If you haven’t been on any desert trip yet, you are missing out on lots of fun. Deserted trips are unique and cannot be compared to other types of trips. They allow you to experience another part of the world you are not used to.
Deserts continue to attract many tourists thanks to their great adventures. The shinning bright sun, the sand dunes and the quiet surroundings all make the desert an incredible place to be. If you are a travel enthusiast, you should plan to at least one desert once in your lifetime.
However, if your desert adventure is going to be a success, you need to be well-prepared. You need to know the right time to schedule your trip and the essentials to bring along for you to enjoy all the amazing treats desert tours have to offer.
Preparing for your desert tour
To help you get the best experience out of your desert trip, consider these tips.
Essentials to pack
A desert tour is different from other trips. Remember you are going to a hot dry place with very few human activities. Meaning, if you happen to forget something important, you’ll have to manage without and this can make your trip very uncomfortable. That’s why you need to know the right items to pack.
Thus, these are the must-haves when going on a desert tour:
1. Water
If there is one thing you need in plenty during a desert safari is clean drinking water. In fact, the first unwritten rule to any desert tour is to pack enough water. Deserts are windy and they can get hot due to the scorching sun. If you don’t want to be dehydrated and ruin your otherwise amazing trip, pack enough drinking water-bearing in mind you’ll drink more water than you do while at home.
Don’t rely on the water sources available in the desert. Most of these water sources don’t have clean water and the water has to be purified before consumption. Also, if you are using a map, you might have seen a water spring only to find it dry when you are visiting. That’s why it’s best to carry enough water for the whole duration that you’ll be out there. It’s safer to have it in excess than to deal with dehydration.
2. Facial mist
Just like your other body organs, your skin needs to stay hydrated as well. The environment in the desert is similar to a plane. In both instances, the air is dry and humidity is very low. Thus, you need to keep your skin well moisturized. However, while it’s in order to use a moisturizer in a flight, using the same on a desert is not a good idea. If the moisturizer gets into contact with the sand, it can be a total mess.
Also, don’t forget your sunscreen. The desert sun won’t have mercy on your flawless gorgeous skin. A day in the desert without any form of skin protection and you’ll have to deal with painful sunburns. Sunscreen is as essential for your well-being as water is. Make sure you invest in good-quality sunscreen before heading on your desert safari.
3. Sunglasses
Apart from your sunglasses giving you a classic look, they are a source of protection when tripping in the desert. That beautiful sand you see in the desert can be very harsh if it lands in your eyes. For your safety and comfort, get yourself a pair of polarized sunglasses. More so, ensure they are well-fitting and they have a strap so that they don’t get in your way while indulging in the wonders of the desert.
4. A wide hat
Most of the time you’ll be under the hot sun exploring the desert. A normal head cap won’t be enough to protect your head from the harsh weather. Get one that is wide enough to cover your eyes and the neck area. Protecting yourself from the dangerous weather will allow you to do what took your there; touring the desert.
5. Suitable shoes
If you don’t want to complicate yourself, forget about closed shoes. They are just inconveniencing and can waste your precious time. Just get yourself hiking sandals. Good footwear should be easy to wear and remove any time you want to. So, if you plan to spend most of your time touring the desert on foot, invest in a pair of comfortable, well-fitting hiking sandals. If you do not have sandals, then bring your flip-flops. They are comfortable and will protect your feet from the hot sand.
6. Structure for shade
A structure for shade is a crucial item when considering a desert safari. It is particularly important if you’ll be spending time on one spot. A shade is also important for comfort in case you want to take some rest and re-energize.
Avoid sun exposure
If you want to enjoy your desert trip, then avoid exposure to the sun at all costs. Apart from sunburns being so serious, heat exhaustion or heatstroke can turn out to be fatal. Thus, in addition to sunscreen and dark sunglasses, consider getting yourself a hat. Also, opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Apply sunscreen to the uncovered skin periodically and take note of the most popular sunburn tricks. Schedule your walks early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not very hot.
Get the directions right
Getting lost in the desert is pretty easy more than you would imagine. Before you disappear on that hiking trail, make sure know where you are going. Use Google map or ask for direction. It is also a good idea to consult with game rangers. They are in a better position to advise you since they know the current condition of the trail. The best option would be to stay on the main paved roads because they are patrolled often.
Have your car inspected
If you are travelling in your car, have it inspected by a competent mechanic. The tires should be at normal pressure. Soft tires can quickly generate heat and lead to blowouts. Make sure the gas tank is full and carry extra oil and water for your car in the trunk. Moreover, remember to carry spare hoses. Do whatever you can do to ready your car for the tough ride.
Stay out of mines
If you want to go back home in one piece, stay out of the mines. Even if you see an incredible old mine worth exploring, remember it could be the last thing you explore in this world. Seriously, if you happen to stumble on those mines, you could easily lose your life.
It’s time to go on a desert trip
These days, going on a desert tour is not complicated. You can book your trip with any of the many legit travel agencies around the world or organize the trip by yourself. As long as you have the right gear and knows what to expect, nothing can stop you from experiencing life in the wild. And, don’t forget your camera. You’ll need to capture those desert wonderful memories for future reference.
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