Everyone loves to travel around the world from time to time. However, you mostly don’t like to move around with a lot of luggage. Your best solution is a backpack. If it is your first backpacking trip, you’re probably wondering how to go about it. Worry no more; you’re in the right place.
Before you leave for your trip, here are a few tips on the things you must know if you are a first-time backpacker.
Do Not Overpack
While you’re on your trip, you will feel the weight of everything you pack. Therefore, it would be best if you only packed what you really need. A good trick would be to pack a few days before your trip and then go through the items to make sure they are necessary.
You don’t need high-tech gadgets
It would be best if you did not spend a lot of money on gadgets. You don’t need them. By the time you are finishing your trip, don’t be surprised if you’re carrying around a bag with a few t-shirts. Don’t spend money on tech gadgets instead focus on the essentials like socks, underwear, etc.
Avoid Flying Whenever Possible
In as much as flying is great, grab every opportunity you get to travel over-ground. You’ll particularly enjoy train travels which allow you to enjoy the beautiful landscape that you’ve not seen before.
You Cannot Preplan Everything
Don’t try to preplan every step of your backpacking trip; it is not possible. Sometimes it is more fun to let go of your concerns and flow with the tour. Allow the journey to take you to where you were supposed to go.
You Will Not Find Everything on the Internet
While on your trip, some of the best dishes you’ll eat will be in food places you stumbled upon. Don’t Google everything, try something outside the box, you’ll have more fun discovering things organically.
You Must Know How to Get Rid Of a Bad Travel Companion
You will most probably meet a person that will think you’re their new best friend on your trip. They will become clingers and follow you everywhere you go. You should know how to get rid of them politely. Learn to spot a clinger because you will surely meet one.
Have a Flexible Itinerary
If you want to have an excellent experience backpacking, you should take your time. Spend a good time at every destination. Make your schedule flexible enough to allow you to spend more time in places you like and less time in places you don’t like.
Have a Travel Sheet
The one thing you should buy for your trip is a travel sheet. You might find some very unpleasant hotel sheets on your journey. Furthermore, you can use the sheets on the plane, trains and airport sleepovers.
Don’t Let a Bad Moment Ruin Your Trip
While on your trip, there are moments when everything goes bad. You might miss a flight, get mugged, or lose something precious. You could even get lost. To avoid freaking out, before you set off for your trip, embrace the fact that some of these things might happen. When they happen, dust yourself off and move on with your trip as planned.
Travel insurance is a must
As a backpacker, there is a high chance that you’re going to need your insurance. Don’t take a trip without travel insurance. Backpackers live in hostels, sometimes spend the night on airport floors, and live out of a bag pack. It would definitely help if you had insurance.