Just beyond the beaten path and tourist destinations is quite an immersive experience; something you can only experience once you ditch the cliché travel agencies, motorhome trips and day hikes. Yeah you got it right, backpacking is the real deal.

No matter if you are planning to enjoy your gap year after school or university or just enjoy your time away from work, keep in mind that backpacking involves much stricter preparation than a vacation where everything is taken care of. A smooth transition from normal vacation to backpacking requires you to pay attention to a few specific details and to play hard and smart.

When done right, backpacking can give you richer and more rewarding experiences and who knows; you may even come back with a little money for your next backpacking trip.

Mentioned below are some beginner backpacking tips to help you get the most out of your trip:

Before you leave

1. Thorough Investigation: You have your passport and tickets and you double checked your flight time, that doesn’t mean everything is fixed. Yes, backpacking, more or less, is all about spontaneity, but a little research beforehand can go a long way when you’re out in the wild, in an unexplored destination in a country you know nothing about. Perhaps a mere guide and hiking trails would suffice.

2. Light package: On a long journey, even the straw weighs – Spanish proverb – You will carry your load on your back much longer than you expect. You’ll get lost, you’ll get muscle cramps, you’ll get dehydrated, and each of those instances will prompt you to throw away prized possessions you’d carry on your back. No one has ever gone backpacking with 10 pairs of socks, 5 bottles of shampoo and whatnot. I mean, someone must have done it, but only to regret it later. Except for 2 pairs of socks, you don’t need spare parts for anything else. Remember this no-duplicate rule, and you’ll be fine.

3. Invest in a sturdy backpack: You’re not just carrying things; your backpack contains everything that can get you out of nature, alive. The money you spend on a hiking backpack is well worth its cost and can make a world of difference.

4. Complete care of your feet: Get the shoes and socks that fit you well and you won’t spend the trip with blisters. Invest in a walking shoe, preferably waterproof, and you’ll thank me later.

while you’re out there

1. Camp: If the destination of the day allows it and you find a comfortable place to camp, camp. You would save a lot of money camping that you would have otherwise wasted on expensive hotels.

2. Don’t bother with each and every attraction: Not everything that falls on your route is worth your time and money. Choose only the best and don’t fall for the tourist traps.

3. When you’re not camping, get a shelter with a kitchen: Hostels are super fun, not as much as your personal tent, but much, much better than hotels. Also, make sure you get one with a kitchen. Buy local groceries and cook for yourself. Going out to eat every day would only put a dent in your shoestring budget.

4. Do not dress to impress or to express: Wear clothing made of quick-drying fabrics. Clothing is a completely separate system, and you need to take it accordingly. You may encounter an extreme range of temperatures. For a regular hiking trip you would need:

– Next-to-skin base layers

– Hiking Layers

– Waterproof clothing

– Nightwear

5. Various: Keep your ego in check and bring along a first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, a hat, extra batteries, and plenty of biodegradable wipes that will help you with more than just your hands.