In the Midwest, we tend to think of backpacking as an activity that involves tents, a lack of showers and “getting back to nature”… While this is accurate, in a sense—and enjoyable, to an extent—I’d rather think of exploring new places and finding adventure in the far-flung corners of the globe.
Backpacking is a style of travel, a unique way to experience the world. And having spent the better part of five years traveling the world, I’ve come to realize it’s the epitome of experiential travel, the best way to experience the people, places, cultures and customs that make the world exciting.
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Why? Because backpacking is authentic. While all-inclusive resorts are designed to create a faux paradise, backpacking puts you right in the middle of reality, navigating the streets of a new city, shopping in the local market, negotiating bustling train stations and bargaining in crowded bazaars. Backpacking gets you “amongst it,” as the Aussies say, and that is where the real adventure begins.
You may be thinking, “That’s great, Nick, but I have no idea how to backpack.” Have no fear: Empowering others to pursue their dreams of travel and adventure happens to be my specialty. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Plan ahead, but not too much: Whether you have two weeks or two months, it’s good to have a plan, but be realistic about how much you can fit into your itinerary and still leave space for the spontaneous. An un-planned evening spent hanging with the locals makes a much better story than “We went back to the hostel and went to bed.”
- Splurge on shoes—and a pair of rubber flip-flops: Whether you’re trekking through the Himalayas or wandering the alleys of Cartagena, you’ll want a comfortable pair of sturdy shoes. Black hiking shoes provide good utility: They handle the rigors of exploring while doubling as a casual shoe at night. Sturdy rubber flip-flops are a necessity, from the beach to the hostel bathroom.
- Get the right backpack: You’ll be carrying everything you own on your back for the duration of your trip, so you’ll want a backpack that fits. Visit your local adventure gear retailer, talk to an expert, and get fitted for the right pack.
- Leave the cotton at home: I’ll grant you one pair of jeans, but that’s it. Cotton is the worst when it comes to travel—it’s bulky, heavy, wrinkly, takes forever to dry, and smells. More accurately, you smell, and cotton absorbs that smell. Not very nice. Get clothes made of synthetic, quick-dry material and leave the cotton behind.
- Learn the language and talk to the locals: It’s amazing what a simple ‘Hello’ or ‘Good morning’ in the local language can do. Even if you butcher it, the locals appreciate the effort, and they’re all the more likely to open up and share their knowledge. And trust me- they’ve got the inside scoop.
There you go: A few pointers to get you started, and you’re well on your way to finding the adventure. One more thing—don’t forget the earplugs…
