Family travel advice from a military mindset

Setbacks happen, even to the most seasoned travellers among us. Having an emergency preparedness “toolkit” can go a long way to lessening the impact. 

When we think of a toolkit for travel we normally focus more on physical tools and equipment to work on the vehicle and fix things that need fixing.
Like jacks spare wheel fuel and oil ect..
However this may not be enough, especially if you are looking for something more adventures than the day trip commute.
A well planned  emergency preparation kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road quickly, and being stranded for hours 

Start by visualizing travel mishaps 

For inspiration and ideas on what to include in your emergency preparedness plan,and what additional measures to put in place, it might help to visualize some common travel mishaps, e.g., 
• Vehicle breakdown 
• Adverse weather conditions 
• Length of the trip 
• Level of risk of the trip (wild animals, high crime rate, corruption of local services ect.) 

In the forces this was done by having a pre deployment brief where we were given as much information on where and what we were going to be doing giving us the information needed to plan ahead. 

Before setting off. 

Copy your passport 

Always carry a copy of the information page of your passport. It will last for years if it’s laminated. Carry it in your day bag and use it when a passport is required for purchasing a SIM card, checking into accommodation, or obtaining medical attention. Chances are if someone other than an immigration officer asks for your passport, a copy will do. In countries where corruption is tolerated, you’re less likely to be the victim of extortion if you hand over a laminated copy to someone purporting to be a public official. 

A copy is useful in the event you lose or damage your passport and need to apply for an emergency replacement. Before your trip, visit your country’s website for a description of the process. Chances are you’ll be able to have a replacement within 24 hours if you have the necessary documentation and follow the steps involved 

Emergency contact card 

A laminated credit-card-sized card containing emergency contact information takes up no space in your wallet and it will always be with you. Well, hopefully. Laminate a few backup copies for the pocket in your phone case, passport sleeve, day bag, and main travel bag. Leave one with a stay-at-home family member. Perhaps give one to each of your travelling companions or tell them where they can be found. A pack of do-it-yourself laminating cards can be picked up in most office supplies shops and will help keep the information waterproof. 

A connected phone 

A mobile phone connected to a cellular network can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Good strong communication means are an asset well travelling anywhere. 

If you have an unlocked phone, monthly plans with generous data and calling features can be had for $30 or less in most countries
Always inform your network provider in advance that you are planning to visit other countries. This way they are less likely to cut you off when you try to call from another country, also they can advise you on any extra costs or additional issues that may arise well using your phone abroad. 

CB radio and or walky-talkies’ are great to help you communicate with other family members in your vehicle convoy. 

Time to head off.. 

Car Emergency Kit “Must Haves”  

• Durable canvas bag to store supplies 

• No-spill fuel can filled with the right fuel for your vehicle  (2-5 gal. At least, more if the trip is longer and you have space for it. ) 

• Jumper cables (12-20’, be sure to get the right gauge for your vehicle)
As above we recommend heavy duty cables for use on any vehicle larger than a family car. 

• Battery powered jump starter (again regulated to the vehicles being used) 

• Roadside flares/glowsticks (×4 per vehicle minimum this can cover all sides of the vehicle well in an immobilized state) 

• Flat tire inflation canister (non-explosive normally spray gell type) 

• Spare tire and jack (check the quality of the spare and the effectiveness of the jack before you set off) 

• Spare car fuses (and know where the fuse box is and how to change them) 

• First aid supplies kit (extra supplies may be required for longer trips and higher the risk the more likely to need it, learn first aid skills before you set off as knowledge could be the difference between life and death.) 

• Bottled water (2-3 gal.)
This is especially important in outback locations not only for the people in your convoy but for the running of the vehicles themselves (older vehicles will require water for the radiator to work and window washers ect) 

• Granola / energy bars high protein quick snacks on the road. 

• Small tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, vise grips, adjustable wrench, tire pressure gauge, etc.) Again try to learn how to fix the vehicle before setting off. 

• Flashlight and extra batteries or flashlight that doesn’t need batteries remember that working at night is harder when you can’t see what you are working on. 

• Small, foldable shovel.  Digging out of boggy mud , sand or snow will be harder by hand. 

• Car escape tool  (incl. seatbelt cutter and window breaker) 

• Road maps and a compass (must have if Internet is limited or GPS goes down. And learn how to use them.) 

• Blankets. (it gets cold at night even in a vehicle.) 

• Extra gloves, boots, wool socks, stocking cap (for colder climates) 

• Car fire extinguisher (ABC type) co2 or dry powder as they work with electrical fires and most liquid fires. 

• Antifreeze, oil and any other engine related top-ups 

• Roll of duct tape (perfect for fixing so many things) 

• Paper towels / rags (cleaning soaking up spills) 

• Superglue (perfect for fixing small cracks in the window screen) 

• Pen and paper 

• Multipurpose tool 

• Seasonal supplies (rain gear, umbrella, ice scraper snow chains sand ladders etc.)


When you have more than one vehicle for your trip. HAVE THE SAME EQUIPMENT LOADED ON ALL VEHICLES IN YOUR CONVOY. 

Well travelling in convoy Always try to keep distance between vehicles of about 25 metres or 4 car lengths, this will give the best chance to react in an emergency. And make sure following vehicles won’t get stuck in the same situation as the leading vehicle if a problem arises.
Good planning makes for a safer trip.
Be well versed with the vehicle you are using both driving skills and mechanical skills needed to work on most parts and environments (night driving and weather conditions make driving more difficult) 

RED TEAM WISHES YOU ALL A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE JOURNEY.
For more information on travel security please check our blog post. 20 Top Tips For Staying Safe While Traveling