Are you planning to do some backpacking this year? i love backpacking because the time is mine, i not like being stuck to travel agent tight schedule. here are some of tips for first-time backpacker.
START
a) Try to find out more about the country, people, culture (google, yahoo..)
b) Pick up a few basic local words.
c) Shop around for airfare.
d) For flexibility, only purchase the international return air tickets.
e) Pre-book first night of accommodation.(hostelworld or hostel.com)
f) Get help from tourism organisation, hostel or fellow backpackers.
g) Get good & latest travel book/guides/map (i.e. lonely planet)
h) Have a general plan on where to go and what to do.
MONEY MATTER
a) Carry only sufficient money of small denomination.
b) Hide bigger note in money belt hidden inside skirt or slack.
c) Spread money & traveller cheques in different places/bag.
d) Budget: less than rm50 per day for f&b
SECURITY
a) Photocopies of IC and passport should be kept separately from the original
b) Don’t carry the original passport everywhere: only the photocopy
EQUIPMENT - GENERAL RULE
If you can’t afford to lose it; If you don’t think you need it; If you can buy it cheaper overseas; If it’s bigger that your backpack. Don’t take it!
BAG
a) Use backpack which you can also zip away all the straps and carry the bag horizontally like a hold-all.
b) Choose expandable carry bag.
CLOTH
a) Choose light, loose, comfortable & versatile fitting.
b) Bring enough clothes for one week without laundry.
- One pair of jeans
- slack
- t-shirt (local t-shirt)
- bermuda
- shoes
- sneakers/sandal
- sarong (gud wen sleeping in bus/train)
OTHER NECESSITIES (recommended but up to you lah!)
1. poncho
2. small torch
3. Malaysian postcard (to give to ur fellow international backpackers)
4. calculator
5. multi-purpose knife
6. camera & film
7. sewing kit
8. padlocks
9. day bag/pouch (bottle of water, toiletries & important documents)
10. plastic bag
11. alarm clock
12. towel
13. first aid kit
14. toiletries
15. reliable watch
16. cotton bedsheet
17. nylon string
18. multivitamin [1000mg effervescent Vitamin C (dissolves in water)]
19. pre-vaccinations
20. instant noodles
21. chilli sauce
22. beverages
23. snacks
24. plastic spoon & fork
25. list of phone no.
26. photocopies of IC and passport
27. passport-size photograph (at least 4)
A lots of stuff to think about? so are you still want to try backpacking? Happy backpacking.
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