"Practical Post" or, how to patronise future backpackers

Now I've been away for nearly 7 (!) months, I feel as though it's time I imparted some of my backpacking 'wisdom' upon the masses (ie: the three people that read this blog).

Things To Do Before You Go (other than the obvious):

• Sort yourself a credit card – A credit card with 0% on foreign purchases is a godsend. You'll find in today's plastic-obsessed world that sometimes cash can only get you so far. Say you're booking a hostel online in advance; some booking sites only accept credit cards (Visa or Mastercard usually). When purchasing a pricey tour, the protection you get from paying by card can be useful if it all gets cancelled. You'll usually get charged for getting cash out with a foreign debit card, so make it worth your while by withdrawing a good hefty lump sum at a time, and if you can save money by using your credit card for a purchase (not to withdraw cash of course), then it might be worth your while.

Don't forget to set up a direct debit to pay it off in FULL every month, or you'll get landed with horrendous fees.

• Let your bank know you're leaving – Although Nationwide seem to have conveniently forgotten this, I did let them know I was going to various countries and not to panic if they suddenly saw I was spending $100 at Hooters in Las Vegas (N.B did not spent quite that much... honest). You might need your card reader for internet banking, if such a thing exists with your own current account. On that note, if you don't have internet banking, set it up.
• Set up Power of Attorney – Sounds a bit OTT but it's a good idea to leave the important stuff in the care of someone you trust. For example, if something goes wrong with your bank account in your home country and you need someone to sort it for you this should ensure that they don't get read the Data Protection riot act. See a solicitor for advice on how to do this.
• Get someone to look after your pets. But you knew this already.

Most Useful Things I Took With Me, In No Particular Order:

• Head torch – I have pretty much used this on a daily basis. To set up tents in the middle of the night, to find my way to the loo in the dark, to read in a dorm room full of sleeping people – it's uses are endless.
• Food bags – those plastic food bags from Tesco or, in fact, any other supermarket are well handy, innit. They keep your valuables dry, are clear so you can see what's in them, and also double as, er... food bags.
• Long cotton dress (if visiting hot countries) – covers the mozzie bites and post booze blowout stomach. Folds down into a tiny square of fabric and is light to transport. Doubles as a night dress, and you can chuck it on after a shower so you don't do an accidental nip slip on the way back to your room.
• One piece swimsuit – doubles as a top, hides your stomach from UV rays and is generally more slimming than a bikini. However, I have bought a bikini so I can go to the loo without having to completely undress.
• Trail runners – Trainers that double as trail walking / running shoes. These should have solid soles, and it is worth paying a bit extra for a decent brand. I have used mine for every hike, plus every day when I was cleaning and once even for a run! (I didn't get far).
• Bandana – a staple for any ginger on holiday. Folds down into nothing, prevents scalp burn and fends off sunstroke. Looks like crap, but doesn't blow away like a fashionable hat will when the wind gets up. (Mine did blow off my head when I was on a ferry, but it was caught rather deftly by the skipper, who was awesome).
• Smartphone – Small and brilliant for tapping into WiFi. If you're anything like me, you'll need the internet like suncream. Blogging, hostel and activity booking, bus timetables... all available online. Also good for letting your Mum know you're safe.
• Walking sandals – Alright, they look a bit naff (esp with socks!), but they're bloody comfortable and much better for your feet than flip flops. You can generally wear them in the sea, if you should encounter a rough, stony beach, and your feet will thank you for buying them when it comes to wandering about in hot countries.
• P20 – a marvellous invention. A light oil that protects your skin and allows gradual tanning, and, in theory, only needs applying once a day even if you go for a swim. Take a 30+ SPF sunblock with you too, though.
• A long scarf – prevents sunburn, good for jazzing up an outfit and adding that tiny hint of pizazz to your otherwise direly unfashionable capsule wardrobe.
• Leggings and a long sleeved cotton top – Pyjamas, thermals, actual clothing, I could go on. Well, that's probably all you'll use them for, really, but you know what I mean.
• Water/Shock proof camera – Although mine broke, it was really useful when it was working. When you're constantly on the move, packing and repacking in humid, sweaty or very cold conditions, a camera that can stand the heat rather than have to leave the kitchen (as it were) is a handy thing indeed.

Mixed Reviews:

• Camping towel – it's ok... it dries quickly and packs down really small, but it gets smelly rather fast, and has all the body-drying qualities of a chamois leather. Up to you. I use mine for bathing and have bought a cheap towel for the beach. Warning: cheap towel will probably leave its pattern in fluff all over your body once used for drying.
• Laptop – I have a small notebook but it just adds extra weight to an already heavy pack. I do find it very useful for blogging, as it's much easier to type on than a smartphone, but it really is just something else to be nicked.
• Those Really Gay Zip Off Trousers – OK, they're quick drying and practical, but they do make me look like a reject from the Boy Scouts, and the zip bits dig into my ever-expanding thighs. I wear them when it rains, and if you're going hiking they are a must-pack, but if you're the more sedentary type you'll probably be fine with a cheap pair of joggers or shorts.

Of course, it's probably a good idea to take any prescription medicines with you, vaccination cards... your passport is generally pretty handy for trips abroad too. And don't forget your toothbrush.