Backpacking Travel Tips

If you're planning to venture out this summer, take heed of our backpacking travel tips!

As the school year draws to an end, what teenager doesn’t dream about backpacking around the world to explore exciting new cultures? But there are tons of things to think about before you throw yourself out there in the big bad world! Whether you’re planning to spend a few weeks in Europe or arranging a worldwide adventure, it’s critical to prepare yourself for a smooth and safe trip.

Plan Your Budget

Before you start booking flights, you need to create a budget. Research your destination to find out the costs of travel and accommodations, tourist attractions you wish to visit and approximate food prices. If you plan on doing some shopping, the cost can really add up, so try to watch your spending.

Create an Itinerary

Print off your itinerary (at least two copies), which includes all your flight confirmation numbers and the hotel/hostel numbers and addresses. (Customs usually asks for accommodation addresses.) Keep one with you so you can check in for flights online and be sure all the plans are correctly booked. Keep a couple of others with your loved ones, so they know where you are and can help quickly if you lose yours.

Pack Smart

As much as you’d like to bring all the comforts of home along with you, remember you’re going to be carrying everything on your back. Pack light comfortable clothes, know what you can buy there and always leave some extra space – even if you think you aren’t going to buy anything, you’ll always end up picking up some souvenirs. Bigger items can always be shipped home if you’re getting overloaded.

Zip It

Ziploc bags are a must for any traveller. They take up virtually no room and are the perfect little sub-dividers for loose, dirty or wet items. With airport security requiring travellers to stash their carry-on liquids and gels in clear plastic bags, be sure to pack a bunch in a variety of sizes.

Getting Around

Backpacking usually means some level of spontaneity, but you’re safer knowing what methods of travel you’ll be using once you’re overseas. In Africa, they have buses that transport backpackers, and in Europe, a Eurail train pass can get you around efficiently.

Do Your Research!

Part of creating an itinerary is researching what activities you want to do wherever you’re going. Before you leave, purchase or check out travel guides like Lonely Planet that give you great tips about places to visit. They also warn you about dangerous situations in the area that you should avoid. Once you’ve reached your destination, visiting a tourism office will help you finalize your plans.
(Helpful sites: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/us For Europe: http://www.ricksteves.com/)

Gaining Entry

One of the best parts of being Canadian? It’s generally pretty easy to travel if you hold a Canadian passport. That being said, there are still many countries that require tourist visas for entry, including popular destinations such as China, Turkey and Cuba. Also, many countries will deny you entry if your passport expires within six months. Visit the Canadian Foreign Affairs department website to find out more information about these requirements.

Where to Stay

Hotels can get really expensive, and camping probably isn’t the safest idea. With the help of a secure site like Hostelworld.com, you can find hostels that not only fit your budget, but also give you exactly what you’re looking for whether it’s cleanliness, fun or both!

Security

One of the scariest things that could happen to you in a strange new place is not only losing your money, but also your identification. Before you leave, make copies of all your ID and leave it with someone you can contact quickly in case of emergency. It’s always best to carry currency and your ID directly on you, even if that means wearing the most unfashionable money belt!

Cash or Credit?

Although there are currency exchanges in airports, they’re not always easy to find one once you’re on your way. Some credit card companies offer prepay travel credit cards, so you don’t have to worry about overspending your budget or carrying around a big wad of cash. There are also traveller’s cheques or you can take out cash from debit machines (for a small fee) as you go. Whichever you choose, it’s always best to find out ahead of which is the most accessible based on the country you’re visiting.  Take at least two different methods of payment with you in case you run into any problems.

PIN-Compatible

Most travellers use their bankcards to access funds while overseas, but did you know that in some European countries, bank machines won’t accept PINs longer than four digits? If your PIN happens to be over four digits, make sure to go to the bank and change it before you leave. Additionally, many bank machine keypads don’t display letters as they do in Canada so make sure you memorize your code numerically. It’s also a good idea to inform your bank of your travels before you go so they don’t security freeze your account when they see a bunch of unusual transactions from halfway across the world.

Language Barrier

If you have an IPod touch, IPhone or an android phone, there are hundreds of language apps with helpful phrases in many languages that could assist you wherever you are. If not, buy a phrase book or Google the phrases you’ll need and keep them with you.

Healthy and Happy

Make sure that you have enough prescription medication and pack plenty of contacts and/or prescription glasses. Check to ensure that the areas you’re travelling to don’t require any immunizations. Visit the Canada Public Health website or a travel clinic for more info.

Tummy Troubles

Whenever you travel, there’s a risk that your stomach isn’t going to enjoy the adventure as much as you are. If you have a sensitive tummy, do some research beforehand and learn what foods are best to avoid in different regions. You’ll also want to know where and when it’s safe to drink tap water.

Care and Coverage

Should you need to see a doctor or have to go to the hospital during your trip, you will absolutely need health insurance. Your local insurance agent can assist you with purchasing the correct insurance for your particular destination and duration of your trip.

ET Phone Home

For emergencies or just when you’re feeling homesick, you’ll want to be able to call home. If you plan to travel with a cell phone, plan ahead. Roaming fees will have you broke before you know it, so either set up a plan that accommodates overseas minutes or pick up a pay-as-you-go phone when you arrive at your destination. Calling cards are another great option. Hotel phones can be exorbitantly expensive so having a pre-paid phone card is an economic way to go.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

It doesn’t matter if you’re staying in a hostel or a five-star hotel, bed bugs can strike anywhere, so start Googling and learn how you can avoid them. Once you learn some tips on how to detect and avoid them (check for black stains under the mattress and in couch cushions, check the sheets and pillows for small blood stains, don’t leave your suitcase on the floor or bed), you’ll be better equipped to steer clear of creepy crawlers.

How to Deal with Homesickness

Whether you make it three days or three months, at some point you’re bound to start missing home and the people that you love there, so find a way to keep in touch through Facebook or email. You could also pack some pictures of the people you’ll miss, or create a journal to write to them. Remember that you’re in a new exciting place though, and that you can always cure homesickness by making a few new friends!

Click It!

Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. If you do, buy one the minute you arrive at your travel destination. You’ll want to relive the exciting memories of your adventures abroad for years to come. A photo album – whether digital or physical – is the ultimate souvenir.