Lucky you. You've got enough time to go away long haul, armed with nothing but all of your worldy goods on your back. But what do you need to do apart from booking your flight? These tips should help you plan the perfect backpacking jaunt.
Choosing a destination
When it comes to deciding where to take a holiday it's not such a small world after all.
Where to go? The sheer number of possible destinations can be bewildering. You could decide by considering important factors such as the weather (the Caribbean in the rainy season? No way!), or the geography (the beach, or the mountains?), how long you've got away (the whole of Africa in a week?), or you could simply throw a dart at your wall map and surrender to your destiny.
Have a good think about what you will find most satisfying. If you've got three months the options are endless: you could travel across at least six countries in South America and cram in as many sights as possible; or you could take a leisurely drive around Italy and really get a taste of la dolce vita. Getting to know a city or country means different things to different people. The crucial thing is there's no right or wrong way to do it.
What time of year is it? Remember that summer here doesn't mean summer everywhere. Choose a destination where the season is agreeable. However, you can also find some bargains by visiting off-season. If you don't mind exploring somewhere when the monsoon's around, you'll certainly get a cheaper deal.
Still not sure where to go? Have a browse around Cheapflights.co.uk for almost any destination you could think of.
Do your research
Once you've chosen the continent, country or city that you want to take your rucksack to, there's more checking to be done.
Is it safe at the moment? Some Third World countries are very unstable and there are times when it is best simply not to visit. Last year's top destination can become this year's war zone, and vice versa. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office website has up to date advice on the safety of potential holiday spots as well as fact sheets about every country. If you have any doubt about the country you want to go to it is essential to check this. Getting caught up in a political revolution does not the best holiday make.
Research the accepted customs of the country you want to go to. If knocking back beer after beer is high on your list of priorities, then spending three months in a "dry" country might leave you feeling frustrated rather than refreshed. For women, it is also important to check on acceptable dress codes. The most beautiful beach in the world is no good to you if you would be causing offence to the locals by donning a tiny bikini.
If you can't find the info you need anywhere else then head online to ask an expert. There are lots of travel forums where travellers chat and compare notes. Sadly for your sense of originality, someone's always done it before, but that does mean they're bound to have loads of useful tips and info to pass on. Why spend a whole week looking for the best bar in town, when, with a little help from word of mouth, you can be sipping cocktails there on your first night?
Check train timetables, coach services, and internal flights in advance. If you're planning on travelling around you'll need to know whether it is possible to get from one destination to another. Train and bus timetables are generally available online, and it's good to know in advance if there is only one departure a week. Plan a vague schedule before you go. You don't have to stick to it, but know the connections that you can't afford to miss.
A bit of homework will get you a long way
Learn a bit of the local language before you go. It may not be possible to become fluent in Swahili in a couple of weeks, but if you can say "please", "thank you" and "goodbye" you'll get a much warmer reception from the locals.
Take a phrase book with you. They are a bit embarrassing, but really come into their own in restaurants (have you just ordered a nice side of dog?) and in emergencies. You could always cover it up with a dust jacket of "War and Peace" if it just seems too touristy.
The boring bits
Visas, vaccinations, insurance, blah, blah, blah. It can be time consuming, it can be boring, but it's important. Make sure it's all in order in plenty of time before you fly. See the Before you Go section for fuller information.
While you're away
You've done your research, you're fully packed, your arm still feels like a pin cushion and now you're off. Have fun and remember that we're all jealous back at home. But, just in case anything goes wrong while you're away...
Get in touch with your embassy to help you out. They can do everything from organising a replacement if your passport is stolen to visiting you in prison.
Carry a mobile phone if possible for emergencies. (Also useful for the odd text message back to the office to let them know how white the sand is on the beach, and how much the sun is shining.) Don't forget to enable it to make calls from abroad before you go.
After you get back, read our Returning Home travel tip for more great advice and useful links. And don't forget to share your experiences and offer other backpackers some invaluable advice on www.thebackpacker.net/
Sabrina Wolfe
© Cheapflights Ltd
Updated April 2009
