One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is what we call the 3’s of overlanding. These guidelines can also be customized into the 4’s or 5’s, depending on your travel style, but the basic idea is to slow down, stay awhile, and arrive early.
- Try Not to Drive More Than 300 Miles in a Day
It can be tempting to cover as much ground as possible, especially when you’re excited about reaching the next destination. But driving more than 300 miles in a day can leave you exhausted and unable to enjoy the places you’re traveling through.
Overlanding is about the journey, not simply getting from one point to another. Keeping daily driving distances manageable gives you time to stop, explore, take breaks, deal with unexpected delays, and arrive with enough energy to set up camp or settle into your lodging.
- Stay at Least Three Days in an Area
Whenever possible, we try to stay at least three days in one area. That gives us enough time to get a sense of the place instead of simply passing through.
One day may be enough to see the main attraction, but three days allow you to slow down, explore beyond the obvious stops, discover local restaurants or markets, meet people, and understand what makes the area special.
Staying longer also reduces the constant pressure of packing up and moving every day. We’ve learned that sometimes the best travel experiences happen when we stop rushing.
- Arrive Before 3 p.m.—and Definitely Before Dark
We also try to arrive at our lodging or campsite by 3 p.m., and definitely before it gets dark.
Whether we’re boondocking, wild camping, staying at a hotel or motel, booking an Airbnb, or using a developed campsite, arriving early gives us time to look around and make a good decision.
You don’t want to arrive in an unfamiliar area, town, or city after dark. In daylight, you can see the surroundings, assess the campsite or neighborhood, and change locations if something doesn’t feel safe.
Sometimes your instincts or gut tell you that an area isn’t right. It’s much easier to listen to those feelings when you still have daylight, time, and options.
Arriving early also gives us time to set up camp without rushing, find supplies if necessary, and settle in before the evening begins.
These three guidelines have helped us enjoy the journey more and avoid unnecessary stress:
- Drive less than 300 miles when possible.
- Stay at least three days in an area.
- Arrive and find lodging before 3 p.m. and always before dark.