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Written by Webmaster
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Wednesday, 01 July 2009 |
By mathew sabri
 Travelling the world with nothing more than a backpack full of clothes, a camera and a bucket-load of excitement is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your life. The people you meet, the memories you make and the things you learn about yourself and others will stay with you forever and youll come back a more rounded, content and mature individual.
Whether youre spending one month rallying around Europe or 12 months circumnavigating the globe, there are a few things to remember to do before and during your trip.
Before: No doubt youll be bungee jumping, sky-diving, white-water rafting, shark-cage diving and thats just in New Zealand, so insurance is crucial. Backpackers are one of the most at-risk group travellers out there so dont skimp and get the best protection you can afford.
Immunisations and anti-malarial medicine are crucial in parts of Africa, Asia and South America, so check with your doctor beforehand and dont even think about leaving the country unprepared.
Pack light and dont bother taking toiletries with you. Working on past experience, we always
take too much away with us. You need to be prepared for every kind of weather that is thrown at you, but you really dont need five pairs of shoes, and 20 t-shirts.
Forget about taking expensive fashionable clothing because it will never come back in the same condition. White is a no go colour when travelling because it will very quickly turn an ugly-shade of grey.
Get your friends and family to install Skype on their computers. Most Internet cafes now have this facility installed, so you can easily stay in touch and have real-time conversations with loved ones back home. Its for free and far less boring and time consuming than lengthy emails.
During: Whenever possible, download your photos onto two memory sticks. Keep one and then send the other home. Too many people have lost their treasured photos because their camera has broken or been stolen
Buy your own detergent and carry it with you in a plastic bottle. Most hostels have their own washing facilities and they are considerably cheaper and more convenient than launderettes.
Before you book airport transfers, check that your hostel doesnt offer them for free. Many hostels, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, now offer free transfers if you book in advance.
Hostels also tend to have free-food shelves and book exchanges. These money saving ideas work well when everyone, including you takes part. Dont bother carrying food from place to place. What comes around goes around, especially in the backpacking community so what you leave behind, you can pick up and use further along the road.
If you are looking to go abroad in your gap year, and do not want to have to pay high prices for gap year travel insurance, etravelinsurance.co.uk offer cheap student travel insurance, ensuring you and your valuables are protected whilst travelling.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 July 2009 )
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