New to backpacking? Whether you’re heading off on your first –ever overseas trip or just considering backpacker accommodation for a couple of nights, our tips can help make your trip safe, fun and comfortable.
Tip 1: Prepare and plan your backpacking tour
How much should you plan? Opinions are divided on this one!
Kirsty Henderson of Brave New Traveller suggests you should plan the first few days and book accommodation in advance, but leave enough unplanned time to follow spontaneous ideas. Others such as SmartTraveller suggest you plan the whole trip and book your accommodation in advance – for safety and to save money.
Whatever you decide, it’s probably a good idea to research your destination, and make sure you’ve left enough time for everything you want to see.
Planning your accommodation and transport will also help you budget to make sure you don’t run out of money before the end of your trip. Both Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor have excellent journey planners no matter where you’re going.
Tip 2: Book accommodation in advance
Buying last minute accommodation can be very expensive, assuming you can find it. Most places will take a booking online and you’ll be safer knowing that you have somewhere to stay when you reach your destination. User recommendations and word of mouth are often a good way to find good cheap hotels or backpacker hostels.
Insider tip: Pick a hostel close to good, regular public transport that goes late
into the night.
Tip 3: Check your passport and visa
Check that your passport is valid for the places you will be visiting. Check if you need a visa, and how long in advance you have to apply for one. If you’re planning on working while you travel, make sure you’ve checked the rules for working in that country – you might find there are restrictions. DFAT has more detailed advice on visa and passport requirements for Australians travelling overseas. If you’re travelling to the US, entry requirements for Australians have changed in the last six months. Find out more on entry requirements to the US here.
Always make sure that your travel documents – passport and visa – are secure. Top Tips for Travel suggests you leave a photocopy of your visa and passport identification page with someone you trust at home, as well as taking a copy with you. Others suggest that you always carry them in a zipped up pocket at the front of your clothing, or zip them in your handbag with the strap looped over your opposite shoulder. If the hotel or hostel requires your passport, make sure you have a copy and get the original back as soon as you can.
Tip 4: Show me the money
Decide what you’re going to do about paying for your accommodation, travel and meals. Take care of your personal safety and your cash. If possible avoid carrying a lot of cash and instead rely on credit or debit cards. SmartTraveller suggests that you organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash, and has other advice for keeping your money and valuables secure.
You should also check the exchange rate for the countries you’re going to be visiting.
Tip 5: Travel light, and have fun
Carrying too much is often a mistake many first time backpackers make. It’s a good idea to only take what you really can’t do without.
Some sites such as eHow suggest that you don’t ever check in your backpack and simply buy the largest pack that you can take with you as cabin baggage when flying. Many airlines charge extra for checked baggage, so if you can fit everything into a smaller bag this will save you money. Whatever you decide, make sure your backpack is not too heavy for you to carry, fully loaded, for a full day’s walking.
If you buy souvenirs, you’ll have to carry them with you or post them home – so maybe either rely on photographs and Facebook entries, or put some cash aside for regular postage.
Insider tip: Most hostels have lockers where you can store your bag. Take a combination lock so that you can secure your locker. Keys are too easily lost.
Tip 6: Ask others about jobs, lifts and sights
Backpacker notice boards and websites are great ways to find jobs, lifts and new places to see. However, make sure you are cautious about who you accept lifts from and where you go. Find more safety tips here
Insider tip: As backpackers are always trying to reduce weight in their backpacks, they do lots of brochure/map swapping, a good way to pick up excellent maps!
Tip 7: Consider Travel Insurance for peace of mind
You might want to consider taking out Travel Insurance to cover you against flight cancellations, theft of your backpack or credit cards, or medical emergencies.
Even though no one thinks it will happen to them, your baggage or cash could be stolen, you could become seriously ill or have an accident, or your flight could be cancelled.
Even if you don’t want to insure your bag or ticket, remember that medical care overseas can be very expensive without insurance. Your Medicare card is not valid overseas, and while Australia does have medical reciprocal rights with some countries, you could still face a long wait for medical care if you don’t have insurance. In countries such as the US, where there is no reciprocal agreement with Australia, a stay in hospital could cost as much as $200,000!
Worldcare Travel Insurance provides comprehensive travel insurance for backpackers. You can book online, or over the phone It only takes a minute and then you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.
Disclaimer
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