Pifini
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Checklist · Hiking, surfing, safari, dive trips

Adventure / outdoor trip

Wild places punish under-preparation. The physical stuff matters — and so does telling someone where you are.

Sections:🧾 Documents & money — never leave without🥾 Outdoor kit🗓️ Before you go⛑️ Health & safety🛡️ Safety & awareness

Documents & money — never leave without

  • Passport valid 6+ months past your return date
  • Photo + digital copy of passport, stored separately from the original
  • Travel visa or entry permit printed + emailed to yourself
    Even e-visas — bring a paper copy.
  • Driver's licence + International Driving Permit if renting a car
  • At least two payment methods (e.g. Visa + Mastercard)
  • Cash in the local currency for tips, taxis, markets
    ~US$100 equivalent is usually enough.
  • Travel insurance policy PDF + emergency contact number
  • Printed hotel reservation for immigration forms
  • Vaccination card if required for entry
    Check your destination's current rules 2 weeks out.

Outdoor kit

  • Broken-in boots, not fresh ones
  • Rain shell + base layer, regardless of forecast
  • Headlamp + spare batteries — your phone torch is not enough
  • Water filter / purification tabs
  • Multi-tool + a small roll of duct tape
  • Physical map + compass as backup to GPS
  • Blister plasters + tape from day 1, not after they form
  • Signal mirror or bright-coloured jacket piece for visibility
  • Local rescue / ranger emergency number saved

Before you go

  • Leave your route + expected return time with someone who'll act if you don't check in
  • Check the weather forecast the day you leave
  • Ensure your travel insurance covers the activity (some don't cover diving, mountaineering, motorcycling)
  • Get a guide if the terrain is unfamiliar

Health & safety

  • Prescription meds in original labelled bottles
    Bring a few days extra in case you're delayed.
  • Basic medkit: painkillers, antihistamines, rehydration salts, plasters
  • Insect repellent (DEET ≥25% in tropics)
  • Sunscreen SPF 30+ and after-sun
  • Reusable water bottle (plus know if tap water is safe)
  • Hand sanitiser + a few disposable masks
  • Doctor's note for controlled substances / needles if applicable
  • Emergency numbers saved: local police, embassy, travel-insurance 24h line

Safety & awareness

  • Share your itinerary with a trusted person at home
  • Register with your embassy (US: STEP; UK: FCDO; CA: ROCA) for emergency contact
  • Know the local emergency number (911, 112, 999, etc.)
  • Identify your nearest embassy / high commission + its address
  • Don't flash jewellery, watches, or cash publicly
  • Use licensed taxis or app-based rides (Uber / Bolt / local equivalent)
  • Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas
  • Carry a dummy wallet with expired cards + small cash for worst-case muggings
  • Know the local scam patterns for your destination
    A 5-minute search before the trip saves hours.