It is that time of the year where you have a long holiday, or maybe you just want to take a gap year to enjoy what nature has to offer. So you decide that the best option for you is backpacking. Backpacking is about being out and about, mingling with nature and the universe, it is about adventure. Whether crisscrossing the country or traveling to an international destination, backpacking is the cheapest way to enjoy the outdoors. It becomes even economical if you buy used backpack cheap.
With the rising economic constraints, it is important and beneficial to have the best tips for you to travel conveniently and economically.
Here below are the best travel backpacking tips to save you time space and money and of course, let you enjoy your experience.
1. Research
Research, research, research. This is the foremost and among the most important rules before you go out on a backpacking adventure. Despite the fact that mostly backpacking is about being spontaneous, you need to have an idea of where you want to go and what you need.
It would be a pity if you were to be lost in woodland just because you did not research. The research will also give you a good idea on how to plan your trip and how to best utilize your time and resources.
Read on the cultures of the people and places you want to visit. Research on the weather patterns. You would not want to be caught in a blizzard with only a sweatshirt on.
2. Pick A Destination
So you have researched and now you have to pick a destination. This may include multiple stopovers as you transverse the country. Despite the fact that backpacking is a spontaneous adventure you need to settle on a starting and ending point. This will enable you to plan well especially when you have ticketing to consider i.e. flights, bus rides etc.
When picking your destination put in mind the reason for the trip. Are you just exploring, or are you backpacking for the latest concert of your favorite band in the next state? If so, have you made arrangements for tickets, are there any special considerations etc.
3. Book In Advance
You will find that you save a great deal of money when you book in advance. This is especially so for trips that you will have to use public modes of transport like planes and buses.
This will also help you plan your trip well. Look for the best deals and try to fit the bookings into your schedule. Alternatively, schedule and program your trip around your best deals. Either way, this will give you savings on your adventure.
Things to book:
4. Pack Right and Light
It is extremely important to ensure that you pack right, economically and sensibly. For one, you need to keep in mind that you will be carrying your bag for long periods of time so just pack what is necessary and you cannot do without.
There is no need to carry a pair of socks for each day away, or three bottles of water just in case.
Remember that wherever you will be, you can buy some of these necessary items and you need not carry them along. Also as you pack, ensure that the items you will use most frequently are at the top. You would not want to have to empty your backpack at the airport waiting area just to retrieve your water battle.
You do not need to buy new equipment for your trip. You will find that you will save a lot more money when you buy used backpack cheap. You can also buy other equipment at second hand to reduce your costs. Also, consider rolling your clothes as you pack as it is a sure way to use up less space in your backpack.
5. Don’t Forget Medication
Whether you know it or not, you may get sick, and at the wrong time and wrong place. So it is important to carry a supply of medicines to deal with emergencies. Getting to a pharmacy may be a long shot not to mention that you may not be familiar with the local dialect so asking for a simple pain killer may be a killer job itself.
Also, if you are prone to or suffer from specific conditions and ailments, ensure to carry adequate supply and more of your medicine.
6. Walk
How else will you see the beautiful sights and scenery? Alternate your automobile traveling with some foot travel of your own. Some areas are best discovered on foot. Parks, coastlines, natural habitats. And by the way, walking is free lest you forget.
7. Download Maps
A map is the best navigator you can ask for especially when in foreign territory. As soon as you can download the latest online maps and apps that will be able to show you all the area roads and locations. Now when you get lost, all you need to do is consult your map and Voila! You will be lost and found.
The maps will also help you navigate without having to rely too much on help from passersby. Familiarize yourself with the nearby public amenities. You would not want to be caught out tinkling at the wrong place, would you?
8. Eat Local Food
This is one important money saving tip. As you visit new areas, look into the local food. Eat at the food stands or street cafes. This is also one way to sample what the area can offer in terms of cuisine.
You would not want to miss out on all the yummy delicacies readily available to you. Try as much as possible to try everything. After all, it is the essence of the adventure, trying out new things.
9. Talk To People
You may have to camp out in an area for a day or two as you sample what the area has to offer. Make friends, talk to fellow campers. It is a great way to make friends. But most importantly you may get the best tips yet on traveling, saving or even the best places to visit.
Talk to the locals, they may give you helpful insights. And it’s not a bad thing to pick up a few words in the local dialect. You never know when they may come in handy.
10. Waterproof Bag Cover
Ensure that you have a waterproof bag cover. This will come in handy when you get caught out in the rain. Imagine what you would do is all your clothes got wet as you were trekking and you may also have no place to sleep as your sleeping bag is also wet. So a waterproof bag cover is a must.
11. Carry Some Plastic Bags
These may come in handy especially when you need to carry wet things e.g. a bathing suit that you used this morning. Also, they may come in handy when organizing your things as you can pack separate items in separate bags before
12. Inform Your Bank
Chances are that at one time or another you may need to dip into your account for the money. The bank my note these transactions and flag them as suspicious and thereby freezing the account.
You would not want to be left stranded three states away with no cash and no way to get back, and even if you manage to get in touch with your bank you will have spent a lot of money and time that was not budgeted for.
13. Enjoy
Take your time to enjoy the sights and sounds. Keep a diary or memoir. Here you can jot down your most favorite memories, places etc. take lots of pictures. In essence, do not forget to capture the moments. The memoirs will give you something to reminisce on those down days as they remind you of all the better days.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to go backpacking on your own, or you get a friend to tag along, the most important aspect of a backpacking trip is to enjoy as much as possible while spending as little as possible. You will need to look into the money and time-saving tips.
A good example is to buy used backpack cheap rather than get something expensive that will cost you a lot of money yet give you the same service as the used one. Of major importance is to ensure that you have a set up a budget that will cater to all your needs and emergencies.
However, remember that despite the budget, you may have to use more as nothing is set in stone. Travelling has its own set of challenges that may require something extra to deal with. As you prepare to travel make sure you get a good quality rucksack that will not only keep your items safe but will also be able to withstand the long journeys with the luggage without wearing out. As always, enjoy, backpacking is an adventure so be adventurous.
