Travel and Vacations

Essential Tips for Backpackers

Story Published on August 3, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

All kinds of people go backpacking as it provides a great way to save money, see the world, and make friends.

Backpackers tend to avoid expensive hotels and usually go for hostels, campsites, or cheap bed & breakfast hotels. If you’re thinking of backpacking (or know anybody who might go backpacking), this article will save you grief and help make your traveling safer and more enjoyable.

It’s always a good idea to thoroughly research the journey using the internet and some well chosen guidebooks from a library or bookshop. If possible, talk to others who have taken the same route.

Keep two credit cards and put one aside for emergency use only. Keep the emergency card hidden somewhere inside your clothing; then if your belongings are stolen or lost, you can still use your emergency card.

Take a mobile phone with you for calling home or for using in the event of an emergency. Failing that, make sure you have a phone card (e.g. and AT&T card), so that you can at least phone home or make an emergency call.

Send an email home regularly if you can get to an internet cafe. That way, your folks back home will know where you last traveled and where you are planning to go, if something happens to you.

Always make sure your travel insurance is up to date and that you know the emergency telephone number to claim insurance.

Don’t take expensive jewels/watches/rings or other valuables. Buy a cheap throw-away watch for the trip.

Be aware of cultural differences. For example, just because you can wear shorts in Western Europe, this does not mean they won’t cause offence in some other countries.

Generally try to avoid traveling at night, or walking alone in back streets or isolated places (applies to both men and women).

Look out for other backpackers who may be going your way. Travel with them if you can as there is safety in numbers. Also, it may make your journey more enjoyable.

A high-pitched attack alarm is always a good thing to have, especially for women.

Take your own medication with you. If you need regular medication of any sort, do not assume you will be able to buy it abroad. Brand names of medicines change from country to country. This, combined with possible language barriers can lead to problems.

Keep your medication in clearly marked containers and carry a separate list of your medical requirements. Also include a letter from your doctor confirming your prescribed medication. This will help to minimize delays at airports and border crossings.

Pack dental floss and spare toothbrush when backpacking (dental floss is useful for all sorts of things apart from teeth!). Take minimum toothpaste, insect repellent, and other essential toiletries, and replenish your needs as you travel.

Always be aware of what is going on around you, especially in crowded places, such as stations, markets, airports, and busy streets.

Keep your backpack thief-proof by protecting it from slashers (thieves who cut through your backpack to steal without you knowing it). Simply line the inside of your backpack with chicken wire (use a very fine soft mesh and attach it at key points using needle and thread).

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