Continuing the ABC of Backpacking Series  – This time the ABC of Backpacking explore the letters G H I and J. If you have any that you would like to add, then please leave in the comments below the post. It will be interesting to see how many we can come up with.

The ABC of Backpacking – G

G for Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular accommodation option for backpackers, offering a balance between comfort and affordability. Unlike hotels, guesthouses are often family-run and provide a more personal, homely experience. They can be found all over the world, from the bustling streets of Southeast Asia to the serene countryside of Europe. Staying in a guesthouse allows you to interact more closely with locals, often leading to insider tips on places to visit and hidden gems that tourists might overlook.

G for Goals

Everyone needs to set themselves Goals. Goals keep you motivated to go one more step. What do you want to achieve in life? Which countries do you want to visit? Write them all down, set smaller goals to help you reach your bigger goal. Everyday you should be adding new goals to your list. Read your list everyday and make it happen.

G for Google

Who needs the Lonely Planet when you have Google. Research for trips has never been easier. Finding relevant information from Realtime travellers is the best way. Read their blogs, make notes and Go.

G for Guidebook

Once upon a time we carried the latest Lonely Planet, which were usually heavy. Now we have ebooks or a quick search on the internet to refer to. But these options limit us to the preferences or suggestions of others.
So why not do what i do and venture out into your new surroundings and write your own guide book. Buy a map and a notebook and walk the streets aimlessly discovering for yourself the hidden secrets that lie instore for you.
Find your own places to eat, things to do and hills to climb. You never know where the road may lead you to.

 

The ABC of Backpacking – H

H for Hammock

One of the most versatile beds you can have. I first discovered them while travelling through Mexico in the 70’s and bought one. When you carry a hammock you can setup “home” anywhere. I now carry one of the best hammocks i have come across made by Hammock Republic in the Philippines. Read my post on Essential Travel Gear

H for Hat

For me, one of the most important items to carry with me is my hat. Actually i have two. One is an Australian Kangaroo skin hat and the other a baseball cap for when the larger brimmed one cannot be worn. A hat will protect you from the elements.

Tip :- You can also fix a small pocket in the hat with velcro to keep some of your cash or even a credit card. Just don’t lose your hat 🙂

H for Hiking

With your backpack on the best way to explore your new location is to use your legs. Find yourself a map at the Tourist Information and use it to get out and walk up in those hills, along the river, across the fields. Hiking can also give you a great feeling of personal achievement, as you pass each kilometer post along the way. The advantages of hiking are that you will meet many more local people, be able to stop wherever you want, a good way to keep fit and you will start to notice the smaller details along the way like flowers and insects,

H for Hitchhiking

Anyone for a free ride? Stick that thumb up. A car stops. Tell the driver where you are heading and if they agree you have a lift to your destination or at least part of the way. Its a great way to travel cheaply.

Tip :- Make a sign from a piece of cardboard and write your destination on it so drivers know where you are heading to increase your chances of getting a lift.

H for Homestay

There is no better place to stay than with a family. By staying in a Homestay you are helping local families financially. You will also be experiencing a free introduction to locallife and culture, eat what the locals eat and get to make new friends. Just make sure that you dont book through any of these so called Homestay websites that are commercially orientated. The best way that i have found to find a homestay is just wander round and ask people you meet if they know of one or a family that takes in travellers for a few nights.

H for Hostel

Cheaper than hotels and very popular with backpackers and budget travellers. Hostels provide you with mainly dorm type accommodation although some do have private rooms. Some hostels even have kitchen facilities so that you may cook your own food.

A good place to find a suitable hostel is on Hostelbookers

The ABC of Backpacking – I

I for Islands

Who doesnt love an island?  Just the thought of that perfect beach lined with coconut palms is enough to make you want to book that ticket already. Islands also make for the ideal getaway from the road and a place to rest up for a while.

What is your favourite island?

I for Itinerary

That terrible list detailing time and place that people think they need to write before making their trip. Having an itinerary is good for some people with limited time but they never take into account any delays or problems that arise along the way.

What are your thoughts on making an itinerary?

I for Independent Travel

One of the joys of backpacking is the independence it offers. Independent travel allows you to explore at your own pace, make your own decisions, and follow your instincts. Whether you prefer to travel solo or with others, the freedom of not being tied to a tour group or strict schedule means you can have a more authentic and personal experience. This self-sufficiency builds confidence and encourages resourcefulness, key qualities for any backpacker.

I for Insurance

Travel insurance might not be the most exciting part of backpacking, but it’s essential. From covering medical emergencies to lost luggage or cancelled flights, travel insurance ensures that you’re protected against unexpected mishaps. For backpackers on long trips or engaging in adventure activities like trekking or diving, having the right insurance is a must. Make sure your policy covers the destinations you’re visiting and the activities you plan to do.

I for Immersion

Immersing yourself in the local culture is one of the most enriching aspects of backpacking. Interacting with locals, learning phrases in the local language, and participating in traditions helps you experience a destination on a deeper level.

 

The ABC of Backpacking – J

J for Journal

Another name for a Personal Diary. Keep your memories and details of your days written down in a journal. It can be more satisfying to actually handwrite your journal than type it out on a keyboard. You can also stick bus tickets, sketch, draw maps, and add many other details to a journal which you cannot add to an electronic one.

J for Journey

Backpacking is all about the journey, not just the destination. Whether it’s an epic train ride through the mountains or a long bus journey across countries, these experiences often become some of the most memorable parts of your trip. Journeys offer time for reflection, a chance to see the changing landscapes, and often lead to chance encounters with locals and fellow travellers. The slower pace of overland travel is a defining feature of the backpacking experience, allowing you to truly appreciate the distance you’ve covered.

We are all on a journey. Each one different. Where is yours taking you?

“What a journey it has been and the end is not insight” – Lea Salonga

J for Jet Lag

Jet lag is an unavoidable part of long-distance travel, especially when crossing multiple time zones. It can leave you feeling exhausted, disoriented, and out of sync with your surroundings. However, there are ways to minimise its effects. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep before your flight, and adjusting to the local time zone as soon as possible can all help reduce jet lag. While it might take a day or two to fully adjust, don’t let it put a damper on the start of your adventure.

J for Jungle Treks

For adventurous backpackers, jungle treks offer a thrilling way to explore the world’s lush and untamed wilderness. Whether it’s trekking through the Amazon rainforest, the jungles of Southeast Asia, or Africa’s national parks, jungle treks allow you to experience nature up close. You’ll encounter exotic wildlife, unique plants, and stunning natural landscapes. These treks can be physically challenging, but the reward is an immersive experience in some of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

J for Join-In or Joiner Tours

Join-in tours are a great way to experience activities or excursions that might be difficult or costly to organise alone. From city walking tours to guided treks or safaris, these tours offer the chance to join other travellers and share the cost of a guide or transport.

Next time The ABC of Backpacking will be exploring the letters K,L,M

Do you have any ABC’s to add to this series so far. I am interested to hear of any you have thought of.

This is a series on the ABC of Backpacking. You can catch up on any you have missed below.

ABC of Backpacking – ABC
ABC of Backpacking – DEF
ABC of Backpacking – GHIJ
ABC of Backpacking – KLM
ABC of Backpacking – NOPQ
ABC of Backpacking – RST
ABC of Backpacking  – U to Z