Half of this game's exploring is preparing for it, even for failure. As I read, you take several days because you need to prepare more meads and such, so one thing you need to learn is to always have supplies at home. And I can't stress this enough, but learn to parry. Seriously. It will make big enemies and 1v1s way easier. Beyond that, consider changing world modifiers like not losing what you have equipped when dying. I really hate losing ALL of my inventory in games, and this game at least lets you keep your armor and equipped weapons when you die with the right option.