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Backpacking Games That Weigh Nothing

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:18:55 +0000

Some of the smaller electronic video games make good backpacking games, but you have to carry extra batteries. Some board games have light enough versions, like the cloth chess board and light plastic pieces that I occasionally carry with me, but then I need a flat surface to set it up on. In any case, being an utralight backpacker, I prefer the games that don’t add a single ounce to the pack. here are some examples.

Games Using Natural Items

There are a lot of games that can be set up quickly using natural elements available in the wilderness. Perhaps the simplest is the game Tic-Tac-Toe. Scratch two lines in the sand and two crossing those and you have your board. Each player can use a stick to make his marks. In sand the marks are easily erased in preparation for the next round.

If there is a large enough flat area with dirt or sand that can be smoothed out, there is another games that can be played with sticks for pencils. Make a grid of lines roughly ten by ten, and then in the boxes created write the first letter of your name. Your opponent will then do the same, with the object being to get five of your initials in row.

Not all backpacking games need to be mental games. You can have a lot of fun with simple tests of coordination and throwing ability, for example. Just create a circle or square two feet across, and toss pine cones at it to see who can get the first one to stay inside the target, or who can get the most out of twenty to stay in it. If there are no pine cones, use rocks or pieces of wood or sea shells.

In the winter you can of course have snowball fights. But if you prefer not to get wet and cold, you might have a competition that involves hitting a tree or other target. Competitive building of snow shelters can be fun as well, and it will help you train for survival, just in case.

Games That Require No Materials

Some of the best backpacking games don’t require you to either carry pieces or gather natural materials. These are the purely mental games that will balance the physical exercise with some mental training. For example, there is the game where you say a word and then your opponent has to say one that starts with the second letter of the one you used. You then have to do the same, and so on, until one of you cannot find a word within fifteen seconds or so, and so loses.

There is a good mental exercise that will also train you in the right frame of mind to deal with wilderness emergencies. Start by choosing any item in the wilderness around you. Then find survival uses for it in your minds. For example, if it is a log, see how many ways you can each think of to use it in a survival situation. You can play this as a competition or a collaborative effort.

Other games that can boost your wilderness skills include ones like guessing how long it will take you to get to some distant landmark. You might also try to identify as many plants as you can while you are hiking, and recall which are edible or useful. Nothing to carry, nothing to gather, and they can be played anywhere – these may be the best backpacking games for those who like to keep it light.

Breakfast Backpacking Recipes

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:59:56 +0000

Most backpacking recipes focus on lunches and dinners. But a good breakfast is a great way to start a day of hiking. Here are a few ideas for keeping it simple and easy.

Cereal

If you are used to eating cereal with milk, you might think you have to skip this when backpacking. Fortunately there are at least two good ways to still have your morning bowl of cereal. The first is to simply bring powdered milk. Add a little to the cereal and pour a half cup of water into the mix.

Some of us don’t like the taste of powdered milk much. The alternative for us is to just add water. This may sound too plain, but there are some ingredients you can add that will make you hardly notice the missing milk. One is shredded coconut. In fact, if you let the coconut flakes soak for a few minutes before you add the cereal, the water will have more flavor and a better consistency. Coconut goes especially well with granola cereals, but works with almost any of them.

Adding dried fruit makes the lack of milk less noticeable as well. Raisins or dried strawberries can be used. It may help to soak the fruit for a few minutes before adding the cereal.

A fourth option is to use freeze-dried ice cream. Having just recently tried this for the first time, I was surprised by how tasty it is. It’s great by itself, but you can also soak it in water and mash it up until it liquefies to use it with cereal. You’ll have to experiment at home to see which cereals go best with the ice cream flavor.

Cold Weather Backpacking Recipes

If you are backpacking in cold weather you may need recipes for hot foods. You can still keep breakfast relatively simple though. Instead of foods that need longer cook times, bring simple cereals that can be eaten as hot mush. All you need to do then is get the water near boiling and pour it into the bowl of cereal. Add raisins or other dried fruits for a healthier start to the day.

Not having to actually boil the food or cook it for a long time, will save you stove fuel and therefore pack weight. But what if you are out in the cold and like myself you still prefer not to bring a stove at all? In that case you will want some fatty foods to start the morning. Fats create heat as they digest, warming you up from the inside.

I have no fancy backpacking recipes for this purpose, and there is no need for them. easy and fast is my own preference. A piece of bread covered in butter will do the trick. Bring cinnamon raisin bread if you have a sweet tooth. In cold weather you can also bring bagels and cream cheese. And if you really aren’t picky about what you eat in the morning, plain corn chips have a lot of oil to warm you up.

Backpacking Around The World: What You Don’t Need To Take

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:22:06 +0000

Where backpacking is concerned: less is definitely more!

Picture the scene: you’ve just stepped off a ten hour bus ride that you were assured would take 3 hours. You’re hot, you have dust in your eyes, your bottled water is down to the last warm plastic-flavoured drips and you’re craving some food that doesn’t look like a skewered insect. Behold! You spot a hostel gleaming at the end of the lane so you adorn your trusted backpack and head towards that paradise of beds, cool beer and delicious curry. You have 2 choices:

Option A

Your backpack contains at least one of the following: the plug for the plug-less bath in the land of showers, a fleece just in case Asia’s climate takes a historical plummet, a thick jumper based on the same reasoning, a pair of hard core trekking shoes when you’ve been prancing over mountains in your 1 dollar flip flops, a 2.5 kg iron chain and lock (waterproof variety) to protect your backpack in all eventualities. You get the picture. You struggle a few steps but the shouts of the tuk tuk touts prove too tempting for the lift to the hostel, even if you know it’s at the ‘special’ touristica price.

or

Option B

You carry a simple roll of toilet paper for those doubtless bouts of traveller-tummy, a guide book for some handy advice, spare undies, toothbush and paste, a scarf-it’s multi-purpose, shampoo, cash and passport. The essentials. And you’re away…at the hostel in no time, a cool shower, a clean bed and a cool beer in your hand. You know it makes sense!

Backpacking Tips: Why every female traveller should pack a scarf

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:03:36 +0000

Here are 7 reasons why a scarf should be on every female travellers head…….or waist or ankle or shoulders……..

A scarf keeps you cool. When the sun is baking and there’s no shade anywhere, a scarf over your head or shoulders protects you from the dazzling rays.

A scarf keeps you warm (this may sound like a contradiction to the previous point but scarves are multi-purpose!). If the heat gets too much you’ll probably dive into the first air-conditioned café in sight and with your loose cool clothing it may start to get a little chilly. Wrap your scarf around you and stay snug.

If you visit a Wat (Buddhist place of worship) they may require your legs to be covered; Aha: That handy scarf becomes a stylish sarong.

Mosques and Muslim areas of town will require women to cover their heads and shoulders. A light piece of fabric can easily transform into your headscarf.

Make like the local ladies and use your scarf as a bag. You’ll see food, animals and even babies transported in these versatile garments.

You’ve just boarded a speedboat to an idyllic island and now your hair is blowing haywire in the breeze. Place the scarf tightly over your head, twist the ends together and you’ve got a bandana.

You’re on an overnight bus/ boat/ train/ plane and the lights are dazzling; a knot at the back and that scarf is now your eye mask.

So there you have it, 7 reasons why a scarf could well become one of your most treasured items in your backpack.

Backpacking is Hiking and Camping Combined

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:44:30 +0000

Backpacking is the happy marriage of camping and hiking. It involves hiking and camping because you are walking a trip that will span more than one day. Everything you need for the trip is carried in your pack. The supplies typically include the necessary water, food and shelter. A trip of this nature can offer participants a way to see pieces of nature they would not be able to see any other way. Many of the sights are simply not accessible via anything but by foot. Most try to respect nature as much as they enjoy it. Keeping to trails, not littering and taking nothing but photographs are all part of a certain code of the wilderness.

Backpacking does involve more equipment than a simple day long hike would. Packs must contain enough water, food and shelter to last the duration of the trip and then some. The trick is to have everything necessary in as light a pack as possible. Lighter packs are simply easier and safer to carry than heavier ones. It is a constant balancing act between weight and utility. Water is an item that is absolutely necessary. A water supply for a long trip can be incredibly heavy to carry. For long trips, backpackers may depend on getting water from a lake or spring. This plan should also include some kind of water purification method such as boiling or chemical purification tablets.

Food for a backpacking trip can take a variety of forms. Some pack food items. Some catch and prepare fish. If food is packed and brought along, it should have high energy content and be non perishable and light in weight. Energy bars and trail mix are common choices. There are also foods designed specifically for this activity. Those who choose to catch and prepare the food need to plan ahead to bring the supplies necessary to cook the meal. Small stoves and other cooking utensils have been designed to be portable, light and easy to transport on an outdoor adventure.

When embarking on a backpacking trip, it is important to rely on common sense. Planning should go into where to go, how to get there and what to bring along. The weather forecast should be consulted and clothing should be planned accordingly. Perhaps, most importantly, backpackers should listen to their sense of intuition while on a trip. If a compelling reason presents itself, no one should be reluctant to turn back even before the ultimate destination is reached.

Copyright: Byron Tabor. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Backpacking around Vietnam

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:25:26 +0000

The coastal road that runs all the way from Ho Chi Minh City in the far south of Vietnam right to Hanoi, the northern capital, is quite flat and ideal for mountain biking. No wonder then that so many groups of young explorers set off on mountain bikes for extended journeys across the length of Vietnam.Places to stay along the way include the historical town of Hue with its famous cooking schools, and Hoi An, a world heritage listed place that sparkles of an evening under the glow of an infinite number of lanterns. The limestone cliffs of Halong Bay are off shore and therefore off limits to cyclists. The streets of Hanoi however are a cyclist’s dream with their slow moving traffic and interesting lakes. Once in the national capital a number of very low budget accommodations can be found, for less than US$5 per night, per person. They are not all hardcore backpacker hostels, either.Hotel guest rooms in Vietnam are very cheap so there often isn’t a strong need to take out dormitory style accommodation just to save money. On the contrary, a single or double room in an atmospheric and clean hotel will probably cost no more than one or two dollars more than a bed in a dormitory holding ten or more people. During the wet season prices drop even further and great discounts can be arranged with simple negotiation and at all times of the year payments for food and lodgings can be made in the dong, which is the local currency, or the American dollar. Small denomination American dollar notes will go a long way in Vietnam and they are very handy for tipping.How much does Vietnam cost per day? Lying on the beach costs nothing and there are plenty of people who are happy to stay at a heritage site like Hoi An and cycle each morning to the nearby beach, where elephants sometime swim in the water. Lunch can be had on the beach for no more than a dollar or two. Of an evening, a bowl of pho and some beers will cost no more than five dollars in total.Accommodation in a bungalow in a town like Hoi An can be found for around US$5 but for around double that amount some very fine accommodations can be found in an air conditioned hotel with television and fridge. Most backpackers though would not be passing through Vietnam looking for those kinds of comforts. It’s enough for most visitors to secure something cheap and comfortable.A lot of backpackers choose Vietnam as their most preferred Southeast Asian destination. They recommend it for its lack of crowds and persistently low prices. Even though a boom in tourism started in the 1990s the hectic scenes of Thailand have never eventuated in Vietnam. Vietnam has a similar vibe to Laos, but is a bit larger and offers a bit more diversity of experiences.The beaches are superb, and some of the landscapes are quite amazing. Few people venture further north out of Hanoi but those who do discover the delights of the Sapa region and its fascinating hill tribe peoples. In general, all parts of Vietnam are full of friendly and outgoing people but the northern regions are particularly laid back and welcoming. Motorcycle tours are another popular backpacker choice. Rental are available in Ho Chi Minh City and people tend to head north quite quickly rather than exploring the Mekong Delta, which is south of the city formerly known as Saigon. Conditions are ideal for motorcycle touring with sealed roads and plenty of roadside assistance in the form of well-trained mechanics for the length of most journeys.Chinese New Year for Vietnam travel is a very busy period in Vietnam and really marks the height of the backpacker year here. Prices can be a little more at this time but there are still more than enough beds and rooms to go around. Some backpackers prefer to come to Vietnam towards the middle of the year but this may conflict with the wild weather of the wet season.Budget flights into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are readily available and most of the regional carriers offer special prices throughout the year. Bangkok Airways is one of the many airlines that fly between the two capitals and this is a good option for travellers who are short on time as well as cash.

Experience the Best from a Backpacking Holiday

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:06:21 +0000

There’s something about the idea of backpacking that screams adventure. Setting out into the world with nothing but a rucksack on your back and the cash in your wallet is a notion that appeals to many people – and puts off just as many others.

While the thought of travelling around a country or continent fending for yourself, struggling to put food on your plate and hoping there’ll always be somewhere you’ll be able to spend the night is exciting and adventurous for some, it’s scary for others – but it shouldn’t be.

Backpacking is one of those adventures that people who experience them never forget or regret – or, even if they do end up regretting a little, the lessons learned during the experience stay with them for a lifetime.

One of the greatest things about backpacking is the chance to see a great amount without spending too much money. Of course, you’ll need to have a stockpile of savings before you go as it’s impossible to get by with no cash at all, but you’ll also learn how to be resourceful and make a little cash stretch a long way.

You’ll also discover just how capable you are of forming friendships with complete strangers, friendships that can be used for your mutual benefits, for example by taking rides with each other to new places so you can split the cost, sharing hostel rooms and myriad other cost-effective activities where the presence of a group allows for a larger discount.

If you’ve ever wanted to see India, Asia, Europe, Australia, America or even the UK in an extended burst of travelling, backpacking is the ideal way to do it. You can set your own rules and decide just how much time to spend in each location before moving on and, best of all, you have the complete and total freedom to move on as and when you feel like it.

Bored of Italy? Catch the train north to France. And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, Germany is right next door. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to split travel fares or discover various deals and discounts that will help you save all along the way.

Backpacking is an amazing adventure, but not something to be flippant about. You’ll still need to do things like get a travel insurance quote just as you would for a normal holiday and stay vigilant whilst away in order to protect your belongings.

But if you do, you can be sure that your chances of enjoying a happy and exciting holiday are higher, and the experiences you gain will be unforgettable.

Vegetarian Ultralight Backpacking Recipes

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:47:27 +0000

Ultralight backpacking recipes ideally don’t involve cooking, because if you really want to go light, you won’t be bringing a stove. The simple recipes that follow, then, are healthy, light, and simple to make without any need to cook. They are also vegetarian (but not vegan).

Hummus and Tortilla Chips

The combination of hummus and whole-corn tortilla chips is not only delicious, but it gives you a fair amount of protein. Mixing beans with whole grains has been known for years as one of the easiest ways for vegetarians to get relatively high-quality protein. What makes this simple recipe especially practical, is there are now several brands of powdered hummus mix. You just add water to some, or water and olive oil. The latter can be carried in a small plastic bottle.

Wilderness Salad

The more adventurous hikers who are willing to get educated will like this one. First, it requires that you learn about some of the basic wild edible plants that can be used in a salad. For example, on many hikes you will walk past dandelions which have edible leaves, wild roses that have edible flower petals, and various plants in the mustard family that have edible seed pods and leaves. Collecting as you hike, you can quickly gather enough for a salad with lunch.

Before you leave for your trip, get a couple packets of a decent salad dressing to bring with you. If you can’t find a place to purchase these, order a salad at a fast food restaurant and ask for an extra packet or two of dressing. Alternately, you can carry a small amount of olive oil in a plastic bottle, and bring a lime. The juice from a third of a lime mixed with a tablespoon or two of olive oil makes a great dressing. The unused part of the lime can usually be kept in a plastic bag for a couple days without refrigeration.

To really dress up the salad, add some sunflower seeds. You might also bring some croutons. Both of these are high in calories for their weight, making them ideal ultralight backpacking foods. Parmesan cheese can also be carried without refrigeration for a few days, and will make the salad even tastier while adding a bit of protein as well.

Peanut Butter and Berries

One of the more delicious sandwiches I have had consisted of peanut butter and wild blueberries. If you use whole-grain bread you are getting a good dose of protein. Other berries you could use include blackberries, June berries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and at least a dozen others if you are willing to take the time to learn about wild edible berries. One of the worst things about the typical backpacking diet is the lack of fresh plant foods, so berries – as well as the wild salad outlined above – are a healthy addition.

Bread is harder to carry than many foods, of course, since it tends to get flattened in the pack. Pita bread might hold up better. You can also just put the peanut butter on whole wheat crackers and then top them with several berries each.

These should get you started, and you can come up with your own vegetarian ultralight backpacking recipes fairly easily once you get past the idea that food has to be cooked. Notice too, that with the exception of adding parmesan cheese to the salad – if you wish – everything mentioned here is not only vegetarian, but vegan.

Backpacking Basics

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:09:58 +0000

The best places to backpack are usually the places where safety is not a big issue, getting around is cheap and easy, and accommodations are affordable. Europe is the obvious choice for many college students and for those taking a gap year, but Asia and other parts of the world also have many great cities to backpack.

There is plenty to do in Ireland, with its many social and historical spots. Getting to Ireland is easy and affordable. Traveling within Ireland is also easy, and you can travel to other European Union member countries in a small amount of time, England and the Scandinavian countries. Dublin is a relatively small city, and it has hostels priced reasonably and extensive transportation systems.

If you are traveling from Europe, a short RyanAir flight will take you to Dublin Airport quickly and generally for under about 50 Euros. If you’re even closer to Ireland, for example in a Scandinavian country, you can consider taking a ferry boat to Ireland. Hostel prices vary, anywhere from about 7 or 8 Euros per night outside of the major cities to 10 Euros a night in Dublin.

Located in the Czech Republic, Prague has reached the top of backpacking lists because of its cheaper prices relative to the rest of Europe, as well as its prime location in Eastern Europe. There is a lot of history and culture to experience in Prague as well. The city has a historical district that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because there is rich history and architecture to discover there. Prague also boasts being the home of the largest ancient castle in the world that is worth seeing. It is close to Munich, Budapest, and other places, which makes it a convenient city to add to any European travel itinerary.

On the other side of the world in Asia, Thailand is a popular destination for backpackers because it has an extensive expat community. Though it is rather expensive to travel to Thailand from Europe or the United States especially, prices within the country are cheap. The European and American currencies are strong against the Thai Baht, making food and accommodations cheap for those converting from either of those currencies.

Thailand also has low crime rates and cheap accommodations located in popular parts of its cities. There are affordable hostels in downtown Bangkok, for example, which provide good access to the city’s nightlife and tourist attractions. Most hostels are well-equipped and have many useful services, such as wi-fi internet access. In addition to Bangkok, there is an extensive list of cities worth visiting such as: Pai, Sang Khom, and Pattaya Beach.

The Philippines is also another great spot for backpackers. There are over 4,000 islands, but The Philippine islands are often overlooked leaving many places almost untouched. While most people will need to obtain a visa be traveling here, European, US, Australian, and New Zealand citizens only need a visa if they plan on staying in the Philippines for over 3 weeks.

Backpacking and Fruit Picking Coffs Harbour

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:31:42 +0000

Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, is located 500 kilometres north of Sydney and 400kms south of Brisbane. The region boasts a contrasting landscapes, from fruit and banana plantations in the hills to 3 main beaches close to the CBD of Coffs Harbour. The natural beauty of the region makes for a great backpacking destination with many activities such as surfing, golfing and fishing. 40 km North of Coffs Harbour at Corindi lies one of the largest Blueberry plantations in the Southern Hemisphere, and employs alot of seasonal workers. Coffs Harbour has a regional airport. Airlines operate regular flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle. The drive from Sydney to Coffs Harbour is 6hours, Brisbane to Coffs Harbour is a 5hr drive. Countrylink runs two rail services daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour. Most bus companies have regular services to Coffs Harbour.

Fruit Crops

Fruit Picking Accommodation:

Aussitel Coffs Harbour Backpackers

312 Harbour Drive,

Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450

Ph: (02) 6651 1871 or 1800 330 335

Aussitel is undoubtedly the best that Coffs has to offer in backpacking. Aussitel is owned and managed by Mark and Teresa, with excellent staff to help you have a great time. It is a friendly, open place that many people have been happy to call home! It is busy, active and vibrant with exceptionally high standards of professional service. We keep up to date with all the latest developments and ensure we can offer you the best quality activities and prices available. Location, location, location. They are perfectly located in the lively jetty area opposite the natural bushland of Coffs Creek, close to beaches, pubs, restaurants, cafes, supermarket, specialty shops and international marina. Clean, comfortable, secure, large open plan kitchen and living area (great comfy couch) and very friendly atmosphere Spacious accommodation single, share or double

Fruit Picking Coffs Harbour Work they sometimes offer work for accommodation and several full time jobs here at the hostel. They can also organize fruit picking work for you , you can work just for a week or up to 3 months its your choice.

For more information about Fruit Picking and Backpacking goto: www.backpacking-aus.com/fruit-picking-coffs.html