10 Things Nobody Tells You About Backpacking Journeys

Extended backpacking trips are not always a bed of roses; your journey might come with challenges and issues you rarely think about!

1. Traveling won't let you escape responsibilities

You might dare to quit your job and leave behind life's problems to embark on an extensive backpacking adventure, thinking you won't care about anything else but travel. The truth is, you still have to be responsible for many issues around, as you can't execute a trip without stops. You still have to worry about financial matters for the next journey and numerous other arising issues. Therefore, meticulous planning is crucial to ensure that responsibilities related to pre and post-trip issues are addressed effectively and innovatively.

2. Travel is not always a festive party

Before you travel, you may have heard many friends talk about the joy of joining lively parties with new travel buddies, which could make you excited. However, in reality, if you go on a backpacking trip with a limited budget and opt for budget accommodations, there's not much chance you'll always get to participate in such parties.

3. The Reality of Travel is Not Always as Glamorous as in Pictures

We often marvel at our friends posting glamorous pictures from their trips on Facebook, feeling envious. However, long journeys, especially for solo backpackers, are not always just cheerful stories. During the trip, you might miss a bus, get lost, encounter bad weather... but after all, you'll gain many interesting experiences.

4. You'll Have to Face... Loneliness

This is a challenge most people undertaking an extended backpacking trip have faced. Life is not always rosy, and the people you meet on the road are not always happy and friendly. There will be times when you feel so lonely that you want to abandon everything and return home. However, you won't experience this issue if you're someone who enjoys being alone excessively and doesn't want to make friends with anyone else.

5. You Might Fall Ill on the Road

Sudden weather changes or unsuitable climates in the travel destination can make you tired and susceptible to unintentional illnesses. Therefore, before the trip, it's best to research thoroughly about the climate of the area you want to visit. Additionally, prepare some common medications for preventive use.

6. Not All Foods Are Always Amazing

The beautiful images of local dishes you see in travel magazines make you believe that every meal will be a memorable experience. However, the reality is that each region has different cultures, and of course, the tastes vary. You might encounter issues like food allergies, so you don't necessarily have to try every recommended dish.

7. You'll Appreciate What You Had Before More

If you have the opportunity to travel for a few weeks or more to challenging areas around the world, when you return home, you will undoubtedly view many things around you with a more positive perspective. Having experienced life in water-scarce villages, you will realize the importance of water conservation. When you see your siblings spending hours in the shower, you'll find it discomforting.

8. You Might Need Travel Insurance

Anything can happen during a backpacking trip, for example: Your camera or phone might get stolen on a bus, you may encounter a sudden accident while crossing a forest, or you might lose your luggage at a crowded airport. Therefore, using travel insurance will give you more peace of mind if unfortunate events occur.

9. People Might Not Be as Enthusiastic When Hearing Your Stories

From the journey, you've undoubtedly collected many interesting stories that you never thought you would, and these experiences might be something no one in your family or friends has ever experienced. However, the truth is not everyone is equally interested in hearing your stories. Therefore, you don't necessarily have to tell everyone you know about those peculiar and fascinating experiences; share them with those who truly have a passion for backpacking like you.

10. You Can't Embark on a 'Backpacking' Journey Unless It's Something You Truly Want

All the difficulties and challenges are an integral part of adventures, so you can't always expect everything to be lucky. Start your epic journey with passion and a desire to learn fascinating things from the outside world.

Backpacking is always like that, full of surprises and challenges. It teaches you invaluable lessons you can't learn in university, forces you out of your comfort zone and beyond the boundaries you know. It will help transform you, bringing positive changes. Despite the difficulties along the journey, you'll ultimately gain rich experiences beyond your imagination.

San San (Source: Lifehack)

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Reference: Travel Handbook from Mytour