A few years ago, travelling was considered as an expensive activity or hobby. However, that is no longer the case for many as more people are being introduced to backpacking.
Backpacking is essentially a cheaper, more independent way of travelling. Backpackers also do not limit themselves to only visiting or staying in places with the best reviews online. Just like its name suggests, backpackers bring along everything they need to travel in just their backpack.
That said, there are many reasons why more people want to experience backpacking, from saving money to learning more about themselves. If you are one of those who are planning to embark on your first backpacking trip, here are some practical tips for you.
Travel during off-season
Regardless of which destination you will be travelling to, there will be an off-season where there would be less traffic because most of the tourists and visitors would have completed their stay.
A typical off-season period would be just after New Year’s Eve. However, off-seasons differ for various destinations, so it’s best to do some research beforehand. During these off-season periods, flights and hotels would usually have various discounts. Hence it is recommended to travel then.
Important numbers on speed dial
When backpacking, we are travelling in a foreign land, and many things could happen if we fail to do our research on the area. It is best for you and anyone you are backpacking with to have the important numbers on speed dial. For example, the number of the local police station or even the air ambulance in a situation where someone is in dire need of medical evacuation.
Being prepared gives you a sense of security for your trips, leading you to enjoy backpacking to the fullest.
The local experience
One of the main reasons why people backpack is to experience the cultures of the locals fully. When tourists travel, they often only eat at popular restaurants in touristy areas. What they fail to realise is that the best way to get to know and understand the locals it through their local street food.
While trying out the street food, we recommended engaging in conversations with the locals as it opens your eyes to how different their way of life is. If you are lucky, they might even give you their recommendations of places that only the locals would know.
Avoid overpacking
The vital thing to note when backpacking is that we will be carrying our backpack around most of the time. The last thing we want is for our backpack weighing us down throughout the trip.
A useful tip would be to find light-weight alternatives of your current gear. With the backpacking community growing and evolving significantly over the past years, there have been tremendous advancements made in light-weight products. For example, instead of the standard sleeping bags, many new alternatives weigh much less.
Conclusion
With these tips, you should be all set to take off on your first backpacking trip. It is truly one of the best ways to explore the world, learn about yourself and meet like-minded people without burning a hole in your pocket.
However, bear in mind that while it’s fun and exciting to embark on a new adventure – your safety matters too. Ensure you pack in the necessary medication, a first-aid kit, and know who to contact when immediate medical evacuation is needed during an emergency.
