Thoughts on Backpacking

Before leaving on their trip, Beth and Rob were frequently asked questions such as, "Do you have everything planned?" "Are you booked at all the locations?" "Do you know where you are going?" To which they answered "Nope." "Nope." And "Nope."

In one instance a person went so far to say, "Please don't tell me you're backpacking. That's not good."

"Oh no. Of course we're not." Beth reassured her, although truthfully she thought that was exactly what they were doing.

Although they were confident that this was the way they wanted to travel, some doubt did creep in with the persistence of the questions.

"Are we sure we can make up our plans as we go along?"

"What if we get stuck somewhere with no place to stay"

They did have a general sketch of the places they wanted to visit and approximate times for when and how long, but they also wanted the ability to modify their plans as they went along. If they enjoyed a place they wanted to be able to stay longer or if something wasn't working out they wanted to be able to move on. So, as far as they could tell, they were "backpacking" through Europe. However after a few months of travelling, they realized there are about four things that might set them apart from what one may consider to be a "typical" backpacker.

1. Right from the start they decided to bring rolling suitcases instead of backpacks. Although this meant that one arm was no longer free when in transit, they recognized that rolling suitcases were easier on their aging backs than heavy packs. Also, except when camping, Beth doesn't like the fact that you basically had to shove all of your clothes into a backpack with no way to organize the contents. In fact, she is especially happy that her mother gave her "suitcase drawers" so that her luggage is organized with separate drawers for shoes, tops, pants and skirts, dresses and toiletries.

II. They both travel with a memory foam pillow. Years ago they converted to memory foam bed and pillows and generally they never sleep as well on the road as they find mattresses and pillows too soft, too lumpy, have no support, or they have sharp springs,... After only a few weeks of travel they each invested 15€ on a memory foam pillow. Thankfully because it compresses they are able to squeeze them into their suitcases without adding too much bulk.

III. Because they like to cook and appreciate homemade meals while on the road, they quickly realized that they would need to carry a few 'essential' kitchen supplies with them. In addition to an electric kettle for tea, they have accumulated a few herbs and spices (saffron, turmeric, cumin, oregano, dried chilli flakes, herbs de Provence, sage leaves, a Sicilian herb mixture, salt and pepper), oils and vinegars (virgin olive oil for cooking and cold-pressed olive oil for salads & greens, aged basalmic vinegar, white wine vinegar), misc. items (hot pepper paste, parmesan cheese, Brie, garlic cloves, vegetable boullion, honey, Nutella, chamomile tea, dried beans, arboreo rice, pasta, salted capers-when did that become a staple?) and a few plastic plates and utensils for picnicking. Although it adds weight when in transit, the delicious meals they make in their residences more than makes up for the temporary inconvenience.

IV. And finally, the accommodations that they typically stay in also distinguishes them from the typical backpacker. Typically, a person backpacking through Europe stays at hostels that cost anywhere from 15 to 25€ per person per night which provides someone with a bed in a room shared with six to ten other people or 70+€ for a private room. Rob and Beth, for the most part, have enjoyed entire apartments for roughly the cost of a hostel (average price 40€ for both). Like hostels, these places can be booked in very short notice in the off season, but unlike hostels, they can be viewed online at websites to judge their suitability. Although they lose some of the camaraderie of staying with other travellers, they can enjoy a private hot shower(sometimes a bath), real beds, laundry facilities, and they've met many great hosts who are local to the area.

It took a few weeks to ease into their modified backpacking life. At first they were planning two steps ahead booking apartments and buying train tickets. Now, they wait until they are at a place for a couple days to decide how long they wish to stay.

If she could go back in time, Beth would like to change her answer to "Yes. We are backpacking...but it may not be what you think."