Gear Up and Play

Traveling the world with nothing more than a backpack full of clothes, a camera and a bucket-load of excitement is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your life. The people you meet, the memories you make and the things you learn about yourself and others will stay with you forever and you’ll come back a more rounded, content and mature individual.But, to make the most of your trip whether it’s one month rallying around Europe or 12 months circumnavigating the globe, there are a few things to keep in mind before and during your trip.

Before: Get insurance. Backpackers tend to be the most at-risk travelers out there. You will be bungee jumping, sky-diving, white-water rafting, shark-cage diving and that’s just in New Zealand. So make sure you are adequately covered for the duration of your trip.

Immunizations and anti-malarial medicine are crucial in parts of Africa, Asia and South America, so check with your doctor beforehand and don’t even think about leaving the country unprepared.

Pack light and don’t bother taking toiletries with you. Working on past experience, we always take too much away with us. You need to be prepared for every kind of weather that is thrown at you, but you really don’t need five pairs of shoes, and 20 t-shirts.

Forget about taking expensive fashionable clothing because it will never come back in the same condition. White is a no go colour when traveling because it will very quickly turn an ugly-shade of grey.

Whilst you’re away you’ll find most Internet cafes have Skype so make sure friends and family install it before you go. This way, you can easily stay in touch and have real-time conversations whilst save tonnes of cash. Plus it’s far less time consuming than writing emails.

During: Download your photos onto two memory sticks at regular intervals. Keep one for yourself and send the other home. Don’t risk losing your treasured photos because your camera breaks or gets stolen.

Most hostels have washing facilities, which are much cheaper and more convenient than launderettes, so buy your own detergent and transport it in a plastic bottle.

Check whether your hostel offers free airport transfers. Many do, particularly in Australia and New Zealand and this will obviously save you money.

Hostels also tend to have free-food shelves and book exchanges. These money saving ideas work well when everyone, including you takes part. Don’t bother carrying food from place to place. What comes around goes around, especially in the backpacking community so what you leave behind, you can pick up and use further along the road.