Leave your papers in your desk, shut down your laptop and prepare your backpack. Close your work planner because you will not need it as you venture alone in the streets of Macau or Bali or even Paris. Dedicate a week or two for yourself, unwind and de-stress from either loads of school works or errands for boss. Be a backpacker and enjoy your adventure as you look left and right from day to night.
Before booking your flight and heading to your destination, research important details about the place you are going to so you won't find yourself missing in a pool of people when you get there. Learn the basics like where is the most affordable inn or hotel, where are the best restaurants to eat at that offer great food without compromising a lot from your budget, are there museums or art galleries around, where the churches or temples are located and what are the must-try delicacies and food in the place. But hang on a second, all of these should not be left as a plan. You must check if you have enough bills and credits for the trip.
As a travel savvy backpacker you don't want to splurge a large sum of money for you to have a trip that is worth remembering. Before you enjoy the streets of any city in any continent, bear in mind all the essentials you need to have a hassle-free travel. Here are some tips that will guide you as you step each foot forward in another city.
1. Pack right, pack light
Keep all your essentials in your backpack without overloading. Know the necessary things a backpacker must bring to avoid a heavy travel. More so, learn how to maximize the space of your backpack and be familiar with your own back pack—from side-pockets to secret pockets to the size and weight capacity of your bag.
Have a checklist of the things you will need for your trip. It is also advisable to rank them from most to least important so in the end you will not be rushing to the nearest grocery or drugstore to buy that can cost you unnecessary spending. Here is a list of the things a backpacker must have:
a) Clothes - Your clothes must be appropriate with the weather and climate in the specific area. As much as possible, keep the essentials like undergarments, shirts and pants, preferably cargo pants 'cause you'll be needing more pockets eventually. You can have at least one jacket, a hat and a scarf. To maximize the space in your bag, roll or fold each garment twice or thrice and stack them all the way. Avoid the cabinet-type of folding. For undergarments and socks, put them inside the pockets of your pants or jackets so you can use the pockets of your bag for other stuff. More so, bring extra clothes like parka and gloves for unexpected rains and snowfalls. For shoes, avoid bringing loads of footwear; only bring an extra pair of slippers instead.
b) Shelter and sleeping materials - Bring a tent, ropes and sleeping bags for unexpected camping. Make sure that these are small enough for you to carry in your bag. Also, carry along a small yet cozy blanket so you'll be warm at night. However, if you want to save more space, be resourceful enough and use your scarf as an alternative blanket.
c) Hygiene kit - Unless you want to be called a hobo by locals and other tourists, you must keep in mind that you are still a traveler, more so, a clean traveler. Bring a small pouch of sanitation kit that includes shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, sanitary napkins for women, towel and sun block. To accommodate only a little space, only bring small bottles, if not, sachets of shampoo and liquid soap. Put all these in a pouch so you can find them easily in your bag.
d) First-aid kit - This kit must include pills (aspirins, ibuprofen, and paracetamol), mosquito repellants, bandages, gauzes, needles, safety pins, medical tape and tweezers. You can also carry with you an ice pack for immediate cure.
e) Food and water - Do not deprive yourself from food just because you want to be frugal. Bring a water bottle that is big enough for a day's walk. More so, pack also light-packaged food like biscuits and breads and instant noodles.
f) Camera - Have portable cameras so you can take pictures of the scenic places you've been to. With the technology today, the wide range of smartphones and Android phones that have high-definition camera features can make you an instant shutterbug. Just always remember to have a small area for it in your bag or just hang it on your neck.
g) Others - Always remember to bring a flashlight, a matchbox and a knife, preferably a Swiss knife for emergency purposes.
2. Be a frugal backpacker
You don't want to go home with an empty wallet, do you? Here are a few tips on how you can save up and budget as go on a trip.
a) Research - Reading travel magazines and travel blogs can help you find your way in a certain place. Look for places the travelers like you recommend. Instead of dining at hotel restaurants where exquisite food is expensive, eat at local restaurants that offer good local and native dishes at an affordable price. Also, remember to go where locals go.
b) Know the current currency rates - Keep this in mind so you won't end up splurging a large amount of money. Remember that Hong Kong Dollars is different from US dollars and Philippine Peso is different from Mexican Peso.
c) Look for group discounts - Other backpackers in the area and their friends might also be looking for good deals. Band together so you can all snatch up good discounts. You can also chip in with taxi fares and share a space in your room. Just don't forget to beware of the people you are going with because they are still strangers.
d) Others - Avoid taxis, instead just go for a good walk around the city or rent a bike. It is also advisable to just book directly at a hotel because it would cost more if you do it in a travel agency. Also, don't tip. Do not make it a habit to leave a dollar or so because you really don't have to. Lastly, eat enough so you still have an appetite for small snack around the city.
3. Save early, travel dearly
If you are planning of backpacking in another country, it is better to plan and save early so you don't mess up when you get there.
For students, spare a dollar or two from your daily allowance and save them for your upcoming trip. You might also want to regularly check airlines that offer good packages and sale promos for the year. You might be surprised that they offer big discounts. Also, it is better to plan it on holidays because airlines release these promos during these days.
For those who are working, spend little and save more if you want to go out-of-the-country. Buy essentials that are affordable yet useful. Also, it is better if you buy a backpack with a good quality so you can use it often for your future travels. Lastly, book earlier and plan your itinerary ahead of time so you won't get lost.
Remember these tips so you can have a memorable, hassle-free travel. These won't make you lonely anymore.
Before booking your flight and heading to your destination, research important details about the place you are going to so you won't find yourself missing in a pool of people when you get there. Learn the basics like where is the most affordable inn or hotel, where are the best restaurants to eat at that offer great food without compromising a lot from your budget, are there museums or art galleries around, where the churches or temples are located and what are the must-try delicacies and food in the place. But hang on a second, all of these should not be left as a plan. You must check if you have enough bills and credits for the trip.
As a travel savvy backpacker you don't want to splurge a large sum of money for you to have a trip that is worth remembering. Before you enjoy the streets of any city in any continent, bear in mind all the essentials you need to have a hassle-free travel. Here are some tips that will guide you as you step each foot forward in another city.
1. Pack right, pack light
Keep all your essentials in your backpack without overloading. Know the necessary things a backpacker must bring to avoid a heavy travel. More so, learn how to maximize the space of your backpack and be familiar with your own back pack—from side-pockets to secret pockets to the size and weight capacity of your bag.
Have a checklist of the things you will need for your trip. It is also advisable to rank them from most to least important so in the end you will not be rushing to the nearest grocery or drugstore to buy that can cost you unnecessary spending. Here is a list of the things a backpacker must have:
a) Clothes - Your clothes must be appropriate with the weather and climate in the specific area. As much as possible, keep the essentials like undergarments, shirts and pants, preferably cargo pants 'cause you'll be needing more pockets eventually. You can have at least one jacket, a hat and a scarf. To maximize the space in your bag, roll or fold each garment twice or thrice and stack them all the way. Avoid the cabinet-type of folding. For undergarments and socks, put them inside the pockets of your pants or jackets so you can use the pockets of your bag for other stuff. More so, bring extra clothes like parka and gloves for unexpected rains and snowfalls. For shoes, avoid bringing loads of footwear; only bring an extra pair of slippers instead.
b) Shelter and sleeping materials - Bring a tent, ropes and sleeping bags for unexpected camping. Make sure that these are small enough for you to carry in your bag. Also, carry along a small yet cozy blanket so you'll be warm at night. However, if you want to save more space, be resourceful enough and use your scarf as an alternative blanket.
c) Hygiene kit - Unless you want to be called a hobo by locals and other tourists, you must keep in mind that you are still a traveler, more so, a clean traveler. Bring a small pouch of sanitation kit that includes shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, sanitary napkins for women, towel and sun block. To accommodate only a little space, only bring small bottles, if not, sachets of shampoo and liquid soap. Put all these in a pouch so you can find them easily in your bag.
d) First-aid kit - This kit must include pills (aspirins, ibuprofen, and paracetamol), mosquito repellants, bandages, gauzes, needles, safety pins, medical tape and tweezers. You can also carry with you an ice pack for immediate cure.
e) Food and water - Do not deprive yourself from food just because you want to be frugal. Bring a water bottle that is big enough for a day's walk. More so, pack also light-packaged food like biscuits and breads and instant noodles.
f) Camera - Have portable cameras so you can take pictures of the scenic places you've been to. With the technology today, the wide range of smartphones and Android phones that have high-definition camera features can make you an instant shutterbug. Just always remember to have a small area for it in your bag or just hang it on your neck.
g) Others - Always remember to bring a flashlight, a matchbox and a knife, preferably a Swiss knife for emergency purposes.
2. Be a frugal backpacker
You don't want to go home with an empty wallet, do you? Here are a few tips on how you can save up and budget as go on a trip.
a) Research - Reading travel magazines and travel blogs can help you find your way in a certain place. Look for places the travelers like you recommend. Instead of dining at hotel restaurants where exquisite food is expensive, eat at local restaurants that offer good local and native dishes at an affordable price. Also, remember to go where locals go.
b) Know the current currency rates - Keep this in mind so you won't end up splurging a large amount of money. Remember that Hong Kong Dollars is different from US dollars and Philippine Peso is different from Mexican Peso.
c) Look for group discounts - Other backpackers in the area and their friends might also be looking for good deals. Band together so you can all snatch up good discounts. You can also chip in with taxi fares and share a space in your room. Just don't forget to beware of the people you are going with because they are still strangers.
d) Others - Avoid taxis, instead just go for a good walk around the city or rent a bike. It is also advisable to just book directly at a hotel because it would cost more if you do it in a travel agency. Also, don't tip. Do not make it a habit to leave a dollar or so because you really don't have to. Lastly, eat enough so you still have an appetite for small snack around the city.
3. Save early, travel dearly
If you are planning of backpacking in another country, it is better to plan and save early so you don't mess up when you get there.
For students, spare a dollar or two from your daily allowance and save them for your upcoming trip. You might also want to regularly check airlines that offer good packages and sale promos for the year. You might be surprised that they offer big discounts. Also, it is better to plan it on holidays because airlines release these promos during these days.
For those who are working, spend little and save more if you want to go out-of-the-country. Buy essentials that are affordable yet useful. Also, it is better if you buy a backpack with a good quality so you can use it often for your future travels. Lastly, book earlier and plan your itinerary ahead of time so you won't get lost.
Remember these tips so you can have a memorable, hassle-free travel. These won't make you lonely anymore.