Distance is irrelevant. You will unlock portals that allow you to teleport between
locations. Make bases wherever you like. Your 'home' base should be near the seashore because you cannot teleport ore/metal bars and must use a ship. Yes there are better ships
than the raft. And of course you can have numerous bases. You will unlock important
tools in the Black Forest. Stay out of the Swamp, Mountains and Plains (if you find them)
for now as you will die almost immediately; also you will freeze in the Mountains.
Have fun and don't be in a hurry.

TOO SLOW