Resources
Setting off with my backpack and travelling solo in 2013 was a huge learning curve. I was clueless but I was determined not to give up. As new challenges presented themselves I quickly learnt to trust my instincts and now I hope to bring you the benefit of my knowledge from those experiences.
I can talk for hours about the highs and lows of backpacking and why you should stay in a hostel, so click on the links below to read more about specific accommodation, my experiences or travel suggestions or travel gear that you should pack.
There are links to my favourite pieces of kit and links to the good and the bad of hostel life. If you want to order something via my site I might occasionally receive a small commission but you can be sure that I will only recommend something that I am convinced will work and usually that I use myself.
I am very happy to answer any questions that you might have about anywhere that I have been or any equipment that I used although the world is constantly changing and the best thing is to get out there and to find out for yourself.
Hostels
Hostels range from the cheap and cheerful to a more luxurious ‘glamping’ experience with accommodation in yurts or tents. Some hostels are downright dirty but most are bright and airy with cool artwork which is often painted by travellers as they pass through.
You can choose between party hostels where the action and interaction is non-stop or more tranquil places where lazing around quietly in hammocks is the norm.
Some include breakfast in the price and most have well equipped kitchens so that you can cater for yourself. Others come complete with cafes or restaurants attached and nearly all have a bar or at least a fridge stocked with beer and soft drinks for guests’ use.
Whilst dormitories with bunk beds are the cheapest nightly option, more and more hostels are catering for couples or singles who want a bit of privacy in a private room. Many establishments offer at least one female only dormitory and many dorms now have en suite bathrooms.
Hotels
Hotels offer a different experience to hostels, but like hostels they come in all shapes sizes and price ranges. There are the large international chains and the small, friendly, family run establishments. They usually have a dining room and rooms are more often or not en suite.
Even if you are travelling on a budget don’t dismiss hotels because they often have competitive rates; especially if you ‘re sharing a room with a friend. They can offer an oasis of calm if you fall ill on your travels and you simply can’t face sharing a bathroom with other guests or if you need to rest uninterrupted in bed all day.
Whilst you obviously don’t have to interact with other travellers in hostels if you don’t want to, the pressure comes right off you in a hotel. You can dine alone, sit in the lounge with your computer or book or retire to your bedroom (usually containing a television) and lock the world out.
Travel Gear
If nothing else, travelling with a backpack has taught me to pare down my equipment and my possessions to the minimum.
There are some things that I can’t do without, some are luxuries that I talk myself into needing and other things are quickly discarded along the way as they become redundant and I find they never see the light of day.
First and foremost you need a bag. This can make or break you. You then need some form of security system and the tools of your trade if you are working on the road.
Clothing and footwear suitable for the weather and the location and toiletries and medicines also need to be considered.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and/or references to our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on or make a purchase using these links.
Scarlet Jones Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Click on the links below for recommended products and services. I use or have used the majority of these myself.
AMAZON
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You can buy almost anything from Amazon. Simply click on the image of the backpack and access the site. Whilst you might not need a backpack right now, you can navigate from there to any page on the Amazon site. Any purchases made will earn me a small commission and enable me to continue bringing you the stories that you love.
LONELY PLANET FOR ALL OF YOUR GUIDE BOOKS. I am a sucker for guide books, even buying books for places that I will possibly never visit/ When I travel I usually purchase and download an ebook. Not quite so convenient as a paper copy but it’s all about the weight when you backpack and they are great for travel planning.
SKYSCANNER FOR YOUR FLIGHTS. I adore Skyscanner. Their search function is better than the television and can keep my occupied for hours on end. Book your flight via this link and I will earn a tiny little bit of commission
Transparency statement: Sometimes I am lucky enough to receive free accommodation or a discounted travel experience, but I will always make it quite clear when I do so. I can promise you that I will never agree to write a positive report in exchange for an incentive. All opinions are my own and are unbiased.