Must Take Items
It depends on where you're travelling, but if you haven't got the following items you'll kick yourself -
Pillow case (you bet)
Thongs for the showers
Day pack
Toiletry bag (plastic bags are too noisy at night you'll risk bodily harm)
Quick-dry towel (i.e. thin)
International phone card
Cultural Sensitivity
If this is your first time don't go expecting to find the world the same as your own back yard, and don't expect to come back the same person. Read up on the country before you go not just about the touristy bits. Knowing how to give and accept items with both hands and a slight bow when in Asian countries can give a sense of oneness. Be aware.
Unexpected Culture Shock
Everyone's heard of culture shock and are prepared for overcrowded cities, noise and poverty, however, there are unexpected ways it can hit generosity from someone who has nothing, and the overwhelming lack of noise and people when you return home. Fix your mind on the saying: Expect the unexpected.
Backpacking Insurance Is A Given
Expecting the unexpected is what
travel insurance is all about. Not all companies offer the same level or options regarding travel/health insurance and personal possessions so read their policy carefully. Also make sure they have a 24/7 international hotline should you need help.
Get low cost travel insurance by choosing a policy specific to certain areas and buy travel insurance online to slash costs further. Always check which company is providing the emergency evacuation component of your cover. This is a specialised area and life-critical, so know who your insurer is aligned to.
Be Watchful Not Paranoid
Keep money, traveller's cheques, credit card etc with you. A thin money belt under your clothes is a comfortable option. Theft is possible, it's possible just visiting your local mall, but when you're overseas the consequences are way more difficult. Exercise commonsense and a healthy watchfulness and you'll have few problems. Never take your eyes off your pack at airports and train or bus stations.
Australian travel insurance company, iTrek, advise to adhere to warnings that could risk your safety and void your policy and to keep up to date with events.
Whole reams can be written about bartering, travelling on a shoe string and toilets (you'll get the hang of the squat ones), but if you read up on where you're going and take out security-packed
backpacking insurance you'll be off to a good start.
