battling the brain: a neurological illness backcountry skiing"}}'> battling the brain: a neurological illness backcountry skiing, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/ask-a-bear/ask-a-bear-can-you-smell-marijuana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ask a bear: can you smell my marijuana"}}'> ask a bear: can you smell my marijuana, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/1972-bear-attack-ranger-story-injuries/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "50 years ago, i witnessed the aftermath of a bear attack. here’s what hikers can learn from it today"}}'> 50 years ago, i witnessed the aftermath of a bear attack. here’s what hikers can learn from it today, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/retire-bear-hang-bear-canister/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "is it time to retire the bear hang for good"}}'> is it time to retire the bear hang for good, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/ask-a-bear/ask-a-bear-why-do-grizzlies-have-humps/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ask a bear: why do grizzlies have humps"}}'> ask a bear: why do grizzlies have humps, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/ask-a-bear/what-happens-if-you-wake-up-early/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ask a bear: what happens if you wake up early"}}'> ask a bear: what happens if you wake up early, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/unleashingthesecretsosearchandrescuedogtraining/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "unleashing the secrets of search and rescue (sar) dog training"}}'> unleashing the secrets of search and rescue (sar) dog training, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/trapped-on-a-mountainside-with-a-broken-neck/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "trapped on a mountainside with a broken neck"}}'> trapped on a mountainside with a broken neck, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/a-bystander-saves-a-base-jumpers-life/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a bystander saves a base jumper’s life"}}'> a bystander saves a base jumper’s life, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/how-to-judge-risk-on-hike/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "learning to assess risk could save your hike— and your life"}}'> learning to assess risk could save your hike— and your life, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/bears/how-accurate-is-cocaine-bear-we-went-to-see-it/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how accurate is ‘cocaine bear’ we went to see it."}}'> how accurate is ‘cocaine bear’ we went to see it., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/myths-busted-debunking-the-58-biggest-falsehoods-in-hiking/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "myths, busted: debunking the 58 biggest falsehoods in hiking"}}'> myths, busted: debunking the 58 biggest falsehoods in hiking, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/surviving-animal-attacks/alligator-safety-florida-hiking-and-paddling/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "what you need to know about alligators before hiking or paddling in florida"}}'> what you need to know about alligators before hiking or paddling in florida, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/listening-to-fear-on-the-trail/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the secret to dealing with fear on the trail learn when to listen to it."}}'> the secret to dealing with fear on the trail learn when to listen to it., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/troubleshoot-this-soaked-sleeping-bag/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "sleeping bag got soaked don’t panic."}}'> sleeping bag got soaked don’t panic., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/backpackers-most-read-survival-stories-of-2022/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "backpacker’s most-read survival stories of 2022"}}'> backpacker’s most-read survival stories of 2022, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/10-interesting-ways-to-almost-die-in-the-wilderness/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "10 interesting ways to (almost) die in the wilderness"}}'> 10 interesting ways to (almost) die in the wilderness, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/13-year-old-saves-dads-life/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how a 13-year-old saved his dad’s life"}}'> how a 13-year-old saved his dad’s life, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/lost-in-plain-sight/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "lost in plain sight"}}'> lost in plain sight, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/i-fought-off-a-grizzly/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "i fought off a grizzly"}}'> i fought off a grizzly, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/part-2-injured-on-rainier-in-a-storm-survival-seemed-impossible/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "part 2: injured on rainier in a storm, survival seemed impossible"}}'> part 2: injured on rainier in a storm, survival seemed impossible, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/the-science-behind-adrenaline-your-survival-secret-weapon/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the science behind adrenaline, your survival secret weapon"}}'> the science behind adrenaline, your survival secret weapon, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/how-to-tell-if-a-bear-is-about-to-charge-you-on-the-trail/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how to tell if a bear is about to charge you on the trail"}}'> how to tell if a bear is about to charge you on the trail, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/injured-on-rainier-in-a-storm-survival-seemed-impossible/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "injured on rainier in a storm, survival seemed impossible"}}'> injured on rainier in a storm, survival seemed impossible, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/dont-fall-for-these-8-common-survival-myths/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "don’t fall for these 8 common survival myths"}}'> don’t fall for these 8 common survival myths, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/emergency-shelters/emergency-winter-shelter-tips-from-an-alone-contestant/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "emergency winter shelter tips from an ‘alone’ contestant"}}'> emergency winter shelter tips from an ‘alone’ contestant, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/a-deadly-earthquake-on-mt-everest/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a deadly earthquake on mt. everest"}}'> a deadly earthquake on mt. everest, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/impaled-by-a-tree-branch/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "impaled by a tree branch"}}'> impaled by a tree branch.

[ February 22, 2024 ] Cell Network Disruption Underscores Critical Importance of Backup Communication Plan OFFGRID Survival News
[ January 8, 2024 ] Jackery at CES 2024: Energizing Off-Grid Adventures with Solar Innovation OFFGRID Survival News
[ January 8, 2024 ] CES 2024 Unveils Child-Protection Smartphones and Spotlights Growing Momentum for Kids’ Online Safety Legislation OFFGRID Survival News
[ December 29, 2023 ] SHOT Show 2024 Party List: Networking Events, Parties, and Meetups at SHOT SHOT Show
[ December 7, 2023 ] Gearing Up: OFFGRID Survival’s 2024 SHOT Show Coverage is Just Around the Corner! OFFGRID Survival News

Surviving the Great Outdoors: A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness Survival

OFFGRID Survival Survival Skills , Survivalism , Wilderness Survival 0

In today’s digital age, the conveniences of modern technology have led many to neglect basic survival skills, deemed archaic and unnecessary. But what happens when your technology fails you, and you find yourself stranded in an unforgiving natural environment?

Let’s take a look at the know-how needed to survive and thrive when your outdoor adventure turns into a fight to survive.

The Critical Importance of a Survival Mindset

We start with one of the most important aspects of survival: your mindset. Perhaps one of the most underemphasized aspects of survival is the mental state of the person trying to survive. Throughout history, man has endured the unthinkable. Whether it’s surviving the unthinkable conditions in Nazi German or surviving a shipwreck in one of the harshest environments in the world, The will to survive is often the key ingredient that determines whether someone lives or dies.

Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope.

The following articles can help you understand the role of the mind in survival situations and help battle-harden your will to survive.

The Will to Survive: Ernest Shackleton and the Crew of the Endurance : Perhaps one the most incredible survival stories ever told, the story of Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance shows how the will to survive can help people live through conditions that most would consider impossible.
Mastering the Psychology of Survival – Really being prepared to survive, means being able to control your fears, your emotions and your ego.
Cultivate a positive mental attitude . The ability to maintain a positive mental attitude during a survival situation is something that needs to be taken seriously.
Mindful Preparation: Surviving Traumatic Events starts with Developing the Right Mindset . On most survival sites, the main focus is often on things like gear, survival skills, and emergency planning; while those things are extremely important and will make surviving a lot easier, there’s one thing that’s often overlooked that really is the key to survival: Mental Preparedness.

As Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell says, “Being afraid is a state of paralysis in which you can’t do anything.” Overcoming fear and panic is critical for survival. The human mind can be trained to handle stressful situations with focused breathing techniques, preparedness drills, and mental exercises designed to enhance one’s situational awareness and cognitive flexibility.

Vital Wilderness Survival Skills you must master!

Now that we have talked about mindset, let’s look at another piece of the equation that we think is just as important: KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge if the key to survival; without it, all the fancy gear in the world is worth jack shit!

But knowledge means not only reading books and survival websites but getting out there and putting what you’ve read to use in a controlled environment. The old saying, “Practice makes perfect,” is the key to turning your knowledge into an asset once things go bad.

Building a Shelter: The Critical Role of Shelter in Staying Alive Outdoors

Extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, sun, and wind can be life-threatening. A well-built shelter can offer protection from the elements, helping to regulate body temperature and reduce the risk of hypothermia or heatstroke.

A good shelter can also:

Defend against Wildlife Threats : A secure shelter can offer protection from wildlife, like predators and insects.
Rest and Recovery : Physical and mental exhaustion can set in quickly in survival situations. A shelter offers a place to rest, sleep, and recover, which is critical for maintaining your energy levels and mindset.
Emotional Well-being : Building a shelter can provide a psychological boost. The feeling of having a ‘home base’ in a stressful environment can be comforting and help imrove mental health, supporting longer-term survival.
Concentration of Resources : Having a shelter allows you to establish a base of operations to focus on other survival tasks such as gathering food, treating water, and planning for rescue or travel.

Wilderness Survival Shelter Tips

Choose Your Location Wisely

Location is everything when it comes to building a wilderness shelter. Higher ground is generally safer as it’s less prone to flooding and may provide a vantage point for spotting rescue teams. However, remember that higher altitudes can also mean colder temperatures. Look for areas that offer protection from the wind and weather, and keep an eye out for natural shelters like caves or large boulders and trees that can be used to build off of.

Building Techniques: The Lean-To and Beyond

The lean-to is one of the simplest shelters you can construct. Prop a long branch against a tree and lay smaller branches against it at an angle. You can then insulate your shelter with leaves, moss, or any other insulating material you can find. But remember, the lean-to is just one option. You might also consider more advanced shelters like debris huts or even snow shelters if you find yourself in a winter survival scenario.

Light Hiking – Tarp Shelters : good tarp is both lighter and cheaper than the even the lightest of tents and has a number of advantages that make it much more attractive to light backpackers.
6 Wilderness Survival Shelters : Check out these real-world Survival Shelters; they will give you a good idea of what’s possible and can give you a good starting point to go out there and practice.

The Vital Role of Fire

Fire is much more than just a heat source; it’s also a morale booster, a means to purify water, and a way to signal for help. One of the most important skills for an outdoorsman or survivalist to master is the art of building fires.

Read our article on How to Start a Fire: The Art and Science of Fire Building .

You should always have at least two methods of starting a fire with you. Here is some gear you should think about keeping in your wilderness pack.

Survival Lighters
Water Proof Matches
Emergency Candles

While traditional fire-starting tools like flint and steel or waterproof matches can be great options, having a backup is always a good idea. Lighters, for instance, make things much easier during a stressful situation.

A survival lighter should be weatherproof, windproof and waterproof; it should also be made of high-quality materials that will ensure it lasts and works when you really need it. Keep in mind, the environments that you are going to be starting fires in is an important consideration when choosing which type of lighter to go with.

How to Find Water in the Wilderness

Identifying and Accessing Freshwater Sources

Finding water is a priority during wilderness expeditions, given that humans can only survive for three days without it. How do you go about finding water in the wild? Initially, your senses are your primary tool. A useful strategy is to scout the environment thoroughly. Generally, water runs downhill, so, following valleys and other low ground can often lead to water.

It is essential to identify sources that are likely to offer clean water, such as mountain streams and underground reservoirs. However, not all freshwater is safe to drink; some may contain harmful contaminants. That’s why you should always purify the water you find.

Water Collection Methods

Natural Water Bodies : Start with obvious sources like streams, rivers, and lakes. Flowing water in small streams is your best bet, followed by rivers and lakes. Observing animal behavior and their paths might lead you to these sources.
Rainwater : Collecting rainwater is a relatively safe method to secure drinkable water. It can be done using available containers or by setting up a poncho or a tarp to collect the rain.
Dew : You can collect heavy morning dew using absorbent clothes or fine grass. Walk through meadows early in the morning to gather dew and wring out the water.
Vegetation : Utilize fruits, vegetables, and plants, which naturally store water. Smash them to extract liquid, being careful to avoid poisonous plants.

Other Water Collection Techniques

Plant Transpiration : This method involves trapping the moisture plants release using a bag. The moisture collected can be consumed, but avoid using this technique on poisonous plants.
Tree Crotches and Rock Crevices : Collect water accumulated in tree crotches and rock crevices using a cloth to absorb the moisture and then wring it out.
Underground Still : Creating an underground still can offer a reliable water source. The setup involves a container, clear plastic sheeting, and a digging tool, among other things, and it leverages the moisture in the ground and the sun’s heat to produce condensation.

Environment-Specific Tips

Cold and Snowy Regions : In such areas, melting snow and ice can provide water. However, always melt and purify this water before consuming it to avoid lowering your body temperature.
Desert Region : In arid environments, digging wells in damp areas or collecting condensation from metal surfaces are viable options. Look for trees such as cottonwoods, sycamores, willows or tamarisks – these are areas with a water source or where water may accumulate.

An adult can survive up to three weeks without food but only three days without water. That is why finding a safe water source should be one of your top concerns in a survival situation.

Best Methods to Purify Water in the Wild

Boiling is the safest and most effective method to purify water, but if this is not possible, other methods like filtration and chemical purification can be considered. Natural sources like rainwater, snow, and dew can also be relatively safe to consume.

You may need to rely on unconventional water sources in more challenging situations. Certain cacti and vines can yield drinkable water when cut open or wrung out. Be cautious, however, as not all plants offer safe hydration; some may even be poisonous.

In my opinion, a water filter is one of you’re most important pieces of gear you can carry. Without water, your screwed; if you do find water, without proper filtration you still might be in trouble.

The Best Portable Survival Water Filters: Ensuring you have Safe Drinkable Water
Metal Canteens: Why Stainless Steel Bottles are Perfect for Survival

Given that “knowledge is power,” education and preparation are your best allies in survival.

In unforgiving wilderness environments, the right knowledge can quite literally be a lifesaver. From knowing how to find and purify water to building a shelter with the natural resources available, every bit of knowledge carries enormous value.

Enroll in Survival Courses : Courses such as those offered by former Special Forces officers or expert survival guides can provide not just theoretical knowledge but also practical training in bushcraft skills, first aid, and advanced navigation techniques.
Basic Training : Most survival situations can be prevented or survived by learning the basics and then doing them over and over again. Yes there are certain skills that go beyond the basics, but the basics are the foundation that everything else is built upon.
Good old fashion camping : Camping is a great way to discover how you and your family will do with limited resources, a lack of power, and hopefully without a bunch of tech gadgets. If you have kids, camping is a great way to introduce them to the idea of preparedness, in a way that will excite them and help them remember the lessons.

Some preparedness skills that you can practice while you’re out camping:

Practice using a Signal Mirror – During this exercise, take the time to talk to your children about the importance of communication skills in the real-world.
Learn how to Start a Fire – Take the time to practice making a fire with a variety of different methods. In a wilderness survival situation, knowing how to build and maintain a fire is probably one of the most important skills you can have.
Learn how to Construct a Good Tarp Shelter – Even if you’re tent camping, or “roughing it” inside your luxury RV, take the time to practice making a couple of different tarp shelters. They’re fun to make, and will give you one extra skill to add to your preparedness arsenal.
Practice Making Survival Traps and Snares – During a long-term survival situation, one of the biggest challenges you’re going to face is finding and procuring food. Learning how to build traps and snares is a skill that one day could come in very handy.

Gear Selection: The Foundations of a Successful Outdoor Adventure

When venturing into the wilderness for hiking, backpacking, or any outdoor adventure, the importance of your gear cannot be overstated. However, it’s not merely about owning cutting-edge gadgets or high-end equipment. The real art lies in choosing gear that aligns with your specific trip, and that process begins well before you set foot outside. Thoughtful pre-trip planning is the cornerstone for ensuring your journey is not just enjoyable but also safe.

Selecting the right equipment is far from arbitrary; it involves a thorough assessment of the environmental conditions and challenges that may lie ahead. Start with essentials like a reliable backpack, sturdy hiking boots, and weather-appropriate clothing. Consider the duration of your trip, the availability of water sources, and the potential need for shelter. Do you need a tent, sleeping bag, or camp stove? Are trekking poles, a GPS device, or a first aid kit necessary for your trip? Tailor your gear list to meet the specific requirements of your adventure.

Prioritize essentials like a good-quality knife, a multi-tool, a topographic map, and a compass. Additional items like a whistle for signaling, a first aid kit, and lightweight food items are also important.

Recommended Books and Resources for Wilderness Travel

The SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman: This classic wilderness survival guide is a comprehensive resource for outdoor enthusiasts. It covers various topics, including navigation, shelter building, firemaking, food procurement, first aid, and more. This book, written by a former SAS soldier, provides practical advice and techniques based on real-world survival experiences.

Wilderness Medicine: Beyond First Aid by William W. Forgey, M.D.: This book is a must-have for outdoor adventurers who want to be prepared for medical emergencies in remote wilderness settings. It covers essential medical knowledge and skills needed to handle injuries and illnesses in the wilderness, including assessment, treatment, and evacuation. Written by an experienced wilderness medicine expert, this book provides valuable information on managing medical emergencies in the backcountry.

The Backpacker’s Field Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills by Rick Curtis: This comprehensive guide is packed with practical advice on backcountry skills, including navigation, shelter building, water purification, food procurement, and more. It also covers essential topics such as risk management, trip planning, and emergency preparedness. This book, written by an experienced outdoor educator, provides essential information for backpackers and hikers looking to enhance their outdoor skills.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking by Jason Stevenson: This beginner-friendly guide provides a comprehensive overview of backpacking and hiking, including trip planning, gear selection, navigation, camping skills, and wilderness safety. It covers various terrain and environments and provides practical tips and advice for enjoyable and safe outdoor adventures. This book is a great starting point for those new to backpacking and hiking.

The Ultimate Situational Survival Guide by Robert Richardson. While this might not be one you expect on a wilderness survival book list, we’ve encountered our fair share of backwoods methheads, pot growers, and complete psychopaths in areas where you might not expect them. This is a good and practical resource for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be prepared for unexpected situations, including encounters with criminals in the wilderness. This book covers various survival scenarios, including self-defense techniques, strategies for dealing with hostile individuals or groups, and ways to protect yourself and your belongings.

The Bushcraft Boxed Set: Bushcraft 101; Advanced Bushcraft; The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, & Cooking in the Wild; Bushcraft First Aid by Author: Dave Canterbury. This comprehensive boxed set by Dave Canterbury is a must-have for anyone interested in wilderness survival, bushcraft skills, and first aid in the wild. It is an incredible resource for outdoor adventurers who want to learn how to effectively survive and thrive in the wilderness and ensure they have the proper knowledge and skills to handle emergencies and unexpected situations.

In a world overwhelmingly driven by technology, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of basic survival skills. But these skills can make all the difference in a crisis. Whether you find yourself lost, stranded, or faced with unexpected challenges, equipping yourself with survival knowledge can turn a shitty situation into a story of resilience and survival. The wilderness may be unforgiving, but you can survive its fury with the right mindset, skills, and preparation.

Be the first to comment

Survivalist Camping: How To Survive In The Wilderness

When you think about camping, you may conjure up scenes of serene surroundings, nice tents and cosy campfires.

Sure, that’s one way to camp but not all camping is like that. Survivalist camping, as the name implies, is much more adventurous. It is about pitting your wits against the great outdoors and surviving.

Imagine, being dropped off in the middle of nowhere with only the bare essentials and having to survive. It’s camping but not as you know it.

You’re about to learn everything you need to know about survivalist camping : what it is, how and where to do it and, most importantly, how to master it. If the idea gets your juices flowing, read on.

This is not a joke, survivalist camping is extreme and can oftentimes be extremely dangerous . That’s part of the thrill. It is not a game, it’s an adventure.

You should definitely not try survivalist camping if you haven’t had experience in the wilderness and some form of survival training that includes basic first aid.

You should always tell someone where you are going and give them details of your planned journey just in case you get into real serious trouble.

So, What Is Survivalist Camping?

Survivalist camping is an extreme form of outdoor adventure where you are dropped off in some remote wilderness with only minimal kit and your wits to survive.

No vehicles, no phones, and certainly no creature comforts. It is not for the faint-hearted.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of survivalist camping, base camp survival camping and walk-out survival camping .

The objective is pretty much the same with both: to survive the adventure. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Base Camp Survivalist Camping

With base camp survivalist camping your objective is to find an isolated location where you can set up camp and spend time there surviving in the wilderness.

Normally, you would be dropped off at the location and agree on a time and date to be picked up.

The idea is that you will have to rely on your survival skills to get through the experience which includes catching your own food and avoiding wild animals that see you as their next potential meal!

Walk-Out Survivalist Camping

Walk-out survivalist camping is as extreme as it gets. You are dropped off in the remote wilderness from where you will have to find your way back to civilization with very little in terms of equipment and supplies.

If you are traversing unknown territory the stakes are high. There is only so much water you will be able to carry with you and only so long you can survive without it.

Essential Survivalist Camping Gear

Depending on how hardcore you are planning to go, this is some of the essential equipment and supplies that you may like to take with you:

Personal water filter
Hunting Knife
Fire starter
Survival blankets
Emergency Tent
Waterproof footwear
Sleeping bag
First aid kit

How To Prepare For Your Adventure

Firstly, try to understand that preparation is essential and we’re talking serious preparation, not a simple checklist of things to stick in your backpack.

Part of your preparation is being honest with yourself about your skillset . Are you familiar with all the skills that you need to survive out there?

Nature seems lovely until you realize that she really doesn’t care for you the way you may care for her.

The only one you can count on in the wilderness is yourself so you need to make sure you know how to catch, kill and prepare food, make camp and navigate your way home if you are on a walk-out.

If you have never done any survival training, and that includes most of us, there are a number of courses you can take to learn how to survive out there in the wilderness.

Don’t rush gung-ho into this without equipping yourself with the necessary skills first or you may not live to regret it. Yes, it really is that serious, which begs the question:

Why Do People Go Survivalist Camping?

Why would anyone willingly put themselves in such a dangerous, unforgiving environment for fun I hear you ask.

People go survivalist camping for pretty much the same reason people jump out of planes or climb mountains: for fun and adventure.

Life is a short adventure, it can either be boring and monotonous or fun and adventurous. You choose the life you live.

If you choose to go survivalist camping, you choose fun and adventure over boredom and monotony.

However, it’s not just all about the adrenaline rush . Survivalist camping helps you connect with nature, build self-reliance, and hone your survival skills .

The Opportunity To Connect With Nature

If you’re contemplating going on a survivalist camping trip then you probably agree that nature is splendid.

There is nothing like being in the great outdoors to humble you and remind you of just how impressive our planet actually is.

Survivalist camping will help you connect with nature and understand it in a way that is never possible through books and television alone.

The Opportunity To Build Your Self-Reliance

In a world of modern convenience, we often slip into dependency without even realizing it.

Sure, we all like to think of ourselves as tough and independent but we too often delegate and supervise and forget what it actually is to do.

Well, when it comes to survivalist camping, no one is going to do it for you out there in the wilderness.

If you want to survive, you’ll need to do things for yourself and, trust me, there is no greater feeling than being totally self-reliant and confident in your own abilities , which brings us to the third great opportunity survivalist camping gives you.

The Opportunity To Hone Your Survival Skills

As you start learning new survival skills, you’ll naturally start gaining more confidence in your own self-reliance .

Each trip or expedition is a chance to test the limits of your skill and ability to survive in a remote wilderness and hone those skills that little bit further.

Like any other skillset you try to develop, practice makes perfect . The more you put your survival skills to the test, the greater they will become.

You will journey into the wilderness with survivalist camping but it will also be a journey of self-discovery and personal development .

The discoveries you make about yourself and nature will help you see the world and your place in it more clearly. It will be humbling but it will be an experience that helps you connect on a deeper level with both nature and yourself.

What Basic Skills Do You Need For Survivalist Camping?

So, as you have probably realized by now, survivalist camping is very definitely not for the complete beginner .

If you have never done anything like this or even camped before then definitely don’t try to run before you can walk.

Go ordinary camping a few times, try setting up a camp instead of using a tent, try catching your own food a few times.

These are the basic skills you need before you even start thinking about more complex specialist survival skills. But what are some of the other more complex skills you’re going to need to master? Examples include:

Finding and Purifying Water

You can go several weeks without food if you really have to but not much more than a few days without water , hence being able to find and purify water is arguably the most essential of any survival skill.

Never just assume water is pure , even if it looks that way. Untreated water can be full of pathogens and bacteria that can literally kill you.

An old and easy way to filter water is to use an old container along with an improvised strainer, like an old T-shirt, and some rocks and sand. Follow the five steps below to filter your water supplies as and when you find them:

Cover the top of the container with the T-shirt, pulling it very tight so that it is effectively making the T-shirt more porous by pulling the fabric apart just that little bit more.
Collect up a handful of rocks and sand from somewhere nearby.
Build the rocks and sand up around and over the container.
Let the water slowly drip through the layers of rocks and sand and filter into the container through the T-shirt.
Finally, boil the collected water before use to rid it of any remaining impurities.

Making A Fire

If you go ordinary camping it’s quite acceptable to light a fire using a match or a lighter. Heck, if you want to you can even add some accelerant to really get the fire going.

That’s not really what survivalist camping is all about though, so you’re going to need to learn how to make a fire the old fashioned way for an authentic experience.

Make no mistake, a fire will be essential to your survival. Not only will it give you the chance to cook food and keep warm as the night temperatures fall, but it will also help keep away wild animals who want to eat you.

Sitting there rubbing two sticks together may look good in the movies but you’ll probably die of hyperthermia before you even see a spark in the real world.

The basic and most primitive way to start a fire is using a simple drilling technique.

You will need:

A dry plant stalk about 2ft long
Some dead wood
Some tinder such as dead grass, moss, or even bits of dry bark.

Instructions

Make a little hole in the piece of wood, just big enough for the tip of your plant stalk.
Put the plant stalk in the hole, hold it then and build up a pile of tinder on the dead wood around the bottom of the stalk.
Next start spinning the plant stalk between your palms as though you are trying to drill down into the wood. Heat will quickly start building up and you’ll soon see smoke.
Blow on the smoke until you see the flames come to life.
Don’t pack too much on the fire too quickly or you will risk suffocating it and having to repeat the drilling process all over again. Instead, build the fire slowly using small bits of tinder and dead wood at first and then larger pieces as the fire takes hold.

Building A Shelter

So, you’ve found somewhere to camp, you found a water supply and made an impromptu filter and you’ve started a fire. The next most important thing is shelter. You need to protect yourself from the elements , particularly in the wilderness.

Building a shelter is quite easy but it is time-consuming and so you should definitely start before sundown if at all possible and before any nasty weather sets in.

The type of shelter you build will very much depend on what resources you have available at your location.

Some survivalist campers take a small tarp with them to use as emergency shelter if they are not able to find suitable resources to build a shelter.

Some hardcore survivalists argue that a tarp is not directly from nature which is true, of course, but then neither are your clothes!

Shelter is absolutely crucial to your survival and should always be a priority because you never know when the weather is going to turn or some wild animal is going to sneak up on you.

Securing Food

The final skill you absolutely must master before going on a survivalist camping trip is being able to find food.

You need to eat to stay strong and maintain a decent level of energy to actually complete your adventure. You have several options:

Now, these might sound like easy options but remember, you’re only taking minimal supplies and no real equipment like fishing rods and traps to make your task easier.

1. Fishing Without Rods

It’s easy to forget that rods are a fairly recent invention. People were catching fish long before rods and hooks came along.

One easy way is to create a trap in some shallow water . You basically build a v-shaped trap out of sticks and rocks to catch fish swimming downstream.

There are many other traps and techniques you can use to catch fish without rods and most survivalist camping courses will teach you these as part of your basic skills training.

2. Catching Food

So, assuming you are going on your trip unarmed, if you want to catch your food, small animals and birds for example, you are going to have to learn not only how to build traps but also how to bait them .

You will also need to know how to then prepare your quarry for eating. Again, these are essential skills for survivalist camping and you really need to master them before setting out.

Talking about catching and killing food is one thing, actually doing it is quite another. It takes a reasonably strong constitution and is not something everyone is comfortable with.

3. Foraging For Food

For the vegetarians and vegans among us and those who just can’t stomach the thought of catching and killing their own food, perhaps, there is always foraging.

The most important skill with foraging is being able to identify edible plants . Some are, some are not. Some simply won’t digest and some will literally kill you.

It is worth researching which plants and foliage grow locally in the region where you will be camping and which of those are edible before you go. Again, foraging is a skill that gets easier with practice .

Navigating Without A Smartphone

One other skill you will need if you are going for a walk-out is navigation skills . In fact, even if you’re staying at a base camp you may still need navigation skills if you intend wandering any real distance from camp, just in case you get lost.

In modern times we take GPS for granted. Your smartphone will tell you exactly where you are in the world to within a few feet and give you completely accurate directions to anywhere you want to go.

Clearly, you’re not going to be taking your smartphone with you on a survivalist camping trip , and for anyone who was thinking they would, perhaps you’re not really getting what survivalist camping is really all about!

So how do you navigate without a smartphone, especially if you are trying to find your way back to civilization? Simple, you need a map and a compass .

They are deceptively simple items but often more fiendish to use than your smartphone. In fact, there are several Youtube videos showing how to use them properly.

Make sure you definitely know how to use them, especially if you are on a walk-out trip.

Stay Alert and Have Fun

Hopefully, this article has helped you see that survivalist camping can be an amazing and fun adventure.

You don’t have to be extreme about it, you can take certain equipment and supplies with you to make things that little bit easier. However, even with the best equipment available, survivalist camping is not recommended for complete beginners.

Get some skill and experience first, then jump in. You’ll have the time of your life!

Nathan Barker

Why Does Campfire Smoke Follow You?

14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Always Have in the Backcountry

a survival tool gear pack laid out on a log in the wilderness

This article is brought to you by The Dyrt PRO . Try out The Dyrt PRO and find free camping to test out your new wilderness survival tools.

Whether you’re planning your first backcountry trip, want to test your survival skills in the wilderness of Alaska, or are getting a crash course at a destination like the Bear Grylls Adventure Park , it’s important to have packed the right survival gear.

14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Always Have In Your Pack

We’ve rounded up fourteen of the best wilderness survival tools you can easily stash in your day pack or include in your camping kit. Whether your adventure outdoors goes sideways or not, all of these items will either come in handy for setting up camp or building confidence.

1. Fire Starter

man holds a firestarter near a bundle of tinder and strikes

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, there’s nothing more important than food, water, warmth, and rest. A fire starter is perhaps the single most important survival tool you can have in your kit, because it will help you cook food, boil water, stay warm, and sleep safely without worrying about predators.

There are many different types of fire starters you can choose from, but one of our favorites for sheer utility is the Firebiner , a carabiner equipped with a small blade and a farro sparking fire starter.

2. Survival Knife/ Multi-Tool

Choosing the right multi-tool, survival knife, or a combination of the two is a pretty personal decision. Find a tool that has features well-aligned with your skills and the type of tasks you anticipate performing, and is the right size and weight for your kit.

Some people feel safer knowing they have a knife in tow, while others prefer to stick to just a multi-tool that won’t attract attention. There’s compact, machete-like blades that will help you chop firewood, like the Karen Hood Chopper .

For multitools checkout the Leatherman Style CS , which is packed with essentials like scissors, a file, knife, tweezers, bottle opener and mini-screwdriver. You can even get tactical pens in case scribbling notes is part of your emergency plan. Whatever you choose, always keep it in your pack.

Want an adventure of your own? Find free camping near you

Did you know that almost all states in the US have free camping?

Although, some of it is not-so-great and can be hard to find.

There is an easier way:

Hand-picked free campsites
Pre-saved to your phone
The best in all 50 states

It’s the only hand-picked list of 5,000 free camping locations that you will find anywhere.

It comes with a bunch of other features like last-minute camping texts, offline maps, etc.

You can check it out for free today by starting a free 7-day trial. After the 7-day trial, the membership is just $35.99 for a full year of access — well worth it if you camp more than 2 times per year.

3. Topographic Map

a woman holding a topographic map in front of a mountain at dawn

Even if you’re going on a flat, short day hike in a familiar area, you should always have a topographic map on hand. It’s easy to get turned around and lost if you step off trail, even in your most frequented stomping grounds.

While it’s still very unlikely for you to get lost on a hike or backpacking trip, it’s smart to learn how to read a topographic map . It’ll be a fun way to learn more about the area, and could be one of the survival tools that helps save your life.

Much like your topographic map, a compass is an absolute necessity. It’s lightweight, analog, and easy to use alone or with other tools— if you know how to read one correctly. Take an orienteering class with your local outfitter or hiking/mountaineering organization so that you will know precisely how to use this classic survival tool in a pinch.

5. First Aid Kit

A medical kit can be invaluable in the backcountry, especially if you’ve found yourself in a survival scenario because of illness or an accident. Think beyond Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes, and include other items that can double as survival tools. ACE bandages can serve a variety of purposes, gauze pads for larger wounds, splints for supporting fractures, steri-strips to help close wounds with uneven edges, and alcohol prep pads that can be used for a variety of purposes.

You can save a lot of the guesswork by purchasing a first aid kit designed specifically for outdoor survival. Keep one in your pack at all times (the last thing you want is for it to be in your car at the trailhead or your campsite a few miles away when disaster strikes). It can also be a good idea to purchase a separate first aid kit and keep it in your vehicle, especially if you’re frequently car camping or rocking the vanlife .

Prepare for your next adventure by downloading maps. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. “My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service”.

6. Emergency Survival Whistle

A good, loud whistle comes in handy for all sorts of wilderness applications. It’s one of the most essential survival tools when you are frequently going into the backcountry where people are few and far between and wildlife is abundant.

A whistle of at least 100 decibels will cut through ambient noise and travel great distances, plus alert animals like bears to your presence. Keep it attached not just to your pack, if possible, but to your person, in case you get separated from your gear.

7. Paracord

seven bundles of paracord strung up on racks in a store.

Everyone from serious hikers to the hobbits in Lord of the Rings will expound on the importance of traveling with rope. But for the modern survivalist paracord, which was invented in 1935 for military use, is the way to go.

Because it’s made of lightweight, sturdy nylon and multiple strands of fiber, paracord is incredibly useful as a survival tool. It can be used to rig tarps and repair gear (or even the Hubble Space Telescope ), taken apart for sewing thread or fishing line, or braided together to create a broader, stronger rope. A wearable survival rope bracelet , like Outdoor Element’s that uses high-strength paracord, gives you access to rope on your person at all times.

8. Water Filtration

The average human can only survive about three days without water. Not only should you always carry more than you think you’ll need for your hike in case of delays, but it’s also smart to have some type of water filter on hand, too.

In a survival scenario, you may need to collect and treat water to stay hydrated while you wait for help or hike out. You might also need to treat water so you’ll have it on hand for cleaning wounds, repairing gear, or cooking food.

9. Flashlight / Head Lamp

three campers wearing headlamps in the outdoors at dusk

The only thing harder than being lost, stuck in a backcountry emergency, or trying to survive the unexpected is having to manage in the dark. Even if you’re only planning a day hike, it’s always wise to have your headlamp on hand, or at least a small pocket-size flashlight.

You can’t always count on being able to build a survival igloo , and sometimes you want to save your space blanket for wrapping around your body, not hanging over your head. That’s why a tarp is such a key survival tool.

You can use the tarp as a ground pad for your tent, as a cover for your campsite, to protect gear from the elements, as a prep surface for food, or even to collect drinking water. There are few items in any survival kit as versatile as a good, sturdy tarp.

11. Signal Mirror

an outdoors signal mirror held by a man's hand during the day in the tropics

Sometimes called a rescue mirror, these unbreakable reflectors are designed specifically for outdoor applications and as survival tools. On any regular day, you can use the mirror to help you apply sunscreen without missing a spot. If your trek goes sideways, however, you can use the mirror to signal for help. The reflected glimmer can reach up to seven miles depending on weather conditions, alerting pilots to your location and distress.

12. Space Blanket

Staying warm can be a big challenge in survival scenarios, even in conditions you might not expect. Temperatures can drop quickly after the sun goes down, especially in alpine or desert environments.

Moisture or humidity can have a big impact on the body’s ability to retain heat, too, even if the daytime temperature was warm. If your clothes or body are wet, you’re going to have to work that much harder to stay at a safe temperature. These lightweight blankets aren’t an alternative to a sleeping bag but are perfect in a bind. They reflect your body heat back at you very effectively, making it easier to stay warm and dry.

That’s not the only way you can use a space blanket as a survival tool, however. You can use the power of the sun or a candle to cook food using the space blanket as a reflector. You can use it to signal for help or show which way you went. You can even use it to supplement a tarp or ground pad as part of your shelter construction.

13. SPOT locator

While a topo map and compass are important, it’s even better to have modern technology. Instantly summon emergency responders to your exact location with a Spot.

A personal locator beacon doesn’t need a cell phone signal to send up your SOS signal, and will transmit your GPS coordinates no matter how far-flung. Some are also capable of messaging beyond a generic SOS so you can let friends or family know more details, like if you’re running late, but aren’t in immediate peril.

14. A dry bag or Ursack

Last but certainly not least, a dry bag or smell-proof Ursack is a great way to keep important survival tools like your matches, firestarter, phone, map, etc. safe and dry. If you go the Ursack route, you can also keep your food (or cannabis stash ) from attracting unwanted attention while you try to get back to safety.

This article was brought to you by The Dyrt PRO

pin map of all pro discount campground partners

The Dyrt PRO gives 40% campground discounts across the country

Best Camping Blanket
Campgrounds in Nebraska
Backpacking Checklist
Survival Books

Related Campgrounds:

White Pines Campgrounds , Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI

Meghan O'Dea

Meghan O'Dea is a writer, world traveler, and life-long learner who grew up in the foothills of Appalachia. College led to summer stints in England and Slovenia, grad school to a sojourn Hong Kong, and curiosity to everywhere in between. She has written for the Washington Post, Fortune Magazine, Yoga Journal, Eater Magazine, and Uproxx amongst others. Meghan hopes to visit all seven continents with pen and paper in tow.

How (and Why) To Rent an RV for Your Next Adventure

Ah…camping. Telling stories by the fire, roasting s’mores, sleeping under the stars. Sounds dreamy, right? Then, as fast as the sun dips below the mountains,…

Your 2023 Dog Camping Guide for Safe Adventures

We once had a dog called Kramer, named on account of how he entered a room. A stocky black labrador of the snooty English variety,…

India Survival Guide (Quick-Start Safety Guide)

Karl Rock's India Survival Guide eBook at Taj Mahal

Introduction to Travelling Safely in India

Incredible India. That’s the best way I’ve found to describe this great country. Around every street corner is a sight that blows your senses and leaves you in disbelief.

This guide is free! Scroll down to the table of contents to start.

You’re sitting in Subway and outside an elephant walks past on the road (Jaipur, Rajasthan). You stumble upon a quiet old relic from the past that rivals The Taj Mahal in size and beauty (Safdarjung’s Tomb, New Delhi, Delhi). Or you decide to visit a strange place, called The Rock Garden, with no expectations, and come out amazed at one man’s passion for building a massive jungle made of rock and water (Chandigarh, Punjab).

Every day you’ll discover something incredible in India. That’s what makes this country so magic and enjoyable to travel.

The second best way I’ve found to describe India is ‘organised chaos.’ When tourists compare India to Western countries, this is usually the first impression they have upon arriving outside the bustling Mumbai or New Delhi airports. The amount of people and the amount of pushy touts that are trying to convince you that you don’t know what you’re doing and that you need to get in their taxi immediately disorientates you. How can you tell who to trust? It’s a shock to the system.

In amongst that chaos, tourists come across some problems that affect their trip: scams, pollution, hygiene, and safety. But the good news is this chaos can be learnt, and therefore it becomes organised chaos or just normal life in India.

I was lucky when I first arrived in India in 2013. I had an excellent Indian friend who met me at the airport and taught me the ropes to survive. Since then I’ve travelled to every single state and union territory in India! Plus India before partition, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Karl Rock on Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep, India

Now, I’m your new best friend. My name is Karl. I’m originally from Auckland, New Zealand but now I live permanently in New Delhi, India with my Wife, Manisha Malik, and my parents-in-law, Prem & Sunita Malik.

I’m going to prepare you to handle the problems that will arise during your trip. I will help you save money, avoid scams, stay safe, and avoid getting sick.

Let’s get you ready to explore and experience incredible India!

India Survival Guide Table of Contents

Karl Rock's India Survival Guide (Quick-Start Safety Guide) Cover

Introduction
Travel Essentials: Before You Travel to India
Arriving in India: Getting to Your Hotel & Airport Amenities
Tourist Scams to Avoid in India
Avoiding Fake Money & Ripped Notes in India
Avoiding Bad Accommodation
How to Bargain, Get Refunds, and How Much Rickshaws Cost
Avoiding Counterfeit Souvenirs in India
How to Be Street Smart in India
Buses and Trains in India Explained
Food and Drink Safety for Travellers
What to Do If You Get Sick in India
How to Deal with Air Pollution in India

Please leave a comment if I helped you.

47 replies on “India Survival Guide (Quick-Start Safety Guide)”

You are a god, Karl! THANK YOU! India is such a beautiful country, and Indian people are absolutely the nicest people in the world. But for foreigners, it can be so bewildering. That’s such a shame. India should be paying you as an ambassador!

Thanks John.

Karl Rock, I have a dream to become a vlogger one day and record it with you. I’m right now 15 years old, love to take a vlogging video with your in India some day.

Appreciate your YouTube posts and it brought me here. Recommending your posts to other people. Useful also for Indian people! Be safe and continue your excellent work. I am now Canadian (and Indian), born Indian, currently in India.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE I CAN GET ONE!

Hey Milen, the book is available right here https://blog.karlrock.com/india-survival-guide/ . Scroll down for the table of content and go from there.

Thank you soo much Karl! your videos and this travel guide are second to none! I Truly Appreciate all you do. Best wishes to you and your Family!

Thanks Mate 🙏

Hey Karl, I’ve just watched your videos for a month and I’m now addicted to your videos. It was fun and helpful. I hope you can get back to India as soon as possible. Salam dari Indonesia!

Thank you Rafael. I hope you come to India soon and enjoy too

Your book /guide should be part of the visa to India. It will help so many people with what to expect, when you get to India.

Thanks Jubin.

Very well said.

Hey Karl we are thinking about visiting India in March. Which hotels would you recommend in Delhi? Greetings from Germany

Hi Gurwinder. Sorry I don’t have any recommendations for Delhi as I haven’t stayed at a hotel there for many years. Sorry mate.

Can you summarize this in to a book I can order on Amazon.

Hey Jake! Sorry, there’s no book available. But it’s all here in blog posts, just start from the table of contents on this page. Thanks mate.

Hi. Thank you so much for the video and article. I checked your video and land me here. More peoples should watch this.

Thanks Paul!

Hey Karl i been watching your content for about a year now from USA And I think its about time to buy the guide Where Can I Buy?

Hey Mate! Don’t worry about it, it’s free here on this very blog post. Thanks for the support!

Hello Karl I’ve just watched some of your videos and they are great full of great advice thank you mate take care Derrick from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 👍🏼

Thanks Mate! Enjoy your trip to India.

Mate, you are a legend, I love your Videos and I hope this book will help me out next month in India!

-Greetings from Germany

Thank you! Enjoy your trip in India.

Hey Karl, just found your channel and love it. Can you please tell me what camera you are using that people don’t even realize what it is . I’m quite small and am looking for something easy for me to manage. Thanks Bethann

Hey Bethann, GoPro Hero 5 Session. I love it. Still use it. My full list of camera gear is here https://blog.karlrock.com/whats-in-my-youtube-filmmaking-bag/ .

Is there a way to get a physical copy of this book

Hi. Sorry, it’s only available via this blog (free of cost).

Thank you so much Karl for you videos, I’m watching them all as I will be in India soon for a yogic travel but now I’m little be scared especially for the days in Delhi, do you have any hotel to recommend ? I’ve just seen from your videos which area avoid and to try to stay to South Delhi. Thank you Namaste

Hi Silvia. That sounds like a lot of fun. You’re going to enjoy it. I haven’t found any standout hotels that I would recommend. I do quite like hostels like Zostel though. They do private rooms too. Or you could always look at Airbnb and stay with a local family, which has many advantages – especially if you’re travelling alone. Else, just check reviews on Booking.com as they’re all real reviews and not fake. Enjoy your trip.

i’m traveling to india next year for few weeks and i really want to buy it, there is e-book version available ?, btw i love your channel (:

Hi Valeria! Sorry it’s only available on this blog post. Please see the table of contents for all the chapters. Enjoy your trip

hello Karl, Absolutely brilliant! I will be traveling thru India at the end of the year, this guide and your blogs have been so helpful. Just wondering if there is a way to download the book, to keep handy whilst traveling? Thanks so much Sam

Hey Sam! Thanks mate. Glad it helped. There’s no download version sorry. Have a great trip!

Hi Karl! Thank you for the great info about India. I found you from your youtube channel. Btw, I am going to Tamil Nadu soon, 6th Dec 2022. I will enter India at Chennai International Airport. May I know, where is the best place to change my money to rupee?Is’t in the airport or is they any money changer that u can recommend to me?

Hey Faizal! Thank you. Sorry, I don’t know about money changers. Just check the rate online and check the rates of 2 or 3 money lenders. Usually, there’s 1 at the airport, but I don’t know about Chennai. Enjoy your trip.

Hello Mr. Faisal, my experience in India is the best place to exchange foreign currency into Rupees is the exchange booth at the airport, which you arrive, so Chennai Airport will the best place to exchange foreign currency into Rupees. Have a nice safe trip.

Il pourrait changer son argent dans son propre pays avant de partir, je suis que ce serait plus sécuritaire. Il faut aller dans une AGENCE DE CHANGE pas chez des “prêteurs” qui sont des escrocs avec très fort taux d’intérêt. Merci beaucoup pour vos très bonnes vidéos. Et je vais maintenant lire votre “GUIDE DE SURVIE EN INDES”.

Oui, on peut changer de l’argent dans votre propre pays, une fois que tous les bureaux de change à New York. nous n’avons plus de roupies indiennes, un ami indien m’a dit d’échanger de l’argent à l’aéroport de New Delhi, quand j’arrive en Inde, alors je l’ai fait et j’ai obtenu un TAUX BIEN MEILLEUR QU’À NYC.

I’m a class 10th student. Sir this is a great thing. I’m thankful to you that you made it. It will help a lot of tourist. Although I’m Indian but I know what is happening. One thing I know foringers are the major victim of scams but such things are also happening with Indians. Thank You Sir 🩵. आइए ना हमरा बिहार में। – Your Subscriber From Bihar

Hey bud! By FAR the most useful collection of advice and wise words when considering travelling to India. I’m retiring this year and will be travelling around India for a few months. I’m confident that your India Survival Guide will prove to be an invaluable life tool. Thanks Karl! 👍

Hello Karl My name is John Stefan. I am from London But I Live in Peterborough. But anyway I must admit I am very much pleased with your survival Guide. It is very well written. I have seen your videos and I am a big fan of yours. Just a suggestion from me would be to add to this guide something about the temples in India too.

kind regards John Stefan

Hello John Stefan Go for it, India is the most exotic country, I’ve ever seen. I can’t hardly wait to go back. You’ll love it. Have a safe trip. Brian Oliver.

A great book full of practical advise.

someday i hope to take my boyfriend here! and it’s good to have a guide and it being from a reputable source for free, thank you, you’ve changed how i used to view india in many ways

Thanks so much for commenting! Enjoy your time in India.

India Survival Guide: 26 Tips For Travelling In India

This is my India Survival Guide – everything you need to know to stay safe and healthy during a trip to India.

Travelling around this vast sub-continent can be an intimidating prospect for foreigners. However, with a little preparation and some cultural understanding, there is little to fear in a visit to this colourful country. After spending 3 months in India this winter I have put together this India Survival Kit .

Incredible India is an intriguing country to visit. It can leave you thrilled, humbled, bemused, gobsmacked and utterly exhausted.

You will find cows strolling past sun loungers on the beaches of Goa, you will be welcomed to feast for free in the kitchens of Sikh temples and you will likely suffer hearing damage from the incessantly loud horns of impatient motorists.

In any case it will leave any visitor with a multitude of experiences that live long in the memory. Read on to discover my top 28 tips for travelling India.

Boys show off their Bollywood hair styles on our tour of India

THE TOP INDIA TRAVEL TIPS

1. getting around.

Hmm where to start?! I spent 3 months driving an overland truck around India so I feel qualified to give you a run down of how driving in India works.

In summary, there aren’t really any rules for driving in India other than you drive on the left….. mostly. Here are a few unofficial guidelines to make note of before an India tour:

Use of the horn is compulsory if you want to avoid a collision. Beep before you overtake, beep as you are overtaking and beep after you finish overtaking. Beep at pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes and all other road users. Also beep at goats, dogs, chickens and cows that wander into the road. And especially beep at motorbikes who inevitably and casually pull blindly out into your path.
Using indicators is not compulsory and they are mostly ignored, so you are better off flapping your arm out the side of your car if you want to make a turn.
The use of mirrors is not compulsory and are mostly missing on auto rickshaws (tuctucs) – to combat this see point 1.
Buses will overtake at any point they see fit, whether it’s on a blind bend or even if there is oncoming traffic. In this manoeuvre bus drivers will furiously honk their horn and flash their lights to inform you, the oncoming traffic who technically has right of way, that you should immediately stop or drive off the side of the road to avoid a head on collision. This is an intriguing game of chicken that you play at your own peril.
On a dual carriageway expect to see oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the carriageway – Indians will take the shortest route no matter what and the concept of U-turns has not yet been learnt.
Whoever has the biggest vehicle rules the road, so as a pedestrian you are way down the pecking order and should be prepared to jump into a bush at any given moment. The only exception rule to this is the cow. The cow has priority over everyone else on the road and must be respected, even if they choose to lie in the middle of a busy highway.
Lane lines on the road are for decoration purposes only and are mostly ignored. Zebra crossings should definitely to be ignored and are a bemusing waste of paint.
At junctions or traffic lights the aim of the game is to fill every possible bit of space, so that once the lights turn green it is impossible to move. This is especially true at level crossings where the biggest offenders are motorbikes, who like to line up on both sides of the road. Thus after the train passes and the barrier lifts no traffic can pass and a horn honking fury ensues.
Reversing is only for the weak-willed. You must always be moving forward, even if it makes no sense to do so.
Functioning headlights are optional, so driving in the dark is a terrifying experience and should be avoided at all costs.
Functioning break lights are also optional.
There is no such thing as an overloaded truck.
Potholes on all roads are too be expected as are road works with occasional diversion signs. If no diversion signs are provided, just take your best guess and fully commit to your decision to plough on through, beeping as you go.

The answer to all of this mayhem? Take a train.

Have you considered a trip to neighbouring Pakistan? Take a look at my unique reasons for visiting this commonly misunderstood country.

Train Travel

Trains in India are quite a delightful experience….. as long as you are not in a rush and don’t need to arrive on time. Booking trains as a foreigner is a little complicated but can be done by visiting this website .

Sleeper trains are a great way to travel from one destination to the next, whilst saving on accommodation at the same time. Sleeper trains do get booked up in advance, especially the lower bunks, so it is best to plan ahead.

There are several carriage options on a sleeper train and I would suggest either a 2AC or 3AC option. The 2AC carriage has a lower bunk or an upper bunk, whilst the 3AC has lower, middle and upper bunks. Both have air conditioning. On the these sleeper trains sheets, blankets and pillows are provided. Sometimes a bottle of water is also included.

Regular seated carriages are also an option for shorter rides. Again there is an option to have AC or no AC. Choose a non AC carriage for a real local experience!

Since you cannot rely on trains to run on time and sometimes stations are not signposted, I recommend downloading the app, Ixigo Trains . This app shows the running schedule of a train, the route taken and where you can expect to find your carriage on the train. This is very handy if boarding a train at a busy station where the platforms can be over 1km long!

Private cars

Another option for travelling short distances on an India trip is to hire a car, along with a local driver. This option isn’t as expensive as it might sound and is definitely a relaxing way to get around.

Always wear your seatbelt and don’t be scared to tell them to slow down or get off the phone!

Knowing the rules of the road is a vital tip for travelling in India

2. How to get your Visa

In recent years India has introduced an e-visa system, which makes travelling to India a much easier and cheaper option. E-visas are only valid if flying into India, so is not an option if entering overland. You can complete your e-visa by following this link.

3. Public Holidays in India

Indians love a public holiday! India prides itself on its inclusivity. This is a country where all religions are practiced and accepted. This conveniently means that the whole nation adopts all of their religious holidays too.

Eid; yup, Christmas Day; of course, Tibetan New Year; sure why not?

“While having so many government holidays is in line with the idea of peaceful co-existence of all religions, there have been demands from various public bodies that the system of a multitude of religious holidays is hampering economic activities to a great extent.” Wikipedia .

During public holidays domestic tourism sours and accommodation gets booked up fast. When planning your India travels be sure to check for national and religious holidays, particularly Hindu ones such as Diwali and Holi.

Read about my Diwali treat in Ranthambore!

4. Dress Code when travelling in India

The dress code in India is generally quite conservative. In the towns and villages ladies typically wear Saris and mean wear trousers or Lungis . In big cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata there is more of a western influence in clothing, especially amongst the younger generations.

But however locals are dressed it usually means the ladies at least have their shoulders and knees covered and as visitors we should respect this by dressing accordingly.

Of course there are exceptions to this, most notably in areas more popular with western tourists such as Goa and Kerala. On the beaches of these Southern States it is acceptable to wear strappy tops and above the knee shorts or skirts.

Be aware of the dress code for various temples and other religious sites. Some sites will required ankle length trousers or skirts and others, for example the Golden Temple in Amritsar , might require a head scarf. Check with your hotel or hostel before heading out for the day.

Another important consideration is weather. Northern India has a bitterly cold winter and most of the continent is affected by Monsoon during the summer months. Make sure you pack accordingly for your trip to India.

5. Etiquette – tipping in India

India has a tipping etiquette. Money greases hands and gets things done. If a doorman carries your bag to your room he will expect a tip. If a shoewalla guards your shoes whilst you visit a temple, he will expect a tip. For this reason it is always handy to have a selection of small bills readily available.

6. What’s a walla( wallah )?

A walla refers to a worker or occupation of some sort. So for example, a shoewalla looks after your shoes, a chaiwalla makes tea (remember in Slumdog Millionaire when the quiz master mocks Jamal about what he does for a living?), a dhobiwalla washes clothes and a dhabawalla is someone who delivers containers filled with food.

7. The Head Wobble

Ah the infamous Indian head wobble is as delightful as it is, at times, infuriating. In India there is no nod of the head for yes or shake of the head for no. Whatever the question and whatever the answer, there is always an accompanying head wobble.

It’s something that is hard to explain, but after a little time makes perfect sense.

I challenge you to spend any amount of time in India without finding yourself adopting this wobbly head technique.

India survival guide 101 - embrace the selfie!

8. Anything is possible (or not as the case maybe)

Indian people are, for the most part, beautiful people who aim to please. They want to be helpful and are kind at heart, so they will tell you want you want to hear. Even if what they tell you is not actually possible.

You will make the mistake of believing everything you are told initially, but you must soon become wise to the fact that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pack a lot of patience and laugh it off – this is the best piece of India travel advise I can give.

9. Begging in India

There is a huge begging culture in India. Some beggars are legitimate whilst others are professional. In Mumbai for example, 80% of beggars are professionals which means that if you give money to them, that money is going directly to the person that is putting them to work.

As tough as it feels, it’s therefore best not to encourage begging. Instead, buy a souvenir from a local vendor.

10. Hassles and hussles

Be prepared to get hassled during your visit to India. Whether it’s from beggars asking for money or rickshaw drivers pestering you for ride, as a foreigner you will get hassled at some point.

But it is ok to say no. Be firm and be fair and try not to let it bother you . Always agree a price with the rickshaw driver before you get in.

11. Taking photos in India

Like most countries it’s ok to take photos of people as long as you ask first. Men usually love to have their photos taken whereas women are a little more shy. As a female, it’s easier to ask fellow women for a photo than it is for a man. Husbands may get a little annoyed by requests from other males.

Be aware of photography scams and offers of free gifts. Many holy men will ask you to take photos of them only to then demand money. Other scammers will give you trinkets saying it’s free but things rarely come for free.

India in general is fabulous for street photography. Check out my guide to the best photography locations in Kolkata !

Be prepared for some rickshaw hassle on your India travels. This is part of the India survival guide.

12. Haggling

When buying goods from anyone be prepared to bargain for a good price. Sellers will inevitably start at a high price. Haggling is part of a game you are expected to play, just don’t be an idiot about it.

If you find yourself haggling over 20 or 30 rupees give yourself a mental slap across the face!

70 rupees is equal to 1 USD (roughly), so don’t get hung up haggling over a nominal amount that will make no difference to your life, but might make a huge difference to someone else’s.

13. Waving or flagging down the correct way

In India, like many other Asian or middle eastern countries, there is a correct way to flag down a taxi or call someone over. The correct way is with your palm facing the ground rather than your palm facing the sky, as we do in the west.

If you call someone over with your palm facing up you might get more than you bargained for!

14. Hygiene and health basics

Avoid Delhi Belly by washing hands often and well, especially after handling money. I spent 3 months in India and managed to escape the squits by whole heartedly sticking to this rule.

I did things others might advise you not to do, such as eating meat from local street food restaurants, drinking cocktails with ice and brushing my teeth in tap water, but I always, always washed my hands well.

Disclaimer: I’m not suggesting that you should brush your teeth in tap water or have ice in your cocktails as I did. I travel for a living and have built up a pretty robust gut over the years. If you only have a 2 or 3 week holiday, it’s best to take as many practical precautions as you can to stay healthy for your trip.

It also goes without saying that you should never drink unfiltered tap water and although taking a dip in the Ganges might seem like a fabulously enriching life experience, I would strongly recommend against doing so. Why not I hear you ask? Read this article from Business Insider and you’ll understand!

I would also avoid eating too much spicy food as this will get you running for the toilet with a nasty case of Gandhi’s revenge!

15. Languages in India

Officially there are 22 languages in India with Hindi being the most widely spoken. Most places on the tourist trail around India will speak English, but if you plan to get off the beaten path, consider learning a few basic phrases of Hindi to get by.

16. Consider a face mask

Northern India during winter is notorious for high pollution levels. And although travelling by rickshaw is a fun way to get around, the fumes from other vehicles can be horrendous. The use of a high quality face mask is one way to overcome this.

17. Holy Cow!

Cows are sacred animals in India so be prepared to work around them. They wander freely amongst markets, along highways and across the beaches. They have not a care in the world and are to be respected by all. A very important thing to know whilst you are travelling India!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wandering Welsh Girl | Hiking & Travel (@welshylou09)

18. Squatting

Squat toilets are common in public places and at budget hotels so if you’re planning a trip to India, be prepared to get squatting.

19. Toilet rules

Unless otherwise stated toilet paper should be placed in the waste paper baskets provided. Most toilets are accompanied by a hand held jet wash which I refer to as the bum gun!

Without toilet paper a cleaning combination of bum gun and hand wiping is required. The left hand is the sacrificial hand in this instance. Make like a local and embrace the bum gun if you dare!

20. Use hands to eat…

…but only the right one – see point above for the reason why!

21. Feast at local Dhabas

Don’t be scared to break away from the tourist restaurants and eat with the locals – as long as it’s busy and the food is being prepared fresh, you’ll be fine. Stick with the vegetarian options if you want to be cautious.

Traditional food served on a banana leaf. Knowing to eat with your right hand is a useful tip for India travel

22. Local Sim Cards

Do yourself a favour and buy a local sim card. This will save much infuriation with poorly functioning or non existent Wifi.

I picked a SIM up for less than $10 with a package that lasted for 3 months. The package I bought with IDEA/VODAPHONE provided 1.6GB of data per day and a small amount of calls and text messages.

To purchase a SIM card you will need your passport and a decent amount of time to get through the whole process. Make sure it works before you walk away!

23. ATMs & Money exchange

ATMs in India don’t always work or are sometimes out of cash, so be prepared to try a few. Most ATMs have a maximum withdrawal limit of 10,000 INR per transaction . Also, they usually only spit out 2000 INR notes, which can be difficult to spend in small shops. Try and get change from these at your hotel or hostel.

Changing money in India is very easy, with money exchangers available all major cities and tourist hotspots.

24. Use water bottles with filters

Avoid contributing to the plastic pollution in India by using a water bottle with an inbuilt filter. I have a water to go bottle. I found the 50c bottle too small so opt for a bigger capacity bottle . I also recommend buying a spare filter if you are traveling for a long time. The filters typically last 3 months.

25. Female travellers

It is an unfortunate fact that as a female traveller in India you should have your wits about you, particularly at night. This might be true for many countries or cities around the world, but just be weary of wandering around by yourself after dark.

Make a friend at the hostel and take cabs where possible. As already mentioned, although most Indians are beautiful people it only takes one, so just don’t put yourself in potentially dangerous situations.

26. Keep an eye out for ladyboys

This isn’t a warning just an interesting observation. The existence of ladyboys might officially be denied by the Government but it’s a culture that definitely exists in India. They are quite fun characters to interact with if you ever bump into them.

India Travel Tips Summary

Travelling in India is a vibrant, colourful, intense assault on the senses which will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. It’s a country full of culture, history and fabulous people however it does have its challenges.

But remember India doesn’t have to be scary, especially now that you are armed with this these travel tips. This guide is not meant to scare you, merely point out some facts.

The people are what make this country great so get out there and enjoy it! Oh, and be prepared for a selfie request or several hundred 🙂

Travel Insurance for India

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

For the best deals on travel insurance, check out Safety Wing.

Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

Like it? Pin it for later!

This is the ultimate India Survival Guide. I explain everything you need to know to ensure you stay safe and healthy during a trip to India.

Join my Newsletter today!

By checking this box I consent to the use of my information provided for email marketing purposes.

Louise is a Mountain Leader and Snowboard Instructor from South Wales. As a former Adventure Tour Leader she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

The Ultimate China Survival Guide

Hey there, and welcome to The Ultimate China Survival Guide!

I’m so excited that you’re planning an adventure to China, and I can’t wait to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re visiting China for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months , this guide is full of information that will help you plan your trip.

Since this guide is completely free (for now), if you’d like to support me I would really appreciate it if you would use the links in this guide to buy products and services you need for your trip. Whether it’s a language app or a VPN, every amount counts and will help me keep this site running.

Are you planning a trip to China? Here's your Ultimate China Survival Guide! From Chinese food, to a China itinerary to what to do in Beijing and Shanghai and more. This guide is everything you could ever want to know about your trip to China! #China #travel #Beijing #Asia #traveltips

So, what are we going to go over? Great question! Here’s a quick outline of everything we’re going to cover in this Ultimate Guide:

Where to go in China
Accommodation
The Language Barrier
Getting Around
What to Eat
Internet Censorship and VPNs
A Guide to Beijing
Mystery Section of Fun!

This online guide is an abbreviated version of my downloadable PDF. For all of the information you see here, plus the “Mystery Section of Fun”, THREE customizable itineraries, and directions to a secret section of the Great Wall, be sure to download your own Ultimate China Guide!

DOWNLOAD YOUR GUIDE!

Get off China’s beaten path!

1. Where To Go in China

China is big… really big. About the size of the USA, it can be a bit overwhelming to plan a trip. Where do I go? What do I see? How to I get from A to B? Why are the Avatar Mountains near LITERALLY NOTHING??

I feel your pain.

We’ve all heard of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, but where else is there to go? China is a huge country with different cultures, languages, foods, and customs. From bustling cities to lush countrysides, I’ve created a list of recommendations to suit any kind of traveler.

I’m biased.

Shanghai vs. Beijing

Personally, I think it’s absolutely no contest. Shanghai is not a great city for tourists.* If you really want to spend some time in Shanghai, I think two full days is enough to see the main sites. Then take a quick trip to Hangzhou or one of the many famous water cities.

Beijing, on the other hand, has endless things to see and do. I recommend at least 4-5 days in Beijing if you can, and even longer if you have the time! I’ve been living in Beijing for the last year and a half and I still have so many things I want to see and do.

The history, culture, sites, hutongs, Great Wall… it’s all here!

*After studying abroad in Beijing, and living here for 1.5 years, there’s a chance I might be slightly biased. But I 100% stand by my intense love of Beijing (and mild disdain for Shanghai).

Huashan’s Plank Walk

What about Xi’an?

If you have to choose between Xi’an and Shanghai, I would pick Xi’an hands down. Who doesn’t want to see the famous Terracotta Warriors , explore Xi’an’s Huiminjie Muslim Market, and ride a bike around the ancient city wall with a view of the whole city? Also, let’s not forget Huashan and the infamous plank walk !

China Off the Beaten Path

If you’re planning a trip to China I STRONGLY suggest you get off China’s beaten path and pick a province to explore. Visit Beijing and Xi’an, and then fly to your favorite province.

If you’re traveling to China for two or three weeks, I recommend heading to Sichuan or Yunnan for a week. However, if you’ve only got a few days, head to Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi province.

Get 3 Free Itineraries!

Outside my hostel in Guilin

2. How to Book Your Hotel or Hostel in China

China’s a little bit different than Southeast Asia. Rocking up to a random hotel and negotiating a price probably won’t work well here- especially since most hotel owners don’t speak English and the prices are actually cheaper if you book online.

If you’re staying at a hotel or hostel in China, it’s probably important to you that the front desk staff speaks some English so they can help you navigate your city. Not all hotels do, especially budget Chinese hotels, so I’ll walk you through where and how to look!

Budget Accommodation in China

Surprisingly, China has incredible hostels. I’ve found the best ones on Hostelworld , but if you’re traveling off the beaten path, there might not be many options. Personally, I recommend using the search website Hostelz which checks both Hostelworld, Hostelbookers, and Booking.com for the cheapest price.

Many hostels in China have cute rooms, restaurants, and fun activities like dumpling making parties. Some of the hostels I’ve stayed at have been even nicer than a hotel! Definitely read the reviews before you book, though, because that will give you a very accurate idea of what you’re in for.

A staycation at the Sheraton in Beijing

Mid-Range Accommodation in China

For mid-range hotels, I recommend using Agoda and Booking.com to find cute, boutique hotels and guest houses. Again, be sure to read the reviews and check to see if the staff speaks English.

Just keep in mind, both Agoda and Booking.com list hotels that are not able to host international visitors, so be sure to check the description before you book. What?!! Basically, all this means is that they don’t have the necessary permits to register foreigners with the local police station, which is mandatory under Chinese law.

Fancy Accommodation in China

Want to spend some money? China’s cities have wonderful international hotels in almost every city: the Sheraton , Shangrila, Westin, etc.

While I’m personally more of a fan of boutique hotels, you’ll be sure to find everything you need here. Besides, sometimes it’s really nice to be pampered and enjoy all the amenities from home.

Some cities also have really incredible non-chain places to stay. For example, Beijing’s architectural wonder The Opposite House .

I listed my Beijing studio on Airbnb!

Airbnb in China

If you’re looking for something a bit more independent, China’s cities actually have great Airbnb options! Airbnb has exploded in China, and I actually know two people who rent their properties out in Beijing, and even I tried it once !

If you’re not on Airbnb, click here for $30 off your first stay.

Other China Accommodation Stuff

Most hostels will only take cash or a Chinese debit card, so be sure to check if you’re looking to pay with credit. Hotels are a bit better about taking international cards, depending on the place. If you’re paying in cash, you’ll probably have to give a deposit of up to 200 RMB ($30). You’ll be given a receipt, so be sure to hang onto it (and your key!).

Fancy hotels will often check your room before you check out, and make sure everything is in order. I’ve never had an issue with being scammed out of your deposit by a hotel or hostel, so don’t worry too much about it.

That one time I taught English in China

3. Dealing With the Language Barrier in China

Dealing with the language barrier can be scary, especially in a place like China where not many people speak English. While I do speak Chinese, I can tell you that the majority of my friends barely speak any, and they live their lives in China every day for years with no major problems.

How do they do it?

Don’t worry, I wrote an entire post about How to Get Around China Without Speaking Chinese !

That said, learning a few words in Chinese is SUPER HELPFUL which is why I put together this helpful little Quick Guide to Mandarin Chinese with a pronunciation video!

Gotta post this on WeChat!

Download All the Apps!

Google translate is blocked in China, so be sure to download Baidu Translate which you can use with wifi/data. I also HIGHLY SUGGEST downloading Pleco , my go-to dictionary app.

You don’t need wifi for Pleco because it’s a dictionary. This means that on the go when you’re lost or confused, you can type the word you need in English and you’ll see the translation in both Pinyin (romanized Chinese) and Chinese characters. If you don’t trust your pronunciation, or you’re not sure which translation is the most correct, just show your phone to whoever you’re talking to!

Wandering the streets of Chongqing

4. Getting Around in China

Getting from A to B is a major stress point for a lot of people when traveling to China. Today I’m going to go over how to get around in a Chinese city, and how to get around within the country!

Getting Around in a Chinese City

Chinese subways.

Chinese cities actually have incredible public transportation. Even small cities you’ve never heard of probably have at least one or two subway lines. Beijing has 15… plus an airport line and a few other add-ons.

All of the subway maps are in both Chinese and English, and you can buy your tickets from kiosks with English options. Even the stops are announced in English and there are maps on all the subway trains, with blinking lights showing the upcoming stops. It’s magical.

Chinese Busses

Many cities also have buses, which are a bit harder to figure out since the stops are all written in Chinese. However, once you’re on the bus, many have letterboards that flash the next stop in Pinyin and Chinese, so you should be able to see your stop written. If you’re going to take a bus, ask your hostel or hotel which bus to take and where to wait for it.

Grab a taxi on a main road!

Chinese Taxis

Taxis are very convenient in China, and you should always use the meter unless you’re negotiating something really, really far away. You can even grab a receipt when you leave, just in case you accidentally leave something in the cab. Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so be sure to have the place you’re going written in Chinese characters. All hotels and hostels should have a business card with the address written on it that you can take with you. If you’re taking a taxi from your hotel, you can have the staff write where you want to go on a piece of paper for you, too.

Keep in mind, everyone in China uses apps to hail taxis now, so you may have a difficult time getting one. I would say you should download the apps, but let’s be honest, if you don’t read Chinese it’s a bit hard for you to figure out.

If you’re moving to China, be sure to download Didi Dache (Chinese Uber) and Kuaidi Dache (a taxi hailing app). Once you get the hang of it and can recognize a few characters, both are super simple. Your best bet is to use Pinyin to type in the nearest subway stop to your place, and then direct them from there.

Beijing’s Bell Tower

Long Distance Travel in China

It’s actually pretty easy to get from A to B in China, and with trains, budget flights, and long-distance buses, you shouldn’t have much of an issue!

Chinese Domestic Flights

Looking to fly in China? Use Skyscanner . It checks all the Chinese budget airlines, so you’ll always get the best deal. For domestic flights in China, try to arrive over an hour early (1.5 hours to be safe). Chinese airlines almost always let you check a bag for free! But, they’re also almost always LATE, so don’t make any tight connections.

Taking the train from Qinghai to Tibet

Chinese Trains

China is covered in high-speed and long distance train routes. Trains are my favorite way to get around since the stations are usually in the city, as opposed to airports, which are located about an hour away from downtown.

For example, a flight from Beijing to Xi’an is 2.5 hours. But when you factor in two hours of commuting to and from the airport, plus an hour for check in, you’re already at 5.5 hours. Then factor in at least another hour because your flight is probably late. A train from Beijing to Xi’an is 4.4 hours and the train stations are already in the city. You only need to arrive 30 minutes before your train (leave an hour if you need to pick up tickets), and you don’t have to worry about delays or luggage restrictions!

Here’s my helpful Guide to Train Travel in China .

I took a long distance bus to the Guilin rice terraces!

Chinese Long-Distance Buses

Trying to get out of the city on a day trip? You’ll probably take a long-distance bus. All you need to do is just show up about 30 minutes before you want to leave (unless your hotel or hostel tells you otherwise).

When I lived in Ningbo I always opted to take a 3-hour bus to Shanghai rather than the 2-hour train. Why? Because I could just show up, buy a ticket and be on the next bus within 20 minutes. If I took the train I’d have to worry about tickets selling out, and I’d have to stand in a crazy-long line to buy them. It was always so much more of a hassle than the bus.

If you’re traveling in Yunnan or Northern Sichuan, you’ll also probably end up taking a long distance bus. In Yunnan, long-distance buses are pretty much the only way to get outside of Kunming, the capital. Don’t worry, though, your hotel should give you all the information you need!

Chinese food is actually amazing.

5. What to Eat and Where

I meet people all the time who tell me that eating in China is hard, and they have no idea what to order. China serves some crazy food, and because Chinese food in China is much different than what you probably have at Panda Express back home, it can be a bit intimidating.

But don’t let your fears make you spend your entire trip eating at McDonald’s. China has incredible food, and it would be an absolute shame to miss out because you don’t know what to order.

How Do I Order Food in China?

I go over all the details of how to order in How to Get Around China Without Speaking Chinese , and A Quick Guide to Mandarin Chinese , so if you haven’t read those posts yet, give them a quick look.

If you have a picture menu, ordering is easy, especially if there’s an English description below! For street food, you can usually tell what it is… kind of. If the menu is only in Chinese characters, just have a look around the restaurant and find something that looks good. You can grab the waitress, point to the dish, and hopefully you’ll have something good to eat!

Noodles in the hutongs!

Is Chinese Food Safe?

My biggest suggestion is to eat outside of the super touristy areas. Food will be better quality and a lower price. They’ll also be more concerned about repeat customers, so you’ll be less likely to get food poisoning or something awful like that.

Next, be sure that the place you’re eating at is crowded with locals. NOT giant Chinese tours, but genuine locals. If they come back time and time again, obviously the food is good and safe.

Be sure to bring some Imodium with you just in case the food irritates your stomach. Also, if you head to Sichuan and Chongqing, the spice will probably get to you. Tell your hotel what’s up, and they can write your problems down for you (usually diarrhea and an upset stomach). Then you can take it to the pharmacy and they’ll give you Chinese medicine to take, which is better for your stomach than harsh Imodium.

I’m hungry now.

What to Eat in China

I should probably get around to making an ultimate food guide one of these days, but for now, I’ll give you a list of my favorite foods! Want to know what they are? It would be ridiculous to describe them all here, so just google them!

Find it Everywhere:

Kungpao Chicken ( Gongpao Jiding ) – Every province makes it differently.
Hongshao Qiezi – Braised eggplant in a brown sauce
Yushang Rousi – Pork in fish sauce
Spinach and Peanuts
Cucumbers and Garlic

Hot pot is the love of my life (photo by Matt Ryall )

Sichuan Food:

Sichuan cuisine is known for being spicy and is my FAVORITE. While the best Sichuan food is found in Sichuan and Chongqing, you can find Sichuan restaurants all over China!

Mapuo Dofu – spicy soft tofu
Mala Liangfen – numb-spicy rice gelatin (better than it sounds)
Huiguo Rou – pork and vegetables
Boboji – cold spicy broth you can use to stick veggies and meat in

Here’s my favorite Sichuan place in Beijing , and what to order! Also, if you’re heading to Chengdu, check out Chen’s Mapuo Dofu (and order the mapuo dofu and a bucket of rice).

These Sichuan favorites can also be found everywhere, but only at their own individual restaurants:

Malatang – pick veggies, tofu, noodles and more and have them cooked in a spicy broth.
Sichuan Hot Pot!

A man selling bread in Kashgar

Muslim Food (Either Uighur or Huizu ):

You can find Muslim restaurants all over China, and they’re amazing! But obviously, the best ones are in Xinjiang.

Yangrou Chuanr – lamb kebab with cumin!
Any and Every Noodle Dish
Dapanji – chicken, veggies, and noodles on a giant platter

Pork buns at Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong

Other Regional Cuisines:

Shanghai – Check out this post !
Beijing – Dumplings, Peking Duck, Jianbing Pancake
Xiamen – Seafood
Xi’an – Noodles, Yangrou Paomo , Roujiamo
Hong Kong – Dimsum ( not mainland China , but I’m including it anyway)

Best Street Food:

Jianbing Pancakes (Beijing)
Shaokao BBQ – especially the lamb chuanr , but always get veggies too!)
Chao Hefen – stir fried thick pad thai-esque noodles
Sweet potatoes and chestnuts (in the winter)

Sesame Noodles!

What About Vegetarians in China?

In China, it’s super easy to be “vegetarian”. What does that mean? You can easily find meals that only contain vegetables. Just don’t ask what’s in the sauce, broth, or the pan before it was washed out.

Some of my all-time favorite Chinese foods are vegetarian, and I often find myself going days without eating meat by accident. Just don’t be too surprised if you find a tiny bit of ground beef in your tofu…

There are some vegetarian restaurants you’ll find in China, especially down south where more people are practicing Buddhists. Many temple restaurants are also strictly vegetarian too.

Enjoying latte and a pasta at Cafe Zarah

What About Western Food in China?

Many cities have great Western food, especially Beijing and Shanghai. If you want something a bit different after months in Asia, I actually recommend you check out some of their Western restaurants. Here are my favorites in Beijing!

Great Leap Dongzhimen and Slow Boat – Fantastic burgers and homemade craft beer
Taco Bar – Seriously, are we in Mexico right now?
Moxi Moxi – Great Israeli falafel
Tube Station and Crows Nest – Awesome American-style pizza
Big Smoke and Homeplate – American-style BBQ
Cafe Zarah and The Orchid – Amazing brunch (and wifi)
Rager Pie – great coffee and incredible meat and sweet pies

Final tip: Ask your hotel where to eat. They probably have great recommendations!

6. Chinese Censorship and VPNs

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google, Gmail, Instagram, Snapchat, Google Maps, Google Docs (basically anything with the word Google), and Netflix are all blocked in China. Some major news sites are also blocked, depending on the whims of the government. New York Times is usually blocked, and sometimes BBC is too.

How do you get around this censorship? How is it possible for me to maintain very active Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and Snapchat accounts? * shameless plug *

I use a virtual private network! A VPN is a small program you can download on your computer that masks your IP address and shields your actual location. Basically, it makes your internet think you’re somewhere that you’re not. This tricks your internet into thinking you’re not in China, so you can access all your favorite sites.

Most VPN sites are blocked in China, so before you leave, be SURE to check out my Best VPNs for China post … or if you’re lazy, just download Express VPN . It’s the best one anyway.

Gubeikou Great Wall Adventures!

7. What to Do and See in Beijing

With only a few days in Beijing, it can be hard to narrow things down. I’ve been living in Beijing for 1.5 years (and I studied abroad here too!), so as a traveler and resident, here are the biggest tips I give all my friends.

The Great Wall

DO NOT go to Badaling. It’s touristy AF. Instead get off the beaten path and go somewhere else instead.

Mutianyu is the easiest section to get to besides Badaling, and many of my friends have been and love it. It’s restored just like Badaling, but you can easily get there via a long-distance bus from Dongzhimen.

My favorite sections are Jinshanling and Gubeikou. Both of them are “wild” sections that aren’t fully restored. Gubeikou is really wild and Jinshanling has amazing views. I also love Huanghuacheng where the Great Wall is partially submerged into a lake. This is an easier section to hike than Jinshanling and Gubeikou, which is great if you have kids or you’re not very big on hiking. These sections are a bit harder to get to, so you’ll either need to hire a van, take a series of long-distance buses, or go on a small adventure tour.

Finally, you can visit a section of the Great Wall that’s not officially open to tourists. I accidentally visited one of these sections last fall while trying to get to Huanghuacheng. We paid a farmer $1 USD and he let us climb up his ladder onto the wall! Curious? Click the button below for directions and a map!

GIMME THAT MAP

Beijing’s Temple of Heaven is my favorite!

Beijing’s Historic Sites

My favorite Beijing sites are the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. To be honest, these places are much better than the Forbidden City. Personally, I recommend you go to Tiananmen Square, and if it’s a clear day, rather than going inside the Forbidden City (which borders Tiananmen), walk around the complex to Jingshan park. Hike the mini-mountain and you’ll get an incredible view of the entire Forbidden City complex.

Beijing’s Hutongs

Seriously, you can’t miss Beijing’s hutongs. Head out to Andingmen, Gulou, or Lama Temple and have a wander. I recommend skipping Nanluoguxiang (unless you want to see a lot of Chinese tourists and overpriced shops) and head to Wudaoying instead.

I also HIGHLY recommend going on a hutong tour. If you’re looking for a great walking food tour, I recommend UnTour (which also had tours in Shanghai). If you want a fun, lively, food tour with unlimited beer and tuktuks, go with Lost Plate (who also has tours in Xi’an and Chengdu).

Lost Plate also has a brewery tour which I’m going to be testing out soon! I also really recommend Context tours for the hutongs. Seriously, read my review and you’ll be dying to go.

A Wudaoying Cafe

Any Other Beijing Suggestions?

I love the 798 Art District, a factory neighborhood turned art quarter. There are free (and paid) exhibits, cool boutiques, and tons of street art. It’s a photographer’s dream.

Even though it’s touristy, I also really like Houhai. In the summer, wander around the lake and in the winter you can go ice skating! The Bell and Drum Towers are just nearby, as are the Gulou hutongs!

Who wouldn’t want to stay in this neighborhood?

Where to Stay in Beijing

I highly recommend staying in the area of Beijing where I live: Gulou, Andingmen, and Lama Temple. They’re central, with great cheap restaurants, incredible hutong alleys, and it’s super easy to get anywhere in Beijing. If you’re here on business, you might want to be in Sanlitun or CBD on the east side. Just be sure you can get to your venue easily!

The Best Beijing Hostels- $

The absolute best hostel in Beijing is the Beijing Hutongren Hostel , which is located on the touristy Nanluoguxiang. The hostel is beautiful, clean, in a great area, and their private rooms are nicer than a lot of Chinese hotels.

A few other great options to check out are Beijing Downtown Backpackers (also in Nanluoguxiang), or Happy Dragon Courtyard in Zhangzizhonglu (just south of the Lama Temple).

One of The Orchid’s private rooftops (photo by Agoda)

The Best Beijing Hotel- $$

Heading to Beijing? STAY HERE . Seriously, The Orchid is the coolest hotel in the world and it’s in a perfect area very close to where I live. I go there for brunch all the time, and if my parents ever visit me (I’ve been here for four years, mom), I will force them to stay here.

Need something a tiny bit cheaper? Beijing 161 Lama Temple Courtyard Hotel is also a great second choice. Right near the Lama Temple, you can’t go wrong with the location and the place looks amazing!

The Best of the Best in Beijing- $$$

Everyone I know in Beijing raves about The Opposite House . My architect roommate is obsessed with this place, and from the photos, I can see why. Just look at the rooms and the pool!

Someone buy me a gas mask!

8. But What About the Pollution??

China’s pollution is a huge concern to most travelers, and I can see why. While China’s pollution is awful, the West definitely plays up the pollution scare a bit because it makes good news.

Here are the facts: the pollution situation is very different depending on whether you’re traveling or living in China, so I’ll go over both.

Traveling in China’s Pollution

If you’re traveling in China for just a few short weeks, honestly, don’t worry about it. You’re not going to die, or even be seriously affected but the pollution.

Some nice hotels have air filters inside, which you can look for if you’re concerned. Otherwise, I recommend getting one 3M PM2.5 mask (I wear 3M 8210 which is the best for pollution) and wearing it on days the air quality index (AQI) is 200+. You can check this by downloading a pollution app to your phone. My favorites are Airpocalypse and AirVisual .

We have blue skies a lot more than you might think

Living in China’s Pollution

Obviously, if you’re living in China for a year or two, you need to take more precautions. Buy a package of masks at home (don’t buy them in China because some are fake), and invest in an air purifier. You can have a Chinese friend help you order one on JD.com. I have a purifier for both my bedroom and office since that’s where I spend the majority of my time. If you do both these things, you should be completely fine!

If you’re moving to Beijing and you’re worried about the pollution, just know that the average yearly AQI is no worse in Beijing than it is in Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou and other East Coast cities. Beijing’s bad pollution days are bad, but then the wind comes through and blows it all away. Whereas in the other East Coast cities, the pollution is consistently ‘blah’ .

I actually prefer to live in a place where the pollution varies so that I can protect myself on the bad days, and soak in the fresh air on the many good days. When I lived in Ningbo, I didn’t have the time or energy to worry about it every day when the pollution was only slightly bad.

9. Getting a Chinese Visa

Visas are a complicated process, so for now, I’ll give you the tourist visa basics. If you’re planning on teaching abroad in China, I highly suggest you sign up for my Free Email Mini-Course , which goes over work visas in more detail.

72 Hour Visa Free Entry

Stopping by China on an extended layover? Congratulations, you can probably enter visa free! Select cities in China have Visa Free entry for those staying less than 72 hours. However, there is some fine-print when it comes to who can use this visa.

The 72-hour visa is only valid for one Chinese city. This means if you fly to Beijing, you can not travel down to Shanghai and fly out from there. You must be flying in and out of the same airport. You must also have a direct ticket out of China. This means no quick pitstops in other Chinese cities after your extended layover.

I had a friend who was stopping by Beijing for 2 days and wanted to get the 72-hour visa. However, she had a quick layover in Guangzhou before flying to South Korea. Unfortunately for her, she discovered at the airport that she isn’t allowed to do that, and had to buy a new ticket straight to Seoul!

Come be a tourist in China!

Understanding Chinese Tourist Visas

If you want to see China in more than 72 hours, you’ll need a visa. Some countries like the US are now offering 10-year tourist visas, while other visas may last a year, six months, or less!

There are three types of Chinese tourist visas: multi-entry, double-entry, and single-entry. This lists the number of times you can enter and exit the country and have your visa still be valid.

In addition to entries, you also have a time limit for how long you’re allowed to be in the country. For example, if you have a 30-day multi-entry 10-year visa, you can stay in China for 30 days before you have to exit the country. However, next time you come back to China, you won’t have to apply for a visa. You can come and go, no questions asked, for 30-days at a time for the next 10 years!

Hiking the Secret Great Wall !

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa

Visa prices vary between $45-90 USD, but for Americans, you’ll always have to pay $140… Sorry.

If you’re close to a Chinese consulate, you can apply in-person and come back a few days later to pick up your visa. Visas take about 3-4 days to be processed, but some places like Hong Kong allow you to pay extra for faster service. Be sure to check if your consulate can do this for you before you count on it.

If you’re applying for a Chinese visa outside of your home country, Hong Kong, or Seoul, be sure to check if you can get a visa at their consulate. I know someone who tried to get a Chinese visa in Malaysia and was denied because they couldn’t process non-Malaysians.

Tree-lined Guozijian Hutong

Visa Service Companies

If you’re nowhere near a consulate, you’ll have to use a visa service company. When I lived in Seattle, I would FedEx my passport and visa documents to a San Francisco agency, who would then go in-person and get my visa for me. This was usually slightly cheaper than flying all the way down to California. Keep in mind, you’ll need to pay a service fee and priority mail shipping for your passport both ways. Most service companies charge a fee of at least $100, plus the FedEx fees which are about $30 each way.

If you’re looking for a good visa service company to help you get your Chinese visa, I’m a huge fan of Travel Visa Pro . They even have a form fill service where they’ll fill out all of your visa forms for you for a small extra fee!

For all the details on what you need to apply for a Chinese visa, read here.

Welcome to Hua Shan!

Is There Anything Cheaper?

Funny you asked. Actually, yes there is, and it’s called iVisa !

iVisa has a special partnership with China because they do visas in bulk. This partnership allows them to create e-visas, so you won’t have to mail your passport anywhere. Not only is this way less stressful, it also saves you a TON of money.

iVisa’s e-visas are only valid for 15 days, but their processing service fee is only $30! This means that if you don’t live by a consulate and can’t afford a quick trip to Hong Kong before your China trip, you’ll only need to pay $30 on top of your visa cost, rather than over $150.

Get Your e-Visa

Hanging prayer flags in Tibet

Get Your Free Survival PDF!

Need more information? I’ve created a downloadable PDF with all this information AND MORE to help you prepare for your trip!

What’s in there? In this Downloadable Ultimate China Survival Guide you’ll find:

This entire guide plus a Mystery Fun Section!
3 Customizable Itineraries ranging from one-week to one-month
Directions to the Secret Great Wall!
…. and more!

34 comments on “ The Ultimate China Survival Guide ”

Wow the Huashan’s Plank Walk looks amazing!!! Your pictures are so beautiful and colourful!

Thanks so much Robyn! Huashan is definitely one of the coolest places in China and it’s so easy to get to from Xi’an.

What an awesome and informative post!! Great pictures too! We’re hoping to teach and travel in China next year so this post/your blog is super useful! Thanks for sharing :)

Thanks so much! If you have any questions about teaching or traveling in China let me know! I have some great teach abroad resources, and I also know of a few great companies that are hiring if you need a job.

What a wonderfully thorough guide! I’ve lived in Beijing for a couple months and can relate to ALL of these!

Thanks so much Alice. I’m so glad you think this guide is helpful. If you have any suggestions for it let me know!!

Wow, what a comprehensive guide! I visited China back in 2012 as part of a guided tour (because I only had three weeks and wanted to see as much as possible) and I much preferred Beijing to Shanghai too.

What stunned me was the amount of Chinese people who want their photo taken with you, way worse than India! And the spitting thing did take a bit of getting used to… ;-)

I’m so glad you agree with me about Beijing vs Shanghai! hahaha. In Beijing, not many people ever ask for my photo unless I’m in a touristy area (because they’re not from Beijing), but when I travel it happens all the time. Spitting and shoving do take some getting used to as well. But despite those little things I love living here!

This post in INCREDIBLE! You clearly put a lot of work into it! That plank walk looks terrifying, but something I would definitely do :) I have friends living in both Shanghai and Beijing, but I agree with you and think Beijing sounds better.

When I go to China in the next few years I will definitely be coming back to this post!

Thanks so much! I’m glad you agree with me about Beijing vs. Shanghai :) You should definitely try out the plank walk. It’s so scary but it’s also unbelievably cool! Be sure to let me know when you head to China!

Wow, what a massively detailed and useful post! I have no plans to visit China in the immediate future but stumbled across this post while searching for blogs on expat life, and I’m impressed. You really put a lot of work into making this comprehensive! I’ll definitely be passing it onto a friend who’s starting to plan a trip to China.

Thanks so much Sara, that really means a lot! Where are you planning on living abroad??

Such an interesting and detailed post, wow! So much work! Pinning it for when I return to China (I visited Beijing and Shanghai when I was 15)!

Wow! When are you planning on heading back? I wish I could’ve visited China when I was a bit younger :)

I went to Beijing just after the 2008 Olympics and sort of changed the way I viewed the Chinese. Now, a little older and wiser, I’d like to travel to both Beijing and Shanghai this time! Thanks for the detailed guide, Richelle. It will def help me in my next travel to China aka next year :)

Thanks so much Kiara! How did the Olympics change the way you viewed the Chinese? I’m really interested! If you come back to Beijing let me know! I’m always down to meet up :D

This rocks Richelle! I totally wish I’d had this as a reference before I moved to Beijing. And even now that I’ve lived in Beijing for a year there are some great and useful tips in here! Beijing (and I’m sure China in general) isn’t the easiest place to figure out but with some insider info it is so much easier. For example, so many tourists (like me when I first got here) don’t know to stay in the Gulou area. It’s so much better than staying near Tiananman Square. Anyway, great guide :)

Thanks so much Justine! I’m so glad you found it helpful even after moving to Beijing. There’s just so much out there that I’m STILL learning after four years in China, and I still find new info every day. There’s just so many options, places to go, foods to eat, hotels to stay in… it’s overwhelming!

Great guide Richelle! I’ll definitely use it when I eventually get to China…!

Let me know when you’re planning on coming! I’d love to do a meetup :D

Thank you so much for all your tips and advice! I always forget how different China is. I’ll be visiting in early April and am so grateful for finding your blog – I’d be so stressed otherwise! Thanks!

Thanks so much! April is a great time to visit China. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions!!

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I’m headed to Beijing, xian and shanghai in October and it’s the language barrier I’m most nervous of. Such good advice to download the translation app before I go! I can’t wait to read your language guide too :)

Wow that’s so awesome! That sounds like a really good trip plan. Let me know if you want any more advice for Beijing and Xi’an… and I guess Shanghai too ;) hahaha. Be sure to check out my Free China Survival Guide . I think it might really help you plan your trip!

Man, I can’t imagine how stressful navigating around would be. All of the food looks delicious though!

It’s actually not quite so bad if you know what you’re doing. Hostels and hotels can be really helpful in getting you from A to B as well!

This is a wildly useful guide! I’ll be honest, China hasn’t really been on my travel list. Mostly due to the issues of language, food, and unsavory toilet situations. But your guide has certainly eased some of these worries. I think I may give China a shot, if a cheap flight falls in my lap.

You definitely should! I think a lot of the issues with China get played up in the media because China is such an intimidating destination. Give it a try if you can!!

Awesome post – I’m learning Mandarin at the moment and can’t wait to go to China and practise! I totally agree that learning the language is so important when travelling and makes things 1000x better!

Awesome! Are you going to study abroad here? I studied abroad in both Beijing and Xi’an and loved it!

Great post, it’s very detailed! I’m living in China right now and will say you pretty much hit all the important topics dead on. China can seriously be complicated and frustrating when you first arrive so I’m sure this is super useful to newbies traveling to China and even for those possibly moving to China.

I’m so glad you liked this post! It’s always good to check with other expats to see if everything is accurate. I definitely agree that China is super difficult for those who have just arrived, so I’m hoping this will help!

Great great article. There does not seem to be ANYONE in the Airbnb community who knows or has even heard of registering with the local authorities when you stay there. So how can Airbnb be viable for international travelers.

Yeah I’ve learned that most Airbnb renters usually rent to Chinese people. What they need to do is bring you to the police station and show their lease or something to prove they live there. Then you’ll just get a little slip of paper saying you registered. My Chinese friend did it for one of her airbnb clients. It was kind of a hassle, but they were staying for a solid week so she didn’t have an issue helping out. I hope this helps!

The only VPN that ALWAYS Works

Get a TEFL Certificate to Teach Abroad!

Stay Connected:

Privacy Policy
Disclosure Agreement
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

Free Courses and Guides!

Step by Step Teach Abroad Guide
Survival Chinese Cheat Sheet
Ultimate China Survival Guide

United States

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Buy new: $12.19 $12.19 FREE delivery: Thursday, April 4 on orders over $35.00 shipped by Amazon. Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Siegred's Books

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

Go to your orders and start the return
Select the return method

Buy used: $9.75

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Other Sellers on Amazon

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

The Road Trip Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks for Planning Routes, Packing Up, and Preparing for Any Unexpected Encounter Along the Way

To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

The Road Trip Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks for Planning Routes, Packing Up, and Preparing for Any Unexpected Encounter Along the Way Paperback – May 25, 2021

Purchase options and add-ons.

Print length 208 pages
Language English
Publisher S&S/Simon Element
Publication date May 25, 2021
Dimensions 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.38 inches
ISBN-10 1982177063
ISBN-13 978-1982177065
See all details

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

National Geographic Road Atlas 2024: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ S&S/Simon Element (May 25, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982177063
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982177065
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.38 inches
#440 in Family Travel Guides
#826 in Road Travel Reference
#1,337 in General Travel Reference

About the author

Rob Taylor is the founder of 2TravelDads, the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. "Traveling the globe and giving the kids a broad worldview."

Rob considers being a travel blogger to be one of the most fortunate jobs on earth. The experience of exploring, particularly with kids, and then sharing authentic stories and recommendations is a privilege and a joy.

Favorite topics and destinations include: America's National Parks, LGBT friendly destinations, education on the road, and anywhere nature, culture and fun are mixed together.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Reviews with images

Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Amazon Newsletter
About Amazon
Accessibility
Sustainability
Press Center
Investor Relations
Amazon Devices
Amazon Science
Start Selling with Amazon
Sell apps on Amazon
Supply to Amazon
Protect & Build Your Brand
Become an Affiliate
Become a Delivery Driver
Start a Package Delivery Business
Advertise Your Products
Self-Publish with Us
Host an Amazon Hub
› See More Ways to Make Money
Amazon Visa
Amazon Store Card
Amazon Secured Card
Amazon Business Card
Shop with Points
Credit Card Marketplace
Reload Your Balance
Amazon Currency Converter
Your Account
Your Orders
Shipping Rates & Policies
Amazon Prime
Returns & Replacements
Manage Your Content and Devices
Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
Conditions of Use
Privacy Notice
Your Ads Privacy Choices

Try our game-changing plant based meal plans

Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) Travel Survival Guide by Wyatt Nash

Jump to recipe

By Molly Patrick

Jun 2, 2018, 18 Comments

Wyatt Nash, our resident Dirty Dude , is back with a very special WFPB travel survival guide for you. If you travel often you are going to want to MAKE out with this guide. Wyatt travels a fuckofalot for work and he compiled all of his plant based MacGyver moves for you in one guide. He has you covered from the beginning of your trip to the end, and everything in between.

Wyatt, thank you for sharing this and inspiring other Dirties to be as badass as you!

Whole Food Plant Based Travel Survival Guide by Wyatt Nash

I’ve traveled a lot for work and pleasure over the years, averaging about one week per month away from home. It was always an excuse to eat and drink whatever I wanted. Predictably, I gained a lot of weight and lost a lot of self-confidence during the process.

Staying in a hotel with a kitchenette is ideal when traveling. It isn’t the same as cooking at home, but it does allow for basic cooking. Staying in a hotel with no microwave or refrigerator is the other end of the spectrum where you’re limited to eating fruit and cooling a bottle of Kombucha in an ice bucket. Driving to your destination allows you to bring a cooler and a variety of cooking utensils that would be impractical on a plane. This guide assumes domestic air travel and a room with a microwave and a small refrigerator.

TIP: If you’re going to Hawaii to visit Molly and Luanne (ha!), check with the USDA concerning restrictions for transporting fruits and vegetables into and out of Hawaii.

Molly’s Travel Tips

I wouldn’t be writing this if I hadn’t discovered Molly and signed up for the Plant Fueled Life meal plans . Instead, I’d be dreaming about eating at In-N-Out Burger during my next trip to San Diego. She’s done some great blogs about how she eats while traveling that you should definitely check out. Here’s the link to her plant based travel posts .

Before You Leave for Your Trip

Figuring out ahead of time what you’re going to eat on the plane and at your destination is important. Without a solid plan, it’s too easy to default to whatever is convenient, and convenient is not synonymous with healthy. While larger airports may have healthy options, the smaller ones like Norfolk, VA, are very limited. Having a plan and taking action is key.

Let’s start with my typical carry-on and checked bag foods.

Carry-On Food

E ggless egg salad sandwich
Nut butter and smashed fruit sandwich
Big Ass Salad
Salad dressing in small containers ( Thousand Island / Sesame Orange )
Cut up vegetables (carrot, celery, bell pepper, etc.)
Fruit (apples and clementines)
Plant powered protein squares
Travel size coconut aminos, tamari, and Sriracha
Nuts (raw, without salt or seasoning is best)

TIP: I don’t recommend taking bananas or avocados because they get pretty banged up and make a serious mess if they split open.

Checked Bag Food

Pre-made spice, sauce, and ingredient packets (see recipes below / keep in fridge at your destination)
Soba noodles (uncooked)
Quinoa (cooked)
Larger quantity of Hummus
Larger quantity of salad dressing ( Thousand Island / Sesame Orange )
Bob’s Red Mill oatmeal
McDougall’s oatmeal
McDougall’s dehydrated soups
Fig Food soups
Seeds of Change grains (contains some oil)
Minsley rice and grain bowls
Lotus Foods rice ramen
Wasa crackers

Wyatt’s plant based travel tips When packing something that could leak, put it in a Ziploc bag. It may save your clothes, and the bag will come in handy at your destination. If your hotel offers a free breakfast, ask if they have plain oatmeal so you don’t have to pack your own. Don’t pack soup or oatmeal if you know you can find them at your destination because they take up a lot of space.

Checked Bag Utensils and Cooking Equipment

Pampered Chef Rice Cooker I’ve never used any other rice cooker. If you have one that will work in a microwave and is small enough to pack, just use that one! There are probably some electric models out there that will also work.

I chose this rice cooker as my primary means of cooking food in a microwave for a couple of reasons. It’s big enough to cook enough food for dinner and have leftovers for lunch the next day, but small enough to fit in a suitcase. It’s also nearly indestructible. The lid locks into place, it has liquid measuring marks on the inside, it’s vented in such a way that it won’t boil over, and it can be used as a strainer if you remove the plastic insert on the inside of the lid.

Small cutting board
Paring knife
John Wayne can opener
Vegetable peeler
Camping utensils set
Small plastic plate and bowl
Gallon and quart size Ziploc bags
Microwave safe Ziploc storage containers
Bullet blender

Wyatt’s plant based travel tips Pack a bottle brush to clean your bullet blender and smoothie jar.

Other Heat Sources Although I said this guide assumes a room with a microwave, the following ideas are too good not to mention.

Hotplate and skillet if you’re driving to your destination.
Coffee maker or Keurig in your room (see note below).
Wide mouth metal water bottle (e.g. Yeti or Hydro Flask) and an immersion heater.

NOTE: A coffee maker or Keurig isn’t going to boil water, so “cooking” ramen or soba noodles is going to take a long time, but I’ve done it in the past in a pinch.

At the Airport

Getting through security doesn’t have to be a stressful event. I see more and more people in the airport and on the plane eating food they brought with them. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has very clear guidelines about what foods you can bring with you on the plane.

Wyatt’s plant based travel tips Make your carry on food look like food, not ingredients. For example, you have a much better chance of getting an eggless egg salad sandwich through security than a container of eggless egg salad. Take an empty water bottle with you and fill it when you get through security. If you want lemon water, put a cut lemon in the bottle and juice it later.

I typically don’t bring liquids through security. If you decide to bring salad dressing or hummus in your carry on (it counts as a paste), make sure you adhere to the 3-1-1 rule .

In spite of your best planning, you may find yourself out of the food you brought because of flight delays. Most major airports have healthy options, some of which are listed below.

Plant based/vegan options for airport restaurants

A Vegan Traveler’s Guide to the Busiest U.S. Airports
Starbucks (herbal tea, oatmeal, Hippeas, and fruit)
Chipotle (tofu, beans, or sofritas bowl)

Plant based airport snacks

Bare fruit chips
Seaweed snacks (contain oil but work in a pinch)

Wyatt’s plant based travel tips Gather fruit and healthy snacks. I’m always on the lookout for fruit and healthy snacks at the airport, and I buy them if I have room in my bag. You never know when you’re going to be wandering the terminal in the middle of the night when all the restaurants and shops are closed.

On the Plane

There are so many benefits to eating your own food on the plane. It’s healthy, it’s much less expensive, and you may get to share your health story with someone sitting near you as they’re eyeing your food because it looks so much better than what they have!

Wyatt’s plant based travel tips Ignore the drink and food carts unless you need water. Especially ignore the Biscoff cookies on Delta flights.

At Your Destination

I check into my room, unpack, and take a shower before I head to the store. This gives me a few minutes to unwind before I shop for my healthy food. If I arrive late and need to shop for groceries before the store closes, then I go directly to the store.

Grocery List Essentials

Vegetables (for hummus)
Sprouted bread (e.g. Dave’s Killer Bread or Ezekiel)
Canned chickpeas (for salad)
Recipe ingredients

One of my grocery hauls:

I Feel Amazing!

Taking and making food while traveling is obviously more work than going out to eat, but it’s totally worth it. I love arriving home after a trip and NOT feeling like a hot mess because I spent a week eating food that I knew wasn’t good for me.

I also like the challenge of making creative meals in hotel rooms using unconventional cooking techniques. I may have watched too much MacGyver as a kid. This guide was inspired by a trip to Sprouts in San Diego.

I really wanted to make Chana Masala, but I had no way to open the two cans of chickpeas I was carrying around, and I didn’t want to buy eight spices that I already had at home. That’s when I realized that a John Wayne can opener and a pre-made spice packet would solve the problem. And so it began!

After you’ve reached your destination and you’re done shopping, it’s time to make some food!

You’ll be buying a lot of canned ingredients and won’t have access to measuring cups and spoons, so measuring requires creativity. When one of my recipes below calls for a small can of something, it means approximately 15 ounces, and a large can means approximately 30 ounces.

Below are some of my go-to recipes I’ve come up with over my travels. Trust me, if I can do this, anyone can!

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all recipes using a rice cooker assume the rice cooker lid (with plastic insert) is snapped in place during cooking.

Chana Masala

Soba noodles with spicy peanut sauce, red potatoes and sauerkraut, mushroom stroganoff, thai green curry, easy plant based travel recipe: penne.

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups water
▢ 8 ounces 100% whole wheat penne pasta

Instructions

Add water and pasta to rice cooker and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir once and then continue to stir occasionally, cooking for a total of 15 minutes.
Remove plastic insert from lid. Snap lid closed and drain pasta through vent holes.
Add some warmed up vegan marinara sauce and mix together.

Easy plant based travel recipe: Potatoes

▢ Water
▢ 2 large or 3 to 4 small russet potatoes (leave whole)
Add enough water to the rice cooker to barely cover the bottom of the cooker.
Add the potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
Serve potatoes with salsa, chopped up veggies, chili, or whatever other topping you come up with.

Easy plant based travel recipe: Chili

Pre-made Spice Packet (bring this with you in your checked bag in a Ziploc bag)

▢ 1 tablespoon regular paprika
▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
▢ 1 teaspoon cumin powder
▢ ½ teaspoon cayenne powder (leave out if you don’t like spicy)
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
▢ ½ teaspoon salt

Other Ingredients (from grocery store when you get to your destination)

▢ 1 white onion, diced
▢ 1 red pepper, diced
▢ 1 small can petite diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
▢ 1 small can water
▢ 1 small can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
▢ 1 small can black beans (drained and rinsed)
▢ 1 large can crushed tomatoes
Add the pre-made spice mix, white onion, red pepper, diced tomatoes, and water to the rice cooker and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the red kidney beans, black beans, and crushed tomatoes to the rice cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Easy plant based travel recipe: Chana Masala

▢ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (toasted)
▢ 1 teaspoon ginger powder
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
▢ 1 teaspoon garam masala
▢ ½ teaspoon cayenne powder (leave out if you don’t like spicy)
▢ ½ teaspoon coriander powder
▢ ½ small red onion, diced
▢ 2 small cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
Add pre-made spice mix, red onion, and diced tomatoes to rice cooker and cook for 5 minutes.
Add chickpeas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Easy plant based travel recipe: Soba Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Pre-made Peanut Sauce (bring this with you in your checked bag)

▢ ½ cup natural peanut butter (no salt or sugar)
▢ 2 tablespoons brown rice vinegar
▢ 2 tablespoons Sriracha
▢ 2 tablespoons 100% maple syrup
▢ 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
▢ 4 tablespoons water

Other Ingredients (when you get to your destination)

▢ 2 cups water
▢ 3 ounces (1 individual package) buckwheat soba noodles (broken in half so they fit in the bottom of the rice cooker)
▢ 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Pre-made Peanut Sauce

Before you leave for your trip, combine peanut butter, rice vinegar, Sriracha, maple syrup, soy sauce, and water in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and transfer to a leak-proof jar or bottle. This Sauce will make enough for 4 or 5 portions of Noodles.
Add water and noodles to rice cooker and cook for 7 minutes.
Remove plastic insert from lid. Snap lid closed and drain noodles through vent holes.
Mix noodles with enough Peanut Sauce to fully coat.
Garnish with green onion.

Easy plant based travel recipe: Red Potatoes and Sauerkraut

▢ 8 small red potatoes
▢ 1 small can sauerkraut (don’t drain)
Cut potatoes in half and place in bottom of rice cooker.
Layer sauerkraut on top of potatoes.
Cook for 15 minutes. If potatoes aren’t soft, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Transfer to a plate or bowl and mash together with a fork, or leave just like this and dive in!

Easy plant based travel recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Pre-made Ingredient Packet (bring this with you in your checked bag)

▢ ⅓ cup cashew butter
▢ 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 1 small yellow onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
▢ 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
▢ 12 ounces 100% whole wheat rotini
▢ 4 cups water or low sodium, oil free vegetable stock
▢ 1 lemon, juiced

Pre-made Ingredient Packet

Before you leave for your trip, combine cashew butter, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and transfer to a leak-proof jar or bottle.
Add onion to rice cooker and cook for 3 minutes.
Add mushrooms, pasta, and water (or stock) to rice cooker and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir once and continue to stir occasionally, cooking for a total of 20 minutes.
Add pre-made Ingredient Packet and lemon juice and stir well. Sauce will thicken while stirring.

Easy plant based travel recipe: Thai Green Curry

▢ 2 tablespoons green curry paste
▢ 1 teaspoon soy sauce
▢ ½ teaspoon coconut sugar
▢ 1 small can coconut milk
▢ ½ small can mushrooms, quartered
▢ ½ small can broccoli florets
▢ 1 jalapeno, sliced (remove seeds if you don’t like spicy)
▢ 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles (broken up so they fit in the rice cooker)
▢ juice from half of a lime
▢ 3 green onions, thinly sliced
▢ Basil leaves, chopped
Before you leave for your trip, combine green curry paste, soy sauce and coconut sugar in a small mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and transfer to a leak-proof jar or bottle.
Add pre-made Ingredient Packet, coconut milk, and water to rice cooker and stir.
Add mushrooms, broccoli, jalapeno, and rice noodles and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir and repeat one more time for a total of 10 minutes.
Add lime juice and green onions and stir. Garnish with basil leaves.

Wyatt, thank you so much for sharing your plant based MacGyver hacks with us! I look forward to updates from Dirties gourmet-ing it out in hotels everywhere!

Special shout out to Dirties, Lynn Carangelo, Dorothy Hawkes Cavers, Cyndi Haas, and Debbie Lichtenfels, who contributed, and to all the Dirties who reviewed and helped Wyatt with this guide.

I am wishing you a happy week. May it be filled with eating plants wherever your travels take you.

Get a weekly dose of inspiration to eat more plants and celebrate imperfection

Our Sweary Saturday Love Letters are written by our ex-boozer, ex-smoker, plant-loving co-founder, Molly Patrick.

18 Comments

Wow, this is so well thought out and useful, Wyatt! The way you are using that rice cooker is brilliant! Thank you of sharing with us!

Please fix the typos and grammar in my message above lol

LOL Deb. I only saw one edit and fixed it for you just now but I think you can edit it too. ~Karen

Excellent; thanks!

What a fantastic article. I don’t travel a lot anymore, but your recipes with methods & tips is inspiring. I’ll be keeping my eye out for a rice cooker – if one available in Aus. Thank you. And yes, I’m going to print out too!

WTF?! This was like “holy shit” kind of awesome!! ?❤️I’m in awe right now!!!! Thx so much for sharing!!

Wow. This is brilliant! Just wanted to add it’s worth asking a hotel if they have additional items that aren’t standard in the room. Things like: microwave, toaster, fridge, etc. And never count on a keurig type coffee maker to make oatmeal. It ends up tasting pretty awful. Just hit Starbucks if you have to.

Thanks for sharing! Eating well while traveling can be such a challenge.

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have followed the blog for almost a year now, doing my own thing for the meals. This week is my first time traveling by plane since eating WFPB so this list & Molly’s tips will keep me from bingeing on junk or otherwise traveling hangry! Love this group!

Excellent tips and tricks! As I was reading, I couldn’t help but think this is also a great guide for dorm-bound college kids or single, just starting out young adults. Thanks for sharing your dirti-ness with us, Wyatt!

Molly, I knew you had this blog when I had to take an emergency trip to Provo a few weeks ago on Easter Sunday. My son ended up in the ER and this momma hopped on the next flight out of Tallahassee to be with him.

Luckily, I found a very affordable AirBnb in Payson, UT and they space I rented (only $48/night) had 4 rooms, 2 full baths, and a FULL kitchen! Why is it that phones stop working when you travel? I had to get a new phone the first day I was there and all my passwords did not transfer over. So, I was sans my CFDG recipes, but I got creative from being on 12 weeks with this way of eating! I stocked the kitchen with clean staples and never felt deprived.

I like the spice packets and recipes you included and I will definitely be using these if I go back in August to visit my youngest son. I found one restaurant in Provo, near the Provo City Center Temple called “Thyme” that had delicious vegan options. My son even enjoyed their beet and strawberry salad.

Thank you for all your informative and helpful blogs and recipes. Y’all stay safe. Carole

How To Heal Your Body Through Food + Baked Tofu Caesar Sandwich

healthy rosemary maple roasted squash brussels sprouts

The Magic Room + Rosemary Maple Roasted Squash & Brussels Sprouts

Making My Whole Food Plant Based Diet Gluten-Free + Plant Based Black Lentil Curry (oil-free)

whole_food_plant_based_broccoli-cabbage_stir_fry_11

Dr. Elina Tomski Reverses Pre-Diabetes with a Whole Food Plant Based Diet + Broccoli Cabbage Stir Fry

How to Stop Stress Eating (video) + Plant Based Cream of Celery Soup

Why Choose a Whole Food Plant Based Diet for Heart Health?

whole_food_plant_based_blue_cheese_inspired_dressing_9

Lyndsey Tells All + Blue Cheese Inspired Dressing (plant based and oil free)

whole_food_plant_based_quinoa_bowl_side_shot

My Eyes Welled Up With Tears + Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

download plant based beginners guide clean food dirty girl

New? Download your free Beginner's Guide and start the most delicious and rewarding journey of your life, fueled by plants.

Our mouthgasmic plant based meal plans are designed around batch cooking. Get your free Batching Handbook and dive in .

Get support on your plant fueled journey in our private Facebook group with non-judgy Dirties around the world. Nice, let me in !

Love the food that loves you back

Get instant access to thousands of plant based recipes and meal plans, no credit card or perfection required.

Mobile Apps
Stream on discovery+
Program Guide
Ghost Adventures
Ghost Hunters
Ghost Brothers
Conjuring Kesha

The Dead Files

Destination Fear
Eli Roth Presents: A Ghost Ruined My Life
Expedition Bigfoot
Ghost Nation
The Holzer Files
Kindred Spirits
Mountain Monsters
Paranormal Caught on Camera
Portals to Hell
Amy Bruni and Adam Berry
Destination Fear Team
Don Wildman
Ghost Adventures Crew
The Holzer Files Team
Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman
Steve Dischiavi
Watch Live TV
Tips for Solo Travelers
4 Gorgeous Waterfalls
5 Extreme Swings
World's 10 Best Swimming Holes
Best BBQ in America
Tilt! at 360 Chicago

Digital Exclusives

Big City, Little Budget: New York
Big City, Little Budget: San Francisco
Bizarre Foods in the Kitchen
One Bag and You're Out

From Our Shows

Bizarre Foods
Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations
Booze Traveler
Expedition Unknown
Hotel Impossible

Mysteries at the Museum

Top domestic.

New Orleans
New York City
Washington, DC

Top International

Myrtle Beach
Niagara Falls
San Antonio

Explore By Region

Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa
North America
South & Central America

Top Interests

Amusement Parks
Arts and Culture
Food and Wine
National Parks
Health and Wellness
Long Weekends
Outdoor Adventure

By Traveler

Family Travel
Girls' Getaways
LGBT Travel
Solo Travel

Travel Tips

Budget Tips
Gear and Gadgets
Hotels and Lodging
Plan Your Bucket List
Savvy Traveler
Travel's Best

Family Road Trip Survival Guide

Here are 6 tips for getting from Point A to Point B with as little backseat moaning and groaning as possible.

Related To:

family hangs out in parked blue van during the day, shot from outside of car

Photo by: Cultura RM / Axel Bernstorff / Getty Images

Cultura RM / Axel Bernstorff / Getty Images

Summer road trip season is here, so pack up the car, juice up the gadgets and grab the paper maps. Yes, even if you have a favorite GPS device or navigation app on your smartphone, a paper map is a must-have. You do not want to be driving through an unfamiliar area with a weak signal — which is bound to happen when the kids are at their hungriest and/or crankiest — so go a little old-school and bring along a paper map.

If your goal is getting from Point A to Point B on your family road trip with as little backseat moaning and groaning as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind.

1: Fill a Backpack

School may be out for the summer, but a backpack in the car for each child goes a long way toward keeping the peace. Work with your kids to fill each backpack with travel games, coloring books, crayons and favorite snacks. For older kids, try including a travel journal so they can keep track of favorite places and activities along the way. Don’t forget comfort items too, such as favorite blankets and teddy bears.

Make sure the kids can easily access the snacks on their own.

Advanced Tip: Bring along backup items, such as extra crayons and coloring books, and make sure your child can carry his own backpack. The last thing you want is to fill each backpack to the top and then have to carry them all yourself.

2: Bring Snacks, and Lots of Them

A 2013 survey from Choice Hotels and FamilyFun magazine found that 73% of families considered snacks to be the No. 1 way to keep kids happy on a family road trip. So pack a cooler full of them. Include a mix of healthy choices, such as raisins, carrot sticks and grapes, as well as treats, such as cookies and chocolate-chip granola bars. Don’t forget water bottles and juices boxes, too.

Advanced Tip: Make sure the kids can easily access the snacks on their own. Don’t put the cooler in the back so you need to stop the car every time you hear “I’m hungry, Mommy,” which can be as soon as you turn off your street and then about every 30 minutes on your drive.

We're sorry, there seems to be an issue playing this video. Please refresh the page or try again in a moment. If you continue to have issues, please contact us here .

3: Gather the Gadgets

You’ll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets, e-readers and portable DVD players (don’t forget to rent DVDs at the library). So gather them up, and then power them up. There’s nothing worse than getting an hour into an all-day trip and having the iPod Touch in the backseat run out of juice. And it’s even worse when it’s one of 2 that powers down (let the backseat gadget tug-of-war begin!).

Advanced Tip: Bring along one or more portable chargers for the car, and make sure they work with the devices you plan to charge. Despite what’s written on the packaging, not every charger will power up all the devices they claim they can charge.

4: Get the Right Apps

We all love our smartphones, and fortunately, with the right apps, your smartphone will help you make it through any family road trip. A few must-haves include Waze , which helps you navigate around traffic jams and construction delays; iExit , which gives you the scoop on gas stations, grocery stores and coffee shops to be found at upcoming exits; and GasBuddy , which finds the cheapest gas near you.

Advanced Tip: Some apps, such as travel guides, require a Wi-Fi connection to download to your phone, so make sure to add your must-have apps before you leave the house. It’s also a good idea to sign up ahead of time for accounts, if necessary, so the apps are ready to use when you need them.

5: Learn About Your Destinations

To engage your kids before, during and after the road trip, pick up some children's geography books. One to check out is the colorful National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas , which goes state by state, sharing cool things to do, roadside attractions and even wacky traffic laws. For example, did you know that it’s illegal to hum on the streets of Cicero, IL, on Sundays?

Advanced Tip: Give children their own cameras so they can document the journey in a vacation scrapbook. They can take pictures of fun places they see along the way, collect sightseeing brochures to glue in, add up distances covered each day, and even draw pictures inspired by their favorite destinations.

6: Don’t Forget Screen-Free Time

Sure, we all love our gadgets, but don’t forget about classic travel games, such as I Spy and the License Plate Game. Kids still love these, and they’re a great way to enjoy some screen-free time and connect as a family while hunting for letters, objects and license plates along the interstate. Mad Libs and BrainQuest cards are great to have in the car, too, since they teach kids about parts of speech and fun, educational facts.

Advanced Tip: Try to work learning into road-trip games. For example, little ones may love Count the Cars, in which you pick a car color and have kids keep track of how many they see at a rest area or during a certain leg of the trip.

More Inspiration to Hit the Road

America's Best Convertible Drives 10 Photos

boats in harbor during the day with houses along the shore

20 Trips, 10 Cities, 1 Tank of Gas 20 Photos

Sedona Road Trip 10 Photos

Steve Martin and John Candy sit in a destroyed car in a scene from the film 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles', 1987. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

Best Road Trip Movies to Watch With Your Family During the Holidays

Family with two kids near their car on vacation

Family Road Trip Travel Planner

How to Survive a Family Road Trip This Summer

North Carolina Road Trips

Road Trips for Families

Trail Ridge Road

Costa Rica Road Trip

RV Road Trips

Fall Foliage Road Trips

Turkey Road Trip

Paranormal-Themed Pajamas and Blankets for Your Next TRVL Binge Sesh 11 Photos

Jack Osbourne's Most Shocking Adventures 9 Photos

Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation 8 Photos

Tips to Avoid Hotel and Homestay Booking Scams 6 Photos

10 Over-the-Top Airbnb’s We’d Love to Stay in 11 Photos

The Best Travel-Size Toiletries to Bring On Your Next Trip 13 Photos

The Best Viral Travel Gear from TikTok 19 Photos

The Spirits in the Conjuring House Were Quick to Show Themselves Apr 7, 2023

Haunted History: A Shuttered Pennsylvania Nursing Home Is Home to Dozens of Trapped Souls Mar 30, 2023

Cult Leader Charles Manson Controlled People from Behind Bars Mar 24, 2023

7 Best Pieces of Evidence Recovered By the Expedition Bigfoot Team Mar 14, 2023

6 Things Witnesses Said About the Roswell Incident Mar 10, 2023

Creepy Urban Legends From Each State Nov 16, 2022

Unraveling The Mysterious Death of Marilyn Monroe Feb 24, 2023

Is Abraham Lincoln Haunting the White House? Feb 16, 2023

Top 5 States For UFO Sightings Feb 8, 2023

Amityville: Inside the Case that Rattled a Seasoned Paranormal Investigator Jan 30, 2023

This Doll Might Haunt You Just Because You Saw Her Photo Jan 26, 2023

7 Times a Ghost Was Caught on Security Camera Dec 14, 2021

11 Eerie Urban Legends of New Jersey Jan 6, 2023

This Teddy Bear Can Tell You If Your House Is Haunted Dec 22, 2022

Gifts for the Aspiring Ghost Hunter in Your Life 9 Photos

Ornaments for the Paranormal and Supernatural Obsessed 11 Photos

Get To Know Chuck & Karama, Hosts Of The ‘Pop Paranormal’ Podcast Dec 13, 2022

12 Days of December UFO Sightings 13 Photos

Creepy urban legends from each state 50 photos.

A Massachusetts Family Fled Their Home After Chilling Door-Camera Footage Nov 22, 2022

6 Museums That Are Home To Creepy And Mysterious Artifacts Oct 31, 2022

10 Terrifying Shows To Get You In The Halloween "Spirit" Oct 31, 2022

Meet Kimo, The High Seer Who Doesn’t Do Fear Oct 28, 2022

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

25 Best Summer Vacations Everyone Should Consider in 2024

From Monaco to Napa Valley, these summertime getaways have something for every type of traveler.

The term “summer vacation” conjures images of sunny afternoons at the beach and leisurely drives through the countryside. While plenty of travelers have their go-to spots, others view summer as the perfect time to embark on a new adventure, such as hiking to Machu Picchu, surfing in Nicaragua, or road-tripping through the American West.

No matter how many passport stamps you've collected or countries you've checked off your list, there's always a new corner of the globe to discover. Summertime getaways to places like Scotland and the U.S. Virgin Islands have recently been growing in popularity among travelers, joining the ranks of classic summer vacation destinations like Greece and Italy.

From river cruises to train adventures to African safaris, these are the best summer vacation ideas for 2024.

Enjoy la dolce vita in Italy.

When it comes to romance, few places rival the allure of Italy. You've got the history of Rome, the art of Venice, the fashion-forward vibe of Milan, the dreamy Mediterranean coastline, the wineries of Tuscany, the pizza of Naples, and more. During the summer, temperatures can soar to over 85 degrees, so consider visiting a destination by the sea or a lake, where you can escape the heat. For a true Italian villeggiatura (summer vacation), book a room at Passalacqua on Lake Como or Borgo Santandrea on the Amalfi Coast .

Take a road trip from Charleston to Savannah.

While it's mighty hot in the South during the summer (we’re talking temperatures in the 80s and 90s), there's plenty of sweet tea and lemonade available to cool you down. Begin your trip in the port city of Charleston, where you can wander picturesque cobblestone streets, walk the promenade along the ocean, photograph the colorful, historical homes of Rainbow Row, and eat your weight in crab cakes, hush puppies, and other Southern classics. Stay at The Loutrel , a luxury boutique hotel just steps away from some of the best things to do in Charleston .

Then, hop in the car and make your way to Savannah, about two hours south. While the coastal Georgia city has similar architecture and Spanish moss-draped oak trees, it also boasts dozens of world-class museums and art galleries where you can escape the heat. Check into The Alida , named one of the best hotels in Savannah by T+L readers.

Explore the cities of Colombia.

Colombia continues to climb the list of must-visit countries for curious travelers, and for good reason: Medellín offers immersion into art and culture, while Cartagena pairs history with seaside allure.

Often called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its year-round warm weather, Medellín is especially pleasant in the summer when temperatures range from around 65 to 75 degrees. Days can be spent sipping gin cocktails on outdoor patios, hiking nearby mountains, exploring the surrounding rain forest, and getting a great calf workout (the town is built on hills).

While you're in the port city of Cartagena, you'll travel back in time to the 16th century through its iconic Old Town, which features colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Plus, the nearby white-sand beaches are never too crowded. Temperatures reach the upper 80s all summer, so prepare for sweltering days. Find some relief in a room at the Casa San Agustín .

Pretend you're 007 in Monaco.

If you haven't been to Paris, summer is a special time to visit. But, if you've had your fill of lazy sunset picnics along the Seine, consider Monaco instead. This tiny independent city-state on the Mediterranean coastline of France oozes international spy vibes. You'll feel like an extra in a James Bond film as you gamble at upscale casinos, sample local dishes at La Condamine market, or stroll along the boardwalk, admiring Monaco's hillside beauty in the pleasant summer weather, with highs of around 75 to 80 degrees. Complete your storybook vacation by checking into the iconic Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo .

Get lost in the Medina of Marrakesh.

The North African country of Morocco is diverse, with a rich history and plenty of unique experiences to engage your senses. Whether you spend your time perusing the rows of local goods that line the winding lanes of the Medina of Marrakesh or riding a camel into the sunset and losing count of the stars in the Sahara Desert sky, a summertime trip is both invigorating and enticing. It's outside of the high season, so if you can take the nearly 100-degree heat, you'll benefit from fewer crowds and a calmer getaway — well, as calm as it can get while you bargain for tiles and dodge motorbikes. Book a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech for private villas with lush gardens and open-air spa treatments.

Laze around in Montego Bay.

A hop-and-a-skip from the East Coast, Montego Bay on Jamaica's north coast is an idyllic spot to disconnect for a hot second. And by hot, we do mean hot: Temperatures can reach the high 80s in the summer, creating the perfect conditions for lazy days spent reading, dipping into the calm waters, and sipping rum cocktails. Relax at a resort or venture out to explore some of Jamaica's best beaches , such as Doctor's Cave Beach or Walter Fletcher Beach. If you're into snorkeling or scuba-certified, the protected waves of Montego Bay Marine Park are a must, too. Stay at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas to get a feel for the island's barefoot luxury.

Summit Machu Picchu.

The dry season (June, July, and August) is one of the most popular times of year to visit Machu Picchu due to the blue skies, lush green grass, and awe-inspiring views. Whether you're up for the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail or would prefer the Inca Rail , it's wise to spend a few days sightseeing and acclimatizing to the altitude in the nearby city of Cusco. The former capital of the Inca Empire is full of charm, with a hilltop that lights up at night, bustling local markets, and countless alpaca stores to splurge on a sweater for the chilly nights. For the best views of Machu Picchu, climb the mountain in front of it, Huayna Picchu. Then, return to the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco , where the hotel’s historic trappings and oxygen-enriched rooms are the perfect way to rebound after a day in the Andes.

Eat your way around Lima.

For foodies who prefer eating to sightseeing on vacation, Lima will feel like the holy grail of culinary destinations. There are countless restaurants with Michelin stars and affordable tasting menus. During June, July, and August, the Peruvian capital boasts sunshine-filled days and little rain, with balmy temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. When you're not restaurant hopping, you can learn how to surf, snap photos of impressive graffiti art, and pet the countless cats who live in Parque Kennedy. Word to the wise: If you want to dine at top restaurants Central or Astrid & Gastón , you'll likely have to make reservations weeks or months in advance. Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel provides all the comforts of a five-star hotel alongside Peruvian cuisine, a rooftop pool with Pacific Ocean views, and a convenient location for exploring the area, including the hip Barranco neighborhood.

Ride the swells in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is one of the top places to put your surfing skills to the test, and the waves during the wet season lend themselves to beginners and experts alike. This Central American country, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, features more than just no-filter-required sunsets — various regions mean you can experience everything from lakes to volcanoes. Before you leave, make sure you see the city of Granada, which is rich in Spanish colonial history. While there, book a room at Tribal Hotel for boho-chic interiors and icy poolside drinks to help you beat the upper-80-degree weather.

Go wine tasting in Napa Valley.

For a whole season of long, tipsy summer days, the Napa Valley region outside of San Francisco offers sunshine and foodie-approved meals. If you can make it in July, sip your way through Festival Napa Valley , which highlights a range of wineries offering their best blends. For a more playful afternoon, consider booking a luxurious tasting journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train .

Wine country’s own Auberge du Soleil has residential-style accommodations and an on-site French restaurant with outdoor dining, so you can sip local pours while taking in sweeping views of the verdant countryside.

Pretend you're not a tourist in New York City.

Ask any New Yorker and they'll agree: Summer isn't exactly the best time to visit the Big Apple. Between the unforgiving heat trapped by skyscrapers and an influx of tourists from around the world, most locals find any excuse to escape the concrete jungle in the summertime. However, there's an upside: New York City has plenty of free outdoor festivals this time of year, including Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage . Plus, with less competition from in-the-know residents in late summer, you'll have a better chance of snagging reservations at trendy restaurants. Seek out rooftop bars, munch on artisan bites in Brooklyn, or make a break for the Hamptons if you have the time — and patience (the heading-out-of-town traffic is no joke).

There’s no shortage of world-class accommodations in the city that never sleeps. Whether you prefer classic stays at places like The Plaza or The Carlyle , or hip hotels like the Arlo Hotel , Soho Grand Hotel , and the Pendry Manhattan West .

Visit Mexico during the low season.

Outside of hurricane season, which peaks in September, summer is one of the best times to visit Mexico for fewer crowds and lower prices. If you can put up with the 90-degree heat of July and August, and occasional rainy days, you'll likely find some great deals on all-inclusive resorts and flights. Check into one of the sleek all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos , explore the rich arts and culture scene in Puerto Vallarta, or go on a wellness retreat in the Caribbean beach town of Tulum.

Go on safari in South Africa.

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

For many seasoned travelers, South Africa holds a special place in their passports (and hearts). Each corner of this country presents a different climate and experience, and a getaway during the dry season can be particularly enchanting. There's plenty to see and do, from spotting animals in Kruger National Park and hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town to seeing the cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope and sipping your way through the wine region of Franschhoek.

If you can swing it, try timing your vacation in September when you're more likely to spot elephants, leopards, and many other species as they search for watering holes. June through August is technically winter in South Africa — you'll want to pack sweaters instead of swimsuits for this summer vacation — so expect mild days with chilly nights. There are several amazing safari lodges, but we recommend andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge inside Kruger National Park for an intimate, immersive Big Five wildlife experience.

Hike the U.S. national parks.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Haleakala in Hawaii — we could go on and on about the breathtaking landscapes and adventures that await in our nation's national parks, and summer is prime time for a visit. You're likely to enjoy sunny blue skies and starlit evenings, and you'll have plenty of time to disconnect from the digital realm and tune into the rhythms of nature. Some parks are free to visit, some are underwater, and all are unique. Camp out without sacrificing comfort at Under Canvas , which has locations with access to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, and Acadia national parks, among others.

Traverse Europe by train.

From college students to retirees, many travelers place a European trip at the top of their list — and for good reason. Eating a croissant beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris, bicycling along the canals of Amsterdam, discovering historic castles in Ireland , and eating gelato while strolling past ancient Roman ruins in Italy are just a few of the incredible experiences that await in Europe. Grab a Eurail pass to hop between countries for a low price with minimal hassle.

See Florida from coast to coast.

The Sunshine State has it all — beaches, the Everglades , Key lime pie, the glamour and exclusivity of Palm Beach, the vibrant sizzle of Miami, and the tropical island vibe of the Florida Keys. Everyone should take time to explore Florida, from St. Augustine to Key West — home to the southernmost point in the continental U.S. — at least once in their lifetime. Of course, you'll want to hit the central city of Orlando for attractions like Walt Disney World, Epcot, and Universal Orlando. Plus, there are spectacular stays all across Florida, from seaside resorts to charming inns to all-inclusive idylls.

Take a cruise.

It's hard not to have a good time on a cruise. Meals and drinks are typically included, your ship comes equipped with a wide range of activities, and you sail from port to port, hitting a multitude of new destinations while only having to unpack once. What more can you ask from a summer vacation? For an even more refined and intimate take on cruising, try a river cruise through Europe .

Travel through the Wild West.

Put on your pioneer pants and head out for an adventure in America's Wild West. With history, wide-open spaces, and cowboy lore from centuries past, you'll feel as free as it comes in places like Colorado or Nevada. And you can’t get more Western-chic than at Amangani in Wyoming near Grand Teton National Park .

Try driving an electric vehicle on the Nevada Electric Highway , which features EV charging stations, including Tesla Superchargers. The route's combination of Gold Rush ghost towns and tomorrow's technology makes it a road trip of the future and the past all at once.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

On the West Coast, State Route 1 — better known as the Pacific Coast Highway — runs along rugged cliffside terrain and expansive beaches, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country, if not the world. Plan your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary around the spectacular sunsets and plentiful photo ops. The summer weather will be beautiful, if toasty, with an average daily high in the upper 70s or 80s. Spend at least a couple nights in Big Sur at the Post Ranch Inn for classically California cool accommodations and sweeping Pacific views.

Not in the mood for a road trip? Tackle the Pacific Coast Highway by train on Amtrak's Coast Starlight route, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle and hits spots like Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Portland along the way.

Backpack in Southeast Asia.

You've seen the photos — now it's time to explore Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia yourself. Take a cooking class, go temple hopping, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary , and live it up — even on a budget. Prices for food, hotels, activities, and excursions are often much lower than in many other parts of the world. Those looking for luxury can also find high-end accommodations such as Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia, the Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, and Amanpuri in Thailand.

Get Adventurous in New Zealand.

For those who prefer the snow to the shore, beat the heat and travel to New Zealand, which experiences winter from June to August. You’ll be happy for the 50- to 60-degree weather when the country’s epic hiking, climbing, and bungee jumping get your blood pumping. And make no mistake: You will be spending all of your time outside. New Zealand is renowned for its gorgeous landscapes, from beautiful beaches and the fjords of Milford Sound to the wonder of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and charming locations used in The Lord of the Rings .

Sip rum swizzles in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Americans don’t need a passport to enjoy these three islands in the Caribbean. Whether you choose St. John, St. Croix, or St. Thomas (or hop between the three), you’ll find white sand, world-class snorkeling, and tropical surroundings in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each has its own vibe. Go to St. John for a luxurious, private island-like atmosphere; St. Croix for the food ; and St. Thomas for the lively atmosphere of a tourist hot spot. Stay at a beachfront all-inclusive resort for a stress-free escape.

There are several rum distillers on the islands, so you can sip a locally sourced rum swizzle while you enjoy average summertime temperatures in the low 80s.

Golf in Scotland.

David Alexander/Getty Images

The U.K.'s northernmost nation is known for its gorgeous lochs, beautiful castles, and the windswept Highlands. From whisky distillery tours to walking the magnificent West Highland Way to exploring the cosmopolitan centers of Glasgow and Edinburgh, there’s no shortage of things to do in Scotland . Plus, the sun doesn't set until around 10 p.m. in the Highlands in June and early July, so you'll have even more daylight for exploration.

But the real reason to take a summer vacation in Scotland is found on the green. This country is a golfer’s dream with more than 550 courses and a long legacy of seaside links. There are plenty of coastal spots for the ultimate summer game, like the Fairmont St. Andrews , where you'll have two courses to play and a chic room to return to at the end of the day.

Snap your way through Japan.

You might miss the spring cherry blossoms, but there are still plenty of beautiful places in Japan to photograph in the summertime. Pose in front of the country’s tallest peak in the Fuji Five Lakes area or capture Tokyo's frenetic energy at Shibuya Crossing. In Kyoto, you’ll get plenty of pictures of temples, shrines, and bamboo forests for your scrapbook. From enjoying white-sand beaches in Okinawa to seeing the wildflowers in Hokkaido's national parks, these are moments you'll want to remember.

Go island hopping in Greece.

Nothing says summer vacation like the Greek Islands. From sipping ouzo by the Aegean to snapping a few windmill pics for Instagram, this is the perfect Mediterranean getaway. Of course, you’ll have to deal with more crowds and hotter temperatures in July and August, but it’s a popular time to visit for a reason. More restaurants and bars are open and you’ll find more available ferry routes, opening up the entire archipelago for your summer vacation. Start in the Cyclades (where you'll find the famous islands of Mykonos and Santorini) before moving on to lesser-known Greek Islands like Antiparos, Symi, or Syros.

Passing Thru Travel

Ultimate Guide to Surviving Family Road Trips

Posted: March 24, 2024 | Last updated: March 24, 2024

<p><strong>Embarking on a road trip with your family can be an exhilarating experience, offering unparalleled freedom and the opportunity to create lasting memories. However, the success of such an adventure hinges on meticulous planning and preparation. This guide uncovers some tried-and-tested strategies to ensure your journey is enjoyable, stress-free, and packed with entertainment for all ages. From selecting the right destinations to packing the perfect snacks, we cover all bases to help you navigate the challenges of a family road trip.</strong></p>

Embarking on a road trip with your family can be an exhilarating experience, offering unparalleled freedom and the opportunity to create lasting memories. However, the success of such an adventure hinges on meticulous planning and preparation. This guide uncovers some tried-and-tested strategies to ensure your journey is enjoyable, stress-free, and packed with entertainment for all ages. From selecting the right destinations to packing the perfect snacks, we cover all bases to help you navigate the challenges of a family road trip.

1. Planning Your Route

Image Credit: Pexels / Dominika Roseclay

A well-planned route is the foundation of a successful family road trip. It’s essential to balance the driving distance and the variety of attractions to keep the journey engaging for all family members. Consider incorporating a mix of natural wonders, historical sites, and child-friendly attractions to cater to diverse interests.

Factor in the scenic value of the roads, as landscapes like coastal drives or mountain passes, can significantly enhance the travel experience. Additionally, planning for rest stops in quaint towns or at unique roadside attractions can provide unexpected delights and opportunities to stretch your legs. This approach ensures the journey is as rewarding as the destination, keeping spirits high and fostering a sense of adventure among passengers.

Insider’s Tip: Utilize online route planners that highlight attractions and amenities along your path. These tools can help you discover hidden gems and ensure your route is as engaging as it is efficient.

2. Vehicle Preparation

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia

Ensuring your vehicle is up to the task is paramount for a smooth road trip experience. A thorough inspection by a professional mechanic can preempt any potential issues during your journey. Consider your family’s comfort and space requirements; a vehicle crammed with luggage and passengers can quickly become uncomfortable.

Opt for a car with ample legroom, reliable air conditioning, and entertainment options like built-in DVD players or audio systems compatible with mobile devices. This preparation extends beyond mechanical readiness to organize the interior space efficiently, ensuring that essentials are within easy reach and the cabin remains clutter-free and conducive to a pleasant drive.

A reliable and comfortable vehicle is crucial for a successful road trip. Before departure, a comprehensive check-up covering tires, brakes, fluids, and air conditioning can prevent roadside headaches. Consider the size and comfort of your vehicle, especially if you’re traveling with a large family or young children who may need room for car seats and entertainment devices.

Insider’s Tip: Renting a vehicle can be a wise choice for long trips. Opt for models with high safety ratings and amenities like DVD players or built-in GPS to enhance the travel experience.

<p><span>While packing for family travel, consider accommodations that provide amenities to lighten your luggage. Look for hotels offering items like baby cribs, strollers, and high chairs. Some family-friendly hotels go the extra mile by providing essentials such as bottle warmers, baby bathtubs, and even child-sized bathrobes.</span></p> <p><span>This attention to detail can significantly ease your packing challenges, allowing you to focus on bringing personal items that will enhance your family’s comfort and enjoyment during the trip. The availability of laundry services can also be a boon, reducing the need to pack many outfits for each family member.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Pack a separate carry-on with essentials for your kids, including a change of clothes, snacks, and entertainment options.</span></p>

3. Packing Essentials

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evgeny Atamanenko

Packing for a road trip involves more than just filling suitcases; it requires thoughtful consideration of the items that will make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. Beyond the basics of clothing and toiletries, include a well-stocked first-aid kit, flashlights, and enough snacks and water to keep everyone satisfied between stops.

Entertainment for passengers is crucial, so pack a variety of options, from books and games to tablets loaded with movies and educational apps. Remember to bring chargers for all devices and a portable power bank. Organizing these items so they are accessible will keep the car tidy and ensure a smoother trip for everyone involved.

Insider’s Tip: Use packing cubes and organizers to keep items accessible and to maximize space. Assign a color or pattern to each family member to simplify finding personal items.

4. Entertainment on the Go

Image Credit: Pexels / Peter Fazekas

Keeping the family entertained is key to a harmonious road trip. A diverse mix of digital and traditional entertainment can cater to varying preferences and prevent boredom. Compile playlists of favorite music, download audiobooks, and ensure tablets have plenty of movies and games.

Don’t overlook the value of classic car games that require no equipment, such as “I Spy” or “20 Questions,” which can be fun for all ages and stimulate conversation. Encouraging participation in navigation or trip planning can also engage older children and teens, making them feel more involved in the journey.

Insider’s Tip: Encourage creativity with travel journals or cameras for kids to document their journey, turning the trip into an interactive experience.

5. Snack Packing Strategies

Image Credit: Pexels / Karolina Grabowska

The strategic selection and packing of snacks can significantly enhance the road trip experience. Opt for a balance of nutritious options and treats to maintain energy levels and satisfy cravings. Easy-to-eat fruits, pre-cut vegetables, and single-serving packages of nuts or crackers are ideal for minimizing mess and easing distribution.

Consider dietary restrictions and preferences to ensure there’s something for everyone. Keeping snacks within easy reach prevents unnecessary stops and helps maintain a pleasant atmosphere in the car, making the journey smoother for both driver and passengers.

Insider’s Tip: Invest in a portable cooler or insulated bags to keep perishables fresh. Freeze water bottles for ice packs, which can double as extra hydration once thawed.

<p><span>Strategically planned rest stops are vital for maintaining energy and enthusiasm during long drives. Incorporating interesting and varied locations for breaks allows for necessary physical activity and enriches the travel experience.</span></p> <p><span>Look for stops with additional attractions, such as nature trails, historical markers, or play areas, to make the most of these pauses. This planning ensures that each stop offers a refreshing break from the drive, allowing passengers to stretch, explore, and return to the car for the next leg of the journey.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip:</b><span> Research rest stops in advance to find those with playgrounds or picnic areas. Apps and websites dedicated to road travel can highlight the best spots for a break.</span></p>

6. Managing Rest Stops

Strategically planned rest stops are vital for maintaining energy and enthusiasm during long drives. Incorporating interesting and varied locations for breaks allows for necessary physical activity and enriches the travel experience.

Look for stops with additional attractions, such as nature trails, historical markers, or play areas, to make the most of these pauses. This planning ensures that each stop offers a refreshing break from the drive, allowing passengers to stretch, explore, and return to the car for the next leg of the journey.

Insider’s Tip: Research rest stops in advance to find those with playgrounds or picnic areas. Apps and websites dedicated to road travel can highlight the best spots for a break.

7. Flexible Itinerary

Image Credit: Pexels / Tirachard Kumtanom

A flexible approach to your road trip itinerary can transform unforeseen challenges into opportunities for adventure. While a detailed plan is invaluable, allowing room for spontaneity can lead to memorable experiences that rigid scheduling might miss.

Be open to exploring detours, local recommendations, or unexpected attractions you discover along the way. This adaptability can relieve the pressure of a strict schedule, making the trip more enjoyable for everyone and allowing your family to embrace the true spirit of road-tripping.

Insider’s Tip: Keep a list of potential interest points along your route that you can visit if time allows, but be willing to skip them if you’re running behind schedule.

<p><span>When embarking on long-term travel, your health and safety should be at the forefront of your planning. This involves more than just packing a basic first-aid kit; it’s about proactive health management. Ensure you’re up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations and understand the health risks associated with your destinations.</span></p> <p><span>Research the countries’ healthcare systems you’ll be visiting and identify reputable clinics or hospitals in each area. Additionally, be aware of the local safety conditions, including political unrest or environmental hazards. Adapt to the cultural norms and standards to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.</span></p> <p><span>Regularly update a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and your home country’s embassy or consulate. Being prepared and informed can make all the difference in handling unexpected health or safety issues during your travels.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Register with your embassy or consulate in each country for safety alerts and assistance.</span></p>

8. Safety Precautions

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aleksey Matrenin

Prioritizing safety ensures a worry-free road trip experience. Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit that includes medical supplies, tools, and resources for unexpected vehicle issues. Educate all passengers on basic safety protocols, such as what to do in case of a breakdown.

Regularly review your route for any travel advisories or weather conditions that could affect your journey. Taking these precautions allows you to focus on the enjoyment of the trip, secure in the knowledge that you are prepared for various scenarios.

Insider’s Tip: Share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member not on the trip, including where you plan to stop overnight. This adds an extra layer of safety during your journey.

<p><span>Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) offer charming and intimate accommodation options. Typically located in residential areas or in scenic locations, B&Bs provide a cozy, home-like atmosphere and the opportunity to interact with hosts and other guests. When choosing a B&B, consider the quality of the breakfast offered, the comfort of the rooms, and the overall ambiance of the property. B&Bs are ideal for travelers seeking a personal touch and the opportunity to experience local hospitality.</span> </p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>B&Bs can offer valuable local knowledge and a more personalized experience.</span></p>

9. Accommodation Planning

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TMA Harding

Choosing suitable accommodations plays a crucial role in the overall enjoyment of your road trip. Research and book lodgings that offer the comfort and amenities your family needs to relax and recharge after a day on the road. Consider properties with pools, breakfast options, and family-friendly activities to enhance your stay.

For longer trips, accommodations with laundry facilities can be a game-changer. Booking in advance secures your spot and often grants access to better rates or cancellation policies, providing peace of mind as you travel.

Insider’s Tip: Use booking sites that offer free cancellation to maintain flexibility in your travel plans. Look for accommodations with high cleanliness ratings for a comfortable stay.

10. Documenting the Journey

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

Documenting your road trip creates a lasting record of your family’s adventure. Encourage each family member to capture moments through photos, videos, or journal entries, reflecting their unique perspectives. These mementos can be compiled into a travel journal or digital album, offering a cherished keepsake of shared experiences. This practice preserves memories and encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the journey, enhancing the trip for everyone involved.

Insider’s Tip: Assign a day or part of the journey to each family member to document from their perspective, offering a diverse and comprehensive record of the trip.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

A family road trip is an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow together. By meticulously planning yet remaining flexible, prioritizing safety, and embracing the spirit of adventure, you can ensure a memorable experience for all. The ultimate goal is to enjoy the time spent with your loved ones, discover new places, and create stories you will share for years.

More for You

Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87

20 facts you might not know about 'The Little Mermaid'

This trans man transitioned, detransitioned then transitioned again. What he wants you to know.

FILE - Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin talks with supporters during a rally in Culpeper, Va., Oct. 13, 2021. The Republican governor of Virginia vetoed two top Democratic legislative priorities on Thursday, March 28, 2024: bills that would have allowed the recreational retail sales of marijuana to begin next year and measures mandating a minimum wage increase. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

Youngkin vetoes Virginia bills mandating minimum wage increase, establishing marijuana retail sales

Parental avoidance of toxic exposures could help reduce risk of autism, ADHD in children, observational study suggests

I worked for Beyoncé for a year. She wasn't a diva and wasn't passive — it was a master class in executing a creative vision

McDonald’s fans welcome new menu item after partnership with another huge brand

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, criticized Republicans who are pushing to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Democratic leader has 2 words for Republicans looking to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

Vampire Frenzy: 16 Addictive Series That Suck Viewers into Their World

6 Bag Trends Everyone Will Be Shopping For In 2024

What is the '3 Body Problem'? Astrophysicist explains concept behind hit Netflix show

Terri Clark Welcomes Kelly Clarkson, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and More For ‘Take Two' Collaborative Album: Exclusive

18 Things You Should Never Say to Your Grandkids

Apple just quietly added Qi2 fast-charging to the iPhone 12 — how to get it

Dragon Ball Z: Unveiling 35 Legendary Characters from Akira Toriyama's Universe

Kevin O'Leary called an annual salary a ‘drug'

Kevin O'Leary says an annual salary is a ‘drug' that employers feed you to forget your dreams — claims it's very easy to stay at a comfy job with low risk. 3 ways to gain some upside

Pro Wrestlers Who Hated Each Other in Real Life

Most popular TV shows on Netflix last week

The 10 shows everyone's watching on Netflix right now

Endangered species seen for first time 100years

Endangered Species May Have Just Been Spotted After 100 Years

Texas woman's prison sentence for attempting to vote illegally is thrown out

IMAGES

Camping Survival, Survival Life Hacks, Bushcraft Camping, Survival Food
Home Survival Kit Guide, Gear List, and Checklist [2024]
The Essential Road Trip Survival Guide [Infographic]
BOOK REVIEW OF ‘THE TRAVEL SURVIVAL GUIDE
You are planning for survival trip or explore the wilderness; best
Road Trip Survival Tips for Traveling With a Toddler- What you need to

COMMENTS

Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel
Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to choose safer food and drinks to prevent getting sick. Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling.
11 Survival Camping Kit Essentials and Trip Tips
1. Camping knife or multitool: Bringing along a survival knife or pocket knife multitool (including items like scissors and mini-pliers) is wise and may come in handy for a long-term wilderness trip. 2. Compass: A compass is an essential survival tool when plotting your hiking path and identifying your location in both forms of survival camping.
Mastering Long-Term Wilderness Survival: Your Essential Guide
Focus on your survival plan and take one step at a time. Remember that long-term wilderness survival requires patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude. By preparing for emergency situations beforehand, you can increase your chances of survival in the wilderness. Keep in mind that emergencies can happen at any time, so it's essential to ...
Top 15 Survival Vacations to Challenge Yourself
Docastaway. This is a challenging tourism to remote, uninhibited island. The opposite to the mass tourism, Docastaway takes you to secluded, untouched islands in Indonesia, Philippines and Oceania, where you can test your survival skills in an unusual environment. Essentially, you will become a Robinson Crusoe or Tom Hanks' character from ...
Wilderness Survival Skills
Master essential wilderness survival skills with tips and advice from the experts at Backpacker Magazine. Our experts teach you how to build fires, forage for food, find shelter, survive animal attacks, and get the most out of every piece of gear you bring into the wilderness.
Surviving the Great Outdoors: A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness Survival
Recommended Books and Resources for Wilderness Travel. The SAS Survival Handbook by John 'Lofty' Wiseman: This classic wilderness survival guide is a comprehensive resource for outdoor enthusiasts. It covers various topics, including navigation, shelter building, firemaking, food procurement, first aid, and more.
You get lost in the wilderness. Do you know how to survive?
CNN —. After camping in Oregon in May, Harry Burleigh spontaneously decided to venture off on a trail before returning home. What he expected would be a quick, out-and-back hike took a dramatic ...
Survivalist Camping: How To Survive In The Wilderness
The Opportunity To Hone Your Survival Skills. As you start learning new survival skills, you'll naturally start gaining more confidence in your own self-reliance. Each trip or expedition is a chance to test the limits of your skill and ability to survive in a remote wilderness and hone those skills that little bit further.
9 Survival Camps to Get You Wilderness Ready
9. School of Survival — Wasilla, AK. Head to the wild lands of Alaska for a true test of your survival skills. Courses like the one-day Survival 101 covers the basics of fire, water, and shelter. After completion, move up to other one-day courses like hunting and trapping, foraging, wilderness medicine, and navigation.
The Ultimate Survival Guide To Camping
A lighter. A survival knife. A compass. A smartphone/cellphone. A couple of guns with tactical holsters. Fresh drinking water. Carry some dry food, such as snacks, breakfast bars, fruits, cereals, etc. Staying up on your toes holds a lot of importance. You cannot let your guard down at any given point in time.
14 Wilderness Survival Tools You Should Always Have In Your Pack
9. Flashlight / Head Lamp. The only thing harder than being lost, stuck in a backcountry emergency, or trying to survive the unexpected is having to manage in the dark. Even if you're only planning a day hike, it's always wise to have your headlamp on hand, or at least a small pocket-size flashlight. 10.
Your survival guide for the summer of 2023
Fortunately, there are some new expert summer travel survival strategies that can help you get through it. For example, battleface just teamed up with AirHelp, a claims management company for air travelers, to create a travel insurance plan that pays you for every flight delay. The new program, AirPayout, sends you $110 if your airline delays ...
Best Wilderness Survival Guide 2023: Thrive Against The Odds
Building a fire is probably the most important wilderness survival skill you should master. 1. Building a fire. Building a fire is an essential skill for multiple purposes in the wilderness. You can use it to prepare food, remain warm during cold weather, and drink clean water.
India Survival Guide (Quick-Start Safety Guide)
It's a shock to the system. In amongst that chaos, tourists come across some problems that affect their trip: scams, pollution, hygiene, and safety. But the good news is this chaos can be learnt, and therefore it becomes organised chaos or just normal life in India. I was lucky when I first arrived in India in 2013.
Family Road Trip Survival Guide 2024
This guide uncovers some tried-and-tested strategies to ensure your journey is enjoyable, stress-free, and packed with entertainment for all ages. From selecting the right destinations to packing the perfect snacks, we cover all bases to help you navigate the challenges of a family road trip. 1. Planning Your Route.
India Survival Guide: 26 Tips For Travelling In India
Use water bottles with filters. Avoid contributing to the plastic pollution in India by using a water bottle with an inbuilt filter. I have a water to go bottle. I found the 50c bottle too small so opt for a bigger capacity bottle. I also recommend buying a spare filter if you are traveling for a long time.
The Ultimate China Survival Guide
The Ultimate China Survival Guide. Hey there, and welcome to The Ultimate China Survival Guide! I'm so excited that you're planning an adventure to China, and I can't wait to help you every step of the way. Whether you're visiting China for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months , this guide is full of information that will help you ...
The Road Trip Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks for Planning Routes
The Road Trip Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks for Planning Routes, Packing Up, and Preparing for Any Unexpected Encounter Along the Way by Rob Taylor gives tips and tricks to make the most out of a family road trip. Mr. Tayler is the found of 2TravelDads.com, a travel blogger, and tourism expert.
Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) Travel Survival Guide by Wyatt Nash
Full Meal. Add onion to rice cooker and cook for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, pasta, and water (or stock) to rice cooker and cook for 5 minutes. Stir once and continue to stir occasionally, cooking for a total of 20 minutes. Add pre-made Ingredient Packet and lemon juice and stir well.
The Ultimate American Road Trip Guide
The whole country is at your fingertips, you just need to choose. Step 2: Plan your route. A great road trip is more than just the destination, the journey itself is a large part of what makes it ...
A Couples Road Trip: The Ultimate Survival Guide (Fun Ideas)
Follow them and you and your partner will enjoy your epic adventure together, stress-free. 1. Plan These Road Trip Essentials For Couples Together So You're Both Involved. Plan Your Couples Road Trip. A road trip is different from a regular vacation. In my experience, they often require more planning.
Solo in Seoul: A Survival Guide
However, in Korea, there's no need for that! Shops start opening only between 10.30am to 11am, perfect for a leisurely lie-in. Be prepared for late nights in Seoul - shops, restaurants and pubs here open until the wee hours of the morning. Dongdaemun, in particular, is open 24/7. Seoul, indeed, is a city that never sleeps.
Family Road Trip Survival Guide
Keep you and everyone in your family safe with helpful RV tips. 3: Gather the Gadgets. You'll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets, e-readers and portable DVD players (don't forget to rent DVDs at the library). So gather them up, and then power them up. There's nothing worse than getting an hour ...
25 Best Summer Vacation Ideas for 2024
Simon Watson. When it comes to romance, few places rival the allure of Italy. You've got the history of Rome, the art of Venice, the fashion-forward vibe of Milan, the dreamy Mediterranean ...
Ultimate Guide to Surviving Family Road Trips
2024 Global City Travel Guide - Your Passport to the World's Top Destination Cities. Exploring Khao Yai 2024 - A Hidden Gem of Thailand.