10 Tips For The Budding Urban Explorer

Urban exploration has to be one of the coolest experiences someone can undertake in this modern world of hours. Being an urban explorer and delving into the dark, dank depths of history is impressive and awe-inspiring. Fear, rumors, time, and legal issues are all capable of stopping the budding urban explorer who simply wants to look into the past. Some buildings are dangerous, some are off-limits to the civilian world, and some are just ripe for snapping photographs. Here are ten true-to-life tips for the budding urban explorer.

Gas

Before venturing into the unknown, stop off at a gas station. You really, really need a full tank if you intend to take a road trip to an abandoned building, town, or location of any sort. There is nothing worse than running out of gas at a creepy abandoned farm.

Snacks

Bring some snacks, even if you need to stop at an unhealthy fast-food restaurant. Having something to eat on your person will do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. If you’re hungry, then you are more likely to make mistakes and could potentially get hurt.

Flashlights

Flashlights should be a given, but you would be surprised at how many people actually forget to bring a torch on a quest for the perfect photograph. Most abandoned locations have no electricity, so don’t expect to flip a switch and turn on the lights.

Friends

If you are lucky enough to have a friend interested in urban exploration, then bring them along with you. The chances of something going wrong and you being left to your lonesome are diminished exponentially when you have someone to lend a hand.

Familiar Areas

While urban exploration is all about exploring the unknown and the historic side of the area, try to stick to the areas where you are familiar with. Getting lost is the worst, so explore what you can nearby before delving deeper into the world around you.

Trespassing

At some point in your urban exploration career, trespassing is going to be added to your resume. Going to jail, sadly, will also be added. Condemned buildings and private property are tricky, so avoid them if possible.

GPS

Save up some money when you have the opportunity and invest into a good GPS, like a Garmin or TomTom. They are ideal to have in your car, as you will surely explore the abandoned locations in your hometown within the span of one week. Exploring further out would be cooler, which you are able to do if you know where you’re heading and how to get back home.

Get Lost

A lot of people find that bringing along maps and GPS will help them, but getting lost is part of the fun. In fact, as an explorer, you are absolutely going to get lost at some point in your modest career. Prepare for it, expect it, and don’t be afraid of it.

Charger

When possible, bring a fully charged mobile phone with you. If the floor to the abandoned hospital you are exploring collapses, a smart phone could save your life, even if it means you get in trouble with the local authorities.

Spare Keys

Believe us, forgetting your keys in the locked car you just walked away from while in the middle of nowhere is the worst. Getting help is nearly impossible, so having a spare with you could save your life and your time.