Walking is gaining popularity in the UK. According to Ordnance Survey, Brits using OS maps recorded 46% more walks than the previous year in the summer of 2021. Backpacking is a great way to explore the world on a budget. Of course, hiking and backpacking come with their risks, but so does every other form of travelling. If you are careful and plan your trip thoroughly, then you have nothing to worry about. Whether you go backpacking in your local area or travel abroad, you can take steps to make your trip safe and memorable. Our guide will help you to plan an unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Decide Where You Would Like To Go
When planning a backpacking adventure, your first step should be deciding where you want to go. If this is your first backpacking experience, you might want to start small and explore your local area. However, when you feel more confident in your abilities, you might want to consider travelling abroad. Plan out your journey carefully and decide which way you will take to reach your destination. Define key touchpoints you will pass along the way and estimate when you might get there. Then, it will be much easier for you to stay on track and avoid getting lost.
Book Your Travel Arrangements
Once you know where you would like to begin your adventure, you should book any tickets you need to get there. Booking flight or train tickets early will help you to lock in the lowest price before they get more expensive. If you are not planning to camp outside, you should also search for accommodation that will suit your budget. Put all the travel arrangements into one file and let the Adobe PDF converter help you to include all the images that will make your travelling experience easier and more pleasant. With all the information in one place, you can access it anytime you need it.
Research Any Activities You Would Like To Do Along The Way
Backpacking through the world is, by itself, very exciting. However, many activities can help you to make the adventure even more enjoyable. It does not matter if you are looking for an adrenaline rush or want to enjoy the peace and find your grounding in today’s busy world again. Wherever you go, you will be able to do something that will suit your needs. In some destinations, you might be able to embark on a kayaking adventure, learn rock climbing or zip-line through a gorgeous landscape. Those of calmer nature can always work on their outdoor photography skills or try their hand at fishing.
Protect Yourself And Your Belongings
Whenever you travel, you must protect yourself and your belongings. Travelling can be unpredictable, and you never know what might go wrong. Delayed or cancelled flights or injuries can ruin any trip. So, you must choose travel insurance with a policy that will protect you against any accidents or troubles you might encounter along the way. With good coverage, you will be able to avoid potential high bills for hospital treatment. Choose your insurance policy wisely. Do not jump straight into the first option you like but compare it to others.
Buy The Most Important Things In Advance
Depending on the location of your backpacking adventure, you might need to buy some special equipment ahead of your trip. Suppose you are travelling to an area with unpredictable weather conditions, such as Iceland or want to explore countries in winter. In that case, you must invest in suitable clothes and other things that might be useful during your travels. On the other hand, you will need to pack different things when you are going to tropical countries. When you are getting ready for the adventure, pack accordingly to the climate of your destination and check the weather forecast constantly.
Ensure You Can Access Offline Maps
It is possible that you will not have access to internet coverage at all times. To avoid problems with orientation in a foreign destination, you should have access to offline maps. This way, you will be able to see where you are located at all times and what is in your close vicinity. You should use offline maps even when you have access to an internet connection. Your device will stay charged for longer, and you will not need to stress about draining your battery before you can charge it again.
Get A Local SIM Card
If your backpacking adventure leads you abroad, you should consider getting a local SIM card. By getting one at your destination, you will be able to avoid astronomical bills that would await you once you return home. You will not need to be so careful about your phone calls or using data. You might also get access to local discounts. In the end, if you are travelling on a budget, getting a local SIM card will allow you to stay connected to the online world. At the same time, you will save money for refreshments or other things you might want to buy or experience on your journey.
Find Out Which Places You Should Avoid
Every country or city has some areas that are not too safe to explore. If you are travelling alone, you might be even more vulnerable if you accidentally get into such an area. So, you should do extensive research in advance. Read through travel forums and social media to see what other backpackers and travellers say about their experiences at the destination. Perhaps you might even find some locals who share their tips in the internet realm. Another way to find out which areas are not so safe is to read the local news. Have a look if there have been any reports of rising criminality or if the print reported something that could put you in danger. You can also try to find crime statistics for the area and see which places are the most problematic.
Ask Locals For Recommendations
No one knows your destination as well as the locals. If you have a chance, try to ask them for recommendations. Whether you are looking for accommodation, a place to eat or some unique places to include in your trip, they might have the answer. In some groups on social media, you might be able to get advice from locals even before you start your adventure. You might also meet someone interesting while travelling and get talking. They might even show you some lovely places in person. However, you must remember to stay safe at all times. Do not go to remote places with people you do not know and trust. Stay in crowded areas where you can get help if needed.
Keep In Touch With Your Friends And Family
Travelling can be dangerous. It does not matter if you travel locally or internationally. When you are leaving for your adventure, you should give your friends and family a schedule of your journey. Every time you get in touch with your family, tell them when they should expect to hear from you again and where you will be at that time. If something happens to you along the way and you miss the phone call, they will be able to alert the authorities. In the end, it might save your life. At the same time, it will keep your close ones less worried about your wellbeing. Keep in touch and keep yourself safe along the way.
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