Hostel Review

For many of us, we already know that packing a backpack can be a frustrating and time consuming task. You may find you don’t have enough space, and once you’re finished you can’t even lift the backpack! There are a few simple steps to avoid these problems; the first and most obvious being only packing the absolute essentials. So, what items have we found completely useless since we’ve been travelling the world? Here are the top 5 things we don’t think you should pack in your backpack.

1. Food

Do you really need your mum’s sandwiches squeezed into your pack? No, probably not. For flying, we found food we had was often taken away from us at quarantine control. Once you get it out of your backpack, it’ll be in far worse shape than you first packed it! That said, when travelling on long buses food is a vital additional to your day pack – for example many night buses in Brazil don’t stop for dinner breaks.

2. Books

No more than two books should go in your backpack. Pack in your favourite novel and the destination guide book (lonely planet) and that should be enough. Books are vital for those long flights or lazy afternoons by the swimming pool – just don’t take your entire collection. You will find books are heavy and cannot be squeezed in as easily as an extra pair of socks. Nearly every hostel accommodation we have stayed at has had a book exchange, so fresh material is never more than a few days away.

3. Clothes

Okay, obviously you need some clothes, but you’d be surprised exactly how many people take too much. Since we’ve been travelling, we have been amazed to the amount of people that take 3-4 pairs of shoes, jackets and smart ‘going out’ wear. You just don’t need it all. Everyone who has bought running shoes has regretted it! Do yourself a favour and leave the runners at home, and put in a few more pairs of clean underwear instead. You will find (if you are coming from Europe) destinations like South East Asia and South America offer a wealth of cheap clothing markets, stalls and shops. So much so it is just not uncommon for travellers to purchase another suitcase and load it with cheap, branded clothing for the flight back home.

4. Bedding/Linen

You don’t need your favourite bed cover from home, your childhood blanket or your fluffy pillow. All hostels provide linen; included in the nightly rate – if they don’t, find another! A much wiser bet is to purchase a sleeping bag for those cold nights and or when you encounter some less than perfect bedding. Also, a sleeping bag is for more versatile and will enable you to embark on more adventurous destinations. Purchase one before you leave, they are a worthy investment!

5. Hair Straighteners

Mainly for the girls and a few ‘special’ boys, hair straighteners. Backpacking isn’t a fashion parade, so these little luxuries can be left at home. Ask yourself, can you really not experience the thrill of seeing the world without them? There is little point to these luxuries if you plan on going through for example South America – Jungle treks, night buses, 90% humidity , climbing at 4000m above sea level… You won’t need them. This applies to make up too, just take the basic essentials.