Goal: Help you plan a first trip that feels achievable, not overwhelming.

This is about getting out there, not doing it perfectly.

Step 1: Redefine “first trip”

Your first overland trip should be:

• close to home
• low commitment
• easy to exit

A perfect first trip might be:

• a day drive + one night
• familiar terrain
• mobile signal nearby

This is intentional.

Step 2: Choose the right location

Look for:

• legal access routes
• somewhere you’ve heard of
• simple tracks or roads

Avoid:

• unknown technical trails
• remote areas “just because”
• anywhere that feels stressful to reach

Confidence grows through small wins.

Step 3: Plan the route (lightly)

You don’t need a military plan.

You do need:

• a start point
• a rough route
• a backup option

Ask yourself:

• Where could I turn around?
• Where could I leave early?
• Where could I stay if plans change?

Flexibility > precision.

Step 4: Decide on one overnight (optional but recommended)

Your first overnight teaches you more than ten day trips.

Choose:

• an official campsite
• a legal wild camping spot (where allowed)
  somewhere with facilities if it helps

There’s no shame in easing in.

Step 5: Pack the basics (not everything)

You need:

• food
• water
• warmth
• sleep
• navigation
• phone charger

You don’t need:

• backup gear for backup gear
• every “just in case” item
• gear you don’t know how to use

If you didn’t use it — that’s learning, not failure.

Step 6: Set expectations

Things may:

• take longer
• change last minute
• not go to plan

That is overlanding.

The goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is experience.

Step 7: Go slower than you think

Slow driving:

• reduces stress
• improves safety
• helps you notice more

You’re not rushing anywhere.

Step 8: Reflect after the trip

When you get home, ask:

• What worked?
• What didn’t?
• What would I change next time?

This reflection is where confidence is built.

Your takeaway

Your first trip doesn’t need to be impressive.

It needs to happen.