Backpacking – an Introduction
Transportation in Thailand - Longtailboats
Don’t consider backpacking as just another means of traveling, because backpacking is a very colorful and deep experience. As a backpacker you are not a mere tourist. Normal traveling is always about reaching a destination, in backpacking, wherever your travels will lead you, your goal should always be to make unique experiences as you are an explorer. An adventurer. It might not seem to be as easy or comfortable as normal tourism and it might teach you a thing or two about survival in strange and alien environments, but you can be assured that it will always be a very rich, unique and rewarding experience.
Instead of the common tourist, as a backpacker you will leave the well known and beaten paths and face unique challenges a normal tourist wouldn’t even consider existing. Your reward will be new knowledge and a unique angle on the most varied places of the world, and last but not least, also on yourself. As backpacking is also always also a journey of self-discovery, about making experiences for yourself no one will ever be able to take away from you. Getting away from the environment you are used to is also always a good way to gain new perspectives on your life and who knows?
You might just find a few solutions on the trail for things that have been troubling you at home. Don’t let yourself get weighted down by a suitcase anymore and pick up a comfortable backpack. It will distribute the weight of your belongings comfortably and will always ensure your maximum mobility while always being the trusty companion who watches out for your back. Don’t miss out on opportunities your life can offer you.
Tips for planning a backpacking trip
- Decide where you want to go, which country/places to visit to plan your route or world trip
- Check the climate and weather in your destinations at the planned travel date – you probably don’t want to go to a country in the rainy season or if it is very humid
- Calculate the money you will need whilst traveling – accommodation, transportation, food, … – how much are living costs in the countries of your route? e.g. Australia is quite expensive compared to living costs in Asia
- Check if you need some vaccinations for your backpacking trip, e.g. hepatitis b virus vaccination for travels to South Asia, Fiji or other destinations
- You would like to work whilst traveling? Check if you are allowed to work and if you need any special working visa. Be aware that jobs might be very rare so make sure you’ve got enough money with you to survive without a job for a little while
- Check the visa regulations of the countries you would like to visit as well as for your stopover destinations like e.g. Dubai, Hongkong or Singapore
- Backpack or trolley? Sometimes backpacks aren’t the only way to get around as a backpacker
We hope you all have a great backpacking experience and enjoy your trip. We would love to hear your backpacking stories. If you are interested in telling other backpackers details about your trip or provide any tips just contact us.
