Backpacking Tips List For Travellers

Travelling Tips for Backpackers:

• Backpack! Make sure you get a good quality and light weight backpack that fits you and is comfortable.

• Pack that backpack as lightly as possible, you are going to get really tired of carrying it.

• Plan your travels ahead, but try to remain as flexible as possible to allow for exciting excursions or extended stays in locations you are really enjoying. Do remember however that being too flexible can end up a costly mistake in high season. Try to determine the popularity of places you are wanting to see and the likelihood of accommodation filling up.

• Try maintain a budget, but occasionally splash out on something. A meal, accommodation, a special excursion can sometimes make your day... or even your holiday.

• Try do as much research as possible BEFORE you leave. Visas required, medication, travel itineraries etc. Doing it during the holiday gets in the way of your fun and can turn out to be expensive if you have to make rash decisions.

• If possible, always try to verify information a fellow backpacker might tell you. That way you won't end up disappointed or in trouble if their tips were incorrect.

• Travel Insurance. A little money up front can save you a lot of money later on.

• Guidebooks such as Lonely Planet etc can be a great way to find your way around, get accommodation etc.

• Don't just limit yourself to the major sites. Try open your eyes and gain a feel for how the locals live, you might learn something.

• Let family and friends know what you are up to in case something happens to you.

• Try not to stand out as a tourist if possible. Bumbags, cameras etc are obvious targets for thieves.

• Take notice of your environment and dress and act accordingly. Always check out a country's customs and regulations.

• Have multiple forms of monetary access and don't keep them all together. Travellers cheques and a couple of major credit cards are a good idea. Avoid carrying large sums of money.

• Always be wary of people and animals, both can be untrustworthy or diseased etc, although try not be totally paranoid and ruin your fun.

• Keep photocopies of important documents like passports, itineraries, phone numbers and keep them separate from your originals.

• Be aware of what countries allow you to bring through customs. You could find yourself in a lot of trouble. Also be wary of anything people give you and keep a strict watch on your baggage to make sure nobody tampers with it.