Are you a travel junkie? Do you often catch yourself dreaming about basking in the richness of the culture of a foreign land? Do you wish yourself to be so lost and entranced by the strangeness of unfamiliar soils? Okay. Do you also snap back to reality because you suddenly remembered the pathetic state of your bank account and it just occurred to you that extravagant travel plans are expensive?

Well don’t be so down trodden. Travelling does not always have to include 5 Star hotels, gourmet meals and expensive travelling fees. Infact, travelling can be pretty inexpensive and incredibly fulfilling at the same time! Yes, if you’ve read the title of this article before lunging for the content, BACKPACKING is the cure to all your financial woes (well, travelling wise.). Infact, in my opinion, backpacking allows you to really experience what the country has to offer. Afterall, 5 Star hotels and gourmet meals are almost the same in every country you go to, but living like the locals, now that’s really seeing the country for what it really is. However, do note that by backpacking you’re required to rough it out a little, meaning sleeping in potentially icky places, using communal bathrooms, walking A LOT, and there’s no use for make-up (however if you’re really adamant, you could still try. I did.) But don’t let all those put you off, most backpacker’s hotels are pretty clean and are bustling with travellers from all around the world. It’s a great way to meet people from all around the globe! Also by walking and taking local public transportations to your desired destinations, you’d stumble upon a lot of little details and magnificent sights along your way.

Picture courtesy of www.doisongso.com

Now that I’ve either turned you off or got you pretty keen on the whole idea of backpacking, here are some basic tips to get you started on what would be one of the most amazing experience you’ll ever have!

How do I begin?

Pick a destination!! If you’re in an extremely tight budget of say RM500, I would suggest that you start by travelling around South East Asia. Trust me, they may be our neighbours but we’re very very different culturally so it is a guaranteed fact that you’ll come back home culturally enriched! If you have more moolah, then you can spin your mini globe and point your finger down at any country!

What next?

Book your mode of transportation! If you’re going to Bangkok or Singapore, you can opt for travelling by bus which is pretty comfortable and very affordable. For rates and prices, do go to Puduraya Bus Station for futher information. http://www.udaholdings.com.my/puduraya/

However if you have slightly more to spend and would like to reach your destination quicker, there’s always flight! Do check out www.airasia.com and www.fireflyz.com.my for promotions and affordable flights.

Oh okay, am I all set?

Of course not! There’s lodging! Now here is where you really cut down on expenses as cheap lodging is a wallet saver! To look for the right backpackers hostel, try www.hostelworld.com or just google for “backpackers hotel” at the destination of your choice! Most sites will equip you with details of where the hostel is located and what facilities are provided. Be sure to choose one that is within walking distance to public transportations to ease travelling while you’re there.

As you’re going to be in a foreign country, it is best that you read up on what the country has to offer i.e: tourist destinations, things to see, things to eat, things to buy. Here you may find sites like www.wikitravel.org and www.world66.com very helpful. If these two sites do not provide sufficient information, resort to the power of GOOGLE!

What do I bring?

Alright, No.1 rule in backpacking. TRAVEL LIGHT!! If you’re travelling to a few destinations, remember that you’ll be lugging around whatever you’re going to take. And don’t forget the souvenirs and things you will buy along the way. So remember to bring only the essentials. You can always wash your soiled clothes at your backpackers hostel and re-wear them. Below are a list of things you should bring:

• Towel
• Toiletries (Please bring the travel size ones!)
• Medicine kit (For unforseen tummy aches and headaches. Throw in a “Minyak Angin Cap Kapak” as you’ll never know when you’ll need it. Again, travel size!)
• Plastic bags. (Trust me, you’ll need them)
• Light clothings
• Shades
• Cap
• Camera (Because you want to capture those moments!)

These are the bare essentials, of course you may have to bring other things depending on your destination of travel.

Do I bring a luggage bag?

Are you kidding? No, luggage bags are not advisable. Duffle bags are alright if you don’t have a backpack but the whole reason of calling this backpacking is because you travel around with your backpack!

Okay I know what to do now. Am I set to go?

Yes you are! Just remember to get a good night’s rest so that you won’t miss your bus/flight! And also be prepared to have a whole lot of fun and take a lot of pictures!!

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