20: live in the moment
While it’s important to stay in touch, don’t get into the habit of calling home all the time. Appreciate your surroundings and chat to the locals.
19: always carry the basics
A bit of tissue and sanitising hand gel will get you far in the world. Always carry some so that you are ready for anything.
18: downgrade your devices
If you have a lot of pricey electronics, you might want to consider busting out your old discarded electronics. As a general rule, you won’t want to bring anything that you couldn’t bear losing.
17: dress appropriately
A lot of important cultural sites have a dress code (think: covered knees, shoulders and sometimes hair). Get to know the local culture before you arrive. Bring a scarf, long trousers and whatever else might be needed in your destination.
16: visit the tourist office
Don’t ignore the tourist office! There are countless resources there that’ll get you on the right path.
15: Read the guidebook
After you get your free guidebooks, read them! Don’t miss a great opportunity by not knowing what’s out there.
14: consider getting a day job
Planning to backpack for a few months? Or maybe even a few years? Consider volunteering at a hostel for free accommodation or getting a job at a backpacking pub to extend your funds.
13: Capture your memories
Take snapshots. Get souvenirs. Capture all of your memories so that you never forget.
12: Don’t Bore your friends
Sure, your travels are interesting but they aren’t the only interesting thing in the world. Stay well rounded and don’t spend all your time telling tales about your travels.
11: get a productive hobby
You’ll have a lot of downtime when you are backpacking. Get a lightweight reading device or just use your phone to read everything out there. Learn a new language or try reading the greatest novels of all time. Don’t just waste your time playing games or staring at the wall.
10: Talk to people
The best way to learn about the world is to talk to the people in it. Take advantage of the opportunity to chat with people on long train rides or wherever you find yourself with an opportunity.
9: Try to speak the language
Speaking another language or two will open up a new world to you. Invest time in learning then don’t be shy about practising- no matter how basic your level is!
8: Know when to plan
Sometimes it’s best to just grab the best looking backpacker’s hostel you walk past. Other times, you need to book. Know where you stand. If it’s a holiday, you might find a lot of booked up hostels. Know the high season and the public holidays.
7: understand public transport
Spend some time learning the routes and cost structure for the local public transport system so you know your best options.
6: Carry snacks
It’s a good idea to always carry snacks so you don’t end up wasting cash on overpriced food.
5: Buy alcohol at shops
Feel like having a drink? Relax in the park, your hostel, or on the beach with a drink. It’s allowed in most cities and you’ll rarely have any issue if you aren’t rowdy.
4: Keep in touch
It is important to make sure that someone always knows where you are. Don’t totally fall off the grid. Let a friend know where you are. Better safe than sorry.
3: Search for kitchens
Eating out is expensive. Search for hostels that have a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.
2: Ditch the valuables
Rather than spending your time stressing about losing your valuables, leave them at home. Stick to true essentials.
1: Pack light
Don’t break your back! Keep it light. Edit then edit again. A light pack is every backpacker’s best friend.
