You’ve got time to go away for a good long trip, armed with nothing more than a map, a compass, and a pack on your back. Backpacking is the ultimate in low-cost travel and with some careful planning – and the right flights – you can do it on a shoestring budget. So, grab your rucksack (and these tips), and let’s go:
Choose your flights with care
Flights can be a big part of the overall backpacking cost and chances are you’re flying between major destinations and travelling on a tight budget. The good news is that you’re likely able to be flexible and therefore pick up the cheapest airfares available. Consider these options when looking for cheap airline tickets for your next backpacking trip:
- Canada multi-city flights: save when you fly among three or more domestic cities
- International multi-city flights: save when you fly among three or more cities abroad
- Around the world tickets: exceptional value for multi-stop international trips
- Air passes: an affordable way to see more of a region or country
- Student tickets: student-only deals, great for domestic flights
If you’re looking for affordable flights:
- Learn the basics. Check out Cheapflights-ology to find the golden rules for getting the best deal, every time.
- Do your homework. Compare deals, read the fine print and do your research ahead of time.
- Sign up to receive deals via email to make sure you’re up to date on the latest offers.
- Be flexible. Travel on off days at unpopular times, and be open to less popular routes and airports.
Choosing a destination
When you’re deciding where to go backpacking, it’s not such a small world. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming. This is the fun part! Start by considering key factors such as geography and weather. Think about the season you’re flying into. If you’re travelling in the dead of winter, you’ve got to carry more clothing, but you’re likely to get a much better airfare deal in the off-season.
Know what gear you need
You’ll obviously need a good backpack! But beyond that, will you be camping? Or staying in hostels with minimal supplies? Know what you need before you go so you can be prepared when you’re out there exploring.
How safe is it?
Canada is a pretty safe place, but if you’re headed out of the country, be aware of any safety risks in your chosen destination. Check the foreign affairs website to stay current on safety information and travel warnings by country.
Understanding the culture
Researching the basic customs in your destination before you head out. Simple things such as body language and gestures can vary dramatically from place to place and when you’re backpacking, you’re likely to have frequent interactions with locals. Make sure to check things acceptable dress codes for any culture.
Learn a bit of the local language
If you can say “please”, “thank you”, and “goodbye” in each of the places you visit, you’ll get a much warmer reception. Take a phrase book with you — it will come in handy in emergencies and when going through day-to-day travel tasks like ordering food.
Do your homework
We have hundreds of flights and travel guides packed with the kind of information that can oil the wheels of travel, from the books to read on the plane to the must-see attractions once you are on the ground. There are also a lot of travel blogs, such as Chicsavvytravels.com, that can be helpful as you plan your trip.
Get a sense for local transportation
Unless you plan to do your whole trip on foot, check train timetables, bus schedules, and short, regional flights in advance. Plan a rough schedule before you go. Sticking to it might ruin the fun of backpacking, but know the connections that you cannot afford to miss. For information on transportation in Europe, for example (including Eurail passes) visit backpackeurope.
In case of trouble
Get in touch with your embassy to help you out. They can do everything from arranging a replacement if your passport is stolen to contacting your family to let them know you’re okay. Carry a mobile phone for emergencies, if possible. Don’t forget to enable it to make calls from abroad before you go.
(Image: japokskee)
