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Firstly, you need to ask yourself if you really want to do it. There’s no point in committing to an arduous trip unless you’re really up for it. You don’t want to be several days into the jungle and then realise you don’t want to be there. Expeditions by their very nature are in remote and difficult terrain. There is no easy way back, you will just have to stick it out. Someone who doesn’t want to be there will just drag down group morale and make life harder for your guides.
You are most likely going to buy some new equipment. Make sure you speak to your guides about what you need to buy and listen to their advice. Get your gear early. Give yourself time to practice with it, and get really familiar with it. Don’t be the person who turns up with their gear still in the wrapper and have the exped be the first time you’ve ever used it.
Look at vaccinations early. Vaccinations for the type of places we go are an expensive business. Fortunately once they’re done they will last you a number of years. Be aware that some of them require a course of injections to be fully effective. The NHS NaTHNaC website will tell you what vaccinations you will need for your trip. This will let you look up travel clinics to get an understanding of the costs. Be aware that there are very few you can have on the NHS, the majority of what you need will have to be private purchase.
Get in shape. Being fit is generally good for your health, but in terms of expeds it makes a big difference. If you are physically fit you will acclimatise to new climates faster. You will be less prone to altitude sickness. You will have advanced endurance and stamina. Be less prone to injury and recover from the day’s exertion more rapidly. Carrying your gear will be easier too. You want to enjoy your expedition, not endure it.
Listen to your guides. They have all the experience. If they are asking you to do something a certain way, it will be based on experience. Don’t be the person who ignores the advice from your guides and then puts them in danger when they have to come and rescue you from your bad choices.
Sort your documents early. Ensure your passport meets the requirements for the country you are travelling to. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Look into visa requirements well in advance. Some destinations have complex entry requirements, especially when it comes to health declarations or transit routes. Give yourself time to sort these so it doesn’t become a last-minute panic. The last thing you want to be doing before you go is running around trying to sort out some administrative issue.
Understand where you are going. Read up about the country you are going to, especially with regards to anything that could be a cultural faux pas. A cultural misunderstanding could land you in very hot water somewhere it will be difficult to resolve. Be aware that the British Embassies around the world will do very little to help you. Especially if you have broken local laws.
Standard travel insurance won’t cover the kind of activities you will do on an expedition. Make sure your policy covers high-risk activities, remote evacuation, and repatriation. If you’re going somewhere without easy medical access, you need cover for helicopter evacuation. Double-check the small print, and make sure your gear is insured too.
Your guide is not your personal butler. You’ll be expected to carry your own gear, help around camp, look after yourself, and support the group. Expeditions are team efforts. Be someone others are glad to have on the team—not someone who needs constant help. This cannot be emphasised enough. You don’t want to be dead weight to the group because you won’t look after yourself.
Be honest on your medical form. Don’t lie or downplay your medical history. Guides aren’t there to judge you—they’re there to keep you safe. If they don’t know about an allergy, condition, or medication, they can’t help you if something goes wrong. Full disclosure could literally save your life.
Plan your downtime. There will be long evenings or rest days. On a jungle exped you can spend up to 12 hours a day in your hammock. Bring something light and comforting—like a paperback, playing cards, a journal, or downloaded podcasts and audiobooks. Avoid relying on screens or anything that needs charging. Rest is part of the expedition too.
Remember to enjoy yourself! You’re going to do something amazing that you’ll be able to bore everyone about for years to come… Live in the moment and appreciate it.
