You know that moment when you’re standing in an airport, duffle packed, passport in hand, heart racing with excitement…only to realize you made a rookie mistake? We’ve been there!
We’re a team of adventure travelers with decades of experience in some of the world’s most incredible hiking destinations, and along the way we’ve picked up key travel lessons (sometimes the hard way)!
We created this guide to help adventurous women like you avoid 9 common adventure travel flight pitfalls, so your next trip is smooth, safe, and panic free!
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Wear Your Hiking Boots on the Plane
You might be tempted to shove your bulky hiking boots into your checked luggage and opt for comfy slip-ons instead. But remember, lost luggage happens, and the last thing you want is to start your trek frantically hunting for new, non-broken in boots at your destination.
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Give Yourself an Extra DaY
(Especially at Altitude)
Many adventurers underestimate the effects of altitude until they land and are feeling the effects. Flying straight into high-altitude destinations like Cusco or Quito and immediately starting your adventure gives your body less time to adjust and can lead to more intense altitude symptoms.
💡 Key Fact: Altitude sickness can hit as low as 8,000 feet (2,500 m), and symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches. To acclimate properly, give yourself a buffer day to rest, explore, and hydrate before pushing your body too hard.
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Wear Compression Socks
Not the sexiest travel accessory, but a serious game-changer! Long-haul flights wreak havoc on circulation, and compression socks help prevent swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a condition that air travelers are at higher risk for. So, when your flight is over 6 hours, wear compression socks and get up to stretch every few hours to improve circulation.
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Carry On Your Portable Battery Packs
And Power banks
Most airlines won’t let you pack lithium battery packs in checked luggage, so check before you fly and visit your airline’s official website and review their battery restrictions to avoid delays or confiscation.
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PUT YOUR Trekking Poles IN YOUR CHECKED BACK
Trekking poles fall into a gray area when it comes to airport security regulations—some airports and airlines permit them in carry-on bags, while others have strict rules that prohibit them altogether. To avoid any last-minute surprises or the risk of having to surrender your gear at security, it’s best to play it safe. Pack your trekking poles in your checked luggage. Just make sure they’re well-padded or secured within your bag to protect them from potential damage during handling and transit!
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Make Sure Your Passport is Valid for SIX for Months After Your Trip
You finally booked the dream adventure, packed your bags, made it to the airport—only to get turned away because your passport expires too soon. Many countries require at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your travel dates, and airlines will not let you board if you don’t meet this requirement. Check your passport validity well in advance!
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Check Visa Requirements
(Including Transit Visas)
Don’t let a paperwork issue derail your trip before it even begins. Some countries require visas just to transit through their airports—even if you're not leaving the terminal. Others have specific entry rules depending on your passport. Before you book that flight (and definitely before you board), check the entry and transit visa requirements for ALL the countries on your itinerary.
💡 Travel Truth: You could be denied boarding at your departure airport if you don’t have the right transit documentation—even for a layover as short as an hour.
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Pack Your Meds (and Your Favorite Layers)
in Your Carry-On
If your checked bag gets delayed or lost, being without your medication is stressful enough—but imagine also missing your trusted down jacket or other key layers that keep you warm and comfortable on the trail. Always carry your meds and your most essential clothing in your carry-on (like your favorite insulated jacket or base layers). It’s peace of mind that fits right into your backpack and can make all the difference when you land.
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Hydrate, Don’t Celebrate (Yet)
We get it. Vacation mode hits the moment you board the plane. But if you’re headed into a physically demanding hike, especially at altitude or after a long-haul flight, alcohol will not do you any favors. It dehydrates you, disrupts sleep, and worsens jet lag—all of which can hit hard when you’re gearing up for hikes or treks the next day.
💡 Pro Tip: Start hydrating before your flight, skip the celebratory wine, and drink plenty of water during and after. There’ll be plenty of time to raise a glass after you summit.
Ready for your next adventure? Drop us a comment below or check out our upcoming adventures!
