FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: backpacker travel

  • Backpacker’s Travel Checklist – What to Pack on a Backpacking Vacation

    The number one rule of backpacking is to travel light. However it’s important to grab the essentials before you set off on your frugal vacation. In this article we look at the items that should be in every backpacker’s knapsack.

    The first item on any backpacker’s luggage list must be the backpack itself. Ensure that it’s comfortable with padding in the back and wide, adjustable straps, as you’ll be spending many long days with it attached. Durability is also an important point to consider. You’ll spend more money on a sturdier knapsack at first, but it’ll pay for itself in the long run.

    Clothes are a given, but make sure that you don’t take too many. Packing tops that can be layered up is a great way to avoid bulk. We suggest taking a few outfits that can be easily laundered during your travels. If the modern royals can wear the same outfit when they step out, so can you! Also find space for a raincoat if there’s a chance of inclement weather. Sticking your clothes in a vacuum-seal bag is a great way to save on space.

    A smartphone is a modern-day essential for many people, and that goes double on your vacation. It does away with the need for guidebooks, maps, a camera, notebook, and more. And did we mention that it’s a great way to stay in touch, so long as you heed those pesky global roaming fees? Make sure you take a look at our free travel app guide for some useful programs.

    The importance of a water purifying bottle will depend on your intended location. If you’re traveling through privileged areas in the Western world it might not make your shortlist. However if you’re backpacking through Asia or South America, it could save you from contracting a nasty bug.

    Some may consider noise cancelling headphones to be an optional extra, but anyone who’s traveled with them may disagree! Say goodbye to the cries of unruly babies on long haul flights. Forget about the amorous sounds of your backpacking buddies. And enjoy the extra hours of shut eye these clever gadgets provide. If your mates are particularly rowdy a sleeping mask may be another wise investment.

    Three BackpackersIt’s a no brainer but it deserves to be said: never leave home without your travel documents. You won’t get very far without your plane or train tickets and a passport. Always double-check you’re carrying these important papers before you head out the door.

  • Backpacking for Adults – Hostel Vacation Tips for Grown-Up Travelers

    With all of us feeling the fallout of the financial crisis, backpacking isn’t just for college kids anymore. Don’t let the youth hostel tag scare you off; these budget accommodation options are perfect for anyone looking for a cheap place to lay their head.

    However adults shouldn’t run headlong into booking their first hostel holiday. There are a few points to consider when backpacking as a grown-up.

    While costs are always a consideration, older backpackers shouldn’t pick their hostel on price alone. The quality of the rooms is important, as is the location. Proximity to night clubs and bars is probably less important than it was in your youth, but you’ll probably want to be near public transport for easy sightseeing. Also do your research to ensure you’re not staying in a seedy part of town.

    Choosing a private room over a dorm is an important splurge as middle age settles in. You can probably do without the funky smells, rowdy roommates, and all night parties! Not all private rooms are created equally though. Some have ensuites, but many do not. You’ll probably pay an extra $10 a night for your own bathroom, which is enough for a coffee and a pastry each day. What would you rather spend your money on?

    A backpacking holiday calls for traveling light, but there are a few extra items older hostel hoppers may wish to bring. That smell that lingers around young backpackers generally comes from skipped showers. Hostels rarely provide shampoos and soaps, so unless you want to join the great unwashed you’ll need to bring your own. A pair of earplugs takes up little space in a suitcase, and ensures those all night binge drinking sessions don’t interrupt your sleep.

    Hostel_Celica
    Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers.

    While you’re there, make sure you take advantage of the hostel kitchen. These are often quiet as young people survive on snacks and cheap take outs. You can create a gourmet feast on a budget with some fresh produce from a local farmer’s market or delicatessen.

    And finally, remember that hostel life is all about community. While you might not make lifelong friends, it’s important to smile and strike up conversation. You might even learn about a local gem you haven’t discovered yet!

  • Planning Your First Hostel Vacation – A Guide for Beginner Backpackers

    As the world continues to recover from the global financial crisis, backpacking is enjoying a resurgence. This frugal vacation style isn’t just for poor students and hippies any more. It’s actually a great way for anyone to save cash while seeing the world. If you’ve ever thought about hostel hopping in Australia, backpacking in New Zealand, or staying in a Vietnamese dorm, here are our tips for planning that frugal getaway.

    Backpackers naturally want to save money, but there are a few areas where spending is vital. Travel insurance is one often overlooked expense. Many backpackers consider this to be a luxury for the rich, but it’s a great way to protect yourself against the unexpected. When the planes are grounded due to volcanic ash clouds you won’t incur extra accommodation fees, it’ll save you if your luggage is lost, and if you get hurt and injured you won’t be slogged with a huge medical bill. That initial expense can make sure your vacation doesn’t become one you’d rather forget.

    Once you’ve paid for your travel insurance you’ll need to get packing, but make sure you don’t overdo it. You’ll spend much of your vacation with a bag on your back, so you’ll need to make sure it doesn’t weigh a ton. Space is also limited in hostel rooms, and using more than your fair share shows poor backpacker etiquette. Pack only what you’re sure you’ll need and remember, if you’ve forgotten something you can always buy it on the road.

    They might take up some space, but a few pairs of comfortable shoes are a must for every backpacker. A pair of sneakers is vital for trekking hiking trails or discovering the urban jungle, while flip flops are essential for keeping nasties at bay in communal showers.

    It can be tempting to break out your brand new backpack for your vacation, but it’s best to resist this urge. Shiny packs are targets for thieves, who assume that they’ll contain some expensive goodies. We wouldn’t suggest that your hostel housemates aren’t trustworthy, but it’s best not to take any risks.

    You’ll also want to make sure that any sticky fingers don’t find a lot of cash inside that rucksack. It’s smart to carry only a small amount of cash at any time, as you could easily lose it or fall victim to pick-pockets. If you’re traveling to a particularly dangerous part of the world it’s smart to take further security measures, such as strapping on a money belt or leg wallet. These accessories keep your cash close to your body for maximum safety. Three Backpackers

    Don’t let all of those practicalities bog you down though. The best thing about backpacking is its spontaneity. You’ll likely meet folks at your hostel who could suggest your next destination, or encourage you to spend more time at your current digs. Go where the wind takes you, throw out the schedule, and prepare to embrace this carefree, and budget conscious, vacation style!

  • Etiquette for Backpackers – How to Behave in Hostels

    Backpackers have a reputation for being smelly, loudmouthed layabouts. Outsiders might assume that there are no rules in these frugal accommodation establishments, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, no one wants to be painted with this very wide brush, or risk infuriating their fellow hostel dwellers. By following these simple tips you can make the most of your hostel stay, and ensure you’re not the backpacker people are whispering about in the halls.

    Hostels aren’t equipped with the lavish wardrobes of resorts and bed and breakfasts, so most backpackers will end up spilling their stuff onto the floor. Moderation is the key here. It’s acceptable to dump a travel bag and the occasional item of clothing, but ensure you don’t encroach onto the territory of others. They need that carpet space too!

    Showers are also in short supply at hostels, so it’s important to respect the queues. Treat them as you would a public bathroom. Get in, do what you need to do as quickly as possible, and get out of there. Save those shower sing-alongs and lengthy grooming routines until you’re back home, and away from easily irritated holiday makers.

    Kitchen space is also limited, so resist the urge to play Emeril Lagasse. The pots, utensils, and appliances are intended for everybody’s use, so stick to the basics and make sure there’s enough to go around. Also remember to clean up when you’re done. No one wants to be greeted by your pile of dirty dishes.

    Backpackers are not, as a rule, early risers. Interrupt their sleep in at your peril. If you must wake early to move on to your next destination or join a guided tour, do so quickly and quietly. Pack as much as you can the night before so you can make the speediest of getaways, or risk some disapproving stares.

    Just because hostel dwellers appreciate the value of a sleep in doesn’t mean they’ll love the snooze button. No one wants to be woken every ten minutes until you can rouse yourself. If you need the extra zees simply set the alarm later.

    Backpackers are also reputedly serious drinkers, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is indulging. Party with the money you’re saving on accommodation by all means, but don’t bring the celebration back to your room. No one will want to join in your revelry if they’ve been woken from a dead sleep by bright lights and loud chatter.

    Being woken by a snorer can be just as irritating. I’m sorry snorers, but you’ll need to spend extra on a private room or risk being smothered in your sleep. It might sound like discrimination, but your fellow frugal travelers will not be as forgiving as your main squeeze.

    Hostel_Celica
    Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers.

    Speaking of matters of the heart, couples are often tempted to save a few dollars by choosing a dorm. However lovebirds really should stick to the double rooms. No one wants to witness your heated make-out sessions, sickening exchange of pet names, or lover’s tiffs. Unless you’re vacationing with friends who agree to the arrangement, keep your relationship behind your own private closed door.

    Vacationing in a hostel can be a great way to spend a break, without spending a lot of cash, so long as you remember to mind your manners!

  • Find Lost Travel Items with Backpack Boomerang Website | New Site Connects Thai Backpackers

    If you’ve never left a prized possession behind in a hostel in some far-flung corner of the world, you’ve probably never backpacked.

    It's very easy to forget your essentials as you struggle to check out of your room on time, but thanks to the new website Backpack Boomerang, all hope is not lost. While travel insurance can replace big ticket items, it falls down when it comes to sentimentalism. No cash payout can ever replace the vacation pictures on your camera, the music on your iPod, or the digits of people you've met abroad stored on your cell phone. That's where Backpack Boomerang really excels. The site is the brainchild of seasoned backpackers who know all too well the pain of leaving vital items behind. Its concept is simple. If you’ve lost something, click on the "losers" tab, detail the missing items, and wait patiently for someone to write back. If you've found someone's prized possession, it's off to the "finders" section with you.boomerang The website's altruistic concept should appeal to the nature of backpackers. Perhaps this site could even forge some new friendships amongst budget travel enthusiasts! The main drawback right now is the site's limited scope. Currently the website is only servicing backpackers holidaying in Thailand, but its creators plan to roll it out to the rest of Southeast Asia before conquering the world. I'm sure backpackers all over the globe are looking forward to that!

  • Party in Queensland’s Whitsundays Region on Koala Adventure Island

    If you’re young and a little strapped for cash, forget the luxury Australian islands of Hayman and Hamilton.

    The Whitsundays destination for you is Koala Adventure Island, the only location in the region which caters exclusively for backpackers and other tourists aged between 18 and 35. Originally called South Molle, Koala Adventure Island is far north Queensland's party capital. The fun starts at dinner time, which follows a new theme every night. Travelers eat at communal tables, which helps to break the ice before the night's entertainment. That includes a resident DJ, live music, games, and dancing until dawn. Things are a bit quiet during the daytime, perhaps as most visitors are recovering from the night before. But there is plenty to keep you occupied if you want to do more than lazing on the beach. You could get out on the water with a sailing trip to the reef, scuba dive or snorkel, or try your hand at windsurfing or paddle skiing. There's plenty to do on land too, as the resort has tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, archery range, and a fully equipped gym.see koala bears photo There are a variety of rooms to cater for all budgets and traveling groups. Groups of up to six can bunker down in the dormitory-style rainforest rooms, which are surrounded by lush tropical gardens. For a more intimate luxury getaway, consider the beachfront bungalows. They're right on the shore, and have private balconies for enjoying the gorgeous ocean views. No matter what room you choose, you’ll enjoy your own bathroom, a television and small refrigerator, and air-conditioning. Three-night packages are available for $157 per person for the dorm share rooms and $217 per person for the beachfront rooms. This price includes transfers from Abel Point Marina and access to the island's facilities and many activities. To get to the marina, fly to Proserpine Airport and catch the complimentary coach.