THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, you can spot them more and more often. Often they travel in groups, but some also alone. There are several marks of common traits among these rogue independent travellers who are always certain to see many places and meet people continuously.
To sort through the common traits, the simplest method is to think about the first glance of a backpacker. As the name implies, they carry backpacks (yes, there are exceptions which also prove the common rule). But if we disregard the backpack, and the various other trinkets that a backpacker often carries, what can we find out?
There are means to travel safely and also comfortable, still being a backpacker. Considering this, here is a list that narrows down some relevant issues.
ICE – In Case Of Emergency telephone number
This telephone number provides people with a way of contacting your spouse, family or close friend, if some accident has befallen you. Add the number as a new contact in your mobile phone, name it ICE and enter the number complete with country code.
Waist bag
A bag to carry your most important belongings, such as passport, money and mobile phone. Some argue that waist bags in themselves are not worthwhile due to thieves focus on stealing them. However, the fact remains that you also protect yourself from forgetting or losing things if you keep them all in one place.
Medicaments and First Aid kit
When travelling as backpacker, you often find yourself out of reach from hospitals and farmaceuts. It is therefore important that you can provide yourself (and your travel buddies) with first aid and medicine.
Cash vs Credit Card
Both means of paying and purchasing are connected with certain best practises. You should always carry enough cash to last you a 2-3 days, with food and lodging included. Moreover, it is a good practise to have enough cash to purchase a one-way plane ticket (or train or bus) back home, in case of emergency.
Credit cards should be used with the greatest care, since thieves can use the credit card number to entirely wipe out an account balance. Use your common sense when visiting restaurants, bars and hotels. In smaller establishments not part of larger chains, the risk of an employee overcharging your account is larger. Especially so if they know you are a backpacker, and who do not frequent the location that much. They will then be made aware of the cumbersome process for you to recover the stolen money and to have the authorities to be put on their scent. In short, use your credit card when you absolutely have to. Try to limit yourself to making withdrawals from ATM machines wherever you can. Hide the credit card number whenever you are using it in ATM machines, and make sure to save all receipts from your credit card, whether from an ATM machine or an establishment where you have let an employee swipe your card.
This little list covers several possible misfortunes, and though incomplete, it gives you a fair hint of what you should consider during your travel.
Author: P-C Markovski
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