For some, backpacking is the only way to travel. For others, it’s a terrifying prospect. How do you pack everything you need into one tiny backpack? That’s the beauty of backpacking. Having everything you need in one tiny backpack. Here are ten tips for first-time backpackers.
1. Pack light
It’s tempting to take your whole wardrobe to avoid the discomfort of dirty clothes, or even worse, dirty underclothes. Truth is you end up wearing very few items when you travel, irrespective of how much you pack. Take key pieces for warm and cold and if you’re going to overdo anything, make it socks and underwear. See Tyson Jopson‘s blog on how to pack a backpack.
2. Leave your fashionista behind
Technical apparel is bland yet practical so look for terms like “quick drying”, “light weight” and “temperature controlling” when you go shopping. Take one sassy item for special occasions and don’t leave home without a kikoi – it acts as a towel, scarf, skirt, dress, light blanket and pillow.
3. Take a sleeping bag
Even if you don’t plan on camping, budget blown, you may find yourself at the dodgy end of the backpackers scale. A clean protective layer always comes in handy.
3. Consider your technology
Do you take a light point-and-shoot camera or a heavier but more versatile SLR? If you opt for your SLR what lenses are most essential? Kindle or iPad? iPad or laptop? How many storage cards? How many storage drives? Each person has different priorities but chances are technology is something you will want to consider. Give yourself time and whatever you decide to take, make sure you can carry it all without feeling vulnerable or overladen.
4. Take one good guidebook
iPads and Kindles are great but you want something robust that you can take anywhere, drop, get dirty and tear pages out of if necessary. Lonely Planet and Footprints are the bibles of travel but browse your bookstore and find one you relate to.
5. Choose your time of year wisely
Peak season comes with more people and higher prices and it’s not necessarily the best climatic time of year to go. Do your research and don’t feel obliged to follow the crowd.
6. In peak season book everything in advance
This goes for your accommodation, transport and activities. This leaves little room for spontaneity but you don’t run the risk of wondering around a strange town with nowhere to sleep – or missing that box you really wanted to tick.
7. Research visa and vaccine requirements
Not having the right paperwork or shots will stop you dead in your tracks so sort it all out before you leave. Blogs are useful information portals but double check against official sites.
8. Take out comprehensive medical coverage
A stolen camera is easily replaced but being airlifted out of the middle of nowhere with a broken leg could bankrupt you and your family. Don’t rely on luck!
9. Make friends
By staying in backpackers and hostels, you join a fraternity of open-minded travellers that is always happy to take on one more. Break out of your shell. Talk to strangers. If you do something embarrassing or find yourself in a group you don’t like, just leave and try again. No explanation necessary.
10. Keep your wits about you
This is particularly true if you are travelling alone. Make friends but don’t be naïve. There are bad guys out there and you don’t want to end up like Bridget Jones, sitting in a Thai prison with no bra.
Picture credit: Kate Goss
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