Think about it. When you’re at home have you ever had to worry about where you’re going to sleep at night?
You might have overlooked it an it may seem obvious, but Every night while travelling you will have to find somewhere to sleep! Possibly the worst room ever?!Before we set off on our big adventure we pre-booked our hostels for the first few weeks. We used Hostelbookers.com for peace of mind throughout Mongolia and China, until the hostel scene fizzled out when we got to Vietnam.
As we’d never been travelling before, it was comforting to know that we had a place to go and a bed waiting for us.
But unfortunately booking ahead is not always possible for whatever reason.
When you turn up to a new town in the middle of nowhere, the thought of finding a hotel can be daunting. Having to deal with the notorious taxi drivers / tuk tuk men and hotel touts might fill you with dread.
You’ll come to learn that sometimes the quality of accommodation is luck of the draw!
You might end up in a dirty box room riddled with bugs, and for the same money in a different town get an upgrade to a nice hotel room that you would be happy with back in your home country! In your dreams!It’s a relief when you’re in a town long enough to settle in a hotel for a bit. Hopping from one hotel to the next every 2 days can feel like you never unpack and relax.
Finding a bed every night is part of travelling and is something I try not to worry about too much.
Arriving in a new town, obviously it would help to have a map or a guide book and have an idea of what area you’d like to stay in!
Also try and decide your accommodation budget before you look around hotels. It’s easy to get distracted by all the nice amenities on offer.
Remember that if you arrive in a new town during the day, you can get your bearings and the hotel touts don’t think you’re too desperate and tired because it’s late and dark.
Enjoy the free upgrades if you get them. Kick back in the plush, but surprisingly cheap hotels (if you find them), and try and laugh at the dirty box rooms you’ll have to sleep in!
Here are a few things that are in my backpack that I’ve found invaluable. You probably won’t see some of these items on most packing lists, and some might be a bit squeamish about it all.
But I feel girls should be as prepared as possible for what the traveller trail throws at them.
Remember everything you bring you’ll be carrying on your back. If there’s something you’re thinking about packing just in case,leave it! Most things can be bought in any country.
Moon Cup
This is a genius creation for girls to use instead of tampons and sanitary towels whilst on their period. Before I came travelling I had never used a Moon Cup before, but had heard of them and never gave it much thought.
Thinking about how many tampons I would have to pack and if I could find them in every country made me research into the Moon Cup.
I have never looked back. Of course you should give it a couple of months trial before you set off travelling to see if it’s for you. They come in 2 different sizes so pick the right one and see how easy it is to use. Also, pack a large metal mug to sterilise the Moon Cup, using boiling water before and after your period.
Shewee
Disgusting toilets, squatting, no toilets, no privacy– All these worries led me to purchase the Shewee.
I used to work in an camping shop and would get a few embarrassed women coming in to ask if we sold the Shewee. Not really knowing what a Shewee was and finding the whole idea quite amusing I never gave it a second thought outside the shop. That was until I planned to live like a nomad in Mongolia and trek the Himalayas in Nepal!
Worries that every bathroom on my travels wouldn’t be like my clean and comfortable toilet back home turned me into one one the embarrassed women that walked into my shop.
Sold in shops worldwide and online, the Shewee is easy to buy. There are also lots of similar products by different companies like Whiz Freedom and Go Girl.
The Shewee is a worth while investment and should be tried out at home before you go travelling. I recommend experimenting in the shower first just in case you make a mess!
Flesh Coloured T-shirt Bra
Not the most attractive bra or one I would recommend you wear on a first date, but a bra that can’t be seen under any coloured top is a winner in my books!
If you do not own a flesh coloured t-shirt bra, I definitely suggest you go out and buy one now!
It has saved me on many occasions and is my most worn item on my travels (in case you were interested)!
Contraceptives and Pill Information
If you are using the contraception pill make sure you get the maximum amount you are allowed to buy before you go travelling- in England that is 1 years supply. Also take the information of what pill you are on, the dosage and the ingredients (the box and the information guide should cover that).
Whether you are on the contraception pill or not you should definitely pack lots of condoms! When you are in a malaria risk zone and are taking anti-malarials, some of the tablets cancel out the contraception pill. Making sure you use condoms during that time is essential to stay safe.
Conditioner
Conditioner is probably something most girls use every time they wash their hair. Silly me thought I could save money and room in my backpack if I made do without and stuck with shampoo.
After my first shower on the road I realised I’d made the wrong decision. My hair looks better, feels better and is much easier to comb, I have never been without conditioner since!
Preparing to leave your home empty is probably more suited to those travelling for a shorter period of time, or who may want a bit more flexibility when to end their travels.
Document what outgoings you have Nasty little financial surprises might pop up. Having all your household financials documented will make things easier if and when a disaster happens.
Set up Direct Debits / Auto Payments Paying everything up front for your utility bills would be ideal in a perfect world. You can do this providing you can afford the lump sum, and you know exactly how long you plan to be away for.
Some utility companies offer discounted rates when you sign up to Direct Debit / Auto Payment to clear your bills monthly.
Inform your bank You should let your bank know that you are heading to the sun. If you have mortgage repayments you will need to come up with an arrangement with your provider.
Letting them know can make things much easier for you should a problem arise. E.g. Your house burns down. And while you’re there…
Arrange a larger credit limit on your credit card Having the flexibility when you need it will save the day. Imagine you’ve just booked a flight, on top of a month of partying too hard in Thailand – Then suddenly your house gets burgled and you need to replace your smashed windows. But you’ve just tipped over your £1000 credit limit…
It shouldn’t cost you any more to increase your credit, and the flexibility gained will be invaluable should you need it.
Have someone drop in from time to time Why? Squatters may have moved in, or your pipes may have burst. Ask a friend to check your place out now and again.
Set timers on appliances, unplug the rest Having the lights magically turn on at night time will thwart a potential burglar. A property they may have seen unlit for a week is an easy target.
A simple plug-in mains timer programmed to come on at night will do the job. Unplug everything else.
Consume first
Clean out your fridge The last thing you want when you come home, with the onset of post-travelling depression firmly setting in, is get hit with a Mike Tyson hook from the vintage Camembert you left at the back of the fridge last Christmas.
Not every potential backpacker lives with their mum.
So preparing your house or apartment for when you travel the world is quite an important consideration.
Preparing your home correctly before you leave will put your mind at ease. When you finally come back from your worldwide gallivant, your home should still be standing and everything as you left it!
Renting Out Your Property
Using a rental agency Rental agencies (estate agents / property managers) will charge 10% or more a month for managing your property for you. They will deal with the minor day to day management of your property and any issues your tenant might have.
This is a desirable option if you don’t mind cutting into any profit you’ll be making. If your tenant leaves or becomes a nuisance, the rental agency will deal with it as they are contractually obliged. Plus it is in their financial interest to keep the property occupied.
Take out a classified ad You may want to bypass the rental agent altogether and deal directly with your future tenant. This effectively cuts out the middle man, but remember the rental agency will manage the day to day issues your tenant may have.
Online communities and classicfied networks can help and put you in touch with potential tenants. Such as:
Post fliers locally in places where you feel desirable people may congregate!
Don’t be afraid to interview potential tenants either, you have to trust them.
Go snap happy Take photos of the whole property, inside and out. Should there be any damage caused by the tenant, you have some proof that you weren’t to blame.
If you have the chance, show the tenant these pictures so they are aware you have a record of the physical state of the property as you left it. Leave copies with the agency and the tenant.
Take out anything valuable Removing your family photo albums is probably a good idea. The same goes for your whiskey collection.
Forward your mail to family or a friend Having your mail forwarded to someone you trust is advisable. Bank statements and bills are all juicy sources of information. As are holiday postcards from your grandma.
Setting up a PO box to have your mail sent to is another option.
Leave contact information with everyone You should leave your contact information with the agency and the tenant. Should something major happen that the agency cannot deal with. You will probably need to be contacted while your away. Make it easy for them. Leave your email, phone numbers, Skype etc.
Agree on any items that require maintenance If the boiler blows up, who’s financially responsible? Probably you. What if the carpet gets ruined by red wine, who’s financially responsible? Certainly not you.
General household maintenance and responsibility should be agreed on between you, the agency and the tenant.
Keep a list of maintenance services for emergencies A plumber, an electrician and the humble handyman will all be critical should a disaster happen. Email yourself and the tenant a list of a few companies that you trust or know of.
Agree on any items that require maintenance