For an increasing number of people, travel is a way of life. 34 per cent of millennials say they travel for the experience, with 23 per cent doing so because they want to meet new people. It’s a trend that’s defined a generation, but for those looking to embark on their next great adventure, it isn’t always easy.
Seeing the world comes with a unique set of challenges, from funding your travelling to making sure you have the correct documentation along the way. One of the biggest difficulties is learning how to travel light without foregoing the essentials.
So, if you’re flying from Manchester Airport sometime soon, what do you really need in your backpack?
A tech survival kit
In today’s world, we rely on technology to survive. No matter where in the world you’re going, you’ll have to use it at one point or another, so it pays to have a specialist survival kit to hand. This should contain all your tech essentials in one place, from flash drives with important documents to a pre-paid sim and second phone. This means that if a crisis hits, you’ll have access to everything you need (all carefully stowed away in a waterproof pouch).
On-the-go detergent
Some people don’t even know this is a thing, but it’s essential for anyone who intends to travel light. Recommended by frequent flyers with a sense of wanderlust, it allows backpackers to do their laundry on the go, meaning they don’t have to take as many outfits. Even a small container of detergent is enough for handwashing clothes in hotel sinks, and it can be topped up as and when needed.
A travel fan
If you’re travelling, chances are you’ll have an itinerary packed full of tropical destinations. This means you’ll be exposed to some steamy temperatures and you won’t always be staying in the most luxurious hotels. If backpackers’ hostels are a feature of your trip, expect them to be pretty basic i.e., you might find aircon is a luxury you’ll have to go without.
The next best thing is likely to be a portable travel fan. Ideally, you want one that’s battery-operated so you don’t need to worry about keeping it charged. This is also likely to come in handy when you’re using slightly primitive public transport.
Noise-cancelling headphones
There are so many other items you might consider essential, but one that’s pretty universal is noise-cancelling headphones. If there’s one thing every backpacker can agree on, it’s that peace and quiet are in short supply, especially if you’re staying in hostels.
Whether you’re bouncing down rutted roads on a sauna of a bus or trying to sleep when your fellow travellers have brought the party home with them, these will prove to be lifesavers for blocking out the noise and chaos. It’s worth investing in a good pair – if only to help you hear the sweet silence of nothing every now and then.
Tell us, what other essentials will you be including?
