Of all the possible ways to travel and explore a country, there is nothing that compares to the backpacking experience. Backpacking is among the most rewarding ways to travel, as it is the essence of travel on a pure grassroots level. As a backpacker, you will have the opportunity to mingle with people from around the world, commiserate with the local populace and obtain a genuine feel for the culture.
The backpacker experience may seem rather spontaneous and random; just pack a bag and take off on a whim, right? Not so fast. While it may appear to be that simple, the experience can take a turn for the worse if you fail to plan.
I know a few seasoned globetrotters who enjoy the adrenaline rush that is inherent in impulsive travel. They throw a dart at a map, book their passage at the last second and say adios. This works for them and if you are a veteran backpacker, it may work for you as well. But I would never recommend it to a novice traveler due to the number of intangibles and the risks that must be considered when venturing on foreign soil. As a backpacker, you will lose nothing through adequate preparation and a solid travel plan.
book ahead
Let us assume that you have chosen your backpacking destination, have your passport and have arranged for health and travel insurance. Now you must book your flight. I suggest that you book your flight as far in advance as possible.Sometimes a last-minute excursion cannot be avoided, but as a rule, select your backpacking destination and start to plan six to eight months ahead of time and reserve your seat pronto. Doing so will, at least in part, help you avoid some serious travel disasters. When I went to Europe in the summer of 2001, I had my ticket in hand by March.
plan each day
If you like to maximize every minute of your travel time, I recommend that you build your backpacking trip's itinerary from the ground up. Calculate how many days in total you have and plan each one starting with the first, which is the day you leave your home.I find it beneficial to start with a rigid framework rather than a chaotic, unknown schedule. For example, before I even set foot in Europe, I knew that I would spend my first two weeks backpacking through the Greek Islands. I researched where I wanted to visit and how many days I should spend there. In great detail, I worked out every day in advance. And to answer the inevitable question; no, it did not take away from the spontaneity of the trip.
Just because a travel plan is made, does not mean that it is set in stone as things change on a daily basis when you're backpacking. You might get an excellent tip to visit a church that's not on your schedule from a fellow backpacker or you might not be in the mood to deal with crowds of people on the day you planned to visit the market. I made changes based on my mood. For example, I spent more time on Ios than Mykonos, as I had originally planned, but I felt secure because I had done my homework. In essence, I had taken the journey in my mind before the plane even left.
research your destinations
It is highly advisable to research the cities and the historical sights before you jump on a plane. Nothing compares to the satisfaction felt by a traveler who reads about a city or monument, envisions it, anticipates it and then witnesses it in person months later. Unfortunately there are many people who go in blind and miss out on so much culture. I know someone who went to Florence without a plan and never even saw the Ponte Vecchio or the Ufizi!If you like to live on the edge and just want to chill and party, then go for it. Just be prepared to suffer the consequences: missed trains, missed attractions and booked hostels. I have seen it happen and it can cause serious heartache. When you prepare the important aspects of your trip, you can travel with greater peace of mind.
hostels, trains and budget
If you want to go to Europe for a few months, you must be aware of the train schedules. Buy a train pass that will cover your travel expenses, but keep in mind that you may still have to reserve a seat if you travel between two major destinations. It's also advisable to travel at night so that you can maximize your days. Many people like to book a sleeper car, but the regular cars have reclining seats that are fairly comfortable.Another important reservation to make is your accommodations. Hostels are the best bet for a backpacker because they are affordable, regulated by an international body and are usually pretty clean. Hostels are also where you'll find the most international travelers who are willing to engage in a conversation with you and possibly divulge some of their secrets.
Europe is packed with tourists in the summer. If you think you can wing it and find an inn that will take you for a week, think again. Be smart and book ahead. Try to set a budget as well; the worst mistake you can make is to neglect to estimate how much you will spend. Be conservative yet realistic and try to break it down by day.
what to pack
The where, when and how have been taken care of; the why is up to you. Now we've arrived at the what. After you've set the foundation for your trip you will have to decide on what to pack. The following is a list of most everything you will need to take with you. The backpacker philosophy is essentialism -- learn to embrace it.Backpack: Invest in a good one. You can save money elsewhere when you realize that a solid backpack will last you a lifetime. Buy one with a lot of internal pouches, zippers that can be locked together, and a large main section for your clothing. When it comes to backpacks, size does matter. Try to buy one that is large enough to accommodate your needs, but stay as small as possible because if there's space, you'll fill it.
Try to purchase a backpack that is small enough to fit in the plane's overhead compartment. Contact your airline to learn what the size restrictions are for overhead storage and buy your backpack with that in mind. A two-month trip can be carried in a backpack that is about this size.
Daypack: A daypack is almost as valuable as the backpack. When you tour during the day, you need a light bag to store water, a camera, sunscreen, and other essential items. Buy one that can be strapped tightly around your torso and shoulder area, so as to discourage theft.
In addition, try to find a daypack that will allow a small lock to slip through the zipper holes for security reasons. A daypack should also have several interior pockets for storing your documents and identification.
Money pouch: A money pouch is imperative to have to protect your money. Your best bet is to buy one that you can wear around your neck or a belt you can wrap around your waist. The aggravation of having it on you 24/7 is worth it.
A good pair of shoes: A good pair of shoes are a crucial investment because you walk everywhere when you're a backpacker. As strange as it may sound a pair of shoes could potentially make or break your travel experience. A durable pair of lightweight shoes are usually best for backpacking since you will undoubtedly walk in the city and possibly some light trail walking.
A pair of sandals: Sandals are a necessary backpacker staple. They are used on the beach, in the water or even in a suspect shower.
Guidebooks and maps: Do not leave home without them. They are a welcome diversion when you need something to read and will set you on the right path when you get lost. There are a number of travel guides on the market; some of the more popular ones are Lonely Planet, Frommer's, Let's Go, and Fodor's. They all provide w wealth of information and are invaluable resources.
Padlock and cable lock: A lock is an item that could save you major headaches. The padlock is for securing your backpack in your locker when you leave it unattended during the day at the hostel.
A cable lock is the type of lock that you would use for a bicycle. You'll need a cable lock for the times when you doze off on a train, bus or anywhere else. Use it to chain your backpack to a chair, bench, overhead compartment or even to your leg.
An added security measure would be to purchase a few solid miniature locks for your backpack and daypack zippers.
Solid watch with alarm: Just because you're backpacking doesn't mean that you don't need to know the time; museums, theaters, galleries, and trains still have schedules. A watch with an alarm will be your best friend in a train station or dark hostel dorm room.
Camera: You'll regret it if you don't bring a camera with you. If you're not interested in architecture or street scenes, at the very least you'll want to take a couple snapshots of some hot European women.
First-aid kit: Accidents happen and you never know when you'll need some gauze, adhesive strips or some antiseptic.
Insect repellent: To ward off foreign pests; sorry, it only works on bugs.
Swiss-army knife: A knife is a good tool to have around. With increased airport security, it may get confiscated, but it is something I used almost every day.
Flashlight: A small flashlight is good to have around, in order to find your way around the hostel room at night, a dark train compartment or a tent if you're doing any camping.
Calculator: You'll need a basic calculator for rapid currency conversion to prevent you from getting a raw deal and to help you with your budgeting.
Sun protection: This would include sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a good hat.
Sleep sack: Unless you can afford a tiny down travel sleeping bag, you'll want a sleep sack in case a hostel is short on bedding or blankets. A sleep sack is nothing more than two sheets sewn together with the top and one side left open for you to slip into.
A travel towel: If you bring your large beach towel from home, you are wasting major space in your backpack. I bought a travel towel that was essentially a big chammy. The material soaked up water like a sponge and it had a strap so I could hang it up to dry or attach it to my pack.
Toilet paper and hand wipes: You may never think about toilet paper, but a roll of it could save you in a jam. Baby wipes may not be an obvious choice either, but trust me, nothing will refresh or clean you up quicker when you don't have access to a shower or running water.
Laundry bag: A cotton laundry bag is essential to keep the grimy and filthy clothes away from the less grimy and filthy clothes. It's also a smart item to have when you visit a foreign Laundromat, where the service is done for you, to prevent you from dumping the clothes on the counter.
Drain stopper and detergent: You'll need the drain stopper to plug a sink and some laundry soap to wash that one good shirt fast. A portable clothesline is a good idea as well.
Earplugs: To block out your snoring neighbor in the hostel or to dim the sound of a train at night.
Adhesive tape: To prevent bottles of liquid from soaking the contents of your backpack.
Vitamins: To regulate your nutrient intake when food is scarce.
Student or ISIC card: (if applicable) These items will help you score sweet deals at museums and other attractions. Visit http://www.istc.org/ for more information.
wait, don't leave yet
There are many other items to consider when you take the world with you on your back. My objective was to help you with some items you may have overlooked. Clothing should be kept to the bare minimum of course. Take enough for five days to a week and forget about the conventional packing method. The best way to utilize a backpack is to roll your clothing into tight packages and line them in rows.Grooming products are essential as well, but keep in mind that there are places to purchase shampoo and deodorant all over the world. As for currency, my advice is to carry a small amount of local cash around, along with some U.S. currency as a precaution. Do not bring all of the cash you need for the trip at once. That is what an ATM card is for, and thanks to modern technology, you should be able to use it.
The same can be said for credit cards and of course, traveler's checks are a safe alternative. Just be aware of service charges on ATM machines and conversion rates. That way you will not get the shock of your life when you obtain your bank balance at the end of the trip.
It is a misnomer (and plain ignorance) that a plan takes away your flexibility and freedom to roam. It is with a good plan that you can let go and have fun because the details have been taken care of beforehand.
So remember, a train schedule could save you massive stress, collect city maps beforehand, keep your valuable documents close, water is your best friend, and above all, have a safe and wonderful trip.
Resources:
Europe Travel Guide
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