Travelling is purely a calling. But inclining yourself towards the ‘Backpacker Style of Travelling’ is a conscious choice. It is a rewarding experience in ways more than one, but at the same time, it requires a good deal of preparation on your part. And especially if you are doing it for the first time and are about to book your flight ticket, in all likelihood, you must care to put yourself wise to these 10 below mentioned points.
1. Backpacking gear
Selection of the backpacking gear is of premium importance. After all, you will be carrying it through the end of the story, isn’t it? So a decent bit of pernicketiness on your part is both obvious and encouraged. So here are the few essentials that will go into the bag.
Woolens for insulation
Money (both currency notes as well as plastic money)
Glucose
Sun protection
Medicines
Flashlight
Maps
Rainwear and Hiking boots (if applicable)
Sleeping Bags
2. Light packing
Take these words as read - clothing should be minimal, comfy and easy to pack. Clothes should be fewer and so should be your shoes. Remember, you will have to carry the entire weight throughout the duration of the holiday. Hence the less is the cumulative bulk the better is it for your shoulders.
3. Packaged food
It goes without saying that it is wise to tuck away some snacks into your bag. Maintain a small cache of eatables with yourself in case the situation goes awry. Also, keep a bottle of water and some chewing gums to prevent your mouth from drying up as you travel for hours.
4. First-Aid Box
A small bag or box of first-aid is quintessential to your travel. So do not take this lightly. Your kit must contain adhesive bandages, ointments, cotton balls, headache-busters, and a bottle of antiseptics and disinfectants.
5. Lodging at a hostel with kitchen and laundry
This is a priority not simply in terms of expenses but also in terms of experiences that is likely to be gathered. At a hostel, you can meet people from different parts of the world and conduct a hearty conversation on world affairs till the cows come home.
6. Transport - Walk
Do not take cabs or taxis while you are travelling. In stead, go for a walk. Whether it is a long or a short distance, a casual saunter or a long hike, both will be exciting as well as fulfilling. It is easier to explore the subtleties of a place while you walk.
7. An experienced partner and a ready itinerary
In case you are going to go backpacking for the first time, it will not be a bad idea to tag yourself along someone with experience. In addition, it is advisable to make ready your itinerary well before you set off.
8. Mobile phone apps
You may not know, but your smartphone can be greatly instrumental to make the journey little more comfortable. There are a few apps that are designed to address different concerns of a backpacker. Check out these and download them before you head out - MAPS.me, Google Translate, XE Currency, Hostelworld, Skyscanner, Skype and Google Drive.
8. Fitness Level Improvement
A thoroughgoing scrutiny of the current status of your health is of paramount importance. Before you settle down to plan out, it is important for you to know if your body is ready at all for it. And in case you discover that it is not, then prioritize on preparing your body and mind for the journey. Start with simple exercises followed by long walks or runs for a few months ahead of the time of travel.
9. General precautions
As a backpacker, you might as well have to put up at strange places to spend the day. But that scenario must lead to pleasant experiences only. To keep it that way, make sure to take necessary precautions. From tasers and pepper sprays to torch and emergency contact numbers - everything should be at an arm’s reach all the time. And this is more applicable for the beginners - do not stay alone in a tent.
Author : Satarupa Hajra