Backpacking Info Site

Have you ever thought of backpacking solo? Dear O Dear, it can be real fun, as well as challenging! Yeah, it is true that you may need some motivation to embark on one, or at least some reasons to do it on your own. To be rather point-blank, there is no dearth of reasons for embarking on a solo trip, such as a lack of suitable partners, or when you leave on a short notice. However, you needn’t get disheartened or feel desolate as a solo journey gives you the freedom and liberty to do exactly what you want, and I assure you, you will deeply savour this freedom.

You will however do well to follow the following tips:

These days you are much safer, then say people were a couple of decades earlier, as you have the services of sophisticated and intuitive gadgets like GPS systems, such as the portable Garmin Forerunner 405, that will help you to return back to the fold even if you lose track of your maps, or get completely lost out there in the wilderness. Then, in case of an emergency you can turn on the locator beacon or get out your mobile phone for instant help.

Then, when you are out there in the wilderness, make sure that your batteries are full, and ensure that you use them sparingly. Don’t allow unnecessary calls to perturb you, and also refrain from making useless calls. It will save the battery for emergency situations.

In case you have a GPS unit, it is mandatory to “mark” the car or trailhead before hiking in isolated areas, especially in difficult terrains. It is because it is very easy to get lost in the haze, and consequently you will not only end up losing valuable time, but sometimes you may even lend in serious trouble.

Once you have decided that you would embark on a solo backpacking tour, it will be safer if you learn some safety tips, and skills that may insulate you from many a potential trouble. Skills like the ability to make a fire in any conditions, ability to construct a few different kinds of emergency shelters, would come in real handy.

Finding a proper place to rest and spend the night is a very important part of a backpacking tour. Unless you get a suitable accommodation where you can de-stress yourself and plan for the rest of the journey, it is very difficult for you to enjoy the entire experience. Moreover, it is also mandatory that the hotel accommodation you manage to find is cheap and provides you with at least the basic amenities. Then you also need to be aware of a few basic things while booking a hotel accommodation that will help you to optimise your experience, while at the same time saving valuable cash.

While looking for an accommodation make sure to get a card at the reception that contains the name, address and phone number of your accommodations. This will act as insulation from the hotel authorities unnecessarily bothering you. Then, you can use the same to guide you back to the hotel in case if lose direction.

Another smart piece of advice if you arrive late at a popular destination is skip the first alternatives, since they in all probability would be full to the roast, instead focus on those mentioned further down in the text.

Emergency aside, avoid booking accommodations after dusk and when you are tired and hungry. Try to start early in the day so that you are not left with limited options, and to protect yourself from being exploited by opportunity seekers.

Before you make the final decision make it a point to check the various elements comprising the room, especially the following elements- the shower, whether the toilet functional, is there a shower curtain, surrounding noise if any, the condition of the bed-check the mattress and pillows, and above all the hygiene of the place.

Before you leave the hotel ask the reception if there is any closure time, and if any how to get back in after closing time. Also clarify before hand whether guests are allowed or not.

Hostels are always another inexpensive and viable alternative. Other than cleanliness and hygiene, the most important thing to look out for in hostels is a safe or similar storage place for storing an valuables. This is particularly important if your brought along something expensive a laptop, or DSLR camera, like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. However, having a safe for items can be equally important for storing anything like passports, money, etc, if you are planning on going out for an evening and wish to them at your hotel/hostel.