If you are planning a backpacking trip this year, you will need to take some additional precautions. As the world is beginning to return to normal, it’s still wise to proceed with precaution when you are travelling. Many countries overseas are opening back up to travel again and are inviting backpackers back with open arms. 2024 could be the perfect year to get out there and see the world, as communities will be full of joy to welcome travellers back after such a long break from the usual hustle and bustle of the tourism landscape.
When you are planning your trip, make sure that you don’t forget to organise suitable travel insurance cover for your trip. If you are visiting multiple countries, you will need to take this into account when you’re searching for a policy and you will also need to ensure what activities will be covered by your policy. Having adequate travel insurance in place for your trip now is more important than ever, especially in these uncertain times. With the right policy in place, you will be able to enjoy more peace of mind and get on with your trip worry-free.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips to help you have an incredible, memorable backpacking adventure this year.
Choose A Safe Destination
With the way the world is at the moment, you might not have the freedom and flexibility to go anywhere that you want. Look for a destination that is in a relatively good place with COVID, that appears to have things under control and that has the least amount of imposing restrictions in place. If the country you wanted to backpack around has strict restrictions in place, you might consider saving it for another trip and go somewhere that things are more relaxed where you can enjoy your travels more. Wherever you choose to backpack, be sure to choose a destination that is as safe as possible.
Follow Local Guidelines
Once you have chosen a destination, the next thing you need to do is check what the current guidelines are so that you don’t end up in trouble. You will need to follow the local regulations while you are there, however, there may be some pre-departure protocols you have to complete depending on where you are going. Some countries have different restrictions in place for vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors for example, so it’s important to understand what guidelines are relevant to you. You might also need to fill out some paperwork in order to travel and you could face more red tape on your return home depending on what the situation looks like then.
Wear a Facemask And Sanitise Regularly
To minimise your risk of contracting or spreading COVID be sure to wear a facemask, particularly in crowded areas such as on the plane and at the airport. If you are taking any public transport, taxis or shuttle buses during your travels, you should also wear your mask. Sanitising your hands regularly is a good habit to get into. You can buy small containers of sanitiser that you can carry in your bag or pocket and will be allowed through security. Having your own sanitiser will make keeping your hands clean much easier when you’re moving around.
Stay Up-To-Date
Going on a backpacking adventure is all about switching off, tuning out and getting away from it all to explore the world. While you can still have an incredible experience on your trip, unfortunately, you will need to remain a little connected. Understanding the current state of affairs in the country you are visiting as well as at home, is important in allowing you to make any last-minute changes to your travel plans. Check in regularly with the relative embassy websites to ensure you know what risks if any there might be where you are backpacking. With this approach, you can avoid the language barrier becoming an issue and ensure you always have the most up-to-date accurate information possible.
Plan A Safe And Enjoyable Backpacking Adventure
While you might be a little nervous about organising a backpacking trip in the current landscape, with the right preparation and planning, you can ensure that you and your travel mates stay safe and have the trip of a lifetime. Follow the advice outlined above and you can be sure that your backpacking trip will be nothing short of amazing!
