Backpacking for the FIRST time - Help needed.
 

To all experienced backpackers out there who have travel all over, please help. <BR> <BR>I am 23, from Malaysia and will be visiting Britain in June. I plan to explore North Wales, North England and Scotland all in about three weeks period. Having no whatsoever previous experience, I am currently having some doubts on the whole idea. <BR> <BR>I will be very grateful if anyone can guide me with useful tips on backpacking. Thanks

Last summer my daughter backpacked for 9 weeks over Europe. She stayed far too long for her comfort, but I think you have chosen the right amount of time. I assume you are going to be traveling by train or bus and not walking...Get a very sturdy backpack and keep everything to the bare essentials. That pack will become very heavy before long. Don't keep your money, ticket, etc. in the pack. Perhaps use a money belt or some other means of keeping under your clothing. Sorry I can't give you any first hand experience. Maybe bringing this to the top will bring others to offer theirs. Have a good time! <BR>

Last summer my daughter backpacked for 9 weeks over Europe. She stayed far too long for her comfort, but I think you have chosen the right amount of time. I assume you are going to be traveling by train or bus and not walking...Get a very sturdy backpack and keep everything to the bare essentials. That pack will become very heavy before long. Don't keep your money, ticket, etc. in the pack. Perhaps use a money belt or some other means of keeping under your clothing. Sorry I can't give you any first hand experience. Maybe bringing this to the top will bring others to offer theirs. Have a good time! <BR>

Judy, I've got your helpful advice. Really appreciate you for taking the time. Thanks.

Despite daily gripes by all Brits (myself included), the British rail system is the simplest (albeit relatively expensive) way to get around the country. Since privatisation some lines are better than others, and unfortunately you will need to travel with Virgin trains for much of the North of England. Trains north from London run from either Euston station or Kings Cross St.Pancras. There is a regular service all the way up to Scotland (and one or two sleeper trains a week) that take in some of the best towns in the North on their way like York, Ripon and Harrogate. I would suggest a stop for a few days in York where you can do local rail trips to those other towns I mentioned. Edinburgh is a must, and if you have time take in Glasgow too which has more of a European feel to it to Edinburgh. <BR>North Wales is a little more tricky to get to. Take a train again from Euston in London to Birmingham International or Wolverhampton where you can pick up a local train to North Wales. Don't know much about the areas I'm afraid. To save money book all your tickets in advance when you get to the UK (tickets booked days in advance are called Apex tickets). The number for all UK national rail enquiries is 0345 484950 (you can only call it from the UK). <BR>Have a great trip!

Go to www.eurotrip.com, and look at the forums, they tend to be geared more toward backpackers and budget travelers.

Get a copy of Rick Steve's "Europe through the Back Door" He's got great packing tips, as well as general info on sites, itinerary planning etc. He also has a book specific to the area you're going to. b <BR>

Tin Yau: You haven't mentioned a travel partner so I assume you're going alone. Don't have doubts, you will have a GREAT time! I went with a friend for 6 weeks and it was fun but very long and often stressful. I went again by myself for 3 1/2 weeks and it was much better. You don't have to waste time taking care of your travel companion's errands and you see exactly what you want to see at the pace you want to see it. You will meet TONS of people and will never be lonely, I promise! <BR> <BR>Some tips: PACK LIGHT!!! I cannot stress this enough. When in doubt, don't bring it. Buy it there if you need it that badly. <BR> <BR>Wear a money belt at ALL TIMES. They are available at any travel store and online at www.eaglecreek.com (other sights, too, I'm sure). Nothing will ruin your trip more than losing your passport or plane ticket home. <BR> <BR>Put your plane ticket in a baggie inside your money belt so it doesn't get ruined by your sweat. <BR> <BR>That's about it. There's not that much to worry about. I like Rick Steves but Let's Go England is really the backpacker's bible. Bring a copy (they have a website, too) and stop at all tourist infos. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

Three of us backpacked the last two years to Italy. We haven't done it to England as yet. Buy a pack around 3000 cubic inches and when weighed should not be over 25 lbs. We bought the Eagle Creek Continental Journey with the zip off packs. We took rain covers which cover the packs so they are not visible or as readily gotten into. Rick Steves is our travel guru. Wear a money belt at ALL TIMES and just carry a days worth of funds where handy. You'll have a great time I'm sure.

Hey, I am glad so many offerred their opinions and experiences. This is my first time in a travel forum and I really think it helps. I am now very excited about the trip. <BR> <BR>Many mentioned travel light. I was wondering about a sleeping bag. Do I need it while staying in YHAs ? My trip will be during summer (June-July) but I wonder how cold it will be at night in the YHA dormitory/rooms. Anyone ? <BR> <BR>Also, do I need a jacket in UK (especially in Scotland) during Summer ?

Tan - while my backpacking days have passed, my experience is not to take a sleeping bag unless camping. We took a double sized bed sheet and folded it over and stitched up the sides. They used to sell these at some YHAs and also in camping supply stores - REI, EMS, etc. I would take a light jacket with a hood that folds into a pocket and I always take a light weight fleece jacket - serves as a jacket/sweater/pillow, etc. b. <BR>

Tan, <BR>I suggest a copy of Lonely Planet's Rough Guide to Scotland. I was just skimming though it and it is full of tips for hickers and backpackers. <BR>Kittie

Tan, <BR>I suggest a copy of Lonely Planet's Rough Guide to Scotland. I was just skimming though it and it is full of tips for hickers and backpackers. <BR>Kittie

Quick comment on previous posting... There are 2 guides..The Lonely Planet Guide to Scotland and The Rough Guide to Scotland. I have both and both are relatively up to date. <BR> <BR>It will not be cold ( by our standards at least!) say 16- 25 degrees c. If you stay in YHA hostels linen is provided. There are a lot of independent hostels in Scotland and some provide and some do not. Some are OK and some are very dodgy. If booking anything other than YHA hostels fel free to ask advice- Scotland at least. <BR> <BR>As far as the pack is concerned, make sure it fits on your shoulders properly. That's almost more important than the weight.

When I'm backpacking I usually take 2 pairs of jeans, 2 t-shirts, etc. and do laundry about once a week and wash other things in the sink at night. I also cut my hair somewhat short and don't bring a hairdryer. <BR> <BR>One thing...get a good pair of boots that will keep your feet dry! I went around in wet sneakers for two days once and came home with some kind of fungus, even though I powdered my feet every night! You should also be able to find rain gear that will pack up small in your bag. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

To all who have offerred their advices, thank you. I am really grateful. <BR> <BR>I will be leaving for UK in a week time and I am really exicited. Any last note on guiding me in planning, packing or anything at all ?

Tan, Scotland is pretty warm now so I guess you don't really need a jacket. You can even WALK around with SHORTS. However, raincoat is a must. Bring a light and foldable one. <BR> <BR>You won't be needing the sleeping bag if you are staying in YHAs. Just bring along a bed sheet. <BR> <BR>Anyone else want to add ?

In my experience you don't even need to bring a bedsheet. I brought one once and all I did was carry it. Whenever you need sheets they will rent them to you. Personally I'd rather pay the occasional few dollars (or pounds) than carry more weight. <BR> <BR>Don't bring much. Bring less clothes than you think you need and do laundry more often. Definitely bring a long sleeve shirt/sweater/sweatshirt, a light jacket, and an umbrella or good rainjacket. Bring lots of film, a few toiletries, and money. You can always buy what you need.

Hey Tan, Have a wonderful trip! Can't wait for you to return be sure to come back and tell us about it. Mainly because I'm interested in doing the same thing however, it won't be until 2001 but I'm kinda planning it all in my head now. Love to hear what others have to say about their trip!! Have a good time. Mike