| The decision to take a backpacking trip overseas | | | | can happen and nobody there is going to realize |
| is a big one, and you are in for an amazing | | | | you may be in trouble. |
| adventure. Backpacking in Europe or other foreign | | | | -Bring medical information with you. If you have |
| lands, with their ancient pasts, often brings | | | | any allergies or special conditions or needs, make |
| surprises and breathtaking experiences. If you are | | | | sure they are documented and carry them where |
| fairly new to traveling overseas then there are | | | | they can be found, like in a wallet or on a |
| some things you should be aware of so you can | | | | bracelet. |
| have a flawless trip. The following list outlines | | | | -Have a back up plan. You can not always go |
| some of the best advice for traveling abroad. | | | | back home easily if your plans are detoured by |
| -Know applicable local and national laws. Make sure | | | | weather or some other unexpected event. Be |
| you understand the local laws and customs. This is | | | | sure you have an alternative plan in place so your |
| important because the last thing you want is | | | | trip is not ruined. Watch the seasons, and plan for |
| trouble. There are places you can and cannot go. | | | | a season that has a better chance of having |
| If there is any question, check with local | | | | decent weather. Overseas backpacking in a |
| authorities. Many area require a permit. | | | | hurricane would be no fun! |
| -Have your papers in order. Make sure you have | | | | Even though you are going on a backpacking trip |
| everything you need to travel overseas and get | | | | you still need to understand the basics behind safe |
| into the destination country. You should check | | | | travel abroad. You should try to leave valuables at |
| with both countries to ensure all of your | | | | home. You should hire a local tour guide and |
| paperwork is in order. Note that Americans need | | | | always travel in a group or with at least one |
| passports for Canada and Mexico visits now. | | | | other person. It is also important that you stick to |
| -Make sure your map is up to date. You should | | | | public areas. Do not try to venture to unknown |
| check to make sure the map you are taking is | | | | areas. You never know what types of problems |
| current. You do not want to plan a backpacking | | | | you could run into. Travel smart and your trip will |
| trip in an area that has recently been changed | | | | most likely be one of the most amazing |
| from wilderness to a shopping center. | | | | experiences you will ever have. |
| -Keep your family in the loop. Just as you would | | | | Taking a few precautions can ensure that your |
| when backpacking at home, you need to fill in | | | | overseas backpacking trip will be one of the most |
| your family on all your plans. This is even more | | | | fun and exciting experiences you ever have! |
| important when traveling. You never know what | | | | |