Urban exploration, commonly known as urbex, is the act of exploring abandoned buildings or ruins to discover hidden, unexplored locations. You can do this thrilling activity either alone or with friends. The thrill comes from exploring the unknown and finding what lies within those hidden pathways. This article will take you on a thrilling ride through the world of urban exploration, highlighting its allure among niche travelers.
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An Introduction to Urban Exploration
Urban exploration involves people visiting places that are abandoned or inaccessible. Some examples of such locations range from old factories, abandoned homes and schools, and even underground tunnels. It’s an opportunity to discover what was once considered lone and forgotten and capture the uniqueness of such locations. Urban exploration attracts a variety of individuals, each with their own motives. Some are passionate photographers, while others are adventurous thrill seekers. Historians also see urban exploration as a way to connect with past events.
Tips for Explorers
So, you know a few places that have been abandoned and would love to peek at what’s in store. Urban exploration is anything but a walk in the park. It comes with real risk and danger that you should always remain aware of. A single mistake could lead to severe consequences. Here are some valuable tips to ensure your safety while exploring:
Never Go Alone
No matter how much of a thrill-seeker you might be, never try to explore abandoned areas all by yourself. If none of your friends are interested in urban exploration, look for people in online groups such as Facebook and Reddit. Look up r/AbandonedAsylums, r/Urbex, and r/urbanexploration for more info.
Wear the Right Attire
Preppy dresses and casual attire are unsafe when exploring abandoned buildings. Wear thick soled shoes to save your feet from damage by sharp objects and wear flexible bottoms such as track pants or sports pants to scale walls and debris. Consider investing in masks to avoid inhaling dust, and always use gloves.
Lights on!
Always keep a reliable light source (preferably a flashlight) and spare batteries. Pitch-black environments are not where you want to be when you’re busy exploring.
Charge your Phone
Keep mobile devices fully charged before exploring, so you can communicate with your fellow explorers. Consider using battery banks in case of an emergency.
Bring Pepper Spray
If you happen to come across anyone who isn’t a part of your team and is unfriendly to you, a bottle of pepper spray can help you defend yourself. They are small, compact, and non-lethal. Avoid bringing weapons such as guns or knives, as they could cause legal ramifications.
The Legality of Urban Exploration
It is highly important to consider the legal aspects of urban exploration before you head out to give it a spin. Each country has different property laws and sanctions, but in most countries around the world, encroaching on private property is illegal and punishable by law. Contact the owner or supervisor of the area to let them know you are exploring the area and ask for an opportunity to visit and take photos. The most important rule of urban exploration is to respect the place you’re visiting, no matter how long they’ve been abandoned. Do not damage any part of the property, as it is a serious crime in many nations. Explore cautiously with respect, not to cause further destruction.
Whether you’re captivated by the allure of forgotten architecture, intrigued by its mysteries, or seeking the perfect shot for your camera, urban exploration has something to offer everyone.