What is backpacking : Backpacking a special type of exploring or going on a tourism expedition that includes independent travel where individuals carry their belongings in a backpack and explore various destinations, this is usually on a budget. People that do backpacking will often prioritize flexibility, freedom, and blending with or in the different local communities. They don’t really stick to the traditional tourist experiences or arrangements as one would expect or say.
Backpackers will almost always travel alone or with a small group, making their own arrangements and decisions, they will not use a tour operator in most cases, they have maps and all the equipment to help their way. They will put more emphasis on budget-friendly experiences, affordability is key for backpacking; so, backpackers will opt for budget accommodations, transportation, and activities. When it comes to itineraries, we can backpackers are not itinerary people or rather they make their own itineraries, they have flexible itineraries, allowing them to change plans or stay longer in a place that captivates them. Their itineraries give them the chance to experience local cultures, traditions, and ways of life because they often stay in community-based accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, homestays, boarding houses and many more. Backpackers like outdoor activities so you will find them doing activities like hiking, camping, water sports, water fall hike, primate trekking, zip lining and a number of risky adventures.
Backpacking is done in several ways from Long-term backpacking, which as the name states this is travelling for extended periods months or years usually moving across countries. Short-term backpacking, here they backpacking will travel for short periods for days or a month, this travel is usually in one country.
Backpacking has its own benefits over the usual arranged safaris and the benefits include but are not limited to: – adventure to the maximum the backpackers get to enjoy the adventures to the best of their abilities, the Cultural exchange as they immerse themselves in local cultures and forming connections with people from diverse backgrounds. The flexibility of the backpacking experience; the freedom to change plans and explore new opportunities is priceless. Most of all the biggest benefit with backpacking is very economically for all who are in it, really you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the safari.
That said, backpacking also comes with its challenges that you need to be aware of before you embark on the journey. Some of the challenges you will experience include: – Dealing with unpredictable situations like finding a place fully booked and you don’t have where to go, transport issues especially if you are using public transport, backpacking is physically demanding because you carry heavy backpacks all the time – even when doing activities, because you want to blend in, you can suffer petty thefts and scams, then also because you are exposing yourself to the rural environment, you may have health scary if you get one of the communicable diseases and all.
That said, we feel the good things about backpacking outweigh the bad, making backpacking a unique and really rewarding way to explore the different countries, Rwanda safari, challenge oneself, and develop valuable life skills.
