Re: [iPad] OT; What I've learned about backpacking.

 

Thanks. It was a lotta typing on my phone lol so I couldn't finish or didn't wanna 

~KLM
** Fifty $20 pledges is all it takes **

On Sep 2, 2014, at 1:19 PM, "'Tonya' cuppa.chat@gmail.com [iPad]" <iPad@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Very interesting !!! 
 
 
 
 
-------Original Message-------
 
Date: 9/2/2014 9:31:04 AM
Subject: [iPad] OT; What I've learned about backpacking.
 
What I've learned about backpacking.
 
1. Take everything you packed and throw it on the ground before you go. Only actually pack every third item. Trust me. You don't need it and don't want to carry it. No one is going to care if you wear the same shirt a few days in a row.
 
2. Unless you already have a backpack, get a smaller one than you want. You will inevitably fill up whatever size you have a have and you'll regret lugging around an 80 lb monster the size of you.
 
3. Guidebooks are useful and worthless at the same time. Usually in a strange town it's hard to find the hostel you though from the description in the book that was perfect. We have found that you can keep that hostel in mind but wandering around will usually get you a room or bed that's as cheap or cheaper and isn't overrun with guests because it was featured in a book.
 
4. Food. Don't eat at a sit down restaurant unless money isn't an issue. The prices will be from 3 to 10 times as expensive as a street vender and the good not necessarily worth it. Usually we have found awesome food by looking around at the street venders and eating at the one with the biggest crowd of locals. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
 
5. Language. Learn some before you go. At least a few phrases will get you a long way to living more local and simply getting a little respect. It's fucking awesome after stumbling through a paragraph in a foreign language to hear back that your Spanish is great. They really do appreciate the effort. Plus. It makes you less of a snobby American.
 
6. Bargaining. Don't he afraid to walk away from a bad deal, even if you really want something or need the service. Usually by starting to walk away or putting you money back into your wallet and in your pocket, the price will drop. We have gotten a bag that started out as Q180 down to Q40 and a hammock that started out as C470 down to three for C520!
 
7. Making your money stretch. Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community and save precious travel dollars. Helpx.net and workaway.info and idealist.org are all excellent sources to hit up. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Also do not copy and paste one response into all your potential positions, that's just tacky. Instead, read and reread the description and tailor a specific response to each one.
 
8. More on packing and supplies. Do not pack extra toiletries. Everyone in the world shaves, brushes their teeth, washes their hair and uses deodorant. While it may be highly unlikely that you'll find your exact brand you'll find a popular brand and chances are it'll cost you a third of what you'd pay in a first world country.
 
9. [coming soon - or not lol]
 
10. Don't worry, be happy. This is the one I need the most practice at perfecting. Chances are, no one is going to rob you and most people are very willing to help you if you ask. Unless you are getting wasted at a bar or trying to score drugs your odds of getting in trouble are about the same as winning the lottery.
 
If you have any questions please ask. In sure I missed a bunch.
 
 
 
~KLM
** Fifty $20 pledges is all it takes **
 
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Posted by: Just Murray <krismurray@gmail.com>
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Posted by: Just Murray <krismurray@gmail.com>
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