For those who have been on a backpacking trip, nothing matches the freedom it gives. The backpackers hold a common belief that they should not wait for a companion to travel because they will never go anywhere if they wait for people to join them. However, no matter the number of vacations you have taken with a group, backpacking for the first time is always daunting. Take ten minutes to read the tips mentioned below, if you are planning to go for your first solo backpacking trip.

Pack light

The thumb rule for a backpacking trip is that you must be flexible enough with your luggage that you can move around freely. If you have a heavy bag, the entire idea of a spontaneous vacation vanishes in thin air. If you think that you can pack a few lightweight things, just in case you need them, you are going to be in trouble. A few needless things add up a great amount of burden when the entire weight is on your back. Think of carrying smaller or lighter versions of everything. Instead of packing a few books, for example, carry a Kindle. Before anything goes in your bag, ask yourself whether you actually need it or not. If the answer is dicey, just drop the thing right there. Take a trial of carrying your backpack by climbing stairs 2-3 times. If you can carry it without much pain, you are good to go.

Be spontaneous yet careful

Regardless of the country you travel, you must maintain a balance between planning and spontaneity. Being naturally impulsive will surely take you to the best places in India and abroad, but you must plan a few things to be safe at all times. If you plan to travel at night, you must never leave your mode of transportation unplanned. There is nothing worse than being stranded on the middle of a highway in any corner of the world as it can be very unsafe at places. You can rent a car, book a train ticket, or reserve a bus ticket. Similarly, research in advance about the places you plan to visit to be on the safer side. There is a fine line between being careless and impulsive; it is better not to cross that even when you have no one to dictate your actions.

Make people watching your hobby

The lens of the camera is a perfect thing to create eternal memories. Nothing matches the joy of going through old photos stored in your phone or computer. Even while packing light, you can never make the mistake of forgetting a camera. However, learn to put your camera down more often than you do at present. While clicking excessive photos, you may forget to enjoy the moment at hand. Since you might be traveling alone on your backpacking trip, develop a habit of watching people going through their daily lives. It is a great way to learn about the local life of a new place through the lens of your eye, rather than that of your camera.

Many unexpected things happen on every trip, even if you plan everything. If something on your backpacking trip goes the other way round, do not panic and simply think for a solution. Rather than fretting of the spoilers, accept them, and consider them as an opportunity to do something new. Backpacking is as interesting as you make it, so it is good to have a positive attitude towards it. Be safe and make the most of this rare prospect in life.

Author's Bio: 

The passion for travel is my actual introduction. I find amusement in searching for unusual destinations in India and keep updating the same through blogs.