New Series – ABC of Backpacking
Over the next few weeks i will be writing up my ABC of Backpacking. If you have any of your own then please leave in the comments below the post. It will be interesting to see how many we can come up with.
Lets start with the first 3 letters ABC
A for Adventure
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to change up your routine by adding in a little fun and excitement. In fact it can be extremely healthy to do something different now and again. You can broaden your horizons and gain experience by taking on a new challenge. Plus doing something different is a great way to reduce stress and boredom in your life.
So if you are feeling way too comfortable with your regular routines, consider adding a little adventure into your life.
There are 30,000 days in your life….. there are no warm-ups, no practice rounds, no reset buttons. Your biggest risk isn’t failing, it’s getting too comfortable… Instead of trying to make your life perfect, give yourself the freedom to make it an adventure – Drew Houston
Adventure is usually defined by words like daring, exciting, experience. Adventure is whatever you want it to be. Trek through your local woods, climb a mountain, jump a waterfall, anything to get you out of your comfort zone.
World Map Courtesy of mapsofworld.com
A for Atlas
A for Audere Est Facere
Silverbackpacker.com motto – To Dare is To Do. I took this motto from Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, a team I have supported and followed since my childhood days way back in 1962.
A for Affordability
One of the great things about backpacking is its affordability. With a focus on budget-friendly travel, backpackers often stay in hostels, eat at local markets, and use public transportation. This thrifty approach allows you to stretch your funds and travel longer, making it possible to see the world without breaking the bank.
A for Alone
Backpacking solo can be a powerful experience of independence and self-discovery.
ABC of Backpacking – B
B for Backpack
Your backpack is more than just luggage; it’s your lifeline on the road. Choosing the right backpack is crucial—one that’s durable, lightweight, and comfortable to carry over long distances. A well-organized pack will help you stay efficient and prepared, whether you’re trekking through the mountains or exploring a new city. Keep it minimal: only pack the essentials to avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
B for Backpacker
Is a Backpacker a tourist, a traveller or something else? Opinions please !!!!!
B for Backpacking
Buy yourself a backpack. It should be easy to carry and be able to hold only what you need for your trip. Mine is 45L and is just right for carry on if i fly. Your trip doesn’t have to be around the world. It can be close to home, out in the countryside. If you have children encourage them to join and give them a taste for backpacking. Teach them how to respect their surroundings and learn about local culture and traditions.
B for Blog/Bloggers
The online diary. We used to write out everything by hand and only we would read it but now we write for anyone who happens across our website/blog and some even go on to attract a worldwide following. A Blog is really an essential part of travel these days. We can keep in touch with our friends and family while backpacking remote corners of this world.
If you don’t have a Blog yet, then a good place to start is on WordPress.com where you can sign up for a free one. For more serious bloggers, you can move up to wordpress.org and put your own stamp on your blog and start to earn an income whilst backpacking and blogging.
Backpacking in Nepal in 1977
B for Bucket List
B for Bus Travel
B for Bartering
ABC of Backpacking – C
C for Camping
Backpacking and camping go hand in hand. Hike one of the many trails and camp out at night. This helps keep travel costs down but is also a way of life adding that extra dimension to your trip. Tents can easily be carried and put up quickly almost anywhere. Camping also gives you more feeling of independence.
C for Comfort Zone
To go backpacking you need to leave your comfort zone. This is the state of mind you are in for many months of your life. Get out there, experience new adventures, meet new people, try new foods. The hardest part is taking that first step and starting a new life. Turn off that TV, Pack your backpack and leave your familiar surroundings. Believe me, You will NOT regret it.
C for Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a popular option for backpackers seeking affordable accommodation while immersing themselves in local culture. By staying with locals, you get the chance to experience a destination from a unique perspective, learn about hidden gems, and build meaningful connections. Couchsurfing isn’t just about saving money; it’s a way to dive deeper into the places you visit and form friendships that can last long after your travels.
C for Countries
There are around 200 countries in the world. The exact number depends on how you define a country. Wikipedia lists 206 states recognised by the U.N.
There are many Backpackers who like to tick off Countries and make this their travel goal spending a few years in persuit of it. Recently one English Backpacker, Graham Hughes, travelled to every country in the world without flying.
C for Culture and Customs
As you travel around the world you will notice that different peoples hae different ways of life from the life you know. Don’t expect everywhere to be the same. Learn how other people live. Respect their culture even if it is difficult to understand and not to your liking.
Dress according to local law. The best way to immerse yourself is to people watch and discover how the locals go about their day
Preparing our bikes for a cycling trip in 1971
C for Currency
Dealing with different currencies is a key part of backpacking, especially when crossing borders frequently. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with exchange rates and keep an eye on local prices to budget effectively.
C for Cycling
Are there any more ABC’s you would like to add to the list? Please add in the comments below.
Next time I will cover D,E,F
