Backpacking

Backpacking Basics

The basic rule for backpacking is to be as flexible as possible. This means, have no accommodation or internal travel pre-booked if you can possibly help it.

It is much better to find it yourself, especially if you are going to be staying in the budget places. Don't worry about there being no accommodation available, there is always something around in your price range.

As far as transport goes, once you know when and where you want to go next, you just go and buy the ticket. eg, in India its best to book your train tickets at least a few days in advance as they are popular. And don't believe some travel tout's assurances that there are no tickets left, "take our (expensive) taxi instead". Book your tickets from the train stations themselves to avoid travel agent's commission, (its more fun and very easy in places like Thailand at least). But for buses, you only need to turn up at the bus station a few hours or even minutes beforehand and buy a ticket, even for the longer journeys. Again, you can buy these at travel agents in India and Nepal, especially as it is difficult to know where they leave from in those countries.

What to Pack:
Here's what "Everything You Need To Know's web site starts by saying: (I thoroughly recommend you visit their site at http://travelindependent.info/

" You might of read that the happiest traveller will be one who can fit his bag/pack under the seat of a bus. You may not believe this is possible, especially after throwing a few things in a bag at first - I know I did not. However, after learning the hard way with 70-90 litre packs, every subsequent trip you always try to take less and less and still lament having too much. Then at last I managed to get everything (with a few secrets that are shared here) into a 35 litre pack that fitted neatly under a bus seat and have never been happier or ever even considered taking a 'standard' backpack again to a developing country. A small portable backpack really is the difference when it comes to independent travel. The freedom it offers and hassle it removes is worth what you sacrifice in not taking ten times over. Not to mention the fact that you will be the envy of everyone you meet! Don't believe it? Sceptical? Read on for some reasons why."