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Home Travel Vacations Best Safety Tips for Backpackers
Best Safety Tips for Backpackers PDF Print E-mail
Written by Russell Eaton   
All kinds of people go backpacking as it provides a great way to save money, see the world, and make friends.
by RussellEaton


All kinds of people go backpacking as it provides a great way to save money, see the world, and make friends.

Backpackers tend to avoid expensive hotels and usually go for hostels, campsites, or cheap bed & breakfast hotels. If you're thinking of backpacking (or know anybody who might go backpacking), this article will save you grief and help make your traveling safer and more enjoyable.

It's always a good idea to thoroughly research the journey using the internet and some well chosen guidebooks from a library or bookshop. If possible, talk to others who have taken the same route.

Take two credit cards and keep one aside for emergency use only. Keep the emergency card hidden inside your clothing somewhere so that if your belongings are stolen, you still have your emergency card.

Carry a mobile phone for calling home or for use in the event of an emergency. Failing that, always carry a phone card (e.g. an AT&T card), so that at the very least you can phone home or make an emergency call.

Email home regularly if you can get to an internet cafe. That way, the folks back home will know where you last traveled and where you were headed, if something happens to you.

Always make sure your travel insurance is up to date and that you know the emergency telephone number to claim insurance.

Avoid taking expensive jewels, watches, rings or other valuables. They attract muggers. Buy a cheap 'throw-away' watch for the trip.

Be aware that strong cultural differences can apply to different nations. For example, you may be able to wear shorts in Western European countries, but this does not mean that shorts won't cause offence in some other parts of the world.

It is best to always play safe and avoid traveling at night, or walking alone in back streets or remote areas (applies particularly if you are a woman).

Watch out for other backpackers going your way and travel with them if possible. There is usually safety in numbers (and your journey may be more interesting).

Get a high-pitched attack alarm for emergencies. This is always a good thing to have, especially for women.

Take essential medication with you. If you need regular medication of any sort, do not rely on being able to buy it abroad. Sometimes brand names of medicines change from country to country. Also, acquiring medication may be problematic if there are language barriers.

Put medication in clearly marked bottles, carry a separate list of your medical requirements plus a letter from your doctor confirming your prescribed medication. This will help to minimize unwanted attention at customs.

Pack a spare toothbrush and dental floss when backpacking. Dental floss is useful for all sorts of things apart from teeth, such as a temporary broken strap or shoe lace, or to tie items together). Reduce all toiletries, insect repellent, sun lotion etc. to a minimum and replenish your needs as you travel.

Always be aware of what is going on around you, especially in crowded places, such as stations, markets, airports, and busy streets.

Here's an easy way to make your backpack thief proof from slashers (thieves who cut through your backpack to steal without your knowledge). Line the inside of your backpack with chicken wire (use a very fine soft mesh which can be attached at key points using needle and thread).

About The Author:

Whether or not backpacking, see Airline Safety Ratings: air travel tips that airlines don't tell you. Every airline passenger must see Airline Safety Ratings.

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