The joy of backpacking

HOLIDAY television programmes and descriptions in books can make you long to visit new places but if budget restrictions make you shudder at the thought of being broke for the next decade, consider the alternative: backpacking.

If you’ve never considered it before, check out these benefits.

Going on the road is challenging as well as fun. A backpacking trip will give you a new perspective and amazing memories.

It’s an adventure:

Most of us have a restricted social circle because we like our comfort zone.

When you’re on the road, you meet lots of people. Most will be nice but there will be the rotters, the difficult types and a host of foreigners. Not only is this fun, but stretching your social skills also translates into marketable job skills.

It’s educational:

If you look at your average holiday budget, a huge chunk goes to accommodation, food and transport. If you backpack, you can stay wherever you like but as you have only what you can carry on your back, you can get about by public transport.

Also, as you’ll have a tiny wardrobe, you won’t be tempted to have three meals a day in luxurious eateries.

Tours are terrific because they showcase all the best in a country but the downside is that you’re often cut off from the locals.

Backpackers can take tours like anyone else but as you’re doing your own thing, you’ll be among everyday people, which means you get to see their town the way they do.

Going backpacking is like any other holiday so do consider these three essential travel tips: never go alone, never go to unsafe areas, and always stay in touch with your folks back home.

It’s cheap:

It’s different: