Six Helpful Packing Tips for First-Time Backpackers
You’ve finally saved up enough to head off on the backpacking trip that you’ve been dreaming of for months, perhaps even years! But, no matter where you are heading, long-term travel is all about packing light. After all, if you’re going to be carrying your backpack from city to city or between countries, you won’t want it to be giving you a backache.
So, how do you pack for a long-term trip without leaving anything important behind or giving yourself a back injury mid-trip? Read on for our six top tips.
Tip #1. Use a Good Backpack
It cannot be stressed enough that you need to invest in a high-quality backpack before you head off on your trip. Since you’re going to be using it regularly as you travel, you will need to look for a bag that offers great support to your back and shoulders, whilst giving you plenty of space to store everything that you need.
If you’re planning on taking a camera to get some awesome snaps or have your laptop in tow so that you can get some work done on the beach, then opt for a bag that has a built-in protective pocket for your technology.
Tip #2. Go Easy on the Shoes
When traveling long-term, taking a few pairs of shoes can seem like a sensible idea. But, after days of carrying around a couple of old pairs of trainer and three pairs of flip-flops that you haven’t worn yet, you might be wishing you’d made a better decision.
Depending on the type of trip that you are taking, it may be worth investing in a pair of high-quality, breathable walking boots or shoes, and taking them along with a couple of pairs of light flip-flops for the beach, like Havaianas (click here).
Tip #3. Wear Your Heaviest Clothes to the Airport
If you’re flying out to your first destination or plan to fly between countries on your trip, then it’s a good idea to wear your heaviest clothing items to the airport. This way, it is easier to avoid your bag being overweight and costing you even more.
Chances are, you will need to take a couple of sweaters and perhaps even a light coat along, depending on where you are traveling too. If you’re planning to visit numerous countries, then you will probably experience some differences in temperature. Be sure to look up the weather reports for your chosen destinations and pack your bag accordingly.
Tip #4. Roll Your Clothes
One handy trick to help you get the most from your packing is to roll your clothes, rather than folding them. For items such as bikinis and swimsuits by Becca swimwear, rolling them means that they’ll take up literally next to no space, allowing you to fit in more tops, shorts, dresses or anything else you plan to take.
But, be careful – although rolling your clothes to pack them is a great space-saver, it could mean that your bag goes over the allowed weight limit. So, to avoid charges at the airport, invest in a reliable bag scale.
Tip #5. Write a List
Considering most backpackers live out of the one bag, long-term travel often requires you to take a lot of stuff. So, planning your packing is hugely important. One wrong decision has the potential to make your trip more difficult, whether it’s because you’ve forgotten something important back at home, or packed too much and are struggling to carry it.
Before you start packing, it’s a good idea to write a list of everything that you need and check each item off as you pack it. This way, you’ll have more peace of mind knowing that you haven’t forgotten anything. And, you’ll find it easier to avoid packing things that you don’t really need.
Tip #6. Be Mindful of Cultures
When you’re packing for a hot country, it can be all too tempting to take nothing but your bikinis and a few crop tops and shorts. However, it’s always important to consider the destination when you are packing. For example, if you’re planning to visit religious sites such as mosques in Dubai, temples in Bali or even the Vatican in Rome, you will not be allowed in unless you’re wearing suitable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (regardless of your gender).
So, before you pack, you’ll need to make sure that none of your clothing items will offend the locals. For example, if you are visiting a country such as Dubai, it’s important to take along modest clothing since this is highly expected.
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