Whether you’re lugging around an overstuffed backpack or kept sleepless by a snoring dorm mate, there are some first-time backpacker experiences better avoided from the start.
Don’t learn the hard way.
Travelcuts, an online exclusive travel brand helping Canadians see the world their way, connected with Rough Guides to put together this list of the nine tips every first-time backpacker should know before heading out on their first worldly adventure.
Travel light
On the fence about packing that extra sweater? Don’t bring it. You’ll be surprised by how little you really need. Every addition to the load adds up in the long run, especially when you want to purchase souvenirs on the road.
If it turns out you really do require extra clothes, buy them abroad. The prices may even be cheaper than those at home, so you won’t feel as bad if your new threads sustain a bit of wear and tear from your adventures.
You don’t need an expensive backpack
Unless you’re planning on some serious trekking, splurging on a top of the line backpack is unnecessary. You’ll only really wear the bag when moving between accommodation and transport, and you can use a smaller daypack for any mini-excursions.
Simply look for a backpack that feels comfortable, and purchase a rain cover to keep it dry during storms. A cover can also act as an added layer of defence between your bag and any potentially prying hands.
Concealed travel wallets are dorky but worth it
They’re not a vital piece of backpacking gear, but concealed wallets help to prevent a lot of sticky situations abroad.
Keeping your valuables undercover and attached to you can help take the edge off of any nerves in crowded places where pickpockets are known to thrive, allowing you to relax and take in your surroundings.
Be prepared for a sound sleep
Crying baby on your flight? Lack of blinds in your bedroom? Bed sheets on the cheaper side? Never fear with proper sleep gear.
Earplugs, a sleep mask and a light sleeping sheet will ensure you start each day feeling rested.
Don’t be afraid to ask for directions
Nothing beats local knowledge. From tips on getting around, where to eat or where to stay, chatting with locals is a big part of what’s beautiful and important about travel.
With serendipity on your side, something as simple as asking for directions could completely alter your trip for the better, resulting in new friends or unforgettable off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Take the opportunity for a digital detox
You’re far away from home. Unplug, and take some time to reflect on the meaning behind that distance. Be present and allow yourself to be immersed in your new surroundings. Despite all the unwritten rules, there’s no real pressure to keep in constant contact with friends and family back home, or to share photos of your travels in real time.
Travel before mapping apps existed too. A paper map won’t run out of batteries and is easy to mark up or hand to a taxi driver.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
From transport delays to the occasional rip-off, travel doesn’t always go your way. Maybe you forgot your sunscreen at the last hotel or had a questionable meal.
Try to appreciate it all as part of the adventure – and remember that in the end, the most annoying mishaps often make for the best stories.
Slow down, enjoy the ride
The most remarkable travel experiences tend to happen in what seem like the least remarkable places – no name villages, the homestay you ended up at when the closest party hostel was fully booked, or the food stall down the road from those famous restaurants.
Go with the flow: adapt to the pace of a place, be open to new experiences and unexpected turns in your plans.
Don’t forget to capture the moment
There’s no better souvenir than your memories. If you’re a writer, try to keep a daily journal of your adventures. If you’re more tech-savvy, why not capture the moment through a video that you can share with loved ones when you return? Your film skills could make you the winner of this year’s travelcuts film fest. However you choose to remember your travels, documenting your experiences will give you something to reflect on years later.
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