Cheap Train Travel

Joseph Then asked:


One of the rights of passage for many young people is to save some money and go traveling. It is easy to pack up some belongings into a backpack and go traveling with friends. Whether it’s touring around the world or focusing on a country or a continent, it’s easy to have fun.

There is a lot to be said for exploring the world and becoming immersed in different cultures and practices. This means that as well as having a break from their working and studying life, they can learn about other cultures and their lifestyle. The very nature of backpack travel means it should be as simplistic as possible to travel. It is simple but people have to be aware of basic backpacking tips to make the best of a trip.

Every traveler is different and they need different tips and advice. How long you stay and where you are going makes a difference. There cant be just one guide for every backpacker but there are some constant rules. Some of the key essentials for any traveler should contain the following:

- Keep a note of where you will be staying in a secure place

- Always ensure your passport is stored safely

- Be aware that not everyone who offers advice will be genuinely friendly

- Make yourself aware of local customs before you go

- Try and learn the basics of a foreign language if you are going abroad

- Have fun, obviously!

One consistent element of backpacking involves a lot of traveling. Whether it is by foot, bus, train, air or sea, there is a strong need to remain comfortable throughout your travels.

Any experienced backpacker will tell you that a sturdy and comfortable pair of footwear is vital. For any amount of walking, the need for a pair of shoes that provides a sturdy grip on the road and proves security and comfort. These should be bought before traveling and broken in before the trip. This is definitely on the major backpacking tips that would be offered by an experienced traveler.

Backpacking is a trip predominantly undertaken by the young and perhaps inexperienced traveler. This means there is a massive need for information to be passed to potential travelers.

A collection of backpacking tips would be a great addition to any person who is looking to travel around. They should be used before and during the trip to ensure they have a great time.

Lizzie Scott asked:


Backpacking is one of the best ways to see the world, in the shortest amount of time and least amount of money. Backpacking is one of the best ways to travel light. Backpacking also allows for cheap travels.

Learning how to pack as lightly as possible is an important backpacking skill. The first thing you need is a lightweight and well-built backpack. A quality backpack should have heavy zippers, pockets and flaps that close easily and stay closed, and lots of easy accessible compartments. Buying a backpack with a lock can be important as well. This is extremely important if you are at a crowded train or staying at a hotel or hostel.

Backpackers and other budget travelers can also opt for a backpack with wheels. If you are carrying a mini-closet all the time, these wheels will be so much easier on your shoulders and you can wheel the backpack from place to place with ease. But in the event you need to carry these rolling backpack, it may be heavier. So decide which one is better for your travel preference and style.

A good approach to packing is to include a few quality and versatile items of clothing and combine them in new ways for variety. Packing a few accessories, such as scarves, ties and jewelry take up little room in the backpack, and they provide new ways to wear the same clothes. If you are not too bothered about these, then leave them out totally. After all, a little weight can amount to a lot when you have been backpacking for a few days.

As for toiletries, only include travel size for your cheap travels. Shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, toothpaste and even toothbrushes - be sure to gather these travel size items for your cheap travels.

It is also important to get a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. Shoes take up a lot of space in your backpack, so stick with one pair of good shoes. One good rule of thumb when packing your backpack is to include items that are not easily or cheaply purchased at your travel destination, and leave items you can easily purchase at your travel destination.

One important travel consideration for those who wear glasses is to pack an extra pair of glasses. Investing in a hard sided case and packing it in your backpack could potentially save you a lot of money and trouble if you lose or break your glasses.

Here are some other travel tips for the first-time backpacker on a cheap travel.

• Invest in a good quality hiking map or guide. Pay attention to the notes and precautions. When estimating the time it will take to hike to your travel destination, always overestimate.

• Research the weather patterns and always be prepared for the worst weather. Always pack some sort of rain gear.

• Dress appropriately, in layered clothing, no matter what time of year. Be sure to pack clothing that will allow you to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature or weather. It is best to wear breathable materials, such as polypropylene or wool to allow perspiration and moisture to be wicked away quickly.

• Determine how much weight you can comfortably carry, and pack appropriately. Many first time backpackers try to take too much gear, and end up unable to carry during the trip. The weight of the backpack should be no more than one quarter of your weight, and it is best to take only what you need.

• Always pack a first aid kit and be prepared with some basic first aid training. Carry a GPS system or satellite phone if you will be traveling far into the back country, and leave a schedule with the local trail ranger and with friends at home.

Philly Iggles asked:


I’m going to Glacier in a few days, but its my first big backpacking trip. I want to travel light, but at the same time I want to have enough clothes so if some get wet I’ll be ok.

I figure that on the train ride there and back (2 days a peice), I really only need 1 change of clothes for there and back. That leaves 6 days of hiking. How many changes of clothes should I bring? Obviously I’ll be changing some things more than others (ie. socks and underwear) but how often is it smart to rewear clothes?

Rex D asked:


Shopping for some type of light carryal to take along on the commuter train.

christopher f asked:


The trains in Europe made it extreamly easy to get around. Is China’s train system as efficient? I am looking to start in Beijing and explore for two weeks. I want to visit small towns that are “off the beaten path”.

latina daydreamer asked:


shes 2 and gets walked everyday with a backpack to release extra energy she has gone to basic training and is a great dog except those annoying little habits. Im at my wits end and my husband is threatning to get rid of her. I could use any kind of advice. Ive tried puttin **** in the holes, and then she also chews on anything left out I put a pool for the kids she chewed on that too. She has toys and I spend lots of time with her. She also has my other dog for companionship. I was told it could be boredom. How? I dont know. I take her to the park to practice agility training its becoming more than a full time job on her and she still gets in to trouble HELP!!!!! I love my dog and am more than willing to work with her I just dont know what else to do. Ive had her for a year and she has come along way from the nervous shy dog I first found at the shelter. Could it be Im not the right owner for her? She is a I think a australian shep\ corgie mix and who knows what else. But I love her!

Peter Siljerud asked:


 

Travel by bus can be one of the most economical and convenient ways to travel. If you are lucky you can see some beautiful scenery and meet interesting people. Following the below tips will help you have a nice bus trip:

1. A good way to save a night accommodations is to take a long distance train or bus during the night. Use earplugs and eye shades if you plan on getting any sleep.

2. Wait for a cute guy/girl to show up to check in at the airport or to buy the bus ticket and the stand in line behind that person. If you are lucky you will get the seat next to them But realistically we will gladly settle for someone who does not smell, has their body fat pouring into our seat or drools while sleeping…

3. Find out which side of the bus the sun will be and try to get a seat on the opposite side. The worst seats are:

* In the front:

- you can see how terrible the driving is

- the driver may be allowed to smoke even on a non smoking bus

- the seats may have less leg room

* Next to the toilets (usually in the back)

* The last row (may not recline fully)

4. Even though the bus company may claim that there is air conditioning and heating these often turn out to be broken in some countries, prepare for the worst.

5. Bring along a sweater even if it is warm outside, the air con can make things very cold.

6. When traveling by bus you enter cities which sometimes do not have a clear city sign. If you want to know where you are you can try to find out by looking at the bottom of the signs for various shops, they sometimes have the city name written there.

naadiya.whatever asked:


i am making a super budget trip to venice from rome..i’m looking for backpacker hostels or budget lodgings near to the train station because i am leaving for bologna next via train..suggestions?

and.. camping village alba d’oro, is it near to the train station..because currently it is the cheapest lodging i managed to find..
im gooing to venice on the 23rd may 2008 and leaving for bologna on the 25th.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Many people have pets today whether it is cats, fish, birds, iguanas or even dogs. Yet, none of these animals except man’s best friend can go along with the family on outdoor vacations and enjoy the fun the family does.

There are many things and places to go with your dog to camp, hike or just experience the great outdoors with other happening events. Many of these folks like to bring their dogs with them to have them carry some of the gear, which does indeed relieve the stress on their own backs. So if “Fido” happens to be a big dog and you are bringing him along on the next outing, look into buying him or her their own dog backpacks.

For as long dogs have been domesticated, they have been taveling companions to their owners. These dogs can carry a load that may seem too heavy to its owner by wearing a backpack. Dogs will also help in with the mundane things such as help bring groceries home. Other people may take their dog to a trip of some kind, especially camping or hiking. This is when its backpack comes in handy because it can carry items such as extra food and water for the four legged member, among many other things an owner would like to take.

For a dog who is relatively healthy, he or she can carry about a quarter of their body weight in gear on his or her back. This means for a large dog, it is possible they can carry 20 or so pounds.

People need to remember these are dogs and not all will take to the backpack in the beginning. It may take some training before they are okay with it in the long run

Training the Dog to Wear the Pack

How can you get a dog used to wearing a dog backpack? First, have them lie on their back so they are accustomed to the weight on it. Second, let them wear an empty backpack. This allows them to get used to the straps around their body. This may take some time but once they are used to it, put two bottles of water in the pack so the dog can feel what it is like to carry something in the backpack on the back.

It is vital that the dog gets fitted for the backpack. Like humans, dogs can become uncomfortable and maybe even injured if the pack is not correctly fitted. The same rules apply to most dog packs.

- Be sure straps are secure and comfortable; they need to be loose enough for one finger to slip through the band and the dog’s body.

- Test backpack when dog is sitting, standing and lying down; the straps can change fit in these different positions.

There are some backpacks that have straps, which will go behind the dog’s elbows. However, this is a very susceptible area and not recommended. It is possible to find a backpack that will fit a dog without the straps.

meike_mo asked:


My daughter had to leave her hand luggage in front of a United Airlines flight because the plane was completely overbooked. Although she told the guy, that she had electronic devices in her backpack, he did not advise her to take it out - only afterwards we found out, that no insurance pays for damage under these circumstances. Besides some damage on her laptop, her ZEN MP3 player is pretty much destroyed (although stored in its padded case) - the display is broken, it does not play. As she does not only have “regular” paid music on it, but also instrumental music and accompanying music for her voice training, recorded training lessons and other irreplaceable stuff, we would like to find out, how the chances are, that the contents can be downloaded or rescued to another medium? Does anybody know, who does that - and how much it costs?
Thanks a lot!