| Traveling cheaply is easy to do if you know where to | | | | of the cost of a hotel. A great resource I frequently |
| start. And once you do hop on to that "backpackers | | | | use is |
| trail", you will be exposed to interesting people from all | | | | This site allows you to input the country and city of |
| over the world, doing exactly what you are doing! It | | | | your destination and when you will be there, and |
| creates an instant bond and instant friendships. Nothing | | | | subsequently pulls up the hostels with those available |
| gets you more entrenched in the local culture than | | | | dates. Also included is thorough information about the |
| seeking out the lower end deals. | | | | hostel, and booking options. |
| How to Pack | | | | Single, Double, and Private beds are available. When |
| How you do this will make or break your trip. First, you | | | | traveling alone or with one other friend, I recommend |
| will need a backpack. And not the one you used for | | | | always staying in the dorm rooms. It is the best way to |
| school, but a proper, sturdy, backpacker's backpack. | | | | meet other friends, find who you will be traveling with |
| You can find these at sporting good's stores, like REI. | | | | next, and expand your social network. Private rooms |
| Expect to pay around $150-280 for a good one. You | | | | are nice as well, but you will have to work a bit harder |
| want one that is durable and can withstand being | | | | to meet other people staying in your hostel. |
| tossed around by bus drivers. If you wish to avoid this | | | | Hostels exist in order to give travelers a respite from |
| expense, ask around to see if any friends have a | | | | expensive hotel prices and to socialize. Because of |
| backpack you can borrow. I bet you'd be surprised at | | | | this, there is always a social area where everyone can |
| how many actually do. | | | | gather and have a chat and a beer. I recommend that |
| Now remember that you will be carrying everything | | | | as you start to travel to various places, talk to the |
| you own on your back, so pack only the necessities. A | | | | other travelers in your hostel to see which ones they |
| few tips:o bring clothes that don't wrinkle easilyo | | | | recommend. You will always meet someone who has |
| toiletries should all be travel sizedo don't bring a new | | | | already been where you are going, and their point of |
| change of clothes for every day, but interchange and | | | | view is often the most accurate and reliable. Books like |
| recycle outfits (if you're in anew city every 2-3 days, | | | | Lonely Planet are invaluable resources that I never |
| no one will know anyway!)o don't forget essentials like | | | | leave home without, but are about 2-3 years out of |
| bug spray, a flashlight, sunscreen, batteries, and wet | | | | date when they finally come into print. While the maps |
| wipeso plastic bags for wet or dirty itemso rolling your | | | | and other pertinent information will be accurate, some |
| clothes instead of folding allows for more room, and | | | | of the hostels mentioned may no longer exist. Hostels |
| less wrinkleso plug converters if neededo Swiss army | | | | are the ideal money-saving move, dorm rooms costing |
| knifeo travel alarm clocko Ziploc bagso travel toilet | | | | as little at $6/night, whereas privates can run a bit |
| papero towelo small first aid kit | | | | more pricey at around $25-35/night. |
| Where To Stay | | | | I hope this has helped you get started on planning your |
| Hostels are the most likely choice for traveling on a | | | | next budget vacation. Part 2 to follow shortly will cover |
| dime. They are abundant and varied, so it isn't difficult | | | | what to do when you arrive at your destination, and |
| finding one that will cater to your needs, at a fraction | | | | what to expect culturally. |