*This is a collaborative post
Planning a backpacking trip can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. But there’s no reason you can’t enjoy this activity, and with a little bit of preparation, you can have the best time backpacking you’ve ever had. Unfortunately, most people are afraid to plan a trip because they don’t know where to start or how much it will cost. The good news is that planning a backpacking trip doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Here are some helpful tips to help get you started:
Decide how long you’ll be gone
The length of your trip can have a huge impact on how much you spend and what you bring along. For example, if you’re backpacking for a few weeks, you’ll need new clothes, extra food, and a larger backpack. If you’re backpacking for a month, you can travel lighter and still see a lot of new places. If you’re unsure of how long you’ll be gone, try planning a shorter trip first. This not only gives you a better idea of what you’ll need, but it also lets you get used to backpacking again if you’re used to regularly traveling by car or plane. Shorter trips can also be a great way to get out of town for an inexpensive vacation.
You could also travel abroad for your backpacking trip, but this can be an expensive option. However, backpacking abroad can be hugely rewarding as it gives you the chance to experience new cultures and countries. If you decide to stay in hostels you can find accommodation there pretty cheaply.
Research what to see and where to stay
No matter where you go or how long you’ll be gone, you need to know where you’re heading. Now, this doesn’t mean spending hours on a research binge, but a little legwork can save you a lot of time, effort, and money. For example, you can use online resources such as Wikitravel, or Bing, to get a basic overview of the country or state you’re planning to visit. You can also use various websites and apps to research hostels, hotels, and camping spaces near your destinations. Next, you’ll want to consider where you’ll stay. This can be a key aspect of your trip that you don’t take the time to research.
To save money while backpacking, you’ll want to stay as close to your destinations as possible. In many cases, this will require you to stay in urban areas. However, if you can find a remote area to stay in, you can sometimes save a lot of money. Always make sure to book accommodation in advance so you know that you have somewhere to stay and always try to find discount codes for travel.
Estimate how much food you’ll need
Backpacking is a great way to get in shape, but it can also help you save money. For example, if you’re not a big eater of pizza or ice cream, you can often save money by buying less food. Before you go, take some time to estimate how much food you’ll need. This will help you get the most from your food budget and also give you a better idea of what you’ll need to buy. If you’re going on a backpacking trip that’s longer than a week, you’ll likely have snacks to bring along. To save money, you can estimate that you’ll only need one-third of the snacks you’re bringing.
Figure out your budget
When you’re out on the trail, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. However, you should still keep in mind your budget and make sure you have money left over for emergencies. To begin with, you should always have a budget for the trip. This budget can be as simple as a dollar amount you set aside for each activity, or it can be a complicated budgetary plan that takes all your expenses into account. Next, you’ll want to think about how often you’ll be eating. If you’re backpacking for a long time, you can often save money by buying more food or eating out less often. You should also keep in mind things that are outside your budget, such as a major repair on your vehicle or injuries that will require you to stay in a hospital.
Choose equipment and packing list
When you’re backpacking, you’ll have to make some difficult decisions. For example, you’ll have to decide what to bring and what to leave behind. Before you go, you should decide what equipment you’ll need. This can include things such as a backpack, sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. You can also think about other things such as a headlamp, a knife, a compass, a first aid kit, and a change of clothes. Next, you need to think about what you’ll bring with you. This can include essential items such as toilet paper, a toothbrush, and other essentials. However, it can also include things such as your smartphone, a laptop, and other items that you don’t need often but could come in handy.
Finalize the details with your friends or partner
When you’re backpacking, you’ll want to be sure to keep your loved ones informed of your plans and whereabouts. You can use social media to broadcast your trip or send a few texts from each destination to your friends or family back home. However, you should keep in mind that you’re out in the wilderness, so your communications may be spotty. You should also keep your partner or friends informed of your whereabouts. This will let them know where you are, help them if you get into an emergency, and let your loved ones know that you’re okay.
It might be a good idea to take someone with you on your trip. This is good for not just safety but also the company, as backpacking alone can be daunting and lonely at times, so it might be a good idea to take someone along with you for the ride.
Research the rail network
One of the best ways of getting around much of Europe is by train. It’s much cheaper than flying and it’s also better for the planet, so it would be a good idea if you thought ahead and looked up train timetables in the locations that you’re going to be visiting. However, many countries such as the UK are experiencing rail strikes at the moment so it would also be a good idea to look up bus timetables just in case these strikes impact your journey.
Research local regulations and restrictions
Another thing you’ll want to research is the local regulations and restrictions in the area that you’re backpacking in. Backpacking is a popular activity, and there are often a variety of regulations and restrictions in place to protect the area and keep it as pristine as possible. If you’re planning to hike in a National Park, or in a Wilderness Area, you’ll usually have to abide by a specific set of regulations and restrictions, and you should research them before you go. Other than these specific regulations, you should also research the general regulations and restrictions that apply in the area you’re hiking in. These may include things like NO alcohol, NO fishing, NO littering, and more. When planning a trip, you’ll want to know what you can and can’t do to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.
If you decide to go abroad for backpacking, then it is important to know the laws in that country. For example, in some parts of the UK it is illegal to carry an open bottle or can of alcohol in public, so make sure that you know the local customs so you don’t find yourself in trouble for something that you did not know.