What are some travel tips for first-time backpackers?
Packing
Get the best backpack you can find. A good backpack sits well on your back (please don't just go buy one, find a store that will help you adjust it and find a good one), has at least one outside mesh pocket, ideally two, one external small compartment that can be locked, and around 40 liters of volume. Do not (believe me) buy one of those backpacks with a curved frame. They might sound more comfortable, but curvature screws with your storage.
Edit: Hoshank Ailani asked for pictures of backpacks. But since there are tens of thousands of backpacks, and less than a tenth of them will be the same between countries, that's a daunting task. Also, I am on the road and don't want to spend my time finding the perfect backpack someone in the US, Lebanon, France, and Japan can buy. So, instead, have a drawing:
- Have an easily accessible outside pocket that can be locked
- Have comfortable straps that can be adjusted well (you won't be wearing the same things every day, layers mandate change of strap length. Also have small pockets there, for camera, cigarettes, knife, flashlight, and condoms.
- Have wide and comfortable hip straps. Also have a pocket here, for other things you might need and more condoms.
- Have side mesh for bottles, your map, and other things you need to get to quickly but not as quickly as the things in your strap pockets. Have a front mesh to stuff wet things into so they can dry while you walk.
- Be about 40 liters and make sure they are sized to actually go on a plane as carry-on.
- Have an arrow pointing at something I wanted to point out but totally forgot what it was. This arrow is optional.
1 lbs on your feet is 7.5 lbs on your back. That means you'll want to get the lightest shoes that still work for you. Trail runners are nice, I had a pair of sandals and a pair of decent walking shoes that also doubled as formal shoes.
Lighten your load wherever you can. Superlight Travel Sheet, saw off the handle on your toothbrush, etc. etc.
Make three envelopes: one with all your original documents, driver's license, etc. One with copies. And a third one with more copies. Always guard the originals like your life. Always.
Get a daypack. I use the Ultra-Sil® Day Pack, which is small enough to be attached to a keychain but can, unfolded, hold 20 liters and up to 150kg of load (above 5kg it gets rather uncomfortable for long walks, though). Whenever you stay somewhere for more than a night, move all your day stuff into the daypack and get the backpack somewhere safe. Or, if you need a better pack, just move things you don't need for the day into your daypack, and store that.
Go on LighterPack and make your packing list. Experiment. In all cases you should stay below 15% of your body weight for backpacking. That gives you a few extra for a liter of water and maybe something you purchase along the way.
Trim everywhere. Don't bring your 5D Mk. III and six lenses, bring something like the Sony RX100 III and call it a day. Seriously, that little bit of image quality and convenience is not worth the hassle.
Travelling
Take as much non-plane public transit as you can. Every time you take a cab or a rental car you'll pay yourself silly, every time you take a plane you'll lose gear (knives, eating utensils, liquids) you have to repurchase.
Get a drop somewhere. If you, for example, travel through Europe get a drop in Munich, one in Paris, and one in London or so. A drop is a place with an address people can send you things to. Friends, public services, that stuff. If you need something, let someone know to send it. If you don't need something or if you bought something for home, send it home, don't lug it around with you.
Bring things you can trade. Local things from your home town, for example. Small (key chains, fridge magnets, etc.) and whimsy does best. Very often did those make me friends, get me fed, or were used as trade for the same local item to send home.
Have a friend at home whom you inform at short intervals that you're still around. Have them get nervous if they don't hear anything from you for three weeks. That could mean the difference between rotting in a jail in Laos and moving on.
Clothing
Pack the least amount of clothing you can get together. Wash your things in hostel rooms and public laundries. I only had, for example, two pairs of pants. Sometimes, when I had laundry day in a laundromat, I'd put on my rain poncho, throw both of them in the wash, and wait, naked except for the poncho, for things to clean and dry.
Get Merino wool socks. They don't stink quickly.
Get a poncho (see above) and pack one trashbag so you can seal off your backpack. Worst case cut a few holes in the trashbag and use it as poncho if your poncho is gone or damaged.
Customs
Here is where it gets complicated. Not because it's hard to follow but because there seems to be a "lowest/strictest common denominator" idealism in some people. I'll skip over that. You're a guest wherever you go. Be an ambassador for your country, but be it in the context of your host country. Dress as the locals do. If that means veil or long clothes, wear them, no matter how hot it is. If that means you don't light a light on specific days, don't do it. If it means jeans and t-shirt, do it. You're traveling to meet new people and cultures, start by becoming one of them on the outside and letting them into your inside.
Once all that is done, you'll go out and fail. A lot. You'll freeze, you'll sweat, you'll hate your life, love it. You'll meet nice people and assholes, you'll find help when and from whom you least expect it, get hurt as well. You'll win and lose. And every time something goes totally FUBAR you'll learn. Soon you'll have your pack legs and you'll just be free. Just don't expect it to happen right away. As I always say, you'll always be a little wet, a little tired, and a little in pain. And you'll always know, and not doubt for a second, that this is the most amazing thing you could possibly do.
Originally Answered: Can you give some tips to a beginning traveler (backpacker)?
Quirkier tips from a less sophisticated and adventurous person like me based on my actual experiences:
1. If you find yourself unable to tell where you currently are, or maybe you can but you're absolutely clueless, stumped, and are unsure of where to go or who to ask (perhaps, let's just say, due to language barrier), your best bet would be to find the nearest McDonald's. No kidding. In any small town or place that has a McDonald's, something or everything revolves around it. Say if you just jumped on a bus heading to a remote city in a country far away and did not book a night at a hostel or some place. Need not worry, the hostel just might be right around the corner of the McDonald's. Where there's a McDonald's, there's a way.
2. Wanting to hitch a ride and nobody is giving you the benefit to do so? Be an Oscar-worthy actor. Try limping along the highway maybe, or pretend you have a severe backache or something. Some people are much nicer when someone is in trouble. A little white lie wouldn't hurt. A temporary fix to an otherwise simple problem. Feeling guilty about it? Tell them after the fact and apologise. The best thing that can happen is you'll all just laugh it off. Worst thing would be stopping somewhere and getting a mouthful, but you'll probably never see each other again. Forever.
3. Talk your way out (or in) of everything. When you're travelling, you should never spend a day without opening your mouth and finding someone to talk to. Doesn't matter if you're introverted, you're in a different place. So what if you do or say something mildly stupid (know your limits). Everything starts with the talking. Talking to people gets you dragged (not drugged, unless that's your thing) into all sorts of memorable commitments and situations good or bad. I find the worst things I've experienced while travelling the most memorable, probably most exciting as well, but some of those I admit I never want to experience or do in life all over again.
4. Hostel is the way to go. Forget about the BnBs, the inns, the lodges, the wigwams (to be fair, this one's memorable too), the hotels, all that fancy accomodation bulldung. None of those other than the hostel offers the best free social experience. You're in it for the ride and the adventure, a fancy sleep should be on your list of low priority. Others like you would be pretty keen on piggybacking. Couchsurfing would be nice as well and more cost-effective, but it rather limits your social interaction with people and there are more variations with the kind of people that surrounds you and it also changes day to day, so if you find one evening quite boring, the next one might just be mental.
5. For the love of god: Avoid touristy things at all cost. It's not only expensive, it's not only not worth it, it's not only time-consuming, it's not only boring, it's not only the most cliched thing a tourist can do, it's not only dangerous (believe me it happens), it also hinders you from the best fantastical element in travelling, which is discovery.
6. This one is so close to home it hurts like a wrecking ball hitting Miley Cyrus in her twerkers. Do not travel for the idea of romance. A lot of people do this, and by god fuck them all to hell. Some people put it in their minds to travel in the hopes of meeting their soulmate per chance, or "the love of my life", because they watched Before Sunrise or some shi. A soulmate is not a premeditated binding contract, it is a nurtured experience. Look, my unpopular opinion is that I believe everyone can fall in love with everyone given the right circumstances. But enough of my theorycrafts. The thing that I'm trying to get at is that with this mentality, it sets you up into a worldload of pain and misery. Some people do fall in love, even though they couldn't understanding a single word the other one is saying. Some people overstay their welcome, who gives a shit about visa, right? Some people get pregnant, get abortions, get dramedied (when you feel as if you are in a drama/comedy film), get into all kinds of stupid because of that notion that my love~ is probably~ in that part of the world somewhere~ even though I've never been there~ and I probably will never be~ ever again. Phooey. Others start long-distance relationships, and suddenly get ghosted (break all contacts for no reason) one day, so they lose their minds. Here's my advice: Attraction to people will happen. That's simply nature. Just don't commit so fast and so desperately. Take it slow and level it at a pace that you can actually work with and manage. It's better to just not have too much expectations from the get-go, and much better if you manage to limit that desire down to a very minimal level.
7. I've already talked about the importance of talking, now I'll mention the relevance of walking. Walking and talking are two great things to do while travelling, and they rhyme, so obviously they're meant to be a great pair! Just keep walking! It's pretty self-explanatory. Keep walking until black pus develops at that fat meat area right below your toes. It'll be worth it in the end anyway.
8. Ten pairs of socks, a shirt and trousers is a better set of gear than ten pairs of shirts and trousers, and one pair of socks. Socks will save lives, especially on outdoor/nature travelling.
9. Some people pack fat and heavy as hell canned goods. To hell with that. Go for German salami or sliced hams. They taste better than protein bars, they're flatter and thinner than the newest Macbook Air, they don't weigh at all! Don't be Reese Witherspoon from that film Wild.
10. I have more to tell but I'm already lazying out so my last advice would be: Take the blanket from the airplane. Just don't tell anyone.
1. If you find yourself unable to tell where you currently are, or maybe you can but you're absolutely clueless, stumped, and are unsure of where to go or who to ask (perhaps, let's just say, due to language barrier), your best bet would be to find the nearest McDonald's. No kidding. In any small town or place that has a McDonald's, something or everything revolves around it. Say if you just jumped on a bus heading to a remote city in a country far away and did not book a night at a hostel or some place. Need not worry, the hostel just might be right around the corner of the McDonald's. Where there's a McDonald's, there's a way.
2. Wanting to hitch a ride and nobody is giving you the benefit to do so? Be an Oscar-worthy actor. Try limping along the highway maybe, or pretend you have a severe backache or something. Some people are much nicer when someone is in trouble. A little white lie wouldn't hurt. A temporary fix to an otherwise simple problem. Feeling guilty about it? Tell them after the fact and apologise. The best thing that can happen is you'll all just laugh it off. Worst thing would be stopping somewhere and getting a mouthful, but you'll probably never see each other again. Forever.
3. Talk your way out (or in) of everything. When you're travelling, you should never spend a day without opening your mouth and finding someone to talk to. Doesn't matter if you're introverted, you're in a different place. So what if you do or say something mildly stupid (know your limits). Everything starts with the talking. Talking to people gets you dragged (not drugged, unless that's your thing) into all sorts of memorable commitments and situations good or bad. I find the worst things I've experienced while travelling the most memorable, probably most exciting as well, but some of those I admit I never want to experience or do in life all over again.
4. Hostel is the way to go. Forget about the BnBs, the inns, the lodges, the wigwams (to be fair, this one's memorable too), the hotels, all that fancy accomodation bulldung. None of those other than the hostel offers the best free social experience. You're in it for the ride and the adventure, a fancy sleep should be on your list of low priority. Others like you would be pretty keen on piggybacking. Couchsurfing would be nice as well and more cost-effective, but it rather limits your social interaction with people and there are more variations with the kind of people that surrounds you and it also changes day to day, so if you find one evening quite boring, the next one might just be mental.
5. For the love of god: Avoid touristy things at all cost. It's not only expensive, it's not only not worth it, it's not only time-consuming, it's not only boring, it's not only the most cliched thing a tourist can do, it's not only dangerous (believe me it happens), it also hinders you from the best fantastical element in travelling, which is discovery.
6. This one is so close to home it hurts like a wrecking ball hitting Miley Cyrus in her twerkers. Do not travel for the idea of romance. A lot of people do this, and by god fuck them all to hell. Some people put it in their minds to travel in the hopes of meeting their soulmate per chance, or "the love of my life", because they watched Before Sunrise or some shi. A soulmate is not a premeditated binding contract, it is a nurtured experience. Look, my unpopular opinion is that I believe everyone can fall in love with everyone given the right circumstances. But enough of my theorycrafts. The thing that I'm trying to get at is that with this mentality, it sets you up into a worldload of pain and misery. Some people do fall in love, even though they couldn't understanding a single word the other one is saying. Some people overstay their welcome, who gives a shit about visa, right? Some people get pregnant, get abortions, get dramedied (when you feel as if you are in a drama/comedy film), get into all kinds of stupid because of that notion that my love~ is probably~ in that part of the world somewhere~ even though I've never been there~ and I probably will never be~ ever again. Phooey. Others start long-distance relationships, and suddenly get ghosted (break all contacts for no reason) one day, so they lose their minds. Here's my advice: Attraction to people will happen. That's simply nature. Just don't commit so fast and so desperately. Take it slow and level it at a pace that you can actually work with and manage. It's better to just not have too much expectations from the get-go, and much better if you manage to limit that desire down to a very minimal level.
7. I've already talked about the importance of talking, now I'll mention the relevance of walking. Walking and talking are two great things to do while travelling, and they rhyme, so obviously they're meant to be a great pair! Just keep walking! It's pretty self-explanatory. Keep walking until black pus develops at that fat meat area right below your toes. It'll be worth it in the end anyway.
8. Ten pairs of socks, a shirt and trousers is a better set of gear than ten pairs of shirts and trousers, and one pair of socks. Socks will save lives, especially on outdoor/nature travelling.
9. Some people pack fat and heavy as hell canned goods. To hell with that. Go for German salami or sliced hams. They taste better than protein bars, they're flatter and thinner than the newest Macbook Air, they don't weigh at all! Don't be Reese Witherspoon from that film Wild.
10. I have more to tell but I'm already lazying out so my last advice would be: Take the blanket from the airplane. Just don't tell anyone.
How to pick destination
So many cool places to see, so little time, and you've never done it before! Let's make it simple and pick either:
A. Your home country.
Or a country whose national language you already speak fluently, not that broken Spanish you learn at high school.
I just came back from a solo backpacking trip in my own country, Indonesia, and it was thebest solo trip I've done so far. It was magnificent, but there were just so many shitty people trying to scam me, pickpocket me, or do anything in their power to basically make my life harder.
But I understand everything that is going on and what those criminals are talking to each other about. I was not at the mercy of having to find someone who:
1. Understands the local language
2. Understands English
3. Isn't trying to depart me of my money
4. Has time to spare to help a stranger in distress
Plus, it's so much easier to make friends en route. Just by being able to speak the local language, I have something extremely precious to offer to my new friends. To them, I was my own country's ambassador, their tour guide, and also their travel buddy. They were curious about my country and I was happy to tell stories -- a match made in heaven, no?
I also find that solo travelers don't usually explore their own countries, so it would be rare to see a solo backpacker who is also a local. And rare is good.
B. "Safe" countries.
This would be countries with proper backpacking infrastructure already built and mature tourism industries. It can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. Public transports are routine and easy to find, there is less scam, and hostels are abundant and priced competitively. Countries like Australia and many European countries fall into this category.
Here's why I recommend it for first-time backpackers:
If you don't like backpacking in these countries, chances are you might not like backpacking at all.
I separate travelers into three groups in a spectrum:
The "Luxury" group: hotels, chartered buses, credit cards. Involves very little adventure.
The Flashpackers: hostels/cheap inns, paid tours, public transport. Adventures.
"Into the Wild": stay at local houses, hitchhike, work/dumpster diving for food. Adventures, adventures, adventures!
Backpacking really starts from somewhere between "Luxury" and "Flashpackers", and ends at "Into the Wild."
If you want to say to people that you've backpacked, "safe" countries would be able to give you the bare minimum experience. It would basically confirm whether you could live without most of your belongings (everything is in the backpack), or private bed (but still somewhere safe and decent to sleep).
It would not take away much else of your comfort away, like it would if you were to backpack in Indonesia for instance.
I did my first solo backpacking trip in Australia, and it confirmed that backpacking is something that I can do. The downside is in the price and the fact that because of the price, only privileged people can afford it. So you end up meeting only people who are like yourself, blessed beyond most of the world's population. You also won't encounter much problems, and hence less adventures/memorable memories.
In contrast, when I traveled in Indonesia, I meet a more diverse group of travelers (from rich to poor) and I get more adventures. There was never a dull moment.
But hey, everyone's got to start somewhere. Do progressively more challenging countries as you gain experience.
Originally Answered: What are some tips for first time backpackers?
Pack the minimum, and minimize the weight. Bring only what you know you will use or is emergency-related. Cut away the parts that serve no purpose: zipper pulls, tags, maker's marks, excess strap lengths, etc. Select your gear based on weight. Select gear that serves multiple functions. Cut deodorant into small pieces and bring it in a small ziplock.
Wear the lightest shoes possible. If you aren't going across difficult terrain and you don't have a history of weak ankles, try running shoes.
Decide if you need hot food. If not, eat protein bars and trail mix, pre-made low-moisture sandwiches (bagel, cream cheese, salami - that keeps better than mayo), etc. A mess kit and stove is heavy.
Plan your water. Is it lighter to bring water or a filter?
Wear performance/athletic fabric. Polyester dries fast, provides temperature regulation well, doesn't harbor bacteria, and can be cleaned easily.
Notify people. Let them know where you're going, what route, when to expect you back, and who to contact if you need rescue.
Bring the essentials. www.backpacker.com/view/p
Forget luxury. Unless you're doing more than ~5 days or have a specific intent, e.g., photography, forget things like phones, music players, your wallet, coffee makers, etc. This might be controversial because phones and GPS could be safety devices.
Study your environment. Know the plant and wildlife, the terrain, the weather. Know how to survive long enough to orient or be rescued. Know how to find food sources and water, how to shelter, and how to be found.
Don't take risks as a beginner. Take it easy. Hold off on difficult routes and periods of difficult weather until you know how to be smart about it all.
Break your equipment in before you go.Especially your shoes. You don't want blisters.
Swap steel for aluminum. Swap aluminum for carbon fiber. Swap carbon fiber for carbon nanostructures :P The easier your hike, the more fun it will be.
Lastly, try reading some ultralight and minimalist blogs.
Wear the lightest shoes possible. If you aren't going across difficult terrain and you don't have a history of weak ankles, try running shoes.
Decide if you need hot food. If not, eat protein bars and trail mix, pre-made low-moisture sandwiches (bagel, cream cheese, salami - that keeps better than mayo), etc. A mess kit and stove is heavy.
Plan your water. Is it lighter to bring water or a filter?
Wear performance/athletic fabric. Polyester dries fast, provides temperature regulation well, doesn't harbor bacteria, and can be cleaned easily.
Notify people. Let them know where you're going, what route, when to expect you back, and who to contact if you need rescue.
Bring the essentials. www.backpacker.com/view/p
Forget luxury. Unless you're doing more than ~5 days or have a specific intent, e.g., photography, forget things like phones, music players, your wallet, coffee makers, etc. This might be controversial because phones and GPS could be safety devices.
Study your environment. Know the plant and wildlife, the terrain, the weather. Know how to survive long enough to orient or be rescued. Know how to find food sources and water, how to shelter, and how to be found.
Don't take risks as a beginner. Take it easy. Hold off on difficult routes and periods of difficult weather until you know how to be smart about it all.
Break your equipment in before you go.Especially your shoes. You don't want blisters.
Swap steel for aluminum. Swap aluminum for carbon fiber. Swap carbon fiber for carbon nanostructures :P The easier your hike, the more fun it will be.
Lastly, try reading some ultralight and minimalist blogs.
Originally Answered: Can you give some tips to a beginning traveler (backpacker)?
Before you go buy a backpack, clothes with secret pockets, walking sandals etc... I think you need to think about what you want to get out of your travel and where you want to go.
It is fine if you just want to visit one or more countries, preferably poor, meet some fellow backpackers, have a good time. But I think it lacks the purpose that make travelling interesting. I like to come back from a trip feeling like I have learnt something new or feeling like I have contributed to something.
You could learn a new language (everywhere), learn to dance (south america), learn to cook (most places), become a dive master (everywhere with water) etc... You could become super fit (hiking, cycling), thai boxing in thailand. Help people (charities), teach people/kids (school) etc...
It doesn't mean you can't party and have a drink (I myself am always thirsty). It means that you are also doing other things than meeting people who wear sandals and have clothes with secret pockets.
Talking about having a drink... There are a bunch of website (can't remember the names, google them) that list all festivals / ferias in every countries in the world. It's nice to time visiting countries to fun things happening there.
Logistics:
A backpack is a pain in the back. They are only useful where you can't wheel a suitcase. If you are going trekking for more than a day and you are carrying your own pack then fine. But otherwise, a suitcase is more practical.
Travel light. I have been to some countries with a day pack (a day of change / passport / money) because it is cheaper to buy clothes whilst travelling. Without going to this extreme, travelling light is easier and leave you some space to buy stuff.
Passport / IDs / insurance etc... Scan copies and save in a drop box / send to yourself by email. If you lose your passport, having a photocopy with you or online is really not going to make much difference to how painful the experience is.
Don' spend money on anything fancy before travelling... clothes that "breathes", bags that virtually carry themselves, hiking boots that are 100g lighter than the cheapest ones. All these things really don't matter at all in the long run. Sure one day you might be cold, but does wearing a $250 north face jacket made in china will really make a difference. Probably not. $250 more in your pocket when travelling will go a long way.
If you have bought a lonely planet, you can rip all the where to stay/eat pages.
Safe travel
E
It is fine if you just want to visit one or more countries, preferably poor, meet some fellow backpackers, have a good time. But I think it lacks the purpose that make travelling interesting. I like to come back from a trip feeling like I have learnt something new or feeling like I have contributed to something.
You could learn a new language (everywhere), learn to dance (south america), learn to cook (most places), become a dive master (everywhere with water) etc... You could become super fit (hiking, cycling), thai boxing in thailand. Help people (charities), teach people/kids (school) etc...
It doesn't mean you can't party and have a drink (I myself am always thirsty). It means that you are also doing other things than meeting people who wear sandals and have clothes with secret pockets.
Talking about having a drink... There are a bunch of website (can't remember the names, google them) that list all festivals / ferias in every countries in the world. It's nice to time visiting countries to fun things happening there.
Logistics:
A backpack is a pain in the back. They are only useful where you can't wheel a suitcase. If you are going trekking for more than a day and you are carrying your own pack then fine. But otherwise, a suitcase is more practical.
Travel light. I have been to some countries with a day pack (a day of change / passport / money) because it is cheaper to buy clothes whilst travelling. Without going to this extreme, travelling light is easier and leave you some space to buy stuff.
Passport / IDs / insurance etc... Scan copies and save in a drop box / send to yourself by email. If you lose your passport, having a photocopy with you or online is really not going to make much difference to how painful the experience is.
Don' spend money on anything fancy before travelling... clothes that "breathes", bags that virtually carry themselves, hiking boots that are 100g lighter than the cheapest ones. All these things really don't matter at all in the long run. Sure one day you might be cold, but does wearing a $250 north face jacket made in china will really make a difference. Probably not. $250 more in your pocket when travelling will go a long way.
If you have bought a lonely planet, you can rip all the where to stay/eat pages.
Safe travel
E
That last thing you think of packing - to the point of dithering for five minutes about taking it at all - will end up being the single most indispensable thing on your trip.
Clothes: pack one of everything (one pair of jeans, one t shirt, one smart shirt, one jumper) in colours that work together. Don't bother with multiples, you can always wash stuff.
Except underwear. Pack plenty of underwear.
The plastic bag is your friend: laundry bag, waterproof shoe a la Withnail, emergency hat, lunch box. Probably not in that order.
Learn the pared down basics of the language. Hello, goodbye, yes, no, thank you, please, numbers 1-10, days of the week, left and right, coffee, bread, wine and cheese. Practice so you can say each word naturally. Speak confidently without any kind of questioning uplift at the end of the sentence as that's just confusing. Unless you're asking a question of course.
And learn the words and signs for the conveniences, including all of the possible permutations for each gender.
It's OK to rest. You don't have to subject yourself to a gruelling itinerary. Beware of Stendhal Syndrome.
But do be clear about the 2-3 things you can't live without seeing in each destination, escaping my fate in 90's Budapest where I was so hypnotised by my first sight of CNN I didn't leave the room for two days. And didn't get to play chess in a thermal bath.
Leap to capture that quirky shot that will transport you ever back.
But consider whether you are best served experiencing the entire trip through glass and whether the world needs another photo of the Taj Mahal.
Everyone: baby wipes, paper hankies, hat, torch, Onya bag, mosquito repellent. Lush solid shampoo is good.
Probably just me: green tea bags, organic dark chocolate, London tube map. The tube map even if I'm going to Hong Kong, say. It's a totem transitional object.
Clothes: pack one of everything (one pair of jeans, one t shirt, one smart shirt, one jumper) in colours that work together. Don't bother with multiples, you can always wash stuff.
Except underwear. Pack plenty of underwear.
The plastic bag is your friend: laundry bag, waterproof shoe a la Withnail, emergency hat, lunch box. Probably not in that order.
Learn the pared down basics of the language. Hello, goodbye, yes, no, thank you, please, numbers 1-10, days of the week, left and right, coffee, bread, wine and cheese. Practice so you can say each word naturally. Speak confidently without any kind of questioning uplift at the end of the sentence as that's just confusing. Unless you're asking a question of course.
And learn the words and signs for the conveniences, including all of the possible permutations for each gender.
It's OK to rest. You don't have to subject yourself to a gruelling itinerary. Beware of Stendhal Syndrome.
But do be clear about the 2-3 things you can't live without seeing in each destination, escaping my fate in 90's Budapest where I was so hypnotised by my first sight of CNN I didn't leave the room for two days. And didn't get to play chess in a thermal bath.
Leap to capture that quirky shot that will transport you ever back.
But consider whether you are best served experiencing the entire trip through glass and whether the world needs another photo of the Taj Mahal.
Everyone: baby wipes, paper hankies, hat, torch, Onya bag, mosquito repellent. Lush solid shampoo is good.
Probably just me: green tea bags, organic dark chocolate, London tube map. The tube map even if I'm going to Hong Kong, say. It's a totem transitional object.
I backpacked through Southeast Asia for my first time 2 years ago and I learned a lot on the road. This website, Backpacking: Budget Independent Travel, has a lot of good information on what to pack based on the region or country you are going to.
1. Pack light- you would not believe how many people I saw carrying WAY more than they needed. I had a 32 liter backpack for two months of traveling. I had 4 t-shirts, 3 shorts/pants, 1 dress, 7 pairs of underwear, 1 towel, and 1 sleeping sack (for those dirty hostel beds). You don't need much more than this, although you have to do laundry often. Don't bring jeans, they don't dry quickly and they're heavy.
2. Pack smart- I packed everything in plastic bags so it would be easier to organize my pack and pull stuff out quickly. All shirts in one bag, all underwear in another. I also had smaller colorful sandwich bags for all the small things like pills or accessories. Put everything important on top so it's easier to reach.
3. Heavy stuff on bottom- I would put my shoes and books on the bottom of my bag. It makes it easier to carry.
4. Calling Options- If you are traveling to multiple countries, it might be good to research your options. I used SIM cards while abroad, but I found it to be kind of a hassle. This website has a good infographic about different options, International Data Plans: Options for Roaming.
1. Pack light- you would not believe how many people I saw carrying WAY more than they needed. I had a 32 liter backpack for two months of traveling. I had 4 t-shirts, 3 shorts/pants, 1 dress, 7 pairs of underwear, 1 towel, and 1 sleeping sack (for those dirty hostel beds). You don't need much more than this, although you have to do laundry often. Don't bring jeans, they don't dry quickly and they're heavy.
2. Pack smart- I packed everything in plastic bags so it would be easier to organize my pack and pull stuff out quickly. All shirts in one bag, all underwear in another. I also had smaller colorful sandwich bags for all the small things like pills or accessories. Put everything important on top so it's easier to reach.
3. Heavy stuff on bottom- I would put my shoes and books on the bottom of my bag. It makes it easier to carry.
4. Calling Options- If you are traveling to multiple countries, it might be good to research your options. I used SIM cards while abroad, but I found it to be kind of a hassle. This website has a good infographic about different options, International Data Plans: Options for Roaming.
Well I've only just been on my first backpacking trip, a 3.5 week trip in Europe (UK, Belgium, France), so I'm still a newb at this, but I've got a few odd pointers.
1) It's probably been mentioned already but I'd like to vouch for it myself: try Couchsurfing. Not only will it save you a lot of money but you meet some great people through it, and it's always good to meet locals wherever you go so that you can truly get a feel for the place.
2) Take clothes that dry quickly.. Avoid 100% cotton clothing especially, except for socks since those usually won't shrink in a dryer. I packed mostly polyester, and some stuff that was like 60% cotton and 40% polyester - that worked fine. I hear Merino Wool is a wonderful fabric for traveling, but I've never tried it since it's expensive and kinda hard to find.
3) don't be afraid of some old-fashioned hand-washing and air-drying, it may often be quicker and cheaper than using machines - depending on the circumstances.
4) I'm sure many people suggest packing a towel, but I didn't and I found a good way to work around that. I took a regular white T-shirt (the only 100% cotton clothing I'd recommend besides socks) to sleep with; it's comfy and I feel weird wearing PJs around strangers. It also makes a great makeshift towel; I developed a strategic way of patting myself down with it so that I'd be dry enough to get dressed without completely soaking the shirt, without taking too long either.
5) take a small lock; I prefer combination locks (you should memorize the code, but note it in your phone in case you forget) but I suppose one with a key is okay as long as you're careful with the key. In hostels this can save you the expense of buying/renting a lock. When Couchsurfing (or in hostel without lockers), I'd put the lock through the grips of all the zippers on my backpack and close it. The zipper grips could easily be cut off with a knife or something, but this ensures that people won't go through your bag unless they really really want to rob you. You'll know for sure if someone's been through your bag - it'll be impossible for someone to just steal one thing from your bag without you noticing for a while.
6) get an international SIM card or something for phone service. Having to look for a Starbucks or McDonalds whenever I needed to contact someone or look up directions or places to go got really tiresome... And that was in Europe, in poorer parts of the world I imagine finding free WiFi regularly would definitely be harder.
7) always have water and a bit of food in your bag. Cereal bars, peanuts, etc. are good for this.
8) always have cash on you, but not too much. Cash is always the most reliable method of payment, since you know everyone accepts it. You always want to have some, but the more you carry the more screwed you'll be if you get robbed. But if you carry small amounts and are always running out of cash, you'll have to use ATMs more and those fees add up (and ATMs can be dangerous). It's a tricky balance that you have to maintain.
9) always have plastic bags in your backpack. They can be a handy way to carry extra stuff, and if you ever need to shower somewhere dirty you can tie them on your feet to use as makeshift shower slippers.
10) when you arrive somewhere new try stopping by a "visitors center" or some such tourist spot to see if you can get a free map, those are always nice.
11) don't take too many electronics; carrying a bunch of chargers is a hassle. Only electronic I took was my phone.
12) be street smart to avoid getting scammed,
robbed, etc. - especially in cities. As a New Yorker this is natural for me, but if you're not used to such environments you should be more wary than you usually are.
13) be outgoing and sociable, even if you're not usually. I'm an introvert but I managed to be fairly outgoing and meet lots of new people and have fun with them.
1) It's probably been mentioned already but I'd like to vouch for it myself: try Couchsurfing. Not only will it save you a lot of money but you meet some great people through it, and it's always good to meet locals wherever you go so that you can truly get a feel for the place.
2) Take clothes that dry quickly.. Avoid 100% cotton clothing especially, except for socks since those usually won't shrink in a dryer. I packed mostly polyester, and some stuff that was like 60% cotton and 40% polyester - that worked fine. I hear Merino Wool is a wonderful fabric for traveling, but I've never tried it since it's expensive and kinda hard to find.
3) don't be afraid of some old-fashioned hand-washing and air-drying, it may often be quicker and cheaper than using machines - depending on the circumstances.
4) I'm sure many people suggest packing a towel, but I didn't and I found a good way to work around that. I took a regular white T-shirt (the only 100% cotton clothing I'd recommend besides socks) to sleep with; it's comfy and I feel weird wearing PJs around strangers. It also makes a great makeshift towel; I developed a strategic way of patting myself down with it so that I'd be dry enough to get dressed without completely soaking the shirt, without taking too long either.
5) take a small lock; I prefer combination locks (you should memorize the code, but note it in your phone in case you forget) but I suppose one with a key is okay as long as you're careful with the key. In hostels this can save you the expense of buying/renting a lock. When Couchsurfing (or in hostel without lockers), I'd put the lock through the grips of all the zippers on my backpack and close it. The zipper grips could easily be cut off with a knife or something, but this ensures that people won't go through your bag unless they really really want to rob you. You'll know for sure if someone's been through your bag - it'll be impossible for someone to just steal one thing from your bag without you noticing for a while.
6) get an international SIM card or something for phone service. Having to look for a Starbucks or McDonalds whenever I needed to contact someone or look up directions or places to go got really tiresome... And that was in Europe, in poorer parts of the world I imagine finding free WiFi regularly would definitely be harder.
7) always have water and a bit of food in your bag. Cereal bars, peanuts, etc. are good for this.
8) always have cash on you, but not too much. Cash is always the most reliable method of payment, since you know everyone accepts it. You always want to have some, but the more you carry the more screwed you'll be if you get robbed. But if you carry small amounts and are always running out of cash, you'll have to use ATMs more and those fees add up (and ATMs can be dangerous). It's a tricky balance that you have to maintain.
9) always have plastic bags in your backpack. They can be a handy way to carry extra stuff, and if you ever need to shower somewhere dirty you can tie them on your feet to use as makeshift shower slippers.
10) when you arrive somewhere new try stopping by a "visitors center" or some such tourist spot to see if you can get a free map, those are always nice.
11) don't take too many electronics; carrying a bunch of chargers is a hassle. Only electronic I took was my phone.
12) be street smart to avoid getting scammed,
robbed, etc. - especially in cities. As a New Yorker this is natural for me, but if you're not used to such environments you should be more wary than you usually are.
13) be outgoing and sociable, even if you're not usually. I'm an introvert but I managed to be fairly outgoing and meet lots of new people and have fun with them.
Bear in mind what you are going to use it for, and for how long. Some packs have adjustable distances between neck and waist and may als take into account how round shouldered you are.
Look at the backpack or rucksack of Royal Marine Commando and see how well it fits, with the load being borne on the hips whilst shoulder movement is relatively free.
There are Gemini bags where your immediate needs are in a small detachable bag, there are bags which have pocket in the back for valuable so that pick pockets have more of an uphill struggle. I wouldn't buy a bag that didn't have one. You can buy a waterproof liner, but black plastic sacks have done me just fine. You can buy bags with detachable side pockets, but in my view you only buy a set of those pockets when you know what you want them for. You can buy bags which convert to luggage for the airline, so that all the straps tuck in and are within zipped flaps. They can be a godsend, especially for hitching a ride on a small aeroplane where a hanging harness could be really inconvenient. Or on the back of an open truck.
Adjust it, put some weight in, adjust again and then see if it's comfortable. Be warned, good ones are not cheap.
Look at the backpack or rucksack of Royal Marine Commando and see how well it fits, with the load being borne on the hips whilst shoulder movement is relatively free.
There are Gemini bags where your immediate needs are in a small detachable bag, there are bags which have pocket in the back for valuable so that pick pockets have more of an uphill struggle. I wouldn't buy a bag that didn't have one. You can buy a waterproof liner, but black plastic sacks have done me just fine. You can buy bags with detachable side pockets, but in my view you only buy a set of those pockets when you know what you want them for. You can buy bags which convert to luggage for the airline, so that all the straps tuck in and are within zipped flaps. They can be a godsend, especially for hitching a ride on a small aeroplane where a hanging harness could be really inconvenient. Or on the back of an open truck.
Adjust it, put some weight in, adjust again and then see if it's comfortable. Be warned, good ones are not cheap.
Here are some of the things which i have found important while going out on a backpacking or an adventure trip:
- Rucksack Bag: Make sure it is of the best quality and waterproof
- An Emergency Kit having all the basic first aid & basic tablets for fever, common cold, body pain etc.
- Stuffs like Torch Light, Swiss Knife, Spare Mobile batteries or Power banks becomes really useful at the time of needs or when you are remote location.
- Make sure you have offline maps, if you are going for an unknown location.
- Don't forget to do a little research about the place you are visiting. I personally preferWIKITravel and tripoto for getting the information about the place. You could also keep a printout with you
- Check the climatic condition of the place and take the appropriate cloths with you.
- Always carry a water bottle with you and if possible get one of those in-built filter water bottle. eg: LifeStraw Water Bottles.
- With big DSLRs also carry a good point & shoot camera, it comes handy for those moments which comes and go in flash of a second, especially when you are travelling by train or bus. Though you could also use mobile camera for that.
- Last but not the least respect the rituals and customs of the local people and never mess with the localites.
Originally Answered: Can you give some tips to a beginning traveler (backpacker)?
It looks like most of the people here have your bases covered.
One thing I noticed that was missing is iodine tablets (or whatever water purification system you prefer) and a Nalgene water bottle. It doesn't matter where you're traveling to - water is extremely important. Make sure you always have access by packing a tiny bottle of tablets (or whatever system you choose. I prefer tablets because they weight next to nothing). They have seriously saved my life.
One thing I noticed that was missing is iodine tablets (or whatever water purification system you prefer) and a Nalgene water bottle. It doesn't matter where you're traveling to - water is extremely important. Make sure you always have access by packing a tiny bottle of tablets (or whatever system you choose. I prefer tablets because they weight next to nothing). They have seriously saved my life.
The first thing would be to lay out everything you think you need and take an inventory. Go through your inventory list and mark off everything that is not a necessity and the things you will not use on a daily basis. After you have done that take a new inventory and do it all over again. You will be surprised at the things you thought you needed only to end up donating or gifting half of what you brought with you.
Here is an example of my gear list:
38L Backpack
15-20L Day Pack
Weatherproof Jacket
Solid lightweight comfortable hiking shoes
Luna sandals
Travel sheet
Hammock
Headlamp +extra batteries
Toiletries
Filtered water bottle
Luggage locks
Shemagh scarf
Aloksak waterproof bags
Pack-it sacks
1 Pair of jeans
1 Pair of travel pants
1 Pair of hiking shorts
1 Pair of swim trunks/boardshorts
1 Collared shirt
3 T-shirts
4-6 Pairs of good quality socks
Note-The clothing should be tailored to the are you are visiting.
I also carry a Go-Pro and a Macbook with a backup external hard drive, Wifi antenna and an unlocked iPhone with a Lifeproof case.
Some of the best and most important things you can do is keep an open mind, be patient, and get lost on purpose! Try not to plan too much, and slow down, get off the beaten path, and explore. The world is an amazing place full of exciting people and opportunities, enjoy it!
Here is an example of my gear list:
38L Backpack
15-20L Day Pack
Weatherproof Jacket
Solid lightweight comfortable hiking shoes
Luna sandals
Travel sheet
Hammock
Headlamp +extra batteries
Toiletries
Filtered water bottle
Luggage locks
Shemagh scarf
Aloksak waterproof bags
Pack-it sacks
1 Pair of jeans
1 Pair of travel pants
1 Pair of hiking shorts
1 Pair of swim trunks/boardshorts
1 Collared shirt
3 T-shirts
4-6 Pairs of good quality socks
Note-The clothing should be tailored to the are you are visiting.
I also carry a Go-Pro and a Macbook with a backup external hard drive, Wifi antenna and an unlocked iPhone with a Lifeproof case.
Some of the best and most important things you can do is keep an open mind, be patient, and get lost on purpose! Try not to plan too much, and slow down, get off the beaten path, and explore. The world is an amazing place full of exciting people and opportunities, enjoy it!
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