For many, the ultimate exotic camping adventure involves traveling outside the borders of the United States. Whether it be the snowy Alps, the rugged Canadian woods, or the Australian Outback – there are some pretty amazing places to camp across the globe. But before you travel beyond the border for your next camping trip, there are a few things you should know.
Planning for International Travel
Often, the most difficult part of an international camping trip is enduring the anticipation of reaching the destination. But the fact is you’ll have to start the process – and the waiting – well before the date of departure to ensure everything goes smoothly. Depending on the time of year and volume of travelers, it takes roughly 4 – 6 weeks to get an international passport. Plan on gathering all necessary forms of identification and required fees extra early, just to be on the safe side.
In addition to your passport, it is generally recommended that you develop a travel itinerary and get some travel insurance. Knowing exactly where you’re going to go will keep your camping trip abroad safe, in that others with copies of the itinerary will be able to find you in case of an emergency. The insurance, meanwhile, will protect you financially from any mishaps that may occur. As a final measure of planning, check out the local laws of the country you’re traveling in. After all, getting a ticket for trespassing during your camping trip abroad is a real buzzkill.
Getting the Most Out of Your Trip
Again, an itinerary – or at least a general outline – is a big help here. Before you reach your destination, try to have an idea of what type of outdoor adventure is most conducive to the area you’re at. Most of Western Europe, for instance, has many well-connected small towns, making it perfect for a “winging-it” camping style. You’ll be able to find campgrounds and small towns with supply stores quite easily. Plus, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, hostels with cheap rooms pepper the landscape. If you’re headed to a more remote area – such as the bush of Australia or Canadian wildnerness, more preparation will obviously be required. You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the camping area and grab all supplies locally beforehand. Many opt to stay in town for a night before heading into the wilderness to verify that everything’s in order.
Coordinating a camping trip abroad, without a doubt, is a tough and intensive task. But the first time you breathe in that fresh, unfamiliar air, you’ll know that all of your hard work was worth it. Taking the initiative to set an international camping trip into motion is a truly lucrative endeavor.
