Travel and Packing Tips For Backpackers

TRAVEL PACKING U TIPS FOR BACKPACKERS #1 ALWAYS CARRY DUCT TAPE It can be used to fix anything from split rucksacks to rattling bus windows #2 CARRY ANTI BACTERIAL HANDWASH WITH YOU Use this af often as you can help to protect yourself against germs #3 ALWAYS BACKUP IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS Scan you passport and credit card and email them to yourself, friends and family so you always have a copy #4 INSERT BATTERIES THE WRONG WAY Then if the product is accidently turned on in your bag, the batteries won't be drained as they aren't inserted properly #5 CHOOSE COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST AT HOSTELS This will save you money and time! #6 FILL YOUR CAR BEFORE YOU GO If you're going away for several months, make sure your car has a full tank before you leave. This will make it easier to start when you get back #7 TELL YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY THAT YOU ARE GOING AWAY Inform your bank that you are going away, 1234 CARDHOLDER otherwise you could be faced with a declined card when you try to use it abroad #8 ALWAYS CARRY A DECOY WALLET If someone threatens you and asks for your wallet, you don't loose anything by handing over the decoy one. Tricks! #9 BRING EARPLUGS They are essential if you are staying in a hostel and don't want to be woken up at 4.00am by the last one in #10 CREATE AN EMAIL LIST BEFORE YOU GO This will save you time as you can send updates to a whole bunch of people at the same time #11 USE A HEADTORCH A headtorch gives you so much more flexibility when you have to sort things out in the dark #12 CARRY AN INFLATABLE PILLOW WITH YOU It's easy to pack as it's small and lightweight. It will also make those 10 hour bus journeys a bit more comfortable #13 LEAVE SPACE IN YOUR RUCKSACK You're likely to buy gifts while you're away, so keep this in mind when packing and leave space to include them! #14 ALWAYS TRY THE LOCAL FOOD BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE It will be much cheaper than western food and also. it's what you're there for isn't it? To experience different things! #15 PREPARE YOUR MAPS BEFORE YOU GO Get a smart phone app that allows you to download maps and use them offline. This will save you from using up all of your data while you're away #16 ALWAYS WEAR A MONEY BELT Keep your most important possessions in it and wear it as often as you can - even at night #17 USE PACKING CUBES IN YOUR BAG It will make things easier to find if you section them. E.g. shirts in one, shorts in another. #18 IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT! The chances are that you won't need it anyway. A general rule is that you will need half as many clothes and twice as much money! #19 ALWAYS CARRY A PADLOCK You never know when you'll end up having to leave your bag somewhere unattended #20 TAKE SEVERAL PASSPORT PHOTOS WITH YOU Certain border crossings will require passport photos for visas, as will certain ID/discount cards #21 INVEST IN A PERSONAL ALARM Whether you're male or female. Simply activate it when you feel in danger and it will make a loud noise and draw attention #22 RESEARCH LOCAL ETIQUETTE You don't want to be refused entry somewhere because you're wearing the wrong clothing #23 RESEARCH HOSTELS BEFORE YOU GO Research a potential 2 or 3 hostels in each location before you go, so you don't spend too much time doing it whilst you're out there #24 LADIES, TAKE A SARONG They have several purposes as they can be used on the beach, as a scarf, a towel or even a curtain on an overnight train #25 SLEEP WITH VALUABLES INSIDE YOUR SLEEPING BAG Anything that is of high importance, for example, cash, passport or phone, will be kept extra safe at night #26 DOWNSIZE ON TOILETRIES Take individual sachets of shower gel and shampoo. This will save you a lot of space #27 KEEP A SPARE OUTFIT IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE You will have a spare change of clothes on you, just in case your rucksack goes missing #28 SPREAD OUT YOUR CASH Don't keep all of your cash in one place, spread it out through your luggage; shoes, pockets, toiletries etc. #29 ALWAYS TAKE YOUR STUDENT CARD Even if you've graduated. You might end up being able to recieve a discount #30 USE A MICRO FIBER TRAVEL TOWEL They are light weight and dry quicker than ordinary towels. They also save space on packing #31 ALLOW 3 MONTHS TO SORT OUT YOUR VACCINATIONS Give yourself plenty of time to sort this as some vaccinations have to be given over a 2 or 3 month period #32 GET A WATERPROOF RUCKSACK COVER Assume your rucksack will get wet. Get an external cover to give it extra protection. This goes for inside as well #33 TRY LOCALLY PRODUCED YOGURT WHEN YOU ARRIVE As soon as you arrive at your destination, try and source some locally produced yogurt. This will introduce healthy bacteria in to your stomach #34 PACK ZIP LOCK BAGS They are great for storing potential exploding toiletries things dry in wet weather or keeping (HE(K OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE TRAVEL TIPS & ADVICE INTO THE WILD GAP YEAR BLOG FROMFRONTIER READ THE LATEST ARTIQLES, VOLUNTEER STOIRES & SEE THE AMAZING VOLUNTEER GALLERIES! SEE MORE FROM US AND OUR VOLUNTEERS You Tube FRONTIEROFFICAL AFRONTIERGAP FRONTIERGAPYEARTV ar ticle oriqinal by intelligentpelican