Originally posted by GrinfilledCelt:

... or you can do that. Just remember to build a portal near where you intend to die beforehand.

It's not about placing a portal "near where you intend to die"... It's about keeping portal materials on your person whenever you go out exploring, especially if going to be a long distance from home, or crossing any ocean and Placing that portal (with suitable connection at base), FIRST, before exploring any new area...

It's not about reading the future, it's about being prepared for the inevitable future, where something is going to kill you. especially if exploring areas you are not meant to be in yet.