As a well-traveled individual, you likely have a slew of international experiences under your belt: a semester abroad here, a backpacking trip there, a hike through this or that mountain range. But now you’re out of college, you’re a bit more grown-up and you’d like to travel in a manner more fitting your current status in life. Even if a lengthy stay at a swanky hotel in London or Paris may still not be quite within your budget, chances are you can afford to get in on the latest European travel trend: luxury backpacking. Read on for a few tips on how to backpack in style.
Pack the right gadgets
Traveling with just a backpack can limit the amount of extras you carry along with you on your trip. To make sure you still have room for nice outfits to wear at all the high-end restaurants you’ll no doubt be visiting, put some thought into the other items in your bag. A slim e-reader can save serious space that would otherwise be taken up by books; for music, consider investing in a miniature mp3 player like an iPod Shuffle. And of course, your smartphone can serve a multitude of functions and might even eliminate the need for any other gadgetry at all.
Shoulder season
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your luxury backpacking buck, travel during the shoulder season—in other words, time your trip so that you squeeze in between the swarms of tourists to get the lowest hotel or hostel rates and the best deals of the year. Although this time frame might vary from one country to the next, it’s easy to do a little research to find out when you’ll get the best rates. For example, Paris and all of Italy tend to be less crowded in July and August than they are in June, so mid- to late summer is a good time to visit these areas.
Safe travels
Perhaps the most important consideration on a backpacking trip is ensuring your personal safety. Do your research ahead of time to find the best options for luxury hostels; be sure to read up on the area surrounding your temporary home, including how far you might have to travel on foot to reach public transportation. If your luxury hostel of choice happens to be located in a crime-riddled neighborhood, it’s wise to look elsewhere.
Similarly, it’s important to take your health into consideration before your departure. Look on a map to find the nearest hospital to where you’ll be staying, and consider purchasing a travel insurance policy to cover you in case of an emergency.
A luxury backpacking trip offers the best of all worlds: an opportunity to travel on a relatively small budget while not having to abandon any of the comforts of your regular life. Plan well ahead of time and you’re sure to enjoy a unique luxury backpacking experience befitting an individual of your style and status.
