You’ve finally taken the plunge, decided to ditch the luxurious student lifestyle for a month or two (you may be laughing but compared to traveling, the luxury of having your shampoo of choice will be missed more than you can ever imagine), and are going to explore the world. After hearing all the highs of backpacking, what are the lows every traveller fails to mention?
1. Forget personal space
We’d all love to splash the cash and get an all-inclusive hotel at every destination we arrive at, but sometimes you have to be realistic and blowing three months worth money in a second is not ideal. Instead, you’re left with a room full of bunk beds. I’m not just talking 4 bed dorms, but an entire room of bunk beds lined up. It’s a great way to meet people but if you’re unlucky enough to be stuck next to the most annoying person you’ve ever met, you’ll feel like you’ve been forced into some kind of weird agreement. You not only fall asleep inches away but also wake up to the one person’s face you don’t want to see. Leaving you in a foul mood 24/7.
2. Early risers
If early mornings aren’t your thing and the prospect of leaving you bed before noon sends a shiver down your spine. The familiar sound of the iPhone alarm will be your enemy. One after the other from 7:00am onwards they will ring. Not only do you have to cover your ears from the constant buzz, but people getting ready. After a week you will learn to accept defeat when you realise it is impossible to sleep through the noise – at least you get to explore more!
3. Hygiene
No matter where you travel your personal hygiene is bound to come under question. You may think its TMI but that feeling of cold sweat against you back every time you carry your backpack in the scorching heat is something you can’t avoid. Even worse, if you go to a developing country then I have two words for you: squat toilets.
4. Wear the same outfit twice
If you swear by the rule “never wear the same outfit twice” then you’ll be a changed person by the end of your trip. Packing an unnecessarily heavy bag will be your biggest regret. Even worse, never wearing any clothes at the bottom of your bag will leave you with only one choice and ditch your once beloved clothes.
5. “Stomach ache”
No matter how strong your stomach is, it is almost certain you’ll get an upset stomach. You’ll soon learn stomach ache is code for toilet issues. Be sure to pack plenty of Imodium and eat plenty of fruit and veg.
Image Sources
http://i.giphy.com/RkfmDMHf6W8ec.gif
http://i.giphy.com/h9g95Sotpx8VG.gif
http://i.giphy.com/ToMjGpLbcbVhjLqgPMk.gif
http://i.giphy.com/kP456mbrV8CnC.gif
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suHaW8YpOX4/UFynS1qGKeI/AAAAAAAACRQ/gxQHTiDENd…
Edited by Mackenzie Orrock