Whether you’re planning on backpacking across Europe or South East Asia if you’ve purchased a backpack and are ready to start planning your first adventure, simply continue reading to discover a list of valuable backpacking tips for newbies. That will help you avoid easily avoidable mistakes in order to make the most out of your backpacking trips.
Research the amenities which each hostel has to offer:
Instead of assuming that all hostels are the same, it’s a far better idea to use your laptop or smart phone in order to research the amenities which each hostel in your desired city has to offer. For example, some hostels are rather basic and lack facilities and amenities while some hostels boast their own on-site bars and cafes and offer swimming pools and communal areas where you can hang out and make new friends. Some hostels even offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, free breakfasts and rooftop bars that offer phenomenal views and cheap drinks.
Research the area which each hostel is located in:
If you’re traveling on your own, it’s particularly important to choose hostels that are located in safe, well lit areas which have security cameras out front. Especially if you’re fresh to the world of backpacking.
Pack a sleeping bag liner:
While most hostels offer clean mattresses, as you never know when your expectations may be dashed, it’s a wise idea to pack a silk sleeping bag liner, that you’ll be able to lie on if the mattress at a hostel that you visit doesn’t look sanitary.
Make sure that the towel that you pack is a microfiber towel:
As you don’t want to pack a traditional towel which is likely to be damp when its time to pack your bags and leave for your next destination, it’s well worth picking up an inexpensive microfiber towel to use on your backpacking adventures. As microfiber towels can dry in a fraction of the time as a traditional towel. For this reason they also make excellent beach towels, if you plan on swimming or surfing on your trips.
Pack a deck of cards or a card based game in order to make new friends:
One way to make new friends when you’re backpacking is to pack a deck of cards or a more modern card based game such as Cards Against Humanity, which you can pull out when you come across other travelers who are killing time in the communal spaces of your hostel.
Download offline versions of maps:
While you may rely on Google maps in your own city, in some regions of the world you may not be able to rely on fast internet connections. Especially when you’re out and about sightseeing. For this reason, it’s important to download offline versions of online maps for your convenience.
In conclusion, so if you can’t wait to set out around the world with your trusty backpack in tow, make sure to remember all of the handy invaluable tips that have been listed above.
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