Let’s talk…tour planning. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Planning? But that takes all the spontaneity out of it!” And you’re right, to a certain extent. Half the fun of adventure riding is embracing the unknown and letting the road lead you where it may. But trust me, a little bit of planning can go a long way in ensuring your trip is epic, not epic-ly disastrous.

1. The Wilderness Factor: Dodge the Crowds

Remember when Chile’s Carretera Austral was this rugged, untouched paradise? Well, the secret’s out, and those once-empty roads are getting a bit crowded. All it means, though, is that it’s worth doing some research. With a little digging, you can still find those hidden gems. Instead of joining the throngs of tourists at the Marble Caves in Puerto Rio Tranquilo, head to Puerto Sanchez. Locals there will take you on a boat trip that’s way cooler and less crowded. Same goes for Ecuador – skip the tourist trap of Baños and explore the smaller Amazonian towns. iOverlander is your best friend here. Use it!

2. To Book or Not to Book: The Accommodation Conundrum

Got months to roam? Wing it! A week and a rough itinerary? Book ahead! You’ll snag those sweet spots and save some cash. Oh, and if you’re sharing a room with your riding buddy, always double-check there are two beds. Unless you enjoy the symphony of someone else’s snoring, that is.

3. Terrain Talk: Mountains Mean Slow Going

Even if you’re sticking to paved roads, mountains throw curveballs. Hairpin bends, steep inclines, and the occasional landslide can seriously slow you down. Factor that into your itinerary, or you might find yourself riding in the dark (not fun).

4. Pack Light, Pack Smart: You’re Not on a Desert Island

Guess what? Even in the remotest corners of the world, you’ll find toothpaste, phone chargers, and painkillers. Don’t overpack! Bring the essentials: your meds, basic tools, a spare tube, passport, battery pack, and a good old-fashioned paper map (because technology fails).

5. Riding Buddy Blues: Group Dynamics 101

Rolling with a crew? Think logistics! Can your chosen hotels handle a biker gang in terms of ample (and safe) parking? Do they have restaurants, or will you be scavenging for snacks at gas stations? Plan ahead, especially if you’re arriving late and hangry.

6. Airline Apocalypse: Take Control of Your Destiny

Airlines messing with your flights? Sometimes, it’s cheaper to buy a new connecting flight than to wait for the airline to sort it out. Trust me, a 20-hour layover in El Salvador is not how you want to spend your precious vacation time.

7. The Buffer Zone: The Art of Not Missing Your Flight Home

Always, and I mean always, budget an extra day or half-day for your return. Unexpected delays happen. Road closures, traffic jams, that one last empanada you just had to try… Don’t risk missing your flight home because you were trying to squeeze in one more adventure.

8. Visa Vigilance: Don’t Mess with the Law

Overstaying your visa or bike import permit is a big no-no. Seriously, don’t do it. The consequences are never worth it.

9. Weather Wisdom: Don’t Be a Fool in the Cold

Pay attention to the seasons, especially the Northern vs Southern hemisphere! Riding through Patagonia in September? Yeah, not a good idea. Don’t ask me how I know, it’s too embarrassing.

10. Mileage Mania: Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

We all want to see it all, but let’s be realistic. 2-300 miles a day is a good target, especially if you’re tackling off-road sections. Pushing yourself too hard leads to exhaustion, mistakes, and missed opportunities to soak in the scenery.

11. Group Groan: Factor in the “Faffer” Factor

Riding with buddies? Build in extra time. Someone will need to pee every hour. Someone will want to photograph every cow. Someone will need a caffeine fix. Shorten those daily miles to avoid riding in the dark and grumbling buddies.

12. The Rental vs. Buying Dilemma: A Traveler’s Conundrum

Short trip (10-14 days)? Rent! Long haul (2+ months)? Consider buying! But do your homework. Some countries have strict rules about foreigners leaving with locally registered bikes. You don’t want to be stuck.

13. Embrace the Unexpected: It’s All Part of the Adventure

No matter how much you plan, things will go wrong. Embrace it! Those unexpected detours, those impromptu campsites, those moments of “what the heck just happened?” – that’s where the real magic happens. So, plan wisely, but leave room for spontaneity. After all, isn’t that what adventure is all about?

What parts of your trips do you leave to chance and which, to planning? Share in the comments below!

Images: Egle