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Backpacking is still the most popular gap year holiday or career break option. With the backpacking trails across the globe becoming even trickier to navigate such as the Middle East and Far East here’s ten top tips from Holidaysafe to ensure you remember your holiday for all the right reasons:

Don’t buy a one way ticket

This may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many people set off with a one way ticket. Not only will you need a return ticket to buy backpackers travel insurance, if your money runs out sooner than expected you’ll still be able to get home.

Make a plan but keep it flexible

Research your destination thoroughly and take advantage of the myriad of guidebooks and information available. Many intrepid backpackers have walked the same trail. Find out where the best hostel is in each region or city you wish to stay in. Use the internet and keep abreast of the blogging and Twitter forums on the local nightlife and locations. YouTube may even give you a taste of the noise and sounds. But try not to visit too many places at once. Remember the words of Paul Theroux the famous American travel writer: “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been … Travellers don’t know where they’re going.” In fact, read both Theroux and Bruce Chatwin before endeavouring on a major globe-hopping adventure. Both were cultural adventurers, and their respective views were a mix of fact and fiction, but gave a great understanding of feeling the different cultures – so immerse yourself with the locals and check where they eat and drink.

Get specific travel insurance for backpackers

If you are planning to do any sports or activities make sure it is covered by your travel insurance. Backpackers often do spontaneous activities, but a little advance planning will ensure your insurance policy fully covers you.

Use a money belt

Though it has never topped the fashion charts, a money belt is an essential accessory in certain countries. Never openly display it or take it off in front of people in shops or public spaces. Keep some cash in your pockets so that you don’t have to “reveal” your belt. Sleep with it if necessary. Your holiday insurance will also give you cover for loss of cash, passport and travel documents, but check the limits and exclusions on the policy. Some of the cheap backpacking travel insurance on the market may not give you this cover so always check the wording.

Leave your valuables at home and the majority of your cash in the bank

One of the worse case scenarios when travelling is waking up in a strange place with no cash. Always carry a minimum amount of cash with you at any given point and spread the cash in various accounts so that you don’t have to rely on just one credit or debit card. Also remember that not all UK banks and building societies have contra-deals with foreign banks so not all ATMs will accept the standard UK cards. A foreign currency card is an option. Spread the risk and make sure cards are separated and not carried together. Keep the bling at bay! Especially large chunky watches, handbags and expensive shiny jewellery.

Unless you have someone coming along to carry your bag, travel light

Remember, whatever you take with you on your backpacking trip will be carried on your back for the extent of your holiday, and you will be picking up bits and pieces along the way, so just pack basic essentials. And always keep a bit of space for buying reminders of your trip along the way.

Stay alert at all times

Travelling brings you into contact with many wonderful interesting people and you will find yourself easily chatting to strangers. No matter how friendly or trustworthy you think someone is, don’t let your guard down too much. And make sure someone at home always knows exactly where you are, for example, not just the city you are in but the exact address where you are staying.

Don’t hitchhike

This goes without saying – you wouldn’t consider it when you are at home so why do it in a country you don’t know where people talk in a language you don’t fully understand. Even if you are in a group hitch hiking, you may feel safe because you are in a group, but groups can still encounter problems, so to be on the safe side, use public transport.

Get the contact number of the British Embassy

Make a note of the telephone numbers and contact details of the British Embassies in the countries you will be visiting. They will assist should you have any problems, (for example, if you’re arrested, a victim of crime, lose your travel documents, passport, money, etc). They can help make emergency arrangements and get you back home if need be, although they won’t pay for it they can help you arrange a loan to get you home.

Enjoy yourself

This is your trip of a life time so enjoy it.

This guest post was provided by Holidaysafe the provider of award-winning travel insurance.

(Image: kevin dooley)

About the author

Oonagh ShielContent Manager at Cheapflights whose travel life can be best summed up as BC (before children) and PC (post children). We only travel during the school holidays so short-haul trips and staycations are our specialities!

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