Read This Guide Before Going Backpacking For The First Time
Backpacking for the first time will be a very exciting and nervy experience for anyone. The idea behind backpacking is that you travel around the world, often with minimal resources. As the name suggests, you usually only have a hiking backpack as your companion! Well, you can backpack around different places with friends in a group, but the concept is that you aren’t all lugging around numerous suitcases. It’s a very interesting way to travel as you can see so much of the world and experience things that you’d never usually get to experience.
Nevertheless, preparing for a backpacking adventure is significantly different from preparing for a normal vacation. There are many things you have to consider and get in order before you go. That’s what this guide is for – it will give you a few tips to help you prepare for your backpacking adventure. Get yourself comfortable and…
Read This Guide Before Going Backpacking For The First Time
Sort your finances out
Usually, when going on vacation, you don’t have to worry that much about your finances. A vacation is brief, and you know you’ll return to normal life soon. Plus, you probably get paid leave to go on vacation anyway! With backpacking, you typically have to leave your job as you can be gone for weeks or months. Thus, you need to ensure you’re financially stable to the point where you can go backpacking and not end up broke.
It will require a lot of saving and planning before you go. The best idea is to set yourself a monthly budget, then save enough money to follow it. Of course, you want to save more than this, just in case your calculations were wrong. It also might help to look for any money-making opportunities while you’re traveling. Any additional cash you can add to your funds will be a bonus!
Cut your hair short
Okay, this seems like a strange step to take when planning a backpacking adventure! However, there is a lot of logic behind it. For women, traveling with long hair will be a massive pain. Especially as you might not stay in places with good bathroom situations. You can’t afford to spend ages getting your hair ready and cleaned every single day. Plus, having long hair can also be irritating when you’re in hot and humid climates. Short hair is so much easier for you to maintain and look after! If you want inspiration, here’s a great article called 37 Best Chin-Length Hairstyles You Need To Try In 2021 that will show you plenty of ideas to try. You’ll soon realize that having short hair doesn’t mean you can’t look your best and be less inconvenienced while you travel.
The same goes for guys – the shorter your hair is, the less you have to worry about it. Guys’ hair can grow really quickly in the space of a few months, meaning it might get out of hand. If you get a haircut before leaving, you won’t have to worry about this.
Make sure you have the right backpack
Obviously, you can’t go backpacking without a lightweight setout backpack! However, you will soon realize that there are loads of different bags and backpacks for you to choose from. Right away, you should understand that a classic backpack isn’t suitable. The type of bag you wear on your back every day won’t have the carrying capacity for a traveler! Instead, you have to get a backpack or rucksack that is made for traveling.
Something like the backpack in the image above is a great idea here. Travel backpacks are designed to carry loads of things in them, while also having options to place attachments here and there. It means you can fill the backpack with all the essentials you need, and be able to carry them on your back. If you do a quick Google search for the best travel backpacks/rucksacks, you’re bound to find some excellent options.
Be harsh when packing
Lastly, the stuff you put inside your rucksack is very important. You don’t want to under-pack, but overpacking is a lot worse. Be as ruthless as possible, only packing things that are absolutely essential. This includes clothing – pack like a week’s worth of outfits, and you can wash your clothes and re-wear them as required. Speaking of which, some washing powder will be handy, along with a little First Aid kit. Having at least one change of shoes can also be useful, and you want to pack any key electronics and chargers.
Armed with this information, you can plan your backpacking journey with more confidence. All that’s left to do is chose your starting destination and plan the route!
