If you love to travel and explore new places, going backpacking can provide you with all kinds of benefits.
If you’re new to the backpacking scene, however, you may find that getting from A to B can take its toll on your mental and physical health. Because of this, it’s wise to know what to do to ensure you remain in tip top shape. In addition to taking good care of your health, traveling to new and unfamiliar destinations means you always need to be on your guard.
In this article, we’re going to provide five tips that should help you stay healthy and safe at all times.
Get Plenty of Sleep
While backpacking and exploring new places should be something to enjoy and appreciate, if you’re low on energy and feel lethargic, the chances are you won’t get the most out of your experience. Being on your feet all day can take its toll, so it’s crucial that you set aside time to get plenty of rest and sleep.
Eat Plenty of Protein
If you have a full day of travelling ahead of you, it’s important that you give your body the fuel it needs. What you eat during your backpacking adventure can have a huge influence on your energy levels and mood, so make sure to pack plenty of protein rich foods in your backpack. Not only will protein keep you fuller for longer, it will also provide you with the energy that you need for lots of exercise.
To make sure you’re eating well, it’s worth investing in cooking equipment such as a stove for hiking and backpacking.
Stay Hydrated
No matter where you plan to go backpacking, drinking plenty of water throughout your travels is a must. Water helps to prevent dry mouth, keeps your body cool, helps your joints and muscles work better, and also promotes cardiovascular health. If you aren’t consuming plenty of water, you may experience headaches and dizziness which can leave you feeling disorientated and uneasy.
There are lots of tips that can help you stay hydrated, such as keeping a bottle of water near you during the day, or adding a slice of lime or lemon to your drink if you don’t like the taste of plain water.
Be Aware and Alert
If you’ve never been on a backpacking trip before, going somewhere new can be both exciting and nerve wracking. In new surroundings, it’s important that you are aware and alert of what is around you.
Travelling can be distracting, and with all the new things you are seeing and doing, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, resulting in any concerns being pushed to the back of your mind. No matter where you are in the world, make sure to keep any valuables zipped up and out of sight. The last thing you want is for a thief to strike, especially if you’re on your own and in the middle of nowhere.
Have a Back Up Plan
There are several measures that you can take before going on your backpacking trip to ensure you stay safe and protected. These include taking out travel insurance which will cover you in emergencies, scanning copies of your passport, debit card, and any important documents like visas, as well as splitting any medication that you may need throughout your travels between your backpack, pocket, and bag.
While there are a whole host of benefits that go hand in hand with backpacking, you need to make sure that you’re fully prepared and ready for the trip ahead. Looking after your body and staying alert will help make sure your adventure is one that you’ll never forget.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
