Top tips for first-time backpackers

However, to really get the best out of your tripwhether it’s one month leap-frogging around Europe or 12 monthscircumnavigating the globe, there are a few things to bear in mindbefore and during your trip.

Before:No doubt you’ll be bungee jumping, sky-diving, white-water rafting,shark-cage diving and that’s just in New Zealand, so insurance iscrucial. Backpackers are one of the most at-risk group travellers outthere so don’t skimp and get the best protection you can afford.

Immunisations and anti-malarial medicine are crucial in parts ofAfrica, Asia and South America, so check with your doctor beforehandand don’t even think about leaving the country unprepared.

Pack light and don’t bother taking toiletries withyou. More often than not we always pack too much. Although you need tobe prepared for all kinds of weather conditions, you really don’t needfive pairs of shoes, and 20 t-shirts. Toiletries are usually cheaper tobuy when you arrive and you’ll save valuable weight at check in.

Don’t bother taking anything of real value as it willnever come back in the same condition and you can completely forgetabout wearing white clothing do so at your peril it will very quicklyturn a nasty-shade of grey. Toiletries are cheaper to buy locally andwill save your valuable weight at check in.

Get your friends and family to install Skype on theircomputers. Most Internet cafes now have this facility installed, so youcan easily stay in touch and have real-time conversations with lovedones back home. It’s for free and far less boring and time consumingthan lengthy emails.

During:Download your photos onto two memory sticks at regular intervals. Keepone for yourself and send the other home. Don’t risk losing yourtreasured photos because your camera breaks or gets stolen.

Buy your own detergent and carry it with you in aplastic bottle. Most hostels have their own washing facilities and theyare considerably cheaper and more convenient than launderettes.

Before you book airport transfers, check that yourhostel doesn’t offer them for free. Many hostels, particularly inAustralia and New Zealand, now offer free transfers if you book inadvance.

Free-food shelves and book exchanges are becomingincreasingly popular in hostels these days. However, they only workwhen everyone, including you, takes part. Don’t bother carrying heavybags of food around, make use of these facilities and remember: whatcomes around goes around.