As a traveling nurse, you have the flexibility to indulge your wanderlust. While working in a different state — one you’ve possibly never been to before — you can explore beautiful state parks and inviting forest trails in your free time. You can even go camping and enjoy a hot drink while watching the stars.

If you’re new to exploring, even short hikes or outdoor walks can seem daunting, which is why it’s important to plan your adventures with enjoyment and safety in mind. We listed essential tips for new outdoor travelers to help ensure that you’ll make the most of the great outdoors this summer.

Getting started in outdoor travel: Top tips

Prioritize safety

Your adventure doesn’t start outdoors — it starts way before that, possibly months or weeks prior, in the comfort of your home. Depending on what kind of outdoor activity and travel you’ll embark on, you’ll need to plan appropriately and keep safety as a priority.

Here are some important things you should take note of when creating your adventure plan:

• Do your research. Understand your target location’s geography and climate, especially during the time of your adventure. Learning about your area’s wildlife dangers, if there are any, is important to staying safe.
• Create a trip route plan. Your route plan should include your mode of travel, road surface and elevation information, travel schedule, weather conditions, participants’ pre-existing conditions, trip difficulty, and local contacts.
• Follow the rules and regulations of the area. It’s important to know and follow designated areas for activities, speed limits, visiting hours, and prohibited activities.
• Know which plants to avoid. Many poisonous plants can cause rashes and allergic reactions, such as poison ivy and stinging nettles, so it’s important that you know what they are and what they look like so you can avoid them.
• Know what heat exhaustion and heat stroke look like. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience warning signs, including nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
• Let others know where you are. If you’re traveling alone, make sure that friends and loved ones know where you’ll be, how long you’ll be gone for, and how to contact you.

Be ready for the weather (and weather changes)

Aside from wearing sunblock (and reapplying every two hours), wear sun-protective and moisture-wicking layers that can help keep you cool and dry. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck against the sun. When it’s too hot, wet a bandana or a towel and keep it on the back of your neck to keep you cool. Don’t forget to stay hydrated.

Even though it’s projected to be bright and sunny when you go on your adventure, it’s still ideal to bring waterproof gear, such as a rain jacket and pants, to stay protected if the weather changes. Opt to wear waterproof shoes or boots to keep your feet dry.

Bring the essentials for your trip

By packing smartly, you’ll ensure that your outdoor adventure is carried out in a fun and safe manner. While it’s good to be prepared, it’s also important to keep your belongings relatively light so that they’re easy to carry while hiking, walking, or trekking outdoors. Here are some important items to consider bringing on your trip:

• ID
• Water and food (prioritize calorie-dense food)
• Power bank and solar charger (pro tip: put them in waterproof containers)
• First aid kit and personal medications
• Map, trail guides, and a compass
• Whistle or signaling device
• Flashlight
• Rain gear
• Bug spray
• Knife or multi-tool device
• Sunscreen, sun glasses, and hat

We hope that these tips can help you embark on your outdoor adventure with confidence and peace of mind. Always remember that safety is key, and being well-equipped enhances your experience and ensures you are ready to tackle any unexpected challenges nature may present. Happy exploring!