Trip Planning Process Summary

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"You have all planned your own trips locally, interstate or overseas. The principles here are the same with a few different items to cover the club" - Veronica Weber, previous active club member.

The following is a list, condensed from the 7 page handout of prompts and ideas from which a plan can be drawn. It is not conclusive and can be considered a guide. Choose which ones apply then expand. If you are not sure, ASK. We will help! More detailed handouts are available.

YOU THE LEADER:
Grasp the idea, plan it and go for it! Don’t get anxious. You can discuss hurdles and overcome. Be confident! You can do it!

THE TRIP: Who, How, When, Where, Why, What, Wheedle.
Concept: May be a whim or specific. Ask for ideas. Acknowledge original idea person.
Where: Should it it be pre-tripped? Who has been there? Any info? Ask.
Style/Activities: 4WD, expedition, rough & tough, camping, CVP, Bush, community project, scenery, flowers, etc.
Information gathering: Web, books, library, verbal, tourist office, DPAW, other clubs, members.
Accommodation: Luxury, CVP, bush, cost, deposit, conditions, permits, options.
Itinerary/ Duration: kms per day. Total return kms. Where are the stops & camps? Allow time for breaks, fuel, elastic in itinerary, mishaps, scenery, walks, R&R.
Difficulty: Dissect into categories. How much of each. Driver experience. Encourage new people & on the job instruction. An Assistant or Co-leader?
When: Season, hot/cold, wet, flowers, activities, project, holidays.
Meeting at: Be specific. Leave on time – no waiting.

VEHICLES:
HOW MANY: Minimum/maximum? Less on remote, expeditions or challenging trips.
RELIEF DRIVERS: Have enough passengers who could swap with drivers
LONGEST LEG: Driver fatigue, Stops for fuel, gerry cans, toilet, snacks, shopping, activities.
Vehicle ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA: Models, modifications, driver ability any scrutineering?
MODELS: Any not suitable? Clearance, load, reliability, fuel economy, trailers/campers, roof-racks sturdy. Fire extinguishers.
EQUIPMENT SHARED, spares, tools & recovery gear: Who has what. Check lists, Must Have list. Collate parts, tools, fuel cans, tyres, shade tarps etc. Share it.
COMMUNICATIONS: Must have CB - hire? HF radio? satellite phone? EPirb?
ANIMALS: Yes/No and danger of poison baits, risks, NPs, stations, farms.
CATERING: Groups, separately, sharing, fridges, stoves, fires, drinking water.
RED TAPE: Permits, bookings/ deposit, DPAW, NPs, costs, fees, money, cards, cash back-up. CB hire, check lists, maps, attendance list. Delegate trip scribe of the day.
PROMO: Try for 6 months in mag. See handout “Trip Promotions”.
SAFETY: Emergency: Have a cup of tea! Alternatives, recovery plan. Supervise.
Exits: Escape route, alternative route, detours, join/ leave points.
Recovery: Take gear. Follow guidelines, Worksafe. Supervise.
First Aid: Personal medicines, club kit, emergency, family emergency contacts in glovebox.

ON THE DAY: Drivers meeting, participants all here, appoint scribe of the day, convoy procedure, rotate convoy order, kids up front, next stop, CB procedures, test radios when on road, Tail End Charlie, all tanks full, who has gear (especially First Aid kits and recovery), advise in advance (blow a whistle) when moving off, pack up, change convoy order.

Ian Johnson @ October 2014