Research

Knowledge is power. So, go out and do research on your destination. Talk to people who have been there before, or perhaps were even born there. Read travel logs or weblogs (check for instance the Dutch site Op Reis Naar...) and books. Ask your travel agent or airline company, too, for more information. The tourist office and the embassy of your destination country are often also very helpful. Study recent maps so you'll have a feeling for the size and shape and lay-out of the country before you visit it. Aquaint yourself with local taboos, norms and values. Ordering a hamburger in India, if they sell it anyway, is usually met with at least a few odd looks.

For true survival purposes also think about the weather and the climate(s) that you can expect, which medicinal plants grow where, which way the rivers flow, where you might encounter areas with sparse vegetation or water sources, and much more. The more detailed your knowledge, the better your chances for survival.


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