To Pack or Not to Pack 

 

Backpacking is a fun experience for those who want to travel but are on a tighter budget. As you plan your first trip, there are always some common big questions that always pop up in everyone’s heads. What should I bring? What do I really need? What’s too much? Should I get things along the way? How much planning should I do?

We at in2it.sg have come up with some tips to help you with planning your little expedition!

So here’s Tip #1:

Take half of what you need, and double the amount of money.

 

Pack what you think you need, and then take out half of it. Chances are you won’t get around to wearing every single thing you bring along; it’s not a fashion show after all. Whatever essentials you’ve forgotten you can get along the way. Packing light means less stress on your pack and it’ll be easier for you to move around and gives you space to buy things.

DO bring extra underwear and socks, and but LEAVE the heels and fancy leather shoes at home.

Tip #2:

Over-planning can be a kill joy. 

 

It’s a good idea to book and plan your first few stops, but don’t have a rigid schedule. As you go along your trip you’ll meet people who’ll give you great tips on hidden gems that aren’t in the guidebook. Half the fun in backpacking is about exploration, if you have everything set in stone, you’ll probably miss out on a whole lot of hotspots that maybe only the locals know about.

Make up a list of things you want to do and places to stay but keep some free time to be spontaneous; you never know what treasures you might dig up.

Tip#3

Flaunting Wealth

If you’re going to travel the world, chances are you will be considered ‘rich’ by the local standards, especially in cheap travel locations such as Latin America, Southeast Asia and India. Things that seem like a norm to you such as using your iPod, smart phone or even using a DSLR makes you a target for thieves all over the world.

Backpacking is about leaving behind a lot of creature comforts so strive for modesty and keep yourself as down to earth as possible.

Tip #4

Buying lots of new ‘toys’

 

While planning and going on your first backpacking trip is bound to be exciting and you’re likely to get caught up in the excitement of getting new gear, be aware of over spending on things that you won’t really need. There are many things that seem essential at the time when you were looking at it, but in reality, most of the fun gadgets will not get used on your trip. You don’t really need a massive first aid kit, nor will you need silk bed sheets. Start simple and build up your gear as you go.

Remember, all the money you spend on fancy gear could be put to better use, such as an additional side trip or on a few extra days on your exploration.

Tip#5

Trying to do/see too much

It’s easy to be sucked into wanting to do and see everything there is in your holiday location, but it’s a good idea not to get too ambitious. It’s good to have a timeline for your trip but be sure to factor in some spare time in case you get lost or see something else you’d like to do. Take your time to travel, don’t rush around just trying to complete everything on your list of things to do and see. It’s a holiday, and it won’t feel much like one if you spend so much time on the move that you see more of the insides of vehicles than the views of the city and of the nature around you.

Backpacking is about experiencing the locations not about commuting. Don’t turn your vacation into a long journey between locations.

So now you know; don’t have to be Bear Grylls and you don’t need to have Survivor-man skills to go backpacking. Backpacking is a way of travelling enjoyed by young adults and more seasoned travelers alike. Get in2it and take that first plunge!