How to Plan a Safe Overland Trip Cross Borders
An Overland is a self-reliant trip to remote destinations, sometimes cross borders, where the journey is the principal goal. It usually involves long-distance travel with mechanized off-road capable transport. You can use any mechanized transport ranging from bicycles to trucks and anything in between.
The main form of lodging is camping, which you may extend to weeks, months, or even years. It could also involve international boundaries. Generally, Overlanding trips are about adventure, survival, discovery, and self-reliance. But it is different from a weekend adventure trip of tackling obstacles, trails, and camping.
Self-Preparedness
One of the things to do before even planning your Overlanding trip is to ensure you have the right mindset. Make sure you enjoy the open road and car camping before you plan your trip. Overlanding is about driving and driving, which requires you to be prepared to drive over different terrains.
If you love the sweet freedom of travel, then start planning your next adventure. However, if you dread any of the above, then the Overlanding trip is not for you.
Plan and Organize Your Gear Before Time
Spending several days away from home requires planning, and for that, you need good organizational skills. That is why you should plan how to organize your vehicle before you set off on your journey.
For example, you may need to label your bags for easy access to different items. Or you carry different bags for different items so that you can pick what you need without struggle.
Do Your Research but Do Not Be Afraid to Venture
Part of your trip may involve trial and error. There are times you may make mistakes and find yourself going off the planned route. However, you can avoid most of that by doing some research work which can help you avoid serious mistakes on the road.
You should use the resources available to equip yourself, decide on the trails, equipment, and gear, and personalize your rig. Plug into some groups and ask questions about your destinations. At the same time, you may decide to go with someone more experienced to guide you.
You will also want to know a few specific things before you hit the road. Find out about the weather, background rules, and regulation of your route. Talk to someone about where you are going and find out what they have to say about it. Gather as much information as possible.
Ask questions like, if you are crossing country borders, is it safe when Overlanding? When you are out to have fun, it is not time to deal with authorities as that may carry away your day and forget all the fun or, worse, still never have time for the fun.
If you plan to cross borders, here are a few things you need to know about Overland border crossing:
When flying to another country, you go through an organized process where you are funneled into customs and immigration lines. However, when you are Overlanding, the process is quite different because when traveling by car, train, bus, or rig, you may not have a clear-cut border crossing line.
Therefore, you will have to take these steps as early preparation to avoid getting into trouble in your journey.
Do Your Research On How To Cross Borders
Find out more about the border policy of the country you are planning to cross over to before setting off on your trip. The border crossing process is not the same for all countries, and therefore, when you do your research, you will prepare accordingly.
For example, some countries need you to have a visa, while others will not ask you for that. Find out the places where you need a passport or a visa before you set on your journey. When you know what to expect, you will plan yourself better.
Check out the U.S. Customs and Border Protection page here.
Prepare Your Documents and Carry Some Cash
Once you confirm your route and know you will be crossing the border by land research, prepare all the documents you need beforehand. Even when you are not going through any checkpoint, have the same travel document with you.
Some countries require that your passport is valid for several months before you enter their country and therefore ensure yours is not close to expiry. Also, carry some passport-sized photos with you and some cash, as you may have to pay some visa fees.
Know What You Need for Your Mode of Transport
You will meet different requirements at different borders and depending on the mode of transport you are using. For instance, when you have a personal car, you may not have so much to prepare for as long as you have your passport and visa arrangements in line with the specific country.
However, when you are traveling in a rented car, you need to know the company policy of the rental company as some may place some restrictions when cross borders with their rented car. The bottom line is to understand all the requirements and make prior arrangements on tackling each of the situations.
It will help if you allow yourself ample time when planning and making your travel schedule. You could spend more time at the border than you expect, and therefore, you need to have plenty of time to do everything you need to do at the border without feeling like you are behind schedule.
At the same time, it will help you if you are polite and handle the staff well at each checkpoint. Being polite and respectful will avoid stressful and tedious traveling.
Know Basic Repairs on Your Vehicle
You need to learn basic repairs and carry the proper repair and rescue equipment before hitting the road with your rig. It is part of the fun to MacGyver repair solutions out there in lonely places. But when you are out of the places you can reach out for AAA, it is important to learn how to make simple repairs.
Changing your tire or opening the bonnet to find out the origin of some smoke are some of the things you should have confidence in doing because you have done that before. You can watch videos and learn one or two tricks to help you out there when you cannot access a mechanic.
You can have a successful overland journey if you plan yourself well. Therefore you should avoid unplanned overland trips, as they will not amount to any good for you.
Final Thoughts
Yes, border crossing can be a hassle. However, it is doable and sometimes a necessary way to extend your adventure. So, prepare the best you can and be adaptable the next time you cross into another country.
Learn why Overlanding is quickly becoming the best way to travel here.
