99) Backpackers are almost always in less danger than the locals.
98) RTW (Round The World) tickets may be the most “efficient”, but the least effective.
97) Eating local foods is just as much a part of the journey as sightseeing and meeting people.
96) Even if solo backpacking, you will rarely be truly alone.
95) Traveling around the world is often less costly than the cost of living back home.
93) Other than world class treks / safaris, the most costly part of backpacking will be flight tickets.
92) You can comfortably get by anywhere in the world without knowing the local language.
91) You can travel with $70 a day in expensive cities and as low as $10 with a world average of $40, bed and food included.
90) Making friends, finding romance and socializing is increased greatly by backpacking, regardless of how shy or outgoing you are.
89) In poorer countries, expect to pay a little bit more for everyday things than the locals.
87) World travel insurance is not only surprisingly affordable and simple to understand, but easy to apply.
86) You don’t need to pack for a year even if traveling for a year. A week’s worth is plenty. Restock when necessary.
84) Backpacking with a friend(s) will save you on accommodations and transportation, often by 50%.
83) Private rooms at hostels and budget hotels will often be priced as two people for single travelers.
82) In poorer countries, famous fast food places like McDonalds is more expensive than the local restaurant food.
81) Traveling in the off season to specific countries can save you up to half.
80) Having a photocopy of your passport really does come in handy, especially when internet is not readily available.
79) Currency exchange shops should be avoided, even the ones at airports. ATM’s are usually the best and cheapest choice.
78) Sleeping bags, tents and cooking gear should not be packed. Buy or rent these when and where they are needed.
77) Toilet paper / tissue is widely unavailable in many parts of the world, so carry a small stash.
76) Shopping bags / plastic bags are often an extra fee in many parts of the world.
75) Don’t buy too many guidebooks. Many hostels have an actively circulating library of them for guests to use for free.
74) In Southeast Asia, even well worn backpackers (or any foreigner) will be perceived (and is) far wealthier than the locals.
73) Solo female backpackers may need to be slightly more alert than males, but it’s still (almost always) safer abroad than at their home city.
72) Couchsurfing is a way to get free accommodations. It’s safe, fun and really works. Even with a high budget, this should be experienced at least once.
71) Backpackers are genuinely very friendly to other backpackers. It’s like a world wide fraternity.
70) For tourists, taxi drivers will often NOT turn the meter on (if equipped) to overcharge. Politely remind them to turn them on.
69) Expired and bad visas will indeed cause you financial and sometimes criminal problems. This should not be overlooked.
68) There are people who will try to sell you fake but impressive looking visas for suspiciously cheap or too easily.
67) Being flexible with your travel plans is key. Committing to an air tight itinerary or making too many plans ahead of time can ruin or dictate your journey to misery.
66) Buying mobile phones and or SIM cards is not difficult and usually very affordable in most parts of the world.
65) Easily noticeable laptop bags and camera cases are stolen more by thieves around the world than wallets and purses from tourists.
64) The number of Americans backpacking around the world is extremely low compared to other Western countries.
63) The hostel owner or employee (if friendly) is often a great, free and very helpful tour guide.
62) Traveler’s diarrhea is an inevitable situation that happens to ALL backpackers. Loperamide is an effective remedy.
61) “Street food” should be consumed as much as possible. Locals eat it, tastes great and usually the cheapest option.
60) Observing the locals’ behavior like how to pay for buses, ordering food, walking busy street is a great way to fit in and learn.
59) Haggling is major and natural way of shopping in most Eastern cultures.
57) The concept of “personal space” usually means very different things in different countries.
56) Saying negative remarks or mere criticism about the local’s country, government or royalty is never a good idea – it could even land you in prison.
55) Get used not having drying machines readily available as they are often rarely used in most parts of the world.
54) Tipping (even if you think is necessary) is often not required. In some cultures, it could be perceived as an insult.
53) Universally, people don’t truly hate Americans, but they will make fun of them and most are fascinated by them.
52) Internet and Wi-Fi is available in more places than you may think. Even in the poorest or isolated cities and villages.
51) Teaching English abroad is an effective and rewarding way to extend your travels, is always in demand and relatively easy to begin.
50) Warm running water is often rarer than electricity in some parts of the world.
49) It’s a common and accepted practice to sleep at the airport like a hotel if arriving late at night.
48) One of the cheapest and backpacker friendly countries to travel in is Thailand.
47) The cheapest and arguably the hardest to get around (transportation) country is India.
46) Some of the most expensive countries to backpack through are the United States, France, Japan, Australia and Norway.
1) Long term world travel doesn’t have to be just a fantasy. It can be a dream that can easily become a reality by simply starting a plan.