You've organised your passport and visas, picked up the tickets and packed your bags. So are you ready to head off overseas? It's official: backpacking is the bomb! As a backpacker you'll see some of the most beautiful places in the world, meet incredible people and try amazing new things. But if you've never ventured away from the comforts of home before, it can be a bit daunting. So here are 10 top tips for backpackers.
As the old saying goes, "If you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to travel!" This is the best advice you'll get. No matter how carefully you plan, things can and will go wrong and comprehensive travel insurance is the best safety net you can have.
For reliability and ease, a backpack is still a budget traveller's best friend. But don't pack what you don't need. There is nothing worse than lugging around a cumbersome pack while trying to find a place to stay. Whatever you think you're missing, you'll certainly be able to buy it on the road.
This might sound a little crazy, but if your backpack looks as though it has been around the block a few times, would-be thieves are more likely to avoid it. They're bound to go for the brand spanking new pack next to yours which they'll think contains lots of expensive high-tech gizmos.
The basic rule for backpacking is to be as flexible as possible. You're bound to meet new friends on the road, so don't plan your route too far in advance. That said, booking a hostel bed for the first few nights in a new city is a good idea. As for the rest, be spontaneous and have fun!
Comfortable shoes are a must! But they're bulky and awkward to carry, so limit what you take — perhaps just a good pair of lace-up boots or trainers for hiking and a casual pair of sandals. And don't forget your flip-flops — they're a must-have for public showers.
Never carry huge amounts of cash. Beside the possibility that you could be robbed, you may simply lose it. So if possible only carry a couple of days' worth of money, kept in small denominations. Take a variety of money options such as credit card, some cash and perhaps some travellers cheques. And whatever you do, don't keep all your money in the one place.
Money belts are great for concealing your cash and passport. But if you're worried about someone swiping it while you sleep (or even if you're not), keep it in your sleeping bag or tuck it in your pillow case. It's unlikely any thief would be brave enough to look for it there!
Unfortunately, memories fade with time. So keeping a travel journal is a wonderful way of recording your activities, storing photos and mementos and collecting information to share with others when you get home.
While a guidebook certainly shouldn't be considered the "Bible", they do give extensive rundowns on accommodation, transport and sightseeing and also offer heaps of information to help make backpacking easy. If nothing else, reading your guide will help pass the time while you wait for the next bus.
With Internet cafes sprouting up like mushrooms in almost every city and backwater town around the world, it has never been easier to stay in touch. Not only is it vital to have a few regular contacts at home who can keep tabs on you, but they're great places to meet fellow travellers.
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