Whilst traveling to far off destinations can be exciting it is foolish to proceed without first taking on advice to make the holiday more successful. Should they plan their trip right, travelers can visit places as far away as Australia and South America without having to spend thousands of pounds. There are however, more considerations than money to be taken into account for travelers, especially when young.
Traveling the World with a Backpack
One of the easiest and cheapest way to travel is backpacking. Mostly popular amongst students and gap year takers due to low comfort levels, backpacking is an enjoyable way to see the world, assuming sensible precautions are taken. A seemingly trivial and easily overlooked point, the right backpack is far more important than often realised.
Should a backpacker travel with an ill fitting or ill suited backpack then problems could easily ensue. As opposed to simply buying one off the Internet or borrowing a friend’s/relatives, efforts should be made to ensure that the right backpack is acquired. The backpack needs to sit well upon the shoulders; if it is the wrong size then the uneven weight distribution could discomfort the traveler. Whilst seasoned travelers can take less notice of this advice, for the first-time backpacker it is important to make the process as easy as possible.
Why Hostels are Best
Hostels are invaluable for the backpacker on a stretched budget. Readily available in the majority of areas, especially those reliant on the tourist trade, they provide beds and shelter for what is often a very reasonable price. More than this though, hostels can prove indispensable to those traveling alone as they become meeting places for like-minded travelers. Lifelong friends can be made here at the same time as one-night-only acquaintances.
It can be intimidating traveling alone for the first time and hostels all but force the backpacker into company. The word-of-mouth aspect of hostels is also useful, as the traveler can find out information about the best places to visit, and maybe acquire some company to join them.
The Need for Travel Insurance
An important preparation before leaving for the backpacker is to sort out travel insurance. Should funds run out or problems arise, no one wants to find themselves trapped halfway across the world. Even worse, should accident or injury occur, then finding a way of paying the bills shouldn’t have to be the priority. There are a wide range of travel insurance packages around, so be sure to do enough research before choosing one as the right deal will save money and hassle in the event of an emergency.
Further Travel Advice for a Better Trip
One important piece of advice is never to plan your trip out too exactly. The beauty of backpacking, especially when alone, is the freedom it provides. This gets lost if the traveler finds himself constantly hurrying along to meet a schedule.
Research your destination before leaving. There’s a reason guidebooks are written, and the vast majority of them are useful and educational. Try and understand something of the language and cultures of the people you are about to visit, it makes you less of an ignorant tourist and more like of a welcomed visitor.
Keep an open mind. You’ve spent time, money and effort to arrive at your preferred destination, there’s no point in just staying with friends and eating at McDonalds. Experience the native culture and meet new people. It’ll make the trip more enjoyable and more worthwhile.
Homesickness is common amongst those going away for the first time; it isn’t uncommon in those leaving for the tenth or the hundredth time. Whilst there are always things to miss about one’s home, the best advice for the backpacker is to forget about it and immerse himself in the experience. Backpacking can be a one in a lifetime experience, when there enjoy it to the full!
Philip Copple - Phil Copple is an English Literature student from Exeter. Having never worked in a literary field before, suite101 is a novel experience. ...
