Taking a gap year between school and university, or between university and a job? Or are you one of an increasing number of people taking a sabbatical from work and heading off in to the unknown with nothing but a knapsack on your back and a Val-deri, Val-dera in your heart?
If you are considering such a trip you will have quickly realised how much planning is required. First and foremost, of course, is where you are going as this pretty much dictates everything else, from travel arrangements, budget, and what you take. We’re not going to try and influence where you go or how you get there (you’ll be flying of course!), and without giving you a wad of cash we can’t really influence your budget either, but maybe we can help decide what you put into a bag – after all it’s a limited space and you could be gone for a year, so it needs precise planning.
What you take is, as we have already said, influenced by where you are going so only you know
if you need any specialist clothing or equipment. You do know, don’t you? Well, if not, that’s the first thing to be thinking of. As for everything else, here are a few pointers:
The bag
It’s easy to think that the biggest bag is best because then you can fit more of your stuff in it, and that’s fine until you put it on, fall backwards and end up struggling like an overturned tortoise. The bag is going to be on your back a lot so you need to be comfortable carrying it for hours, which means it should be light, it should be packed light, and it should be strong.
Clothes
Forget your designer jeans and cashmere sweater, you need to pack light remember. You’ll want the clothes you’re wearing and a change, maybe two. Shorts are good because they’re lighter than trousers. Specialist outdoors clothing companies make shorts and trousers that are water repellent or dry quick, which can be handy, and the more pockets they have the less things need to go in your bag.
You’ll also want a warm jumper, a decent fleece should be fine for most conditions plus they’re light. And get some good socks, if you’re on your feet a lot and in the same shoes or boots, you don’t want them rubbing.
Remember, you don’t have to pack for all contingencies. One of the joys of backpacking is that it is flexible, and clothes can be cheap so should you decide to stay in one place for several months you can always boost your portable wardrobe as required.
Footwear
Get some good strong boots and don’t be stingy. As someone once said (I’m afraid I can’t remember who and the internet won’t reveal it): Spend good money on shoes and a bed, because if you’re not in one you’re invariably in the other. You may be tempted to take a spare pair of shoes but again, think if you really need them. You can always buy a pair on your travels if required.
Weather proofs
We’re talking about a bit more than just waterproofs. Unless you intend to only venture outside in warm sunny weather in countries that are never less than 200C you will want good coat that is light, waterproof and windproof. It helps if it can keep you warm but remember that layers work better than one item and you will have a jumper too. And get a hat for the sun, rain and cold.
Don’t forget your legs either – waterproof trousers are light and can pack small, and you could get lined trousers if you intend to be somewhere cold for a while.
Documents
Perhaps the most important thing of all is the paperwork – passports, travel documents, VISAs, etc. Make sure you have somewhere safe, secure and waterproof for them. Also make photocopies to keep with friends or relatives back home and to keep on you but in a different place if possible.
You will want travel insurance as well. Plenty of companies offer policies for backpackers and gap year travellers so take a look and do some research as not all policies are the same. Remember: travel insurance is there to help when things go wrong. Refunding a lost or stolen camera is one thing, medical or legal assistance, and providing you with a flight home are another and possibly far more important. So shop around and read what a policy provides.
Money
You can’t carry it all on you of course so make sure you have an account that can be accessed worldwide if required. You might not like the idea of a credit card, but most can be used all over the world and can provide extra cover on items you buy and even assistance with medical, or other, issues.
Other stuff
Camera – Small cameras give great quality pics these days and you can slip them into your pocket for security, so no need for a multi-lensed behemoth.
First Aid Kit – Always a good idea, and make sure you know how to use the items inside. If you have to take any sort of medicine be careful and check the drug laws of the countries you are travelling to – just because it’s legal to buy and use aspirin in a country doesn’t mean it’s legal to import it.
Swiss Army Knife – For cutting things and, y’know, removing stones from horses’ hooves.
Water Tablets – Just in case you can’t guarantee the water you are about to drink is sanitary, have some purification tablets.
Head Torch – Good for walking in the dark, and finding stuff in your bag in poor light.
Paper and Pen – Because there is bound to be one time on a year-long travel adventure that you have to write something down – directions, contact details or even the recipe for the best cocktail ever.
If you want some other ideas then the internet is awash with advice, but you could do worse than travelling website Lonely Planet for ideas. This forum thread lists a variety of travelling essentials. String and sticky tape feature a lot, as well as some of the items mentioned above.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, and whatever you take with you: enjoy yourself. You’re sure to have a great time.
This article was written by Rob Powell from Confused.com, the price comparison website.
