Considering backpacking? There’s no better time than the present to live this dream. Following the pandemic, many of us have grown tired of being cooped up in our own homes and want to actually get out there and experience the world. Backpacking is a low-cost and low-maintenance way to see a lot of the world on a tighter budget, especially if you’re planning on travelling for extended periods of time. Here are a few pieces of guidance that can help you to plan the trip of a lifetime.
Planning Your Trip
Of course, if you’re going to go backpacking, you’re going to need to decide where you’re actually going. The world is your oyster. There are countless countries, cities and rural destinations out there for you to see. This could be a few months road tripping across America, volunteering in animal sanctuaries in South America, staying in hostels across South East Asia or a host of other options. What’s best for you will depend on your individual tastes and preferences. Do plenty of research. Consider climate, activities, accommodation style, major sights you want to see and more. Once you’ve chosen a destination, look up the best time of year to visit. Some destinations are ideal during certain months but face monsoon seasons or hurricane seasons at other times of the year. Be safe. Read other travellers’ blogs or reviews.
Travel Vaccinations
Once you’ve settled on a destination, one of the first things you should do is look into required and recommended travel vaccinations. Different countries may have exposure to prevalent or common diseases and viruses that your body isn’t used to. Travel vaccinations help you to protect yourself against these issues and minimise your chances of growing ill while away. Some courses of vaccination can take a month or even longer, so definitely consult your GP sooner rather than later to get them all in before you head away.
Accommodation
Where are you going to stay on your travels? There are countless options when it comes to accommodation. If you have a large budget, you can use hotels. If you are looking for a home away from home, Airbnb can provide solutions. If you want to keep costs low or want to meet other like-minded travellers, hostels are a good choice. If you want to be at one with nature, you may want to consider camping. Looking to see a lot of places fast? Road tripping or van life may be for you. Browse options, read reviews and prepare for the different lifestyle that your chosen option may entail.
Choosing a Travel Backpack
Most backpackers take a backpack on their travels – the clue is in the name – rather than a suitcase. This is because a backpack can be more easily carried around while heading from one location to another. Suitcases are ideal for city breaks and paved locations, however, their wheels can start to fail on more rough terrain. There are many options out there with travel backpacks, so read reviews, consider capacity, consider organisation and storage compartments and consider your budget to find the best to suit your needs.
Preparing Clothes
You’re likely going to need different clothes from the ones you may wear on a daily basis at home while you’re away. If you’re backpacking, formal wear can likely go out of the window. Consider the climate of your destination. Consider activities you’re going to engage with. Then pack accordingly. You will likely need to shop swimwear before heading away, as well as picking up some covering or modest clothing if you are planning on visiting places with dress codes, such as temples and religious sites.
Other Essentials
A few other essentials to pack away include sunscreen (it’s important to protect your skin and avoid trip-ruining sunburn), after sun (to soothe your skin at the end of the day), insect repellent (especially if there are biting bugs and mosquitos in your chosen destination), sunglasses, a sunhat and other protective essentials. You should also consider packing up a travel first aid kit, as certain products you may easily be able to get your hands on at home may not be so readily available in your destination. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, a travellers’ diarrhoea kit, blister patches, antiseptic, eye baths, tweezers, plasters and more are all great additions to have at hand. Also, take out backpackers’ travel insurance.
Of course, other elements will go into planning long-term backpacking, but hopefully, some of the suggestions above will help to guide your journey in the right direction and will contribute to the success of your trip!
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