Backpacker Travel Advisory

So you have decided to finally take the plunge and go on a trip where you are not catered to all the time and will be free to explore as you please. Or maybe you have done it before and liked it so much you want to do it again. Whether you will be doing it in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, or America, in a camper van rental, motorhome rental, RV rental, or what, there are certain tips and things to consider to make your backpacking adventure a good one.

Now before we get to those tips and things to consider, the first thing on the list of “To Do’s” is to figure out if you will be spending most of your adventure in a camper van hire, motorhome hire, or RV hire. Depending on how you answered that question, the next thing is to consider the size of the backpack you will be using. If you will be in a vehicle such as a campervan, motorhome, or RV, then you can use a much smaller backpack, and carry only those things you need to use on your backpacker travel away from your vehicle. But if you are going to be spending most of your time away from the camper van, motorhome, or RV, then a bigger backpack is called for. Now for the things you want to consider about the backpack, and tips in general. Campervans, RVs and Motorhomes generally supply small compartments for storage so its strongly recommended that you use soft cases and collapsible luggage that can be packed into compartments leaving you more space for comfort.

First a list of things you might want to take with you (You decide):

Passport. Plan ahead, takes 6 - 8 weeks!
Visas, if needed. (Verify well in advance).
Credit Card.*
ATM Card.*
Traveler’s Checks.* Too Expensive.(hide PIN numbers in fake address labels -in case you forget them
NOTE: a 4 digit pin number required)
**Call your bank and ask for information on using your Credit Card and ATM card. Get a phone number (on back) that you can call collect in case card is lost or stolen or stopped working.
CIRRUS, PLUS & VISA is used almost everywhere..
Ask your bank about services charges and currency conversion fees on your Credit Card & ATM. Also NON-BANK ATM WITHDRAWL FEES.
Make copies of account numbers and important phone numbers and leave with your parents and a best friend.
Money belt or Neck pouch with zippers.
Calculator - credit card size.(Optional)
Currency Cheat Sheets "travelers cheat sheets" at Oanda. Makes for easy conversion so you don’t get ripped off.
H.I. Hostel Card.(optional)
Trip/Medical Insurance details & phone numbers.
Guide book, maps, hostel list, hot tips, etc.

Now for some things to consider taking with you in your backpack when you leave that campervan rental, motorhome rental, or RV rental.

You do NOT need everything on this list.

Journal, glue stick, tape, small scissors. (place in Ziploc bag)
Address book or computer labels for postcards.
Notepad and pens. (pens go in a Ziploc bag in case they leak)
Daypack (carry it with you at all times)
Rain jacket (for rainy or cool days)
Umbrella (small & collapsible).99cents at .99 cent stores.
Wristwatch.
Alarm clock - travel size.
Camera & plenty of film or memory cards. Place film canisters in a large Ziploc freezer bag for protection.
NEW Fresh battery for camera.
Small flashlight with new batteries.
Sunglasses (2 very CHEAP pairs)
Pocket Knife
BATHING SUIT
Sweater or thermal top or light sweatshirt.
Shirts
Pants & belt. (2 max) Dockers or kacky pair. *(Jeans are heavy and take long time to dry out but they also don’t show dirt after a week of wear)
Skirt / dress
Shorts walking & sleeping shorts.
Underwear (6-10)
Socks (6-10)
Shoes - casual/needed for dancing, churches & museums.
NO high heels or Hooker boots. Be practical.
Shoes - tennis - You may walk up to 10 miles per day. Break new shoes in before the trip.
Sandals - for shower, (be careful wearing sandals in shower, floors are very slippery!!
Toiletries Kit and/or makeup kit.

Personal medication - enough to last entire trip!

Alcohol wipes - in case of cuts or scrapes.
Antacid - carry a few tablets.
Antibiotic ointment
Aspirin / Motrin
Band-aids - carry just a few.
Birth control pills / condoms - if needed.
Chapstick or lip balm.
Comb and/or hairbrush.
Contact lenses & solution. (extra set ?)
Decongestant
Dental Floss -
Deodorant - Take a stick - NO aerosol cans!
Desenex or Micatin - for athletes foot.
Disposable tissue packets.
Drugs - Prescription Drugs ? Keep in original containers with legible prescriptions.
Shampoo - place in Ziploc bag.
Hair conditioner - If you have to use it, bring it!
Imodium - excellent for diarrhea.
Moleskin - prevent blisters which ruins trip.
Nasal Spray - Great for hay fever victims.
Sanitary products - Tampons and/or minipads, bring plenty.
Sleeping pills
Soap - Liquid soap/body wash is the best.
Suntan lotion - waterproof SPF of 15 or more!
Towel - Bring one for hostels & beaches. Cut an old towel in half for more room in pack
Toothbrush & Toothpaste.
Travel size / emergency sewing kit.
Wet Ones/baby wipes (unscented) great to freshen up after train rides or after a visit to the restroom. Also great for washing stinky feet before sleeping.
Washcloth - scrub sponge If you must have one - bring it!
*Plastic grocery bags are great for packing clothes separately and for a dirty clothes bag.
*Extra Ziploc/FREEZER BAGS in assorted sizes are great for separating currencies, leaking bottles, keeping paper dry, etc.
Matches – place in waterproof container like film canister or Ziploc bag.
Don’t forget can opener, eating utensils, and bottle opener (if needed).

Well, there you have all the tips and tricks you will need to consider before you go on that backpacker travel adventure, no matter what type of travel mode you will use, be it campervan hire, motorhome hire, or RV hire, and no matter what country you will be traveling in. Just make the wise choices when you put together your package for that back

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