Trifter

Before You Go

When packing, remember the old adage ‘less is more’. Remember that whatever you pack, you are going to be carrying it around on your back all summer. A popular piece of advice is, lay out everything you think you need and halve it. You don’t want to be the backpacker who takes along 16 pairs of shoes and the complete works of Shakespeare.

2 Don’t waste space with bulky guidebooks. Especially if you are visiting more than one place. Take the first one you will need and buy (borrow) the others along the way. Even better, photocopy the pages you’ll need and just pack those.

3 Don’t forget your camera, extra film and notebooks.

4 Take along a first aid kit with the essentials you may need in an emergency. It’s not easy to ask for diarrhoea medicine in Hungarian. Good things to include are cold and flu tablets; painkillers; mosquito repellent; laxatives; band-aids and calamine lotions. It will vary depending on your destination so check with your guidebook. Also check with your GP about any vaccinations you might need.

5 Don’t forget travel insurance! It pays to shop around to get the best deals.

While you are there

1 Bad things will happen. You will miss the train, get ill etc. but try not to worry. It’s all part of the adventure. Often some of your most treasured memories will come out of a tricky situation.

2 Walk, walk, walk. Whenever you can walk instead of using taxis, trains and buses. You will see more and save money while keeping fit into the bargain.

3 Keep your valuables in a money pouch underneath your clothes, not slung around your hips like a fashion accessory. Take photocopies of your passport, visas just in case anything happens to the original. It will speed up the process of getting replacements.

4 Beware of pickpockets, especially in cities, but don’t get paranoid and let it spoil your trip.

5 If breakfast is included at your hostel, fill up and skip lunch, or at least make your own food wherever possible. This will help you stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary costs.

The most important piece of advice anyone can offer, is ENJOY YOURSELF.