What do you do on a backpacking trip?
So the question is: what do you do on a backpacking trip? As this way of traveling offers unlimited flexibility in a travelers’ itinerary, the possibilities are endless. Traveling all over with a backpack carried everywhere containing your life’s essentials may sound a bit improbable, but certified backpacker travelers would be quick to confirm that it could be done.
Cultural Immersion
Just because you are a backpacker doesn’t mean to say that you cannot indulge yourself in the activities of the usual tourist coming via a pre-arranged holiday booked in expensive hotels. The desire to see what a place is famous for is universal. Sightseeing is something you can do accompanied with a good sense of cost of accommodation and transportation to reach your destination.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation is usually cheaper than hotels though not as cheap as hostels, but they offer the traveler a glimpse of how it feels like to live in your chosen place. These are rooms in private homes rented out to travelers. Using public transportation is cost-efficient and likewise gives a real feel of the city. Shy away from eating in expensive restaurants and consider preparing your own food whenever possible. The amount you save may allow you to have more money for entrance fees and other expenses for museums, parks and other establishments that reflect the culture of the destination.
Camping
Camping is the activity of temporarily living outdoors either as a recreation in itself or combined with some other activity such as hiking, hunting, fishing or exploring. A backpacker who intends to go camping must travel light and thus must carry only the basic equipment. There are numerous camping facilities throughout Europe and other parts of the world. In fact, there are travel agencies specializing on camping holidays where camp sites offer a whole range of accommodation from a regular tent to a luxurious mobile home.
A backpacker should choose equipment based on light weight, compactness and suitability. Unnecessary items and excessive weights should be avoided. The most essential equipments are the tent, bedding, stove, lighting and utensils. A list of camp ground sites can be obtained from the proper sources.
If you would be given a choice, choose a campsite that is level, well drained, free of insects, shaded and protected from strong winds if possible. It should be preferably near a supply of water and wood. Campers should take care to always leave the site at least as clean as they found it. Refuse should be disposed of properly.
Hiking
To enable a backpacker to enjoy hiking to its fullest, sufficient preparation should be taken in advance. Suitable equipment has to be readied and necessary skills such as swimming, application of first aid and building of fires may have to be developed. Knowledge as to poisonous plants and dangerous animals may be helpful just in case. Maps should be studied and landmarks noted to avoid getting lost.
The need for proper clothing and equipment cannot be overemphasized particularly on long hikes and on hikes through the wilderness areas. The most common danger associated with hiking is the blisters which can be minimized by wearing proper shoes and socks. Occasional rests should be taken and overeating avoided.
It is not advisable for inexperienced hikers to travel alone. It is definitely nice to bask in solitude amidst nature but it may be dangerous if attempted on the first time. If you fail to enlist any of your family or friends as a travel companion, there are organizations listed on the Internet that can provide the perfect companion of similar interest for your adventure.
