Backpacking in style through Asia!

Preparing yourself for a stylish backpacking trip in Asia

Before you can go backpacking on your holiday through Asia, you will have to plan some things like your travel insurance, passport, visa card and of course your backpack. But first there is some essential reading to do before you go on a backpacking holiday. Make sure you purchase the most up to date Lonely Planet Guide for the countries or areas you are planning to visit! These books aren’t cheap but certainly worth the money as they will tell you everything from local customs to what not to do, and from where to stay cheaply to where to stay if you have a 5 star budget. It is also advisable to speak to some people who may have undertaken a similar journey, or read some online blogs if you don’t know anyone that has done this before.

In this blog we will give you tips about what you need in your backpack, including stylish travelling gear, with only the essentials. Important is that you only bring the basics and essentials, since you will have to carry them in your backpack during your trip.

Essentials

• Passport
• Flight tickets
• Credit card and money
• Lonely Planet Guide

• Local map
• Small LED flashlight for 7,50 euros
• Phone numbers & email addresses
• Your camera and an extra SD card if you take a lot of pictures
• Pocket knife
• First aid kit & medicine and contact lenses if you need them

Clothes

• Sunglasses: protecting your eyes with the best sunglasses on sale.
• Walking shoes: for the comfort of your feet. Grey Skechers with a good profile.
• Short pants: for hot days for only 19,95 euros.
• Long pants: for rainy days, comfortable but stylish for 24,95 euros.
• Jacket or trenchcoat: for 80 euros stylish and staying dry while its raining.
• Fleece sweater: Easily to transport and keeps you warm easily, only for 24,90 euros.
• Swimming costume: in Asian style for 9,95 euros.

Basic toiletries

• Contact lenses
• Sunscreen of at least 20 SPF
• A small toiletry bag with showergel / shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, mascara and a comb.

Basic food

•     Energy bars and water bottle

For tips of light backpacking, visit this blog (Light backpacking: http://www.helium.com/items/1532772-an-introduction-to-ultra-light-backpacking). The most important is that you do not bring any valuable things. Keep in mind that you can often negotiate in countries in the Southern-East, even more in the less touristic places. Be surprised about what you will face during your trip and do not plan too much, this way you can easily save on your budget. Read the Lonely Planet Guide before you go and read about the culture! And of course keep everyone at home up-to-date about what you are doing: a travelling map with stories on waarbenjij.nu is an excellent (and free) choice. You can also upload your pictures on websites like www.photobucket.com, this way your family and friends at home can enjoy your photos and you will not lose your photos !

Have fun preparing your trip! If you have anything missing on this list, please add your comments to help others completing their backpacking list!