Essential Tips for Backpackers

People of all ages go backpacking in all parts of the world. It provides an ideal way to see the world, save money and make friends as you travel.

Backpackers typically avoid expensive hotels in city centers, and prefer campsites, hostels, or cheap bed & breakfast places. If you know anybody who might be backpacking this article will save you money and help make backpacking safer and more enjoyable.

It's always a good idea to thoroughly research the journey using the internet and some well chosen guidebooks from a library or bookshop. If possible, talk to others who have taken the same route.

Have two credit cards and keep one aside for emergency use only. Keep the emergency card hidden inside your clothing somewhere so that if your belongings are stolen, you still have your emergency card.

Take a mobile phone with you for calling home or for using in the event of an emergency. Failing that, make sure you have a phone card (e.g. and AT&T card), so that you can at least phone home or make an emergency call.

Send an email home regularly if you can get to an internet cafe. That way, your folks back home will know where you last traveled and where you are planning to go, if something happens to you.

Always make sure that your travel insurance is up to date and that you have a note of the emergency telephone number should you need to claim insurance.

Don't take expensive jewels/watches/rings or other valuables. Buy a cheap throw-away watch for the trip.

Be aware that strong cultural differences can apply to different nations. For example, you may be able to wear shorts in Western European countries, but this does not mean that shorts won't cause offence in some other parts of the world.

Generally try to avoid traveling at night, or walking alone in back streets or isolated places (applies to both men and women).

Look out for other backpackers who may be going your way. Travel with them if you can as there is safety in numbers. Also, it may make your journey more enjoyable.

Get a high-pitched attack alarm for emergencies. This is always a good thing to have, especially for women.

Take your own medication with you. If you need regular medication of any sort, do not assume you will be able to buy it abroad. Brand names of medicines change from country to country. This, combined with possible language barriers can lead to problems.

Keep your medication in clearly marked containers and carry a separate list of your medical requirements. Also include a letter from your doctor confirming your prescribed medication. This will help to minimize delays at airports and border crossings.

Pack a spare toothbrush and dental floss when backpacking. Dental floss is useful for all sorts of things apart from teeth, such as a temporary broken strap or shoe lace, or to tie items together). Reduce all toiletries, insect repellent, sun lotion etc. to a minimum and replenish your needs as you travel.

Always be aware of what is going on around you, especially in crowded places, such as stations, markets, airports, and busy streets.

Keep your backpack thief-proof by protecting it from slashers (thieves who cut through your backpack to steal without you knowing it). Simply line the inside of your backpack with chicken wire (use a very fine soft mesh and attach it at key points using needle and thread).

Article Source: ArticlesMaker.com

About the Author: For travel safety advice relating to air travel see Airline Safety Ratings. Whether or not backpacking, Airline Safety Ratings reveals safety information that airlines don't tell you. 

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