The wind whispers as it gusts across the plains. The stars glitter above you as you gaze into the vastness of the Milky Way. Great vistas await you when you arise each morning. No one around for miles and miles except for you and your dog. Does the call of the wild make your blood sing? Adventure is waiting, just around the corner. But before you go pack your bags and jump into your SUV, make sure that you’re prepared for that great wild ride that awaits you.

Have the Proper Vehicle

In order to trailblaze and boldly go where few have gone, you need a vehicle to transport you and your equipment. But with so many options, what do you do? One option is a Land Rover. A Land Rover is a popular European car brand that is perfect for off-roading. It is specifically designed with off-roading in mind and has many unique features that are perfect for outdoor-loving adventurers.

But any vehicle you pick must be able to go off-road and sustain the terrain. This isn’t a simple paved road—it may not even be a complete road. But being able to be confident in your vehicle will make it easier to explore the unexplored trails of the wild. Adventure is not for the faint of heart, nor for the faint of tire.

Gathering the Right Equipment

Before you go, make sure to grab the right equipment. You need to make sure you have adequate supplies. Bug-spray, sunscreen, food, water, sleeping bag, a flashlight, a tent, toilet paper, etc. Your equipment is also determined by the activities you’re planning on doing. If you’re going hiking, dirt-biking, boating, bouldering, and so on, you need to make sure you have the proper equipment, including hiking shoes, life jackets, trailer for the dirt-bikes, and so on. Make sure your equipment that you do have is in good condition before you go. But you don’t need to bring everything, just enough to ensure that your experience is epic.

Make the Necessary Preparations

Where are you going? What are you going to do? What adventures are you seeking? Whatever your plans are, you need to make sure you come prepared. When you choose your location, you may have to account for travel time. Look up your destination before you leave and see what opportunities it offers. It also helps to look at the weather of where you’re going too so that you’re not caught unawares in a sudden storm. You can be more confident in your adventures if you are prepared. Besides, if your preparations are out of the way, you can go and make cliff-jumping all the more epic.

Plan the Right Activities

Speaking of cliff-jumping, what activities are you planning on doing on this experience? Are you going to hike down the Grand Canyon? Sleep on the side of the cliff? Pitch your tent out in the wild? Whatever you plan on doing, make sure that you include those activities (and the cost) in your preparations. Part of the awe factor in off-roading is the activities you plan. When you’re making your necessary preparations, look at destinations where you want to go. That can influence the activities you do. If you camp near a lake, you can take your boat. If you camp near a mountain, you can hike the trail. And if you camp next to both, you can do both! There are so many options of things that you can do to enrich your experience. Make sure that every day has something epic.

Have the Right Company

While you’re in the planning stages, consider who you’re going with. Are you taking your dog? Significant other? A group of friends? Just yourself? Account for company when you make plans so that everyone feels included. Your dog may not want to go parasailing with you.

Take Safety Precautions

It is important to remember safety precautions when planning an adventure trip. You might need your first-aid kit. Remember to stay hydrated. Take sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Know what to do if you’re camping in bear country or rattlesnake country. Know the local procedures for where you camp. Part of the thrill is living on the edge, but even while living on the edge, take care of yourself. Off-roading adventures are much more enjoyable when everyone is safe, even while seeking thrills at the edge of the unknown world.

Respect the Land

When you go off-road, remember to respect the land where you’re at. Leaving no trace is not just important for scouts. When you go to be one with nature, respect it. Respect the wild and adventurous wilderness by keeping it as you found it. Part of the adventure is making sure that others can appreciate their own adventures once you’re gone. Be especially wary when starting a fire. In dry areas, a single match can rapidly cause a forest fire. Remember to put out your fire when you leave. Sadly, millions of wildland acres are burned each year as a result of careless campers, so don’t be one of those people! Part of the adventure is the location, so make sure to treat it right.

Make Memories

Take only photos, leave only footprints. Part of the entire experience is to have an epic off-road experience. All of your activities, and all of your planning is to make the experience memorable. Take your GoPro with you and record the wild rides of the rapids. Take the crazy hike that was longer than you were expecting to get to the top and see the whole world spread in front of you. Go cliff-jumping with your friends. Every off-road experience is unique in and of itself and it’s up to you to seize it with both hands and make the most of it.

Now that you know what to do to make this experience epic, what are you waiting for? You can start planning as soon as you want, then jump into your vehicle and speed off into the unknown. Adventure is waiting for you.

Here’s another article you might like: How to Plan a Fun Camping Trip the Whole Family Will Love