The Beginner's Guide to Backpacking
Backpacking is more than just "traveling with nothing but a backpack," it is a low-cost, no frills, long-term way to travel that is becoming more and more popular thanks to Millennials.
Although simple in concept, proper planning should not be overlooked, especially when you're planning a trip with a limited budget, limited resources, and while trying to experience as much as possible.
Below are some of my tips to help you get the most out of your backpacking adventure!
1. Look before you leap
Whenever you are planning a new adventure, having some kind of itinerary for your trip is crucial. When backpacking, you're limited in how many clothes you can bring with you so it's important to know what kind of climate to prepare for. This is especially important if you plan on on backpacking for extended periods of time.
Proper research will help you be ready for anything.
2. Pack Light. Pack Essential
This may seem extremely obvious, but proper planning is crucial when packing. There are a variety of factors you have to consider: What kind of climates do you expect to encounter, how often will you be able to do laundry, how much weight can you carry, and how comfortable are you using the same pair of socks or underwear for consecutive days?
The answers to these questions will be crucial in determining what you pack, how much you pack, and how many "luxury items" you can bring along with you.
Be flexible with the way you think about articles of clothing. A pair of athletic shorts, for example, can be worn both when doing outdoor activities or can be used as a makeshift swimsuit if you unexpectedly have the opportunity to go for a swim.
In his book, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," author Douglas Adams stresses that "a towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have." This rings true for backpacking as well. A lot of places you go to may not have a towel available for you so if you want to dry off after showering or taking a dip near a waterfall, make sure to have one with you.
Traditional towels are big and bulky, so consider investing in a large microfiber towel. Microfiber towels are extremely absorbent, dry quickly, and are very compact, making them perfect for fitting into an already crowded backpack.
3. Luxury Items
Your ability to carry more stuff will determine how many non-essentials you can bring. While everyone's list of "essentials" may be different, larger items like laptops, photography equipment, and other electronics are purely discretionary. Be mindful that a good tablet is significantly lighter and sometimes just as powerful as a laptop.
These items should only be added with the understanding that you could be carrying them on your back for extended periods of time.
4. Getting around
Backpacking generally involves more regional travel, so other than your initial arrival, planes are usually unnecessary.
Ground transport is your best bet, but depending on where you are in the world, your options will vary greatly.
If you're backpacking through more developed countries like in Europe, taking the train is both a fast and affordable way to cover large distances. Most of western Europe has a high speed railway network that connects most of the major cities. "Slower" trains are also available and tend to be a little cheaper so, if you're not in a rush, these are a good way to save some money.
Some parts of the developing world however don't have a railway system that is large enough or reliable enough to be used as an adequate means of transportation. This is where buses come in.
Although they are by far the slowest means of motorized transportation, buses can be found pretty much everywhere you go and can usually go places that many trains cannot. They also tend to be the cheapest way to get around. When I was backpacking in Ecuador a few years ago, I took a bus from Guayaquil to Quito, a 10 hour journey, for $10.
In the developing world, some luxuries tend to be sacrificed when traveling by bus. Air conditioning is definitely not standard and leg space is generally designed for smaller people than the average Westerner, so you may want to mentally prepare yourself to be cramped and hot.
Every destination is different and everywhere you visit will have it's own unique method of transportation, whether it's river ferries, rickshaws, or gondola, you will typically have numerous travel options at your disposal.
5. Hostels are your friend
Since keeping within a budget is one of the keys to backpacking, you'll have to plan where you're going to sleep at night. You could carry around a tent or sleeping bag, however this may not be practical or safe depending on where you are.
Staying in hotels for extended periods of time will get expensive really quick, and unless you know people who'd be willing to let you crash on their couch in every city you plan on visiting, hostels are a fun and affordable way get some rest.
There are a lot of options to choose from when searching for a hostel. For some help in finding the perfect one for you, check out my Travel Tip "Picking the Right Hostel."
6. Step out of your comfort zone
