I’ve climbed in 17 countries! My first international climbing trip was to El Potrero Chico (EPC), Nuevo León, Mexico in April 2023. That week opened my eyes to the expansive possibilities of global climbing and seeing countries with details regular tourists don’t experience. Since then I’ve climbed Mexico – El Potrero Chico, France – Viaduc des Fauvettes, Thailand – Railey & Tonsai, Laos – Thakhek, Cambodia – Banteay Meanchey, Singapore – Dairy Farm Nature Park, Greece – Athens & Kalymnos , Portugal – Nazare & Sintra, Morocco – Todra Gorge, Spain – Costa Blanca, Albania – Krrabë, Malaysia- Kuala Lumpur / Batu Caves, Mongolia – Terlj National Park, Guatemala – Santa Cruz & Cerro Quemado, Korea – Seoul / Bulam-san, Taiwan – Long Dong and 12 states of the United States. It’s been three transformative years and obviously, I’m hooked.
The longest route I’ve ever climbed was “Qui L’eut cru?”, a chill 1800 ft long, 10 pitch, 5.9 in Morocco. My most epic climb was “Durrance” to top out the majestic Devils Tower in Wyoming which is a tough 5.7+ Trad, 500 ft, 6 pitch, Grade II. The hardest crags to find are in Cambodia where our guide got permission to walk through temple grounds and the jungle takes over not often visited crags. In my experience, the easiest countries to climb are Mexico, Greece and Thailand.
I love being a tourist and getting a macro view of an area. Climbing takes it a step further and puts me up close. It’s easy to meet locals with the shared sport and respect of the rock. I’m surprised how many route setters I’ve met too! (I guess they tend to stay around their crag.) Traveling and climbing have opened my eyes to different life styles and opinions. I hope the following checklist encourage and ease your travels:
Before
- Travel clinic: shots for the area (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, malaria), tetanus, antibiotic prescription for severe TD.
- Visa: country dependent. Make sure your passport expiration meets the country requirement.
- Passport: know before you go, some hotels hold your passport for police inspection (don’t be alarmed). Some countries require you keep it on you at all times. Keep a picture of your passport in notes (on your phone).
- Research climb area: mountain project, the crag, Facebook groups, and sometimes a local guide.
- Equipment: know what you need particularly rope length. Headlamp and radios are needed often for multi pitch.
- Clothing: look up the weather but bring layers. Tech shirts are nice because you might need to hand wash and air dry. I try to blend with the locals: exposed legs or shoulders are not always appropriate.
- Luggage: I use (2 or 3) REI Big Haul 34″ Rolling Duffels. Know weight requirements for travel and recognize overages may be charged.
- Car: if you plan to drive be sure your rental is large enough for your luggage and know the terrain. I always buy full coverage and I’ve been grateful for that more than once. Some countries require special drivers permits. Know what ride share is used in the country and have the app downloaded. Some hotels have shuttle service to and from the airport.
- Basic first aid kit. Basic pain meds. Toiletries (can’t count on having shampoo & bag everything, soap, toothpaste, TP), sunblock, chapstick.
- Nice to have: pack sports drink powder (electrolytes), Emergen-C, some US $ (large and small bills but make sure they are in new condition), pillow case, traveler locks, passport purse, and AirTags. It wouldn’t hurt to have probiotic / yogurt drinks a few days before leaving.
- Send a copy of your itinerary and passport to a trusted person at home.
- Embassy: know the location of the closest US embassy in your country of travel. They are there to help if something goes awry.
- Jewelry: don’t make yourself a target, leave it at home.
- Insurance: The American Alpine Club offers rescue coverage for Leader and Advocate level members.
- Local tours: many big cities offer guided tours. I’ve had good experiences with free tip based tours from GuruWalk and FreeTours.com. Airbnb experiences have also been excellent. I try to book a walking tour a day or two of arrival to orient myself and keep me awake to adjust to the time zone.
Once you arrive
- Cameras: most immigration areas are serious about no cameras. Be mindful of who you photograph and ask first. Some cultures believe photos steal their souls. Certain tribes fear you are cataloging children for kidnapping. Natives don’t wear tribal clothing for your entertainment. Lastly, some people just don’t want to be photographed. Please be respectful.
- Water: hotels generally give you bottled water on arrival. But you will likely need to stock up. In some countries, you would be advised to brush your teeth with bottled water.
- Money: I usually withdraw local currency out of a bank after arrival. But you can also bring cash to exchange at a bank or some hotels provided currency exchange. Your best bet is tap to pay but I’ve run into issues with a foreign bank. As crags may be remote, don’t count on being able to withdraw money outside of the big city.
- Food: this is one of the huge draws for travelers! You will need to research the country and area of your travel. But if you have a favorite energy bar or crag snack, pack it with you. Many hotels and hostels near crags will offer packed lunches. I always check the Michelin Guide App for splurge nights.
- Crag safety: remote areas can have loose rock so wear a helmet. Know the local emergency number and have it saved. Occasionally on a multi pitch, I’ve been advised to clip gear that you would normally leave on the ground to the second or third bolt: locals might not understand that a climber is coming back for the gear and think it left / forgotten.
- Be smart. Stay alert.
When you’ve returned
- Write reviews: it helps others find services or avoid your mishaps.
- Share: travel leads to more acceptance and understanding.
Climbing has pushed the level of experiences to new heights for this avid traveler. I would love to encourage you to explore our incredible world!
Trekaphile 