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Lifestyle, Stories · February 13, 2017

10 Things That No One Tells You About Backpacking

Full disclosure: I’ve been fortunate enough to go backpacking around the world on three separate occasions in the last four years.

The first trip spanned a six-month period from 2014 to 2015, the second consisted of eight months from 2016 to 2017 and the third was a month-long tour around Thailand in early 2017.

During these time frames, I ventured to Australia, New Zealand, USA, Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, in addition to Thailand.

Needless to say, I’ve learned a lot from this amount of travelling. But most of all, I’ve learned some amusing backpacking secrets that you’re unable to relate to unless you’ve been there yourself.

10 Things That No One Tells You About Backpacking

Facilities

1. Wifi is like gold dust. If you’re not specifically choosing restaurants, bars and cafes because they offer free wifi then you’re totally doing it wrong.

2. Using a squat toilet is an interesting experience. There’s a 99.9999% chance that you’ll pee on yourself. It’s best to go into it accepting this.

3. Speaking of toilets, you’re just going to have to get used to doing a number two in public ones.

When you’re out all day doing activities all over the town to make the most of being there, there’s no way you can afford the time to head back to your hotel to take a dump. Sorry.

Accommodation

4. For some reason, in various budget hotels, the shower heads are halfway down the wall in the wet rooms.

Be prepared to have to bend your head backwards as if you’re doing some strange sort of bathroom limbo dance in order to be able to wash your hair. (I am five foot eleven for goodness sake, give a gal a chance!)

5. In some Southeast Asian countries, your plug adapter won’t fit into the wall plug sockets properly. This means that charging your phone is practically impossible as it keeps falling out!

Say hello to 5% phone battery, your new best friend.

Possessions

6. Carting your backpack around in 30 degree heat is like slow torture. ONE LIMB AT A TIME.

7. You will inevitably spill something down yourself on the first day and then you’ll have to spend the rest of your time backpacking in dirty clothes.

It’s grimy, it’s sweaty and it’s less-than-ideal, but it’s all part of the experience!

8. You’ll spend a good amount of time at the sink in your hostel or hotel room cleaning your dirty underwear because you’ve ran out of clean ones… YET AGAIN!

And it won’t be long before you realise that Fairy soap is like magic! Seriously.

Experiences

9. If you’re travelling to Thailand, for example, you will get bitten a ton by mosquitoes.

And then you have to deal with the itching all day every day, as well as all night every night while you’re trying to sleep… OH LORD, the itching!

Tiger Balm will become your saviour.

10. You will get what they call “Dehli belly” at least one point in your trip. This is where your stomach is trying to adjust to new ways of cooking and different water systems – and it inevitably gets upset.

And if you’re particularly unlucky, your bowels will be upset too. Your poor toilet.

Backpacking Treasures I’ll Never Forget

All jokes aside, backpacking is one of the most enriching, fulfilling and – quite frankly – LIFE-CHANGING experiences you’ll ever have.

You’ll appreciate your own country and home comforts more than ever following a stint with your backpack.

And it’ll make you realise that we all have much to be thankful for.

I always enjoy my backpacking experiences as it’s good to be out of your comfort zone and do things that scare you, but I also very much enjoy coming home.

Because there’s no place like home, right?

Things That No One Tells You About Backpacking

Have you been backpacking before? What did you learn? Let me know!

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

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Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Lifestyle, Stories

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Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
Egg-cellent Easter weekend. 🐣🪺 (And I still Egg-cellent Easter weekend. 🐣🪺
(And I still have plenty of choccy left, yay!)
Here’s a little photo dump of what the hubby and I got up to in the sunshine… ☀️
Outfit details below!
Number one:
T-shirt @uniqlo_uk 
Skirt @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jacket @glassons
Trainers @puma
Bag @coach
Number two:
Shirt @zara
Jeans @asos
Sandals @primark
Bag @michaelkors
Which one is your fave? 💕
#bankholidayfun #bankholidays #easterweekend2022 #easter2022 #fbloggersuk #fbloggers #fbloggeruk #fashionbloggeruk #ukfashionblogger #ukfashion #ukfashionblog #ukfashionbloggers #fashionblogs #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #travelfashion #travelfashionista #trendytourist #midiskirt #satinshirt #travelblogs #travelbloggervibes
SS22 beauty trends in a nutshell: romance, nostalg SS22 beauty trends in a nutshell: romance, nostalgia and glam. 💅🏼
Now that the Spring/Summer 2022 fashion trends have filtered their way onto the high street, the associated beauty trends will soon be adopted by the masses as temperatures continue to rise.
Fellow millennials are going to love reliving their childhood/teenage years as we see a return of nineties and noughties makeup. 💄
Think Gwen Stefani and the Spice Girls with a dash of TLC.
Whether you want to play it safe with baby braids or experiment with bold metallics following in the footsteps of the Euphoria cast, there’s something for everyone to try this season. ✨
Which one of these 5 upcoming beauty trends will you give a go?
Visit the link in bio to uncover more beauty trends in my latest blog post. 🔗
#beautytrends #ss22 #ss22trends #springmakeup #springmakeuplook #springhair #springhairtrends #springbeauty #beautyblogs #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #beautybloggeruk #beautybloguk #beautybloggerlife #beautybloger #ukbeauty #ukbeautyblogger #ukbeautybloggers #ukbeautyblog #ukbeautybabes #ukbeautyguide #beautyuk #ukbloggers #bloggersuk #bloggingcommunity #springtrends
Wow, what a wedding celebration worth waiting for! Wow, what a wedding celebration worth waiting for! 👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️
Thank you so much to all our friends and family for making our day so special. 
You know you’ve put on a good party when random guests staying at the hotel ask the staff if they can join in because it sounds like a blast. 🎉🤣
(Scroll to the end of the carousel!)
I can’t wait to see and share more pictures, but here are a few in the meantime that pretty much sum up how awesome the day was!
(Oh and can any guests who haven’t sent me their photos/videos yet please contact me on WhatsApp - thanks! 🙏🏻❤️)
#weddingdaydetails #weddingdays #weddingdayinspiration #weddingdayready #weddingbloggers #weddingblogs #britishwedding #countrywedding #countryweddings #weddingdayideas #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #ukwedding #ukweddings #aldwarkmanor #yorkshirewedding #yorkshireweddings #weddingvenues #weddingvenuesuk
Contemplating the fact that wedding day part two i Contemplating the fact that wedding day part two is in a matter of DAYS. 🙊
After over 18 months of planning, I can’t believe it’s almost upon us. 😱
Crossing everything for dry weather (even only for a small portion of the day!).🤞
On a side note, this outfit was styled by @nicolajanexo who has summer style nailed after living in Australia for one year and then New Zealand for three years. ☀️
This look is giving us Sarah from Byron Baes vibes. 🤩
(Anyone else watched this show on Netflix? We’re obsessed. ❤️)
#holidayfashion #holidaystyle #vacationstyle #vacationstyles #vacationfashion #travelfashion #trendytourist #travelstyles #travelfashionista #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #bloggerstyle #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk #byronbaes #summerstyles #summerfashions #beachfashion #beachstyles
#tenerifeisland #tenerifeviews #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #poolfashion #poolstyle
In times of trouble, always look towards the light In times of trouble, always look towards the light. ✨
The sun has set on mine and @nicolajanexo’s time in Tenerife but I will be sharing lots more photos and Reels soon!
This trip has helped me to destress a ton after a very busy six months of my life so I can go forward with a healthier and more positive mindset.
Thanks to my big sis for being my rock during a difficult time and always having my back as my number one and only. ❤️
#holidayfashion #holidayfashions #holidaystyle #holidaystyles #vacationstyle #vacationstyles #vacationfashion #travelfashion #trendytourist #sunsetpic #sunsetpics #travelstyles #travelfashionista #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #bloggerstyle #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk 
#floraldresses #losgigantes #tenerifeisland #tenerifeviews #tbloggers #tbloggersuk
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