How To Determine When To Go On The Next Trip
Proper Timing For Trips Is Extremely Important
Whether you are planing a trip to the top of Mt. Everest or a weekend jaunt through Lost Lake Wilderness, timing is key. Like anything in life the old cliche applies- timing is everything! There are multiple factors to consider when determining when you need to leave. Time, weather conditions, distance, wildlife, localities, and political climates are some of the large categories to think about. Some of these won’t always be as relevant as others but all play a role in planning.
Time
How much total time can you dedicate to this journey? You cannot logically embark on a trip that requires 10 days to complete if you have only 7 to spend on it. Your time available doesn’t match the time it takes to go out and return if it is successful. Also, consider what you will need to do before leaving and after coming back before you are out of time. The amount of time will be an influencing factor in your decision making on where to go, the type of trip and how you will plan it all the way down the line.
Generally, you want to allow yourself some extra buffer time, rather than planning to maximize time on the trial. Often, things will end up taking longer than planned and you want to give yourself some room for error. Being rushed on a trip because of poor planning is a compounding factor which may increase risk. Enjoying your time and not feeling like you are out of it allows you to experience things in a more productive and more safe way.
Weather & Climate
Weather is defined as- the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc. Climate is defined as- the average course or condition of the weather at a place usually over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation.
You need to research and consider these two factors when planning a trip. From your gear, your food and your shelter, everything can be influenced by the outward weather and climatic conditions. Some of these things will be predictable to a degree, however nothing is known until it happens. Therefore you will need to plan and account for all conditions or the most probable ones. For example, extreme heat and cold require different equipment. Rainy seasons will be more difficult to cook in without the right skills or equipment. The same is true for windy or dusty environments. Conditions will dictate necessities and skills required.
Distance
The physical length of the trip is highly important to consider. Knowing how much distance you can cover in a certain amount of time is a basic aspect of planning the trip. This detail is a simple but fundamental key to proper planning. What type of terrain will you be on will also influence the travel time. Walking 5 miles on paved trails is much easier than trying to cover the same amount of distance in a rain forest you are bushwhacking. Keep distance in the forefront of your mind when considering a trip and what is required.
Wildlife
Different plants or animals will affect when you will be able to go to a certain area. If you have planned a trip and arrive to the start point but only then realize it is the rainy season, you have made a fatal planning error. Knowing if it is the time of year when bears come out of hibernation and are extremely hungry is important. Insects and plant life are also important to take into account. Knowing that you will need to bring spray for mosquitoes or if you can leave it at home may or may not put you at a higher risk for contracting malaria. Poison ivy is not as large a threat in the winter as compared to the summer months in some regions.
Localities
Different localities will present aspects of consideration when planning specific to certain regions. Hunting season in Colorado will require different colors to wear than the same time as the dessert in California where there aren’t any hunters. Political situations may make certain areas more accessible or more dangerous than other times. Traveling through areas can be great in times of peace but very bad in times of conflict. Civil war, elections, or any other type of embattlement presents issues when traveling. Also local seasons and celebrations may also be factors. More people may in the area when somethings is happening. These things needs to be thought of when deciding when to go or stay away.
