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Backpacking Essentials
You will learn a lot about yourself as well and other cultures and your memories will last a lifetime. Of course the most important thing to do is have fun, but you also need to use common sense and a little bit of forward planning.
Here are some tips to make things go more smoothly and keep mum off your back.
Safety:
Travelling by yourself and on your terms is probably more rewarding than going with friends, but make sure you let people know your movements. Tell the hostel manager, other backpackers or even your friends and family back home; communication is key.
If you have allergies or start to feel sick, make your travelling companions, tour guide etc aware as soon as possible. It may seem insignificant, but malaria and other tropical diseases often show symptoms similar to those of a common cold.
Don't show off cameras, mp3 players or phones in public as this is just asking for trouble. If you want to feel like a local, you will need to look like one, so don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Also, don't walk with your head in a guide book and try to learn at least a little bit of the local language as this will score you valuable points with the locals and it will mean you won't look like a rabbit caught in the headlights.
Practical information:
Apart from carrying local currency, US Dollars are worth keeping handy, as they can get you out of trouble in many countries in Africa, Asia and South America better than anything else.
Photocopy your passport and keep it separate from your actual passport, then if you and your passport become separated you can get a replacement far more quickly.
If you are going to be in any one country for a long time buy a local pay as you go sim card. This means that mum and dad can call you and you won't have to foot the bill. However, be sure to check that your phone is 'unlocked' before you leave the UK.
Get your parents to install Skype on their home computer as many internet cafes in hostels, particularly in Australia and New Zealand now have this facility meaning you can call home without spending a penny.
Planning:
The best value way to see as much of the world as possible is to buy a round the world flight ticket. These are also some of the most flexible tickets you can buy where changing dates and flight routes will set you back nothing more than a minimal administration fee.
Some things are best done locally. This not only helps support local communities in the countries that need it most, but you will save money and flexibility. This is applicable to tours, accommodation and transport, but also to things like toiletries especially in Asian and African countries. Shampoo, deodorant, sun cream etc are heavy, and rather costly in the UK, so save luggage space as well as cash by buying them at your destination. Speaking of luggage, I'm sure you have heard stories about luggage being lost for days, so just in case this does happen to you, keep a spare change of clothes and any medical supplies in your hand luggage and have the first night's accommodation booked so you have somewhere the luggage can be sent to.
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