Now the world has opened up since the pandemic, many people are considering travelling and exploring the world. Backpacking is one of the most popular options for young people and students, as you can see a lot of the world in one go. Many people enjoy the bohemian lifestyle that backpacking provides. However, it’s important that you pack all the essentials when backpacking, as you will be travelling for a while. Here are all the best things you can pack when it comes to packing your backpack so you can plan your dream trip.
Daypack
One of the major mistakes people make when going on a backpacking trip is not taking another smaller bag that you can carry while you’re exploring. Leave your big bag in your lodgings, and take another bag that you can take with you during the day. This way, you don’t have to carry around a huge backpack that will slow you down when you’re trying to see the sights and enjoy the local restaurants. Taking another smaller bag will also be useful on your return journey, in case you bring home some souvenirs on your trip.
Document Folder
Keeping all of your important documents such as travel insurance, bank cards, hotel information, plane tickets and passports safe is one of the most important parts of having a great trip. Losing important documents like your passport can cost you a lot of money and be a source of unneeded stress when you’re trying to enjoy your trip. It will also make your checking in process much easier and quicker, so you don’t have to waste time while you’re travelling. Invest in a good document folder so you can keep all of your important information organised.
Compact Toiletries Bag
While some Airbnbs, hotels and hostels do offer toiletries and towels, you might find that some places won’t. It’s a good idea to get a compact travel bag that will fit neatly at the bottom of your backpack and fill it with spare toiletries and a towel, so you don’t have to worry about this when you’re travelling. Don’t rely on your hostel to provide you with these, as some don’t have the option, especially in more rural areas. There are many options available online which will allow you to carry all of your essentials without taking up too much space in your backpack.
Medicine
If you’re exploring rural areas, there may not be many pharmacy options available in case you run out of your medicine. Make sure to pack extra medicine in your backpack, so you will know that you always have some on you. This is incredibly important for prescription medicine, but it’s also a good idea to stock up on some over-the-counter medicines too, such as hay fever medicine and painkillers. It will cause you extra unnecessary stress if you find yourself in a deserted area without your essentials.
First Aid Bag
If you’re a fan of hiking, this is an essential thing to pack. Even if you aren’t going to be hiking on your trip, it’s a good idea to have one with you when travelling anyway. If you fall over, you’ll need bandages and plasters so you can carry on with your journey. Antiseptic sprays and creams are also very beneficial to pack in case you graze yourself when exploring the local wildlife. You might not think you need one, but it’s a good thing to have in case you need it. You might find yourself in a situation where you’ll regret you left it at home.
Electronics and Chargers
Having a phone on you is not only important for taking pictures and telling your friends about your trip. Your mobile phone can be a vital lifeline if you’ve lost your bank card or need a taxi. You may also need your laptop if you’re going to work whilst on your backpacking trip. You should double check before you leave that you’ve got all the devices you need, as well as the chargers. Make sure you have adaptors, so you aren’t stuck when you get to your destination. Portable chargers are a great thing to invest in, in case you get into an emergency whilst travelling.
Torch
If you’re travelling in remote areas, it’s always a good idea to carry a torch. This is particularly true if you’re thinking of staying in camping grounds whilst travelling – it’s important that you can see your surroundings if you’re staying in a dark place you don’t know very well. Torches are also useful if you’re planning on staying in hostels, and don’t want to wake your dorm mates up if you’re getting back late. Torches are more useful than you think, and you can always get a small version so it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Notebook and Pen
You never know when you might need a notebook and pen. Whether it’s jotting down memories from your trip or recording vital information, this could be a very useful choice. You may need a notebook and pen to work out restaurant tips in a new currency, or communicate with others in a foreign language. It may also come in useful if you need to map out how to get to a particular venue. This is one of the best picks when it comes to selecting good choices to go backpacking around the world.
Ziploc Bags
This is another item in which people vastly underestimate how useful they are when you’re backpacking. If you have dirty shoes or clothes from hiking, it’s a great idea to put these in your ziploc bag, so they don’t dirty the other clothes. This is very useful until you access a hostel with a washing machine. They’re also great for keeping important documents dry, which is important if you’re going on a boat or being near the water. There are many instances in which you may need a ziploc bag, so make sure to pack some before you set off on your trip.
Watch
Knowing the time is incredibly important, and it’s not good to rely on your phone, as it could easily break or run out of charge. Keeping on top of the time can make it easier for you to make trains or planes, and know when certain attractions will be closing for the day. You may need to be very organised to see everything you want to see, so wearing a watch is important. Investing in a strong, robust watch with an RAF watch strap can ensure that your watch doesn’t break or fall off your wrist. This is important when you’re travelling, as having access to a watch is very important. Keeping on top of the time is imperative when it comes to staying on schedule while backpacking.