Backpacking: what it is?

We are sure that at some point in your road trip, you have come across the typical traveler with a backpack on his back looking for a helping hand to reach his destination.

Or, not to go too far, you’ve also seen them near a tourist attraction in your city, right?

They are the so-called backpacker tourists who have not only adopted this way of traveling because it is more economical but also because they love to travel light.

Often this type of travel is chosen by freelance workers, such as a person who may be a designer, online essay writer, it-specialist, etc.

If you belong to this team or if the idea of trying it sounds familiar, in this article, we tell you everything you need to know about backpacker tourism: what it is, its main characteristics, and where you can practice it in the USA.

How to make a backpacking trip?

The first thing you should be clear about when deciding to go backpacking is whether you really want to embark on the odyssey because, although the idea of low-cost travel, very characteristic of this type of traveler, has been changing over the years, it is clear that it does not have the characteristics of ordinary getaways.

Below we give you some tips so that backpacking doesn’t become a hard journey but rather that trip that has a good wanderlust you have dreamed of.

Before, we remind you that each experience is unique, and you are the driver of this one.

Establish a budget

You must make a list of the amount you will spend per day, so you do not exceed the limits of your pocket and will be able to carry out all the scheduled plans.

A copy in your mail

Before starting your trip, it is always a good idea to make a copy of your passport and ID card and send it to your e-mail in case you lose the originals.

Cash is not always cash

Try not to carry all your travel money in cash, because if you lose it, you will be left with nothing.

Try to alternate your budget between cash and cards.

The size of the backpack does matter

It is not the same as luggage with summer clothes as one with winter clothes.

Backpacks are sized by liters, so you must buy the right one according to the type of climate you are going to.

The first aid kit, the first to help you

You are never exempt from an accident and even less so when you travel, so do not hesitate to carry a small first aid kit with first aid elements.

Travel safely

In the previous point, we talked about small accidents that can be solved with a first aid kit, but what if the consequences are bigger?

Hence, the importance of taking out travel insurance.

Your feet will thank you

You will be walking a lot, and you do not want to end the day with blistered feet and ruin your getaway because you were not careful.

Pros and cons of backpacking

Backpacking has its advantages and disadvantages.

We explain what they are.

Pros of backpacking

If you think backpacking is not for you.

If you are more of a hotel, resort, and closed program, keep in mind that you will miss these advantages.

  • You don’t have to stick to an itinerary.
  • You get to know different places.
  • You make new friends.
  • You learn to give more value to what you have.

Cons of backpacking

On the other hand, if you’ve already fallen in love with adventure romanticism, be aware that backpacking also has some disadvantages.

  • Depending on which countries, it can be a bit unsafe. The ministry of tourism gives information about which countries it is advisable to travel to.
  • It is tiring. For certain projects, you might want to do some training beforehand.
  • You are forced to share your space

Where is backpacking practiced?

The USA is an ideal country to travel to either as a ‘normal’ tourist or as a backpacker tourist.

If you opt more for the latter, don’t miss the following routes that you must do if backpacking is your thing.