The Art of Backpacking
The thought of the open road often drives people crazy. Those unknown streets, those narrow alleys, or the mighty mountains, the lingering fragrance of fern and pine trees is an indescribable feeling. Only backpackers will understand the joy of being on the road and only they can understand the happiness in leaving behind the hustle and bustle of everyday existence, packing the bare necessities and setting out for an unknown destination. As for these backpackers, these trekkers, these hitchhikers – they are the mad ones. The ones who are, according to Jack Kerouac, “mad to live.”
Whilst backpacking in Europe, there are essential items one must carry in their backpacking bag. Important documents like passports, travel documents, visas, money, credit cards etc should be safely kept inside a plastic folder. This will ensure that come rain, hail or snow they are safe. Those documents give you your identity so they must be safe and sound.
Backpacking in Europe is a thrilling experience for sure but without the essential elements in your precious backpacking bag, it can be quite fatal! Firstly, a backpacker’s bag should be light, yet sturdy. Buy one that is discreet and ensure that it suits your body weight and body shape. It should be spacious enough to carry whatever you need and it should definitely be waterproof. Once you have purchased you bag it’s time for the important bit…packing.
Keep the heavier things at the bottom and fill it up with lighter articles. You should write a list of essentials and be sure to put everything meticulously in that backpacking bag. Don’t carry too many clothes as you will get tired quickly, and you can only ever where one outfit at a time! Be sure to carry a pair of mountain shoes or sneakers and don’t forget a lightweight raincoat. Carry one pair of shorts and jeans and not more than four t-shirts. While you revel in the astonishing beauty of Europe, you don’t want to get tired! Oh and don’t forget to pack clean underwear! Carry important essentials like the toothbrush, a torch, a five-in-one pocket knife, ropes (if you are mountaineer), your IPod and charger, one book (do NOT carry more, you can easily exchange with your fellow backpackers), plates (two), forks and spoons (preferably strong ones made of plastic). Definitely pack your sunscreen and insect repellent cream so that whilst camping those killer mosquitoes can be avoided. Also, do not forget to pack a bar of soap and shampoo.
The best time to go backpacking in Europe is during the summer months of June, July and August and planning is crucial. Decide how long you plan to backpack in Europe so that you can fix your budget accordingly. Also know and be sure of the countries you really want to go backpacking in, and plan how you will travel in and out of the countries. Do you need visas or other documentation?
With regards to accommodation, staying at youth hostels is an inexpensive option and is definitely the ideal option for backpackers and provides you with the perfect environment in which to meet likeminded travelers. Whilst backpacking in Europe, be ready for wonderful adventures, be ready to explore to the maximum, and be ready to meet exciting new people as mad as you are. If you plan it properly, it is surely going to be a life-changing experience!
