Backpacking The World

Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Terms such as independent travel and/or budget travel are often used interchangeably with backpacking. The factors that traditionally differentiate backpacking from other forms of tourism include but are not limited to the following: use of public transport as a means of travel, preference of youth hostels to traditional hotels, length of the trip vs. conventional vacations, use of a backpack, an interest in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights.

by Wikipedia

In order to get the most out of a backpacking trip it is worth moving around to see as much of your destination country as possible. Generally very long distances should be covered with flights. There are of low cost airlines out there and when it comes to reaching a destination, prices are cheaper than ever.

Travelling by bus or train is a good way to cover moderate distances and it also lets you stop off at interesting places on the way. If you are trying to reach a particular destination there is usually sleeper trains and overnight buses which cost more but you save the cost of sleeping at a hotel or hostel and plus you'll save a day of travel, which can sometimes be more valuable especially if you're on a tight schedule.

If you are travelling with a group and your budget can stretch to it hiring a car gives you the most freedom with regard to travel. Although an expensive option it really lets you get to out of the way and remote areas which can have some wonderful local culture.

Ferries are generally best used on short hops out to Islands. Ferries over long distances are slow and expensive and generally not very flexible and are best avoided.

Hostels are a great way to travel cheap and meet some cool people. Hostels provide budget-oriented accommodation where guests can rent a bed, sometimes a bunk bed in a dormitory, and share a bathroom, lounge, and sometimes a kitchen.

Rooms can be mixed gender or single-gender, although private rooms may also be available if you are willing to pay higher prices. The staff is most of the times very friendly and helpful and the quality of most of the hostels I've been in are as good as that of a hotel.

You also get to meet travellers like yourself and trade insights and experiences of each others trips. Of course it could be sometimes annoying when sleeping in a ten bed dorm and a few of the other guests don't give a damn about you trying to sleep. On the other hand of course some of the funniest times have occurred during that time of night.

The website that I use to book a hostel or a hotel is HostelBookers. Most of the hostels include breakfast, free internet, lockers. Be sure to look very close to what each hostel provides. HostelBookers has customer reviews, ratings as well as descriptions, photos and valuable information of each hostel. To be prepared, be sure to write down all the necessary information on how to find and get to the hostel before you arrive in each city. Hostelbookers:

• have no service charge or booking fee.
  
• have a guaranteed lowest price.
  
• and if you find the same cheaper they refund double the difference.
  

1. Keep your passport, travellers cheques and bulk cash in a money belt and wear it night and day. Do not put valuables under your pillow!

2. Carry a loop combination lock to lock your rucksack to things when you are out or asleep. Especially on trains!

3. Use a light blanket to roll your dirty laundry up in and attach to the outside of your backpack with a bungy cord. It stops it infecting clean clothes in your sack.

4. Take a day ruck sack (small 16 litres is about right). Its essential for all those bits to carry on trips out.

5. Only carry around enough cash for the day and put it in your wallet before you leave the hostel. Its better to do this in the bathroom where you have privacy.

6. Look after your feet with talc and oil etc. If you knacker your feet youre going nowhere.

7. Wear flip flops in hostel showers to keep away from possible inflections. Take your money belt in the shower and hang it where you can see it!

8. One of the biggest mistakes newbie backpackers make is buying too big a backpack and jamming it with too much stuff. If you load it too much you will find it very hard work when you have to carry it any distance and may well strain your back. A 60 litre sack which is quite big enough. Basically you need a fleece, 4 t-shirts, 2 shorts, two long trouser, rain jacket, trainers, flip flops, boots, toiletries, loop lock, blanket, 5 underwear, 5 socks, hat, belt. Travel towel not cotton towel. Digital camera. These are approximately what you need depending on your destination and time of year.

9. As I got more in to my trip I carried a canvas food bag with the likes of veg, fruit, cookies and dry food ingredients.

10. If you take a mobile phone it might be cheaper to buy a SIM card in the country you are in and use their network.

11. If phoning home buy an international phone card, available at most hostels. Its far cheaper than using cash.

12. On sleeper trains always try and book the top bunk as you can go up out of the way when you feel. The lower bunks double as day time seats so you can't do this.

One of the things I like best about the Lonely Planet country guidebook series is the rich historical and cultural insights the authors provide. If you want to find out about current events and cultural shifts in a particular country, head straight for the Lonely Planet guide. You'll discover a detailed description of your destination's history, arts, literature and current events, with plenty of information to help you delve deeper into topics that interest you.
The Lonely Planet country guidebooks are designed to appeal to a wide range of travelers, which means you'll find budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations suggestions for each large city covered and for many small towns as well. This feature allows you to customize your travel experiences; foodies may prefer to spend more on meals and stay in budget-priced lodgings, while well-heeled travelers might choose more luxurious hotels and restaurants. Whatever your travel budget, the Lonely Planet country guidebooks can help you plan a rewarding vacation.

By Nancy Parode, About.com Guide

If you're looking for just one guidebook to take on your trip, the Lonely Planet guide to your destination country might just be your best option.