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| Best Safety Tips for Backpackers |
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| Written by Russell Eaton |
| Saturday, 02 August 2008 09:54 |
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People of all ages go backpacking as it provides an ideal way to save money, see the world, and make friends along the way. Backpackers typically avoid expensive hotels in city centers, and prefer campsites, hostels, or cheap bed & breakfast places. If you know anybody who might be backpacking this article will save you money and help make backpacking safer and more enjoyable. It's always a good idea to thoroughly research the journey using the internet and some well chosen guidebooks from a library or bookshop. If possible, talk to others who have taken the same route. Take two credit cards and keep one aside for emergency use only. Keep the emergency card hidden inside your clothing somewhere so that if your belongings are stolen, you still have your emergency card. Take a mobile phone with you for calling home or for using in the event of an emergency. Failing that, make sure you have a phone card (e.g. and AT&T card), so that you can at least phone home or make an emergency call. Send an email home regularly if you can get to an internet cafe. That way, your folks back home will know where you last traveled and where you are planning to go, if something happens to you. Always make sure your travel insurance is up to date and that you know the emergency telephone number to claim insurance. Avoid taking expensive jewels, watches, rings or other valuables. They attract muggers. Buy a cheap 'throw-away' watch for the trip. Be aware of cultural differences. For example, just because you can wear shorts in Western Europe, this does not mean they won't cause offence in some other countries. Generally try to avoid traveling at night, or walking alone in back streets or isolated places (applies to both men and women). Look out for other backpackers who may be going your way. Travel with them if you can as there is safety in numbers. Also, it may make your journey more enjoyable. A high-pitched attack alarm is always a good thing to have, especially for women. It's important to take your own medication with you. If you need regular medication of any sort, do not assume you will be able to get it as you travel. Brand names of medicines can change completely from country to country. And if you don't speak the same language well, sourcing the medication may be problematic. Put medication in clearly marked containers. Carry a separate list of your medical requirements plus a letter from your doctor confirming your prescribed medication. If applicable, also carry a translation of the letter. This is essential when travelling abroad and will help to minimize problems at customs and airports. Pack dental floss and spare toothbrush when backpacking (dental floss is useful for all sorts of things apart from teeth!). Take minimum toothpaste, insect repellent, and other essential toiletries, and replenish your needs as you travel. Make a conscious effort to always be aware of what is going on around you. This is particularly important in crowded places, such as stations, markets, airports, and busy streets. Keep your backpack thief-proof by protecting it from slashers (thieves who cut through your backpack to steal without you knowing it). Simply line the inside of your backpack with chicken wire (use a very fine soft mesh and attach it at key points using needle and thread). About the Author: If traveling by air, see Airline Safety Ratings: air travel tips that airlines don't tell you. Every airline passenger must see Airline Safety Ratings. Kindly provided by LJ-Marketing.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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