Almost everyone loves to travel as it introduces us to new experiences and create long-lasting memories. An increasingly popular trend in traveling is backpacking: traveling with simply a bag and its contents. Backpacking is usually dependent on public transportation, hitchhiking, and shelter is usually found at more public locations rather than homes for rent. Backpacking trips usually enrich you with the local culture, rather than simply visiting tourist attractions. For example, a backpacking trip to South America would have you interacting with local residents on a daily basis In addition, backpacking trips are usually much more extensive than normal vacations, meaning you’ll be away for a long time. So how exactly can someone get into backpacking and have a successful first trip? Here are five tips that should help you with your first backpacking trip.
Pack Accordingly
Packing accordingly is important for any trip, but it is especially important for backpacking trips. Backpacking trips are much longer than traditional vacations, making packing extremely important. In addition, you will likely only be traveling with your backpack, meaning that there is even more importance placed on how you pack and what you pack. Make sure you have everything you need to get by on your trip, including food, clothing, water, and money. You obviously don’t have to go overboard as that would ruin the purpose of a backpacking trip, but you should still pack well enough to ensure that your first backpacking trip is a happy and healthy one.
Bring a Friend
Backpacking by yourself is quite the experience, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why it is recommended that new and inexperienced backpackers bring a friend along for their first trip. Having someone with you while you’re backpacking allows you to have someone able to help you if something goes wrong, making the trip much safer. There are plenty of things that can go wrong while you’re traveling the world with minimal possessions, making backpacking a scary prospect. Due to this, you should probably backpack with a friend in order to learn the ropes before you immediately jump into a solo backpacking trip.
Train Physically
Being in peak physical shape is highly recommended for your first backpacking trip. While you’re backpacking you’ll be doing a lot of physical activity including walking, hiking, and lifting. If you’re not in peak physical condition, it could be quite difficult to complete your first backpacking trip. Being out of shape could cause you to stop early or be unable to complete your journey, as the physical toll of all that walking and hiking can be too much for some people. So if you plan on taking your first backpacking trip soon, ensure that you train your body and are in great shape.
Buy the Right Gear
Another important aspect of backpacking for the first time is buying the right gear to use. Obviously, you will need the right backpack, as you will need one that is large enough to fit all of your belongings inside of it. You will also need other gear such as hiking clothes like boots and comfortable walking shoes. You also may need things like flasks and containers in order to keep your food hot or cold depending on the situation. You also will likely need gear for shelter including a tent and a sleeping bag, allowing you to sleep no matter where your backpacking travels take you. Bringing the right gear on your first backpacking trip can make the trip much easier and safer for you.
Keep an Open Mind
One of the most important tips for first-time backpackers is to keep an open mind on the trip. Backpacking trips can involve lots of unexpected events. You never quite know what you’re going to see or who you’re going to meet. Due to this, it is important to keep an open mind while on your trip. You shouldn’t plan out your days too much or become too focused on getting specific things done. You should simply relax on your backpacking trip and go with the flow. Let things happen naturally around you and let the experiences naturally come to you. This will make your backpacking trip much more authentic and much more enjoyable.