If you love to travel and are looking for an ultimate guide on backpacking and traveling on a budget, then you have landed on the right page. A lot of people simply avoid traveling, thinking that they just can’t afford it, but I assure you if you take the right steps you can cut down a lot on expenses.
Instead of learning the hard way with trial and error, follow these tips to have an awesome trip without having to worry about your budget or other things.
The best rule is to Keep it Simple! There is no need to carry tons of gadgets that you own, or bulge in all your wardrobe. The same is the case with shoes and sandals, depending on the climate of the country, smartly choose which is better to carry as they take up a lot of space.
Source: jadore-detroit.com
Also, there is no need to carry a common item that is easily available, for example, what’s the point of carrying mosquito repellents from home when you can buy them off from the country you are traveling to. Another huge mistake that people make is that they spend a lot of money on bottled water when in most western countries tap water is drinkable. In fact, not just drinkable but it also includes fluoride which is good for your dental health!
Tourist spots are filled with cybercriminals who may hack into your phone, especially as you will be using a lot of public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your data, therefore protecting it from any unauthorized person. Also, as you move to another country, your Netflix library changes, therefore this website helps you to access local titles by using a VPN.
Page Contents
Here’s a list of essentials to pack:
Source: smartertravel.com
The list is prepared to keep in mind a trip of 10 days.
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (Jeans are perfect since they don’t need to be washed frequently)
- 1 pair of shorts (If the climate is warm or hot)
- 1 bathing suit
- Half a dozen T-shirts
- 1 or 2 long-sleeved T-shirt (If the temperature gets a little chilly)
- A pair of sandals
- 1 pair of sneakers or running shoes (Again depending on the nature of your trip)
- 10 pairs of socks (As you will be wearing them all day, it’s a good idea to keep one for each day)
- 7 pairs of briefs
- 1 toothbrush, 1 tube of toothpaste,1 package of dental floss
- 2 disposable razors
- 1 small bottle of shampoo and a small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel (Microfiber is preferred as its lighter, anti-bacterial, and dries quickly)
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (Always keep basic medical supplies)
Source: ibx.com
- Band-Aids
- Hand sanitizer (You’ll be needing it a lot!)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Eyedrops
- Earplugs
- Doctor-prescribed antibiotics
- Tylenol (Fast acting pain killer)
Miscellaneous Items list
- A combination lock or at least a basic lock for your bag.
- Zip-lock bags (You can keep things that are prone to leaking, or even save leftover food)
- At least 6 Plastic bags (This will come in handy for laundry or in case your bag tears or anything)
- Universal charger/adaptor (AC/DC converter)
- Power Bank
General Travel Guidelines
Source: dreamandtravel.com
You must have heard of the age-old proverb when in Rome, do as Romans do! Wherever you go, study the culture of the country beforehand. This will educate you about how to act and what to expect from the country, for example, if you are planning to go out drunk and get wasted a Muslim country isn’t the place to do so. Even if it’s all glitz and glamour like Dubai or Turkey, this kind of behavior is not tolerated.
Similarly, if you’re in France, don’t expect much hospitality or interaction from the locals, they’re just not used to it. Generally speaking, the French aren’t accustomed to smiling at strangers as most of us are, and especially when on vacations we tend to smile a bit more! Also, another thing that the French culture has strongly held to, is its food. So don’t go into a restaurant and order just one course, the French take their food very seriously and give it a lot of time preparing and then enjoying the meal. This will upset the restaurant owners, also leaving food is considered as a big insult to the chef, so don’t do that either.
For further explanation, let’s talk about another country, Australia. Like every country, Australia has its customs for example don’t expect table service at restaurants, it’s just not a thing there. But of course, it is expected to tip at least at higher-end restaurants. Also, Australians take their coffee very seriously and you’ll look like a fool if you ask for an iced coffee, instead ask for regular coffee “over ice”. Again with liquor, don’t order too much at a bar, the drinks are pretty expensive and if you order a little too much you will seriously be kicked out. Especially in Sydney don’t even try to enter a bar after 1:30 a.m. you’ll seriously be kicked out!
Source: travelandleisure.com
One important tip to mention here is that always be aware of what items you are allowed to carry. Things that are legal back at home might not be elsewhere, one of my dear friends was locked up for two days at the Qatar airport simply because he was carrying caffeine tablets for his migraine.
So like I said in the beginning, don’t just decide on the destination but also take out some time to understand the culture of the country and you shall be fine.
Wrapping Up!
Personally, if I had the choice, I would be traveling all year round. Travelling really rejuvenates the mind and gives you a break from your regular routine and stresses. While traveling, you don’t think about the future or worrisome issues in your life. It’s a highly meditative experience as you are in the moment and think only about what you have lined up for the next two hours or so.
