Boarding an airplane and venturing off to explore the world with a backpack on can be an exciting adventure for the novice traveler. It is also common to experience some fears of the unknown. The expectation of a first maiden voyage abroad can raise many anxieties, such as, of not making friends? Not being able to speak the language, Fears of getting lost, losing a passport or the visa card? Will I be safe in the hostels? Can I trust others... As the departure date approaches daunting thoughts like these are common, yet the idea of being free from the binds of society to explore foreign lands is often to enticing to resist.
Just one back packing experience abroad for more than a few weeks can enrich a person with a lifetime of memories, create binding friendships, provide an appreciation for other ways of life and build confidence within ones self.
Meeting fellow back packers, swapping travel agendas and knowledge, just comes naturally when backpacking. The funny thing is though that you can always spot a first timer. They re backpacks are usually jam packed to the rim and obviously as heavy as all dickens. Within weeks, many of them are shedding their gear to lighten the load.
The best advice that a first timer can take on board is to pack light.... You don't need a lot of clothing and accessories that will just slow you down and restrict your movement. Your back pack should only consist of a few clothes, spare undies, toothbrush and your portable player loaded with all the essentials for traveling.
With the invention of the marvelous portable mp3 player, your backpack can now be even lighter. The era of lugging guide books around is gone forever. With so much travel advice, forums and online blogs , the virtual world of information is outstanding. However it is helpful to know where to look for websites in preparation for your travel adventures. These following points are a great guide so you don't forget a download essential item.
* Update your music catalog - creating play lists - for all occasions.
* Download a selection of audiobooks for the long and boring plane, train and automobile trips. (if you get motion sick , then audio books are a blessing and a great time distraction)
* Download travel guides for each destination - They are free and a great reference containing detailed maps, list of events and sights to see. They downloaded as a pdf they can remain on an iPod or iPhone until you arrive at your destination and print them out at the local internet cafe.
* Download a selection of audio tours - If you consider yourself an independent traveller then you probably prefer to explore on your own away from the masses of tourists. Self guided audio tours are like having your own personal tour guide and many of them come with a map of the tour. They can be both entertaining and informative. Some are funny and others are just down right fascinating. Many audio tours guide you around the main attractions and others will take you down hidden lane ways to find local treasures . When you venture out with your audio tour, you can be confident that you are making the most of your sightseeing time, without having to join the crowds and be herded around, you can usually get around 5 hours worth of touring for between $20 - $50.
For downloads - Most importantly make sure you have your music catalog up to date. For your audio books, destination travel guides and audio tours, you can find them all from one website. http://www.LoDingo.com They're travel catalog is huge and if you have an iPod you will appreciate the iPod downloading service that they provide.
Finally, it is great to also join a few online traveling communities such as Tripadvisor and Ubertramp to stay in touch with fellow travelers while on the road.
The best advice for a first timer is to pack smartly and leave the bricks and kitchen sink at home. Shedding the extras will leave you feeling free and ready to explore beyond the bus stop.