Are you planning a trip overseas and are considering backpacking? Backpacking is a great way to see the world. This would truly be a backpacking adventure. If you have not been overseas before there are some important things to know.
We have prepared a concise list of the most important points to consider when traveling in a foreign country. These are important to any type of travel but especially for the backpacking Europe adventure since you will more than likely be traveling off the beaten path.
Make a list of the countries, states, provinces or counties you plan on seeing. Go online and print out the laws and customs for these areas. My son got a pretty steep parking ticket when he parked in an area that had a sign saying “No Standing.” Now he is well aware that in that city that means “No Parking.”
Is your passport current? Make a couple of copies of it and stash them in different parts of your backpack or on you somewhere. It would be a good idea to leave one with a family member at home, in case yours is lost or stolen. A copy could be faxed to the local authorities or American embassy. Check online to see if any of the locations require a special visa or other paperwork besides your passport to enter.
Make sure your map is up to date. You should check to make sure the map you are taking is current. You do not want to plan a backpacking trip in an area that has recently been changed from wilderness to a shopping center.
Keep your family in the loop. Just as you would when backpacking at home, you need to fill your family in on all your plans. This is even more important when traveling out of the country. You never know what can happen and nobody there is going to realize you may be in trouble.
Make an alternate itinerary as your travel may change due to weather or other emergency. You may decide or need to stay in one place longer or not go to another place at all.
Do not take expensive items with you. Leave your nice watch and take the one instead. Take a travel companion or several. It is always safer to travel with two or more.
It is also important that you stick to public areas. Do not try to venture to unknown areas. You never know what types of problems you could run into.
Travel smart and your backpacking trip will most likely be one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have.