How to Get Ready For Backpacking

Written by: 24/7 Travel Insurance

Whether you are taking some time out to see the world before starting university or embarking on your career, backpacking is a great way to see new cultures whilst developing skills that employers often see as valuable.

When planning a backpacking trip, most travellers think first about where they want to travel. But arranging decent backpacker travel insurance cover is also essential. Imagine what can happen while you’re away. Hopefully it’ll be an adventure of a life time, but you’ll be visiting strange places where you may not even speak the language.

If you have the right backpacker travel insurance cover, you’ll be confident in knowing that should you have an accident or fall ill abroad you’ll be able to get the necessary medical treatment you need. Very few countries have a free healthcare service as we do with the NHS in Britain. You could find yourself facing a huge medical bill amounting to hundreds or even thousands of pounds if you fall ill abroad without the right travel insurance for backpackers. You should look for a backpacker travel insurance policy that offers cover of at least £1m for medical and emergency expenses.

When it comes to travel insurance for backpackers, it’s well worth planning ahead. Rather than just thinking about the exciting places you plan on visiting, consider the activities you will participating in, especially if you’re the adventurous type. Remember, some activities may be unplanned. Many backpackers find themselves taking part in a spontaneous bungee jump! So make sure that you have got the right backpacker travel insurance to cover the type of activity you may end up doing.

Backpacking allows you an almost unlimited level of flexibility with your travel itinerary and keeps your costs down much more than booking into expensive hotels. Buy a good guide book and research your destination(s) thoroughly before you travel. Planning your backpacking route and pre-booking accommodation and transport will save you time and money.

Gillian at the Hostel © Jorge Alejandro Preciado Oseguera

Know what you want to get out of your backpacking adventure and where you want to visit. There are many hostels and guesthouses along the backpacker routes which are a basic, but usually cheap and comfortable accommodation popular with travellers. They’re also a great place to meet other backpackers to exchange travelling stories with!

Remember, a visa may be required for some countries which can take up to a few weeks to get hold of. So make sure you give yourself enough time to sort out the paperwork.

You should also make sure all your regular jabs (such as tetanus) are up to date and check with your GP if you need any additional vaccinations or medication.

If you’re backpacking around the world, you won’t want your backpack to be too heavy. Remember you can always pick up a bargain along the way. The beauty of backpacking is that by travelling light you can simply throw your backpack on and go!

Don’t take anything too valuable or sentimental like jewellery and expensive gagets. Lost luggage and theft is all too common and you wouldn’t want to lose anything that you can’t easily replace.

Carry your money in a secure form such as a Travel Money Card e.g. Post Office Travel Money Card and do not take too much in cash. Note: most travel insurances have a low cash limit, typically £100. Tell your bank you’re going overseas and ask if you will incur charges if you use overseas cash machines.

The importance of having travel insurance for backpacking

Some backpacker travel insurance allows you to choose cover for longer durations, typically up to a maximum of 18 months. It is important that you remember to check that the backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

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