A Girls Guide To Backpacking

By Author: Mathew Sabri
Total Articles: 33
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Backpacking is becoming safer and easier every year and as more and more females choose to travel alone hostels, travel companies and activity services have to do adapt and they are doing so quite successfully.

However, travelling alone, particularly if you are a woman, is more risky and potentially hazardous than in a group. But fundamentally it is more rewarding and the freedom it offers is unparalleled.

First things first, get yourself insured. Backpackers are the most ‘at-risk' group of travellers, so make sure you take the necessary steps in protecting yourself against the unknown. Many insurance policies also have 24-hour international emergency help lines that could prove invaluable.

Use email and your mobile phone to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Make sure your phone is able to ‘roam' overseas and investigate whether your network provider can offer any special discounts on international calling.

Don't bother packing good-quality clothes and forget high-heeled shoes. Firstly, you will be laughed out of the hostel if you turn up in stilettos and a LBD, but secondly ...
... save the space for something more useful such as a first aid kit, a decent pair of trainers that you can walk long distances in and a waterproof rain mac. Travelling clothes are a fashion statement in themselves, so enjoy the fact that you don't need to wear foundation, heels and a dress everyday.

Toiletry wise, it's cheaper to buy shampoo, conditioner etc when you arrive at your destination plus you'll also save valuable weight at the airport check-in desk. Sanitary items and medicines however are worth buying at home, as in some parts of Africa for example, you'll have problems getting hold of these.

While hair straighteners are becoming more commonplace in a girl's backpack, the voltage in some countries outside of Europe, Australia and New Zealand is too low to support the extreme heat that is required, so they may end up just being a waste of space.

Hair-ties on the other hand are useful. Humidity and hair are not the best of friends, so keep your hair tied back and don't opt for a centre parting as you could risk burning your scalp ouch!

Basically you should travel as light as possible. Skimp on clothes not medicine and save room for shopping.

For all the girls out there who have already planned there trip, make sure you are prepared. etravelinsurance.co.uk provide cheap student travel insurance policies. If you are planning a longer trip you could look at their gap year travel insurance policy.