Principles of Overlanding International Travel Security for Overlanders

verland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews JJ, a U.S. Department of State Foreign Service/Diplomatic Security professional based in Sub-Saharan Africa, about practical travel security for international travelers and overlanders. JJ shares how his background and overseas work shaped his approach to preparation, including using travel.state.gov for country-specific requirements, enrolling in STEP for alerts and consular support, and keeping hard and digital copies of key documents. They discuss what to do if you lose a passport, handling medical emergencies, and why travel advisories often specify regions and changing security postures. JJ covers common mistakes with restricted items (prescriptions, knives, drones, sat phones), border-crossing behavior and organization, cultural respect and avoiding confrontation, communication plans with multiple backups, avoiding night driving and excessive speed, using local knowledge, and guidance on complying during robberies. JJ also recommends two books: "Surfing: What Surfing Taught Me About Love, Life, and Catching the Perfect Wave" and "Out of Captivity."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.