1 - I’ve mentioned it before, but don’t assume that because you’re backpacking, you must have a backpack. I came out with a 120L capacity backpack and within just a few room changes I was ready to dump it and leave all my worldly possessions behind. A suitcase will become your best friend - easy to move, easy to pack, and most of all - easy to see where the hell all your stuff is! There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find a specific item of clothing and looking like a vet with his arm inside a cow - trust me, wheels are best.
2 - Never be afraid to ask for the odd cheeky discount. When buying my suitcase it was $199, a little over my budget. But after a simple question of ‘do you do backpackers discount…?’ I had managed to work $80 off - bargains!
3 - Suncream suncream suncream. I can’t stress this enough - anything under SPF 50 and you will burn. To be honest, even with SPF 50 you’ll still have the odd lobster day. The ozone layer is a lot thinner in Australia, making it deceivingly difficult to guess when you need to apply. Simple solution - buy the aerosol kind and top up regularly, no stickiness, no greasy hands and you’ll be covered within 20 seconds.
4 - Buy an extension lead! Hostels are notorious for not providing enough plug sockets in rooms. Last week I was in a 16-bed with just five sockets between us all…FIVE?! So buddy up with someone and purchase an extension, it’ll become the most useful thing in your bag.
5 - The second most useful thing in your bag should be a micro-fibre towel. Admittedly, the first time I used it I felt like I was drying myself with a suede rag, but now I don’t think I could use anything else whilst traveling. They dry four times quicker than a normal towel, and are able to fold down ridiculously small. Perfect for both the beach and the shower - the best £10 I’ve ever spent!
6 - When backpacking around Australia in particular, it won’t be long before you hear of and experience goon. Cheap boxed wine basically - does the job (and some) and will save you many dollars when pre-drinking. No, it’s not the nicest drink in the world, but mix in some lemonade and you’ll be there in no time.
7 - Before you start off on your travels, try and find out whether you can buy Bed Hopper and Base Jumper vouchers. A majority of hostels in Australia are either Base or Nomads - and with a bulk buy of vouchers beforehand it’ll end up saving you both time and money in the long run. Great to use when you want to extend your stay the odd night or two, and they’ll come in handy if money starts to run low.
8 - Despite Sydney being the 11th most expensive city in the world, we actually managed to get by without having to spend very much on day to day living. The biggest thing that saved us money was definitely cooking in groups of 4/5. For just $2 each, the equivalent of a pound - we were able to put together a huge spaghetti bolognese with more than enough to go round. $1.50 will get you a jacket potato with beans and cheese, and for just $1 you and a friend have got yourselves the classic beans on toast. Buying the cheapest pasta, sauces, meat etc may not be something you would do at home - but here it’ll save you both money and time, and to be honest - they’re not that bad!
9 - There are so many different travel companies to book trips and packages with, so definitely do your research and look around at prices before you sign up to everything with the first one that approaches you. Personally, I signed up with OzIntro, but for those coming out here without a pre-booked company, there are plenty of choices. Peterpans has proven to be really popular among friends, as well as Wicked Travel, Oz Experience and many more. You’ll most likely find that the hostel you’re staying at also offers deals to Fraser Island and the Whitsunday’s etc, so keep an eye out for those too.
10 - Don't bring too much! Just looking at my bag now I can see three vest tops, one long sleeved t-shirt, three crop tops, one jumper, three skirts and three dresses that I haven't worn once since getting out here one month ago. You'll find that you'll either wear the same things over and over, or like myself, buy new clothes once here and just wear them! You really won't need as many things as you think - so just pack the essentials and a few favourites and you'll be fine. Clothes aren't too expensive if you go to the right places, and to be honest, all you really need is swimwear, shorts and t-shirts - simples.
11 - It may sound silly, but bring your own cutlery. You won't need a 16 piece dinner set, but as long as you have a knife, fork and spoon you'll be fine. Most hostels will have all of these facilities in the kitchen for you to use free of charge, but there are some who ask for a $10 deposit before you can actually eat the dinner you've just prepared. Or, in my case, just go to a restaurant and pinch some of theirs for future use - you're on a budget after all!
12 - Remember, backpacking doesn't have to be roughing it all the time. Don't hesitate to bring a few home comforts with you, such as a hair turban or thin dressing gown for that risky morning dash from the shower back to your room. If you're going to get a lot of use out of them, and they don't take up too much room, then there's no reason not to bring them.
13 - If this is the first time you're travelling, then it's important to get over any qualms you may have about personal space, belongings, routine etc. Face it, at one point or another you're going to have to hang your underwear up to dry in front of your new roommates, or get changed in record speed in front of the fifteen people you met last night. If you're a super neat person, be prepared to clamber over other people's clothes and bags to get to the toilet - It'll soon become second nature, and any insecurities or pet peeves you one had will disappear as your journey continues.
14 - It's easily done, but try not to get stuck in one place. You may fall in love with the first city or town you visit, but don't settle there right away and throw away your money on nights spent drinking around the hostel. Plan a brief but efficient amount of days at each place and always be thinking about the different places you wish to see and the things you want to do - it'll keep you motivated and you won't find that you've wasted half your time in one place.
15 - Most importantly, do what YOU want! It's your experience, whether you came with someone or not, if you want to do something or go somewhere, don't miss out on the chance just because they don't want to. Some people only get to do this once - make the most of it!
16 - Take use of the communal shelf in the kitchen. Most hostels have food and ingredients left behind from past travellers, and you'll often be able to find useful but not essential items such as butter, salt and milk that's been left for everyone to use. Make the most of it!
17 - Make sure you make time to call home regularly. You don't have to FaceTime everyday for an hour conversation, but often enough so you can check in and keep friends and family updated with how you're doing. Don't just assume they'll be reading your Facebook statues, set aside at least one evening a week to make those important calls. It'll make you feel more at ease too.
18 - Don't be afraid to make conversation with other backpackers you meet in the bathroom/kitchen. A lot of people are traveling alone, and will be grateful for the odd hello. Small talk can often lead to more when you see that person next. It's a great way to meet people - don't be that boring old fart in the corner making their dinner in silence!
19 - Treat yourself from time to time. Yes, you're a backpacker and you're living on a budget, but that doesn't mean you have to go without. It's okay to splurge now and again, deciding to choose the slightly more expensive item on the menu, or getting that new bikini you've had your eye on for a while. It's not the end of the world - enjoy your travelling experience, don't just live a sad and frugal existence.
20 - And lastly, HAVE FUN! :)
4 - Buy an extension lead! Hostels are notorious for not providing enough plug sockets in rooms. Last week I was in a 16-bed with just five sockets between us all…FIVE?! So buddy up with someone and purchase an extension, it’ll become the most useful thing in your bag.
9 - There are so many different travel companies to book trips and packages with, so definitely do your research and look around at prices before you sign up to everything with the first one that approaches you. Personally, I signed up with OzIntro, but for those coming out here without a pre-booked company, there are plenty of choices. Peterpans has proven to be really popular among friends, as well as Wicked Travel, Oz Experience and many more. You’ll most likely find that the hostel you’re staying at also offers deals to Fraser Island and the Whitsunday’s etc, so keep an eye out for those too.
11 - It may sound silly, but bring your own cutlery. You won't need a 16 piece dinner set, but as long as you have a knife, fork and spoon you'll be fine. Most hostels will have all of these facilities in the kitchen for you to use free of charge, but there are some who ask for a $10 deposit before you can actually eat the dinner you've just prepared. Or, in my case, just go to a restaurant and pinch some of theirs for future use - you're on a budget after all!
12 - Remember, backpacking doesn't have to be roughing it all the time. Don't hesitate to bring a few home comforts with you, such as a hair turban or thin dressing gown for that risky morning dash from the shower back to your room. If you're going to get a lot of use out of them, and they don't take up too much room, then there's no reason not to bring them.
13 - If this is the first time you're travelling, then it's important to get over any qualms you may have about personal space, belongings, routine etc. Face it, at one point or another you're going to have to hang your underwear up to dry in front of your new roommates, or get changed in record speed in front of the fifteen people you met last night. If you're a super neat person, be prepared to clamber over other people's clothes and bags to get to the toilet - It'll soon become second nature, and any insecurities or pet peeves you one had will disappear as your journey continues.
14 - It's easily done, but try not to get stuck in one place. You may fall in love with the first city or town you visit, but don't settle there right away and throw away your money on nights spent drinking around the hostel. Plan a brief but efficient amount of days at each place and always be thinking about the different places you wish to see and the things you want to do - it'll keep you motivated and you won't find that you've wasted half your time in one place.
15 - Most importantly, do what YOU want! It's your experience, whether you came with someone or not, if you want to do something or go somewhere, don't miss out on the chance just because they don't want to. Some people only get to do this once - make the most of it!
16 - Take use of the communal shelf in the kitchen. Most hostels have food and ingredients left behind from past travellers, and you'll often be able to find useful but not essential items such as butter, salt and milk that's been left for everyone to use. Make the most of it!
17 - Make sure you make time to call home regularly. You don't have to FaceTime everyday for an hour conversation, but often enough so you can check in and keep friends and family updated with how you're doing. Don't just assume they'll be reading your Facebook statues, set aside at least one evening a week to make those important calls. It'll make you feel more at ease too.
18 - Don't be afraid to make conversation with other backpackers you meet in the bathroom/kitchen. A lot of people are traveling alone, and will be grateful for the odd hello. Small talk can often lead to more when you see that person next. It's a great way to meet people - don't be that boring old fart in the corner making their dinner in silence!
19 - Treat yourself from time to time. Yes, you're a backpacker and you're living on a budget, but that doesn't mean you have to go without. It's okay to splurge now and again, deciding to choose the slightly more expensive item on the menu, or getting that new bikini you've had your eye on for a while. It's not the end of the world - enjoy your travelling experience, don't just live a sad and frugal existence.
20 - And lastly, HAVE FUN! :)
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