10 Basic Backpacking Tips :)

Backpacking is a total fun. Yes, if you already has everything planned and arranged but it would be a total disaster if you don't have plan and enough preparation for your trip. This kind of travelling style has been chosen by people all around the world since a long time ago. The main reason is that it's simple and cheap. For a tight budget traveller like me, backpacking is the only way I could afford yet I still can do tons of fun things with a good budgeting plan. Some of you might think that backpacking is simply putting your stuff in your backpack and go where the wind blows. Disagree! well, not if you intend to purposely get lost and stranded with nothing. So for those of you who want to start your backpacking experience, I have some tips based on my own experience that might help you, someday and somehow :) 

1. Victory loves preparation and so does a great backpacking experience! 

You have to decide first, what kind of trip you wanna do, how to get there, how much money you have, how long you will be going, with whom you'll go, where you will stay and most definitely what places you wanna visit. It is always better to book tickets in advance because you might get a great deal compared to purchasing them in last minutes. Thus, you have to make sure first the exact time and places you will be going. Set the date and the destinations! Afterwards,you have to try to look up for places to stay, spend your time and compare the services of the hotel or hostel you put on top of your list. It is always a win to stay in a hostel with breakfast included, help you saving up some pennies :) Doing a lot of research on your trip destination will help you a lot when you actually doing it because you will know from the local people or other tourists that have been there on what's hot and what's not 

2. Packing

This part is very tricky. Backpack has limited space so you have to choose and prioritize your stuff before stacking them in it. Things you bring depends on what trip you're about to have, I mean of course you will be bringing different stuff if you're going hiking than going to the beach, going to somewhere below 0 degree Celsius to somewhere super hot. Now here are some general things you might want to bring:

• Enough clothes. Bring more t-shirts than pants. Disposable underwear is always a great choice too! and not to forget to bring a towel because not all the places provide towels for their guests.
• Toiletries and personal hygiene. 
• Emergency kit including ban-aids, safety pins, hand sanitizer, personal medication, sun block, small plastic bags, kleenex or tissue and also bugs repellent
• Map or a guide book. If you are not too confident with your knowledge of the places you'll go, it'd be best if you take those with you.
• Spare sandals or shoes.
• Camera because you never wanna miss a moment!
• Personal identification is a must. Just in case in one night you got so drunk and ended up in a police office haha (no no, this never happened to me)
• All your important documents like tickets, reservation letter, visa and else

3. Split your money!

It is always wise, at least for me, to put your money not only in one place because when bad things happen and yes sometime they do, you will have nothing but a moneyless backpacker. So, put your money in different places. Some in your small bag along with your other important stuff, in your pocket, your backpack and some other hidden places people might never have any ideas where.

4. Respect the local customs

When you are travelling that means you are a stranger. You have to respect the people because of course every place has its own rules. For instance, you can never go inside some temples in Bali if you're having your period or else they believe that bad things will happen. So, take of your 'clothes' and start wearing their 'clothes', Adapt and respect! You might be surprised what you will get because of it.

5. Be careful at anytime

Criminals are everywhere and disasters are unpredictable so you don't have any other choice but being careful at anytime. Pickpockets are the worst! You can be from having 1.000 dollars to nothing at all at a snap of a finger. So be careful! You are in charge of your own safety. Also, don't be too trusting because not anyone are showing their real purpose.

6. Always have a back up plan

Plan B is important because when you can not do 1 thing you can still do other things. So, part of your pln A is planning for plan B. Yes!

7. Capture every moment!

Enjoy your trip. Don't think of anything stressful when you are backpacking because life is giving you new lessons and knowledge at that time. Observe the people, the culture and things that surround you. Taking little notes and taking pictures for memories are definitely must!

8. Try new things!

No one knows you! that's great because you can always try new things without feeling ashamed. Try the food even when you think it's weird, try bungee-jumping when you think you might end up dead, try talking the language when people might think you are just embarrassing yourself but who cares?? They don't know you nor you know them. Still though, put your responsibility ahead of any other crazy ideas you have in mind ;)

9.  Souvenirs shopping :D

This part is my favorite! Souvenirs shopping is always fun. Ask the local people where you can buy souvenirs with the cheapest price. Don't buy too much or else you will have no space in your backpack to put them and also it will be just wasting your money. Think of the people you want to buy souvenirs for.

10. Have fun!

You will never know that you will get another chance to do it again. And eventhough the destination is the same, the journey won't be. So, go and have fun! Your having one of the best times of your life! :D