Do your planning
The appeal of backpacking is surely the prospect of just heading off into the sunset at a moment’s notice, right? Though it may seem like a bit of a bummer, you’ll avoid your chances of having a nightmare trip by prepping before you lace up your boots and head off.
The appeal of backpacking is surely the prospect of just heading off into the sunset at a moment’s notice, right? Though it may seem like a bit of a bummer, you’ll avoid your chances of having a nightmare trip by prepping before you lace up your boots and head off.
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Points on the map
Decide where you want to go, and what time of year. Sure, you don’t need to have a full itinerary, but knowing which countries/cities/locations you plan to visit is a great place to start. Do your research into the area, find out what accommodation and food options are available, and if the area is safe for tourists. Head online and check out backpacker community forums and sites like Air B’n’B & Trip Advisor for local recommendations, too – they’re worth their weight in gold.
Decide where you want to go, and what time of year. Sure, you don’t need to have a full itinerary, but knowing which countries/cities/locations you plan to visit is a great place to start. Do your research into the area, find out what accommodation and food options are available, and if the area is safe for tourists. Head online and check out backpacker community forums and sites like Air B’n’B & Trip Advisor for local recommendations, too – they’re worth their weight in gold.
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Get the right gear
Whether you’re new to backpacking or class yourself a veteran, you don’t want to realise you’re missing essential kit once out on the road. Consider whether you’ll be camping or staying in hostels/hotels, the local weather conditions, whether you’ll be hiking, whether you’ll be cooking your own food, and look into the local dress customs for the locations you’ll be hitting up. Getting what you need now means you won’t be scrambling later.
Whether you’re new to backpacking or class yourself a veteran, you don’t want to realise you’re missing essential kit once out on the road. Consider whether you’ll be camping or staying in hostels/hotels, the local weather conditions, whether you’ll be hiking, whether you’ll be cooking your own food, and look into the local dress customs for the locations you’ll be hitting up. Getting what you need now means you won’t be scrambling later.