Beginner Backpacker Tips :

Packing One of the key issues when embarking on a backpacking trip is what to take with you. You will need to carry your backpack around for long periods of time and it must contain everything that you will need while you are away that can't be purchased locally.
It is essential to pack as lightly as possible, your backpack will need to be carried with you everywhere and having a large bulky pack can hamper you boarding buses and trains and will also tire you out to carry around all day.

Clothing You will need to cut down to the bare minimum when packing clothes, you will need to get used to wearing the same clothes for long periods of time although you will normally be able to wash and dry clothes overnight in most places.
It is advisable to take:
- 2/3 T-shirts ideally these should be fast drying so that they can easily be dried overnight.
- 2 pairs of trousers the most useful type are lightweight cargo style trousers with plenty of pockets. Women might want to substitute a skirt but it is essential to have at least one pair of trousers whilst travelling.
- A pair of good quality sandals are essential in most destinations.

Essentials
- A good sleeping bag is essential, one of the modern ones that can be rolled up very small is best. At many hostels you will be charged for sheets/blankets and they may be in a dubious state of cleanliness.
- A waterproof for if you get caught in the rainy season. These can also be packed up very small indeed.
- Baseball hat or bandana, these are good for keeping your hair out of your face and the sun off your head.
- Water bottles, it is worth taking a few water bottles.. obviously this is more relevant in hotter climates than colder.
- Swiss army knife, the travellers best friend! Just make sure you don't fly with it in your hand luggage.
- Cosmetics and toiletries, you wont need much just take what you need to maintain hygiene.
- A good first aid kit, for less developed countries it is worth taking syringes with you to avoid contracting diseases from contaminated needles that local first aiders may use.
- 2 towels & Plastic bowl with knife, fork and spoon.
- Mosquito repellent.

These items are not essential to your survival but your trip just wouldn't be the same without them. You may want to consider taking the following:
camera - Spare batteries - small calculator - An alarm clock - money belt - torch - personal music player - deck of cards - good book - small bag for use during the day - pen and notepad (very useful thing to have for writing out directions, reminders of place names, planning itinerary etc).
Take lots of bin bags, these can keep dirty clothes separate from dry ones and be used to waterproof your backpack.

Your backpack : The size of backpack you buy really depends on how much you are going to lug around with you, if you plan on taking only the bare essentials you could get away with a 35 litre backpack but on average a 50 litre one might be a better choice, especially as it will leave some room for any souvenirs collected on the way. Certainly unless you are camping then you will not need anything bigger than a 70 litre pack.

xxx What not to take : If you are really short of space or want to travel very light then it might be an idea to not take guidebooks with you. You can do your research before you go and photocopy any information that you absolutely need. Books are quite heavy especially if you are carrying a lot of them and you can probably buy them locally if you really need one. Also people are usually prepared to swap you their guidebook if they are leaving a country and you are heading there. Many hostels have guidebooks too for reference or that people may have left so you can pick them up.
Don't take a hair dryer, these are big, bulky and in many hostels you wont be able to use them (no socket), if you absolutely must have one and are travelling in a fairly developed country take one of the small travel hairdryers that can fold up.
Don't take anything too valuable or sentimental, lost luggage and theft is all too common these days and you wouldn't want to lose anything that you can't easily replace.
Don't take anything that you wouldn't use at home.

Don’t Forget Your Camera ...

Don’t Forget Your Swim wear ...

Don’t Forget Your Good Tent ...

Facilities :
Airport transfer - Bicycle rental - Coffee shops - Meeting facilities - Restaurant - Bar/pub - Nightclub - Shopping - Free Wi-Fi internet - jacuzzi - Massage - Sauna - Spa - Swimming pool - City tours - Biking - Hiking - Safari - Backbacking - Camping - Outdoor Gear - Adventure Trip ... and more outdoor activities ...