How to Protect Your Loved Ones Before a Risky Trip: Complete Guide 2026

You're planning a high-altitude trek, desert crossing, or trip to a remote area? This guide explains how to protect your loved ones by setting up an automatic alert system and safety measures adapted to risky trips.

Message sent automatically in case of problemAdaptable check-in period (3-30 days)Detailed instructions for your loved onesFree setup in 10 minutes

What trips are considered "risky"?

A trip is considered risky when rescue or communication is complicated:

  • •Outdoor adventures
  • •High-altitude trekking (Himalayas, Andes, Alps)
  • •Desert crossing (Sahara, Gobi, Atacama)
  • •Polar expedition or remote area
  • •Self-sufficient mountaineering and climbing
  • •Long-distance hiking (GR20, Pacific Crest Trail)
  • •Trips to difficult areas
  • •Countries without reliable medical infrastructure
  • •Conflict zones or political instability
  • •Regions with limited phone network
  • •Sea or ocean navigation
  • •Extreme sports
  • •Skydiving, base jumping
  • •Deep diving
  • •Speed sports (motorcycle, off-piste skiing)
  • •Rally raid

Step 1: Prepare an automatic safety message

The most important measure before a risky trip:

  • •Why is it essential?
  • •In these situations, you may be:
  • •Injured and unable to communicate
  • •Stuck without network for days
  • •Hospitalized in a foreign country
  • •Missing following an accident
  • •What the automatic message does
  • •Notifies your loved ones if you don't check in
  • •Gives them precise instructions to act
  • •Provides all useful information for rescue
  • •Risky trip specific content
  • •Detailed day-by-day itinerary
  • •Expected waypoints with dates
  • •Guide/companion contact details
  • •Local rescue numbers
  • •Embassy/consulate contacts

Step 2: Configure a short check-in period

For a risky trip, reduce the verification period:

  • •Recommendations
  • •Remote trek: 3-5 days
  • •Extreme expedition: 2-3 days
  • •Risk zone trip: 5-7 days
  • •Offshore navigation: 7 days

Why so short?
In case of accident in a remote area, every day counts for rescue. An alert delay of 48-72h can make the difference between life and death.

  • •Constraining?
  • •Yes, but manageable. Plan your check-in points:
  • •Refuge with WiFi
  • •Village passed through
  • •Satellite point if equipped

Tip: If you know you'll be without network for X days, configure the period accordingly and inform your loved ones.

Step 3: Complement with safety equipment

Automatic message + equipment = maximum protection:

Recommended equipment

| Equipment | Use | Indicative price |
|-----------|-----|------------------|
| PLB Beacon | Satellite SOS | $200-350 |
| Garmin inReach | Satellite messages | $350-450 + sub |
| Spot X | Satellite communication | $250-300 + sub |
| GPS Tracker | Real-time position | $100-200 + sub |

  • •Limitations of this equipment
  • •❌ Require manual action
  • •❌ Can be lost/damaged
  • •❌ Don't send personalized messages to your loved ones

Why automatic message remains essential?
Even with a PLB beacon, your loved ones won't know what to do. The automatic message gives them context and instructions to act effectively with rescue services.

Step 4: Create a complete travel file

Prepare a file to share with your loved ones and include in your message:

  • •Basic information
  • •Passport and visa copy
  • •Travel and repatriation insurance number
  • •Credit card number (in case of block)
  • •Blood type and allergies
  • •Detailed itinerary
  • •Day-by-day planning
  • •GPS coordinates of waypoints
  • •Estimated time between each stage
  • •Alternatives in case of problem
  • •Local contacts
  • •Guide / local agency
  • •Refuges / accommodations
  • •Embassy / consulate
  • •Local mountain/sea rescue

Storage
Shared Google Drive or Dropbox. Include the link in your automatic message.

Step 5: Brief your loved ones before departure

Your loved ones must know what to do:

  • •Explain the system
  • •How the automatic message works
  • •Why they might receive it (no network vs real problem)
  • •What they should do first

Define a clear protocol
1. Receive message → Don't panic
2. Try to reach you (WhatsApp, email)
3. Contact your local contact (guide, hotel)
4. If still no news: embassy + rescue

  • •Give them means to act
  • •Access to shared travel file
  • •Important numbers printed at their home
  • •Power of attorney if necessary (bank, etc.)

Tip: Have a 30-minute meeting before departure to explain everything.

Checklist before departure

Verify everything is in place:

Automatic Laterly message
☐ Message written with complete itinerary
☐ Recipients configured (2-3 people)
☐ Check-in period adapted to trip
☐ Message activated

Documentation
☐ Shared travel file (Drive/Dropbox)
☐ Document copy with a loved one
☐ Emergency numbers noted in multiple places

Equipment
☐ PLB or satellite beacon if necessary
☐ External battery for phone
☐ Physical maps as backup

Loved ones briefed
☐ They understand the automatic message system
☐ They have the action protocol
☐ They have access to shared file

Safe travels! Leave with peace of mind.

Questions fréquentes

Configure your message with a delay slightly longer than the planned expedition duration (e.g., 25 days for 3 weeks). Inform your loved ones of this delay. Include in the message that absence of news during this period is normal. As soon as you return to civilization, immediately check in.

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