10 Tips for Beginners to Prepare a Backpacking Trip

It is important to know that backpacking is not an easy activity, but it’s not the hardest out there either. You just need to well-prepared, and the rest will be a piece of cake. But you’ll have to follow several steps to make this happen.

Here we will explain ten tips that will help you have a fantastic first backpacking experience. So take a step back and learn.

1. Pack the Essentials

You’ll need to pack everything you’ll eventually need, so you don’t eventually miss anything when it’s necessary. Here are the most critical items to consider:

• Shelter: A tent, sleeping bag, and anything that protects from weather and environmental dangers.
• Clothing & Insulation: Hiking clothes or anything protective & insulating depending on the place.
• Footwear: Hiking boots or shoes will be helpful. Bring something comfortable, protective, durable and reliable.
• Lighting: A flashlight, a lantern, a headlamp or a simple box of matches with candles – bring items to light up your way in dark nights.
• First-Aid: Medication for personal health issues, gaze, antiseptics, suture & needles, plus anti-inflammatories and antibiotics will help in emergencies.
• Hygiene: Soap, hand sanitizer, paper towel, body scrub, and others. Remember to keep your hygiene to feel more comfortable out there.
• Fire & Tools: Anything that helps to make a fire including tinder and kindling. But also remember cooking utensils, your pots, plates, and cups, and a survival knife & a fork.
• Navigation: A map, a compass, and a GPS will be the perfect combo for your trip. If a GPS doesn’t work the map and the compass will do the job.

2. Pack Enough Food & Water

One of the most common mistakes of beginners is to forget packing up enough food and water for their trips. Things like all-in-one meals will help you at lunch, foods with high protein and carbs will be beneficial in dinner, and lighter but still fueling preparations can help in the morning breakfast.

Also remember to bring your gallon of water, at least one for every day you’re backpacking. If you don’t want to bring that much water, a purifier or filter will help you in case there’s enough water in the place you’re backpacking at.

3. Borrow, Re-use and Rent

You won’t have to buy new equipment for your first trip. It happens that most beginners start buying and storing stuff for their backpacking travels when they don’t even know what is really useful or not. To prevent this, as experienced backpackers what’s useful and lend them if possible.

From backpacks to tents, sleeping pads, fire-making items, and many others – the more you rent, borrow or rent will be better for you in the end. You won’t like to have hundreds of things for backpacking at home.

4. The Smaller, the Better

We recommend entirely that especially the larger items such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents, are eventually small and easy to carry.

Walking and hiking are not easy jobs when you have a very heavy bag on your back. It often happens when beginners end up completely tired and frustrated in the middle of the hike because they brought large and bulky items instead of small and light ones. Prevent this by carrying small & light items instead.

5. Don’t Over-pack

Similarly to bringing things that are too large for the backpacking trip, it is also common to see people carrying too many unusable items.

You don’t need to fill your backpack completely. The lighter it is, the easier your hike will be. Even if you think many extras will make your trip more comfortable, convenient, and entertaining, it’s very likely they will not.

Instead, keep it simple and light. The different types of terrain and roads you’ll encounter will make it challenging to hold heavy stuff. So make sure you bring only the necessary.

6. Be Organized

One of the things that will help you the most when packing and being in the wild will be making an organized backpack. Here you’ll find four major factors to consider:

• Accessibility: Remember to keep things you need most close or with easy access.
• Compression: Everything should be small and light. Focus on folding all your clothes and items well inside your backpack(s).
• Protection: You want your items to be protected, so make sure you have a waterproof backpack and enough protection around to prevent any damage to your items.
• Balance: Lastly, make sure the backpack offers enough balance. Not only you’ll have to make sure it is light but also that the items are evenly distributed.

To achieve all this, we recommend not waiting until the last day to organize your backpack. If you do it several days or even weeks before the trip, you can make sure it is exactly what you need in terms of accessibility, compression, protection, and balance.

Something that can help you is separating things in pockets and bags inside the backpack. This will increase organization and make overall accessibility easier. As long as it feels organized to you and makes your browsing & access more comfortable, then that will be the perfect organization for the trip.

7. Pack According to Weather & Environment

Whether you are going to a forest filled with bears and antelopes, or going to a very rainy jungle, or just in the most deserted hills in the country – always remember to bring all the necessary items accordingly.

For example, it can be useful to bring a can of bear spray if you’re going to a place where bear encounters are frequent. If you go to a deserted place, remember to bring a lot of water and your freshest clothing items. And if you’re going to a place with lots of rain, don’t forget your waterproof gear.

Researching the place you’re going to will always make it easy. From the wildlife to the regulations, terrain, climate and more – all these things will let you know what to pack beforehand.

8. Start With a Short & Easy Hike

The first backpacking trip you make needs to be easy. There’s no doubt about that, even if you are experienced with camping or one-day hikes, it is always a better choice to pick something small & not demanding.

If you can go to a half-day or one-day hike only will be the best idea at first. Then you can increase with time and start taking two, three or four-day backpacking trips without problems. But this is only once you’re experienced, as you will already know what to bring or not, and how to act accordingly.

Another great option is to consider going to easy places. Somewhere with water sources close or with towns & civilization near will also help. You don’t know when something unexpected happens, either your water bottle dries out, or you get into an emergency – being close to help is always useful.

9. Prepare Yourself for the Trip

Even though backpacking doesn’t have to be a tricky thing, we recommend always being prepared for all the different factors that matter when going on such a trip. Here are three factors you should take into account before backpacking:

• Physical State: A backpacking trip is not a marathon, but it may involve multiple-hour hikes, getting into rivers or lakes and swimming, tons of walking or jogging, and always carrying heavy stuff. Make sure you are prepared for all this physically, or else you may have a terrible experience.
• Mental state: Always understand that you’re going on a hike with several people, and your well-being may also affect others. You’ll need to be of strong will and mentally resistant. Don’t let a small inconvenience make you a weak person.
• Logistics: Be sure to know where you’re going and what you’ll need accordingly. We recommend preparing a trip plan before going. Thinking about emergency situations, escapes, and more will be helpful to prevent unwanted situations.

10. Practice Before Going Out There

It is not easy to spend several hours, days, or weeks in the wild. Backpacking is not as easy as you taking a half-day hike or escalating your city hill. It can make your body very tired, and your mind wishes you’ve never taken the trip in the first place.

For that, we recommend practicing before going on the trip. You can take your tent to your backyard and assemble it the fastest way possible without issues. Practice all the skills from making a fire to cutting kindling before arriving at the place. And remember to train your body & mind for the activity to prevent surprises.

It’s important to understand how the gear works, what the trip takes, and how to cook & eat according to the environment. The more practice you have beforehand, the better you’ll strive in the wild.

Start Your First Backpacking Trip Now!

It’s all about having fun. Even though it can be a pretty daunting experience for some, as long as you have the right idea and practice – it will probably make your life better in every way.

Going backpacking doesn’t have to be a bad experience your first time. So make sure to follow the previous tips, and you’ll fare easily, comfortably, and with way more fun in the wild. This short guide will be a perfect help for anyone – so don’t hesitate and take it into account before your first trip.

5 places to visit in India for their historical significance

In the land of historical monuments, there are plenty of places where you can plan a quick escape from the routine life. Monuments with historical significance take you down the memory lane and entice you with their tale of grandeur.Those who are passionate about traveling and exploring new placesmust have historical sites in their travel list. Many such historical places not only give you a glimpse of the historical past, but also allow you to indulge in shopping and other fun activities without which a trip is incomplete.

New Delhi

The capital city of India houses the best monuments of the country, speaking volumes about the pomp and splendor of the Mughal era. A traveler’s list is incomplete without New Delhi in it, as it is the home to the monuments like Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple. These monuments are not just the witness of the rise and fall of the Mughal era, but also saw India getting independent, with the tricolor flag being hosted at the Red Fort.

Along with monuments, you can indulge in the fun of street shopping with street food to satiate your taste buds. No matter, you belong to which religion,this city will allow you to take a walk along the devotional gully.

When in Delhi, try to stay in a luxury hotel, which allows you to rejuvenate your senses after a tiring day, during which you were busy exploring the extraordinary. There are many such luxury hotels in New Delhi where you will experience the royalty at it’s peak, with wide variety of cuisines to fill your platter and recreational centers to keep you in a delighted mood. Please make note that its not necessary to stay in these expensive hotels, there are equally cheaper alternatives.

Mumbai

Designed to honor the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in the nineteenth century, the Gateway of India is one of those historical monuments in India, which attract tourist in large numbers. Featuring an interesting lattice work, the gateway of India has four turrets as one of its many highlighting features. A visit to this historical monument is a must for those who want to witness the huge monumental excellence in the backdrop of the vast Arabian Sea.

Once you are at the gateway of India, you just cannot resist yourself from visiting the Elephanta Caves nearby. After the visit to the monument and the cave, your next destinations can be the religious places like SidhiVinayak Temple and Haji Ali. For those who want to enjoy the sunset at the beach can go to the Bandra Bandstand and Marine Drive.

Old Goa

A trip to Goa is not just about beaches, but has a lot much to offer, ranging from chapels and churches to cathedrals. The Convent and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, which was built in 1521, will make you acquainted with the architectural intricacies of the Portuguese monuments. The body of Saint Frances Xavier,a patron saint, is preserved in this church and is shown to the visitors in every 10 years. Along with historical churches and chapels, Old Goa also has an archaeological museum along with the Museum of Christian Art for those who are interested in taking a plunge deep into the world of history.

Jaipur

The grand Amer Fort, the beautiful City Palace, the intriguing Hawa Mahal and the serene Jal Mahal- the pink city of Jaipur is gifted with many such historical monuments. These monuments will not just fascinate you but will also fill you with pride as you witness the magnificent architectural designs from the glorious past of India. When it comes to shopping, this city doesn’t disappoint anyone. With markets like Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazar and Johari Bazaar, getting objects that exemplify the rich traditional heritage of Rajasthan is quite easy (but, make sure you bargain!).

Hyderabad

Golconda Fort ruins, which are situated at 10 kilometers distance from the city of Hyderabad, are the ideal destination for those who want to be lost in the magnificent past. This fort speaks out loud about the grandeur of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty that reigned from 1518 to 1687. The ruins consist of many temples, gateways and mosques, which are a treat to visit. After a visit to the magnificent ruins, you must take a trip to the colorful shopping center of Hyderabad, Laad Bazaar where you will get to see exquisite pieces that reflect the excellent craftsmanship.

You will find many forts have been converted into hotels. It would be a great idea to experience some of these hotels. A luxury hotel will not just let you experience the history of the places, but will also add more elements of grandeur to your trip to historical sites, which showcase the pomp of the past. But no matter where you decide to stay, these places is a must if you decide to visit India one day.

Best places for educational trips in India

Your college days will be the best time to travel. You are not going to have a boss that will turn down your leave request, and your parents also have little or no say on how long you stay on your trips. The ease of finding dissertation helps to help manage your project also makes it fun. At least, you can focus on your journey without a peaceful mind.

However, the only thing you need to be more concerned about at this point is the destination you are visiting. But if you are taking an educational trip to India, then consider visiting the following places.

1. Rajasthan, Chittorgarh

If you are visiting Rajasthan, then one of the cities you should not fail to set your feet on is Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh is one of the best places to visit for an educational trip. It’s a land bursting with a plethora of side attractions and history. The architecture of Chittorgarh Fort is also a sight to behold.

Visit the numerous temples and palaces in this area. But don’t just walk around without asking questions. Historical places like these have significant pasts. So, get information on how Chittorgarh became a must-see destination in India and its incredible histories. Furthermore, if you have a keen interest in historic wars fought in India, rest assured you will learn a lot when you pay a visit to the fort complex.

2. Gujarat, Dholavira and Lothal

Pay a visit to the Indus Valley Civilization and see things for yourself. If that’s your mission, Dholavira and Lothal are two places in India you need to consider visiting. Located in Gujarat, Dholavira and Lothal are fortified historic sites, famous for their technological and systematic way of living which was exhibited hundreds of years ago.

The settlements in Dholavira and Lothal are fascinating. You will be amazed that these settles were planned and executed long ago when technology was nonexistent. You will find proper drainage, sanitation, and water conservation system.

However, this region has many places you can sightsee, learn and enhance your knowledge of world history, particularly of India. Explore the many water storing tanks or the uncommon step wells.

3. Assam, Kaziranga National Park

Assam is another must-see destination in India. It’s a place best for educational trips, relaxation and fun. Famous for its archaeological sites, wildlife and tea plantation, Assam has a lot of places you can explore to learn and create unforgettable memories.

Head straight to the Kaziranga National Park, named a UNESCO world heritage national park famous for its one-horned Rhinoceros. But the impressive thing is that you won’t only get to see these endangered species but learn a lot about other animals in the region.

You will find diverse species of animals in this region, including the eastern swamp deer, wild boar, wild Asiatic water buffalo, and the Indian muntjac. But besides animals, the Kaziranga National Park also has different types of vegetation. So, if you are a biology student or like to be around such habitats, then this area should be on your list of must-see places in India.

Conclusion

India is a blessed country with many historic places, and side attractions that make it worth visiting. According to Dissertationexpert.org, it’s a place most students would be happy to write about because of the rich history and culture of the region. Again, if you are thinking of where next to go on an educational trip to India, you can choose any of the places on this list. You will not only acquire more knowledge but create unforgettable memories when you visit these regions.

Travel guide to Daman and Diu

The union territory of Daman and Diu are located in Western India. The city of Daman and the town of Diu are each considered an enclave of the union territory. However, these two enclaves are not next to each other. The Gulf of Khambhat separates the two, which means you can’t quickly drive back and forth between them. You will have to consider flying, riding a train, or taking the bus.

To travel to Daman and Diu by airplane, your first destination should be Diu. You’ll first have to start from the city of Mumbai which is located in Maharashtra state. There are 6 flights from Mumbai which travel to Diu Airport each week. Once you arrive, you can explore Diu island and see all the attractions that are there. Then when you want to go to Daman, you should fly back to Mumbai and then take a train about 180 kilometers north to Vapi. This is a city about 20 kilometers to the east of Daman. From there, you can take a taxi, public bus, or auto rickshaw to get to Daman. There are usually taxis available at the Railway station. If you want to take the bus, it is roughly a 5-minute walk to the bus stand from the railway station. The stand is located on Main Bazaar Road.

Travel guide to Daman and Diu

For hundreds of years, Daman and Diu were under the power of Portugal. This all started after the Portuguese army arrived in the Indian state of Goa sometime around the year 1539. Their power over the enclaves lasted all the way up until the year 1961. That was when the Indian government gathered up their military forces and reclaimed the enclaves from the Portuguese. Ever since then, the enclaves have been a territory of the union government of India. At first, Goa was considered an enclave just like Daman and Diu. This all changed when the Indian government made Goa into a separate Indian state in 1987.

Daman and Diu have turned into pretty popular tourist attractions. They are both coastal enclaves which means beach lovers alone will have a reason to go there. The Arabian Sea has stunning blue waters which are great for swimming, boating, and even fishing. But what’s even better is the cuisine because there is a mixture of Portuguese foods and Indian foods. Plus, its coastal position means that restaurants have a lot of seafood choices. During festivities and special occasions, you’ll see food dishes such as dhakanu, dudh-plag, potaya, lapse, and puri.

There are a variety of attractions at Daman and Diu, some are manmade while others are natural. The man-made attractions are typically historical sites which date back hundreds of years. The natural attractions are really anything that is waterfront, such as the beaches. There is one beach in Daman called Devka Beach which even has its own amusement park. When festivals are taking place there, the whole park is lit up with attractive lights and other illuminating items. Of course, if you would prefer to just lay around on the beach underneath some palm trees, then go to Jampore Beach.

Aside from the busy nightlife and beaches, the territory is filled with a lot of old churches and forts. In Daman, the Bom Jesus Church still stands after it was finished being built in the year 1603. Its unique Roman architecture will sure make you feel like you’re living in the 17^th century. The church was built by artisans from Portugal who carved rosewood to make the church’s altar and the detailed gateways on the ceiling. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll definitely be able to appreciate the architecture and the craftsmanship of those who designed it.

Daman overlooking the sea

In Diu, you can begin your visit there by checking out the Zampa Gateway. This huge red structure was built sometime during the Middle Ages based on its style of architecture. On the walls of the gateway, you can see artistic carvings of angels, priests, and lions. There is also a chapel inside of the gateway that was constructed sometime around the year 1702. It contains a picture of the Virgin Mary and her child. Another attraction near Diu is the Gangeshwar Temple. This is actually a Hindu shrine that was created to honor the Hindu deity known as Lord Shiva. Many Hindus travel to the spot each year to pray and worship their god. But, as a tourist, you’ll be impressed with how the temple was carved from a rocky cave and allows for breathtaking views of the ocean nearby.

Back in Daman, you will certainly notice a tall lighthouse structure as you travel along the coastline. This lighthouse is positioned next to the Daman Ganga Bridge which leads into the Moti Daman Fort that was originally constructed by the Portuguese. Out of all the attractions in Daman, the lighthouse is definitely one of its most popular landmarks. And despite being hundreds of years old, the lighthouse is still completely functional and serves as a legitimate guide for boats and ships at sea. As for the fort, it is about 30,000 square meters in size and contains centuries-old architecture that is truly amazing. There is even evidence of a moat and bastions previously being used around the fort to protect it from outside enemies.

Fortress Panikotha in the middle of the sea in Diu

The weather of Daman and Diu stays fairly warm throughout the whole year. That is why tourism stays very consistent during the year. However, if you want to travel to this union territory to witness the festivities and holiday celebrations, then you should plan your trip sometime between the months of October and March. Not only are there celebrations on the beaches, but the temperatures and climate will be the best at this time as well. Also, bring some extra spending money to purchase souvenirs and gifts because there are a lot of street vendors who sell all kinds of original items that are unique to their culture. They will certainly allow you to remember this trip and the wonderful and interesting sites that you saw along the way.

10 Things To Do In Italy For An Unforgettable Holiday

One of the most spectacular places in Europe, Italy is bestowed with impressive artwork, ancient ruins and magnificent castles along with a beautiful and rugged landscape. The historical city of Rome, sandy beaches of Amalfi Coast, vineyards of Tuscany and the mysterious Sicily islands together offer a delightful experience for those travelling to this wonderful country.

To make the most of your holidays, you can also have a look at travel to Italy: browse 34 best Italy packages and plan a perfect trip including the best of experiences. Here, we have listed 10 activities in Italy which top the charts for a memorable vacation.

• A visit to the mighty Coliseum 

The biggest amphitheatre ever built in the whole world, this magnanimous structure belonging to 70-80 AD is said to have had accommodated over 50,000 spectators. It was used to showcase gladiator battles and other public events.

• The coastal villages of Cinque Terre 

Relax in the centuries-old towns located on the northern coastline of the country which is known for its colourful houses, harbours dotted with small fishing boats, vineyards and delectable Italian cuisine. What more does one need on a holiday to make it unforgettable!

• Take a gondola ride in Venice 

A visit to the romantic city of Venice will not be complete until you tour the whole place on a gondola. It is better to take the ride on the small back canals than the famous Grand Canal to avoid the crowds and see some uncharted and hidden gems of Venice.

• Bask in the glory of Renaissance artworks in Florence 

Housing some of the most important paintings in the world art history, a visit to the Uffizi museum in Florence is must for every visitor and art lover. The museum building itself is something worth seeing, both from outside and inside, because of it’s unusual U-shaped architectural style.

• Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast 

The southern coastline of Italy, known as Amalfi coast, can be best explored by boat. The entire area is dotted with tiny coastal villages scattered with charming villas, the famous sea grottos and some spectacular sights to behold.

• A visit to the Valley of Temples 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an astounding collection comprising of seven temples from the 5th to 6th century BC located in Sicily. The looming historical architecture standing tall to tell the tales from the past will leave you intrigued.

• Enjoy pizza at Naples 

Amongst the many attractions to visit in Naples, having a pizza here where this world famous snack actually originated is definitely a must do. You will find many cafes and pizzerias where they still follow the traditional methods and recipes to serve you a delectable pizza.

• Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa 

This is sure to give an adrenaline rush while you climb the 294 steps to reach the seventh floor of the tall tower which is tilted at an angle of about 4 degrees. This should be the top thing to do when you visit the city of Pisa. And don’t forget to take a selfie with the tower for archives!

• Book a date with Juliet at Verona 

Although Juliet was a fictional character, this house in Verona has come to be associated with her and there are many visitors who like to mix fiction with history at this century-old building with a balcony. There is even a statue of Juliet in the centre of the courtyard and the building from outside is scrawled with colourful graffiti created by love birds from across the world.

• Train journey from Rome to Venice 

A train ride from Rome to Venice is an ideal way to cover the two cities if you want to save precious time and money. It takes just about 4 hours to travel 400 km in the comfortable hi-speed bullet trains without worrying about unnecessary delays and trouble of security checks and airport transfers in case of air travel.

So, get set to embark on a journey of a lifetime in this marvellous boot-shaped country with equal doses of history, art and culture.