9 Lifesavers for Backpackers: Planning Tips
There is an undeniable appeal to backpacking; the anticipation felt as you pack up, knowing you will get to your destination completely on your own steam. Planning an implementing a trip your way, the ability to change it at a whim, prolonging the trip or hurrying it based solely on your desires, that’s the life! The destinations are numerous and tempting but the whole idea can be an absolute flop if you don’t realize it still takes planning before the plunge.
Plan your trip
Not every detail, but basic planning is essential to a good trip. Know where you plan to start, and where you want to end. Keep your plan simple, and make sure its flexible…there’s no reason to give up visiting an out of the way village that you didn’t realize was there because you didn’t build an extra bit of time in.
Purchase a Backpack
A good backpack is a must. One made to carry school books in may not hold up when being bounced around on your back for days on end, and since it will be on your back, you want one that will be comfortable, while still holding all you need.
Check Airfare Prices
The earlier you can purchase your ticket, the better deals you may be able to score. Make sure to get round trip fare, waiting to buy your fare to return home once you’re there can extend the trip longer than you intend and return tickets are usually cheaper too.
Buy a Travel Guide
You will need more than just a backpack for the trip. A recent travel guide to the areas you plan on visiting is essential. You will study it often, so make sure to choose a good one that you actually understand too.
Budget your money
Figure out what your basic expenses will be each day. Include food, hostels or hotels, transportation, and any extra sightseeing tours you might want to check out. It doesn’t hurt to have a little more built in, but you don’t want to end up short on cash halfway through your trip with no way to get more.
Pack lightly
Essentials only, if you’re not sure you’ll need it, leave it home. Remember, you’re carrying everything you pack, there’s no reason to add weight with unnecessary items. Make sure to bring sturdy shoes, which will hold up for the entire trip. Your bags content will vary depending on the activities you are planning during your trip, whether it will be a purely sightseeing trip or will you be venturing closer to nature and are planning a bit of hiking etc as well. So make sure your bag has all the basic essentials that will get you through your planned activities.
Plan your itinerary
Write down where and what you want to visit; figure out exactly how you plan to get from one point to the next. Remember, flexibility is the key, but you want a basic framework in mind so you know how much to budget, as well as the time you can spend in a particular place.
Look into Rail Passes
Its not all walking, if you decide to take a train from point to point, a rail pass can save you money. European trains are known to be comfortable and reliable, but can be expensive. Getting a Rail Pass to travel between destinations in Europe will definitely cut down on this expense.
Travel Documents
Make sure your passport is up to date, and if it isn’t, give yourself time to apply. It can take up to 12 weeks for a new passport, so apply ahead of time. If you need a Visa, now is the time to get it. Bring along your student identity card, some of the discounts available to students will greatly reduce expenses.
Above all, have fun. The better prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have. Being flexible with your plan means the luxury of meeting new people for a side trip or two while still making the most of your time.
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March 6th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I went to London for a 2 week trip with nothing but a back pack. My friend arranged for accommodations and fed me but while he went to work I roamed around the city and suburbs. There is so much to see there and the day passes did wonders for me because I saw everything I set out to see cheaply. Even would have crossed over to Ireland if I had not been warned about that being risky. It was fun though. Always wondered how it would be like to live out of a bag but when I did it was a liberating experience.