1. Where are you from?
2. What countries have you seen?
3. How long have you been traveling for?
4. What are you seeing today or tomorrow?
5. What hostel are you staying at?
6. Are you traveling alone? Or together?
7. How did you like it, I will be visit that shortly?
8. Do you know how to get to…? Or how did you get there?
9. Do you know of any great places to eat/drink/party?
10. What place did you most enjoy?

Do you ask these questions and what other questions to you regularly ask when backpacking?

Mt Whitney: Is one of the highest mountains in the States and is located in Eastern Sierra of California. To hike this mountain you need to go between the snowmelts and just before the raining season hits, only because the scenery is extraordinary. July and August are the best time to hit the trails. Also this mountain requires hikers to have permits and getting one during the summer months is very unlikely, so try to make sure you get your permit during the fall or winter months. The only reason for this is because causal hikers would take 2 days to climb the mountain without any camp base or safety net. But for an experienced hiker, the 60km hike would only take a day.

Cinque Terre: One of the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the cliff lines is hiking the trails of Cinque Terre in Italy. It is located in the Ligurian coast in western Italy. Cinque Terre consists of five different villages that are linked together by train, boats or trails. Each town is unique in its own way, but all of them have beautiful beaches. So to hike these trails the best way is to start from one of these villages; Riomaggiore or Monterosso. Each trail between each of the villages is a maximum 4km long. Although, some of the routes can be a little challenging. The trail between the villages of Vernazza to Corniglia is the most difficult and usually takes people 2 hours to complete. Its has the least number of ocean views and the terrain is very uneven in places. But along these trails you will see the most spectacular view of the Ligurian coast, vineyards, stonewalls and see true local farms, and visit each little village. To do this trail is will only take you a whole day. Out of all the hiking I have done, this hike was by far my favorite hike!

Salkantay Trek: This is the trail to avoid the crowds to reach Machu Picchu, Peru. Once I say Machu Picchu, everyone thinks of hiking the Inca trail, not the Salkantay Trek that is one the top 25 best hikes in the world. There is no permit required for this trail and also no limitation. This trek is located in the same region of the Inca Trail, but the scenery is very different, and it includes more amazing views. Its footpath can start from Mollepata that continues through snowcap mountains, lush tropical rain forest and is supposed to be outstanding for its glacier-capped summit. This trail is very ancient and is worshipped by many of the local Indians.This hike would be perfect for those outdoor lovers who want a little more privacy and a better view.

A few other trails to consider would be Mt Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro in Kenya, Zion Narrow in Utah (USA), and Haute Route in france/Switzerland.

Once I heard this I knew I had to look more into this. So I found out that according to a study of one of North America’s airline, all prices are sky -rocketing for the summer months. Not only the five largest US airlines will be increasing their travel surcharges, but also all domestic flights in Europe. Many of the airlines are topping their fares between early June to late August. However, for all you travelers this summer, keep the following in mind. The airlines have a strategy in how to reach deeper in to your wallet. During the early days of the week such as Tuesday and Wednesday the surcharges will be an extra $10, but as for the remaining of the week the surcharges will increase between $20-$40. So if you are traveling with a group, prices can increase between $200- $300 for your ticket. Although, I do have a wonderful tip for all you backpackers who are traveling this summer. If you book your flight in the very early hours of the morning, such as 2am-4am you will see a drop within the prices. Now I know it not the most convenient way to book your flight, but if you do want to save some money try booking your ticket during mid-week and very early in the morning. Many airlines have time slot for about an hour to two that will adjust their prices, since very few individuals will book between those hours of the morning. I say take full advantage of this opportunity since we all know backpackers need to save as much money as possible.

For all those European backpackers this summer, keep in mind what day you fly out during the week because it could easily save you a lot of money or cost you a few.

Vancouver

The Source Hostel is just located 927 Main Street downtown Vancouver and is open 24 hours. This hostel offers room rates such as double room (two beds) for $55, but during the games the price will increase to $155, however there is still availability. The Sources offers, great knowledge in what to see in B.C, and where each of the games are located. Not only will you get great service but there is Internet access and breakfast!

Central Station Hostel is located 1038 Main Street, right downtown Vancouver and during the games, the hostel is offering not only dorm rooms but single rooms too. Yes the price has gone up a little, but it beats paying $500 for average night in a hotel. This Hostel is huge with everything you need in it, to find what you are looking for.

Whistler

The International Hostel is located right in Whistler Village and will be surrounded by all the action during the games. Right now the hostel is offering dorm rooms for about $35 a night and for single rooms about $90. Now if you are a member it is a little cheaper. Not only is this hostel equipped with everything you need, it also offers cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, hiking, and a picture view of the lake just steps away from the hostel. However during the games, many of these activities will be not available only, because you will be watching a few pros do these sports just right in front of the hostel.

Now if you are looking for a hostel in Pemberton, there is a great B&B just minutes away from the games. It is located 1490 Harrow Road and about 20 minutes away from Whistler. As of now a private ensuite is $250, but a private room with two beds is only about $230 for a night. Now this place offers an amazing breakfast!

Southside Lodge is another amazing Hostel to check out in Whistler. It is located right in the village and is only 200 meters away from Whistler Creek Gondola. The facilities in this hostel range from about everything; Internet, breakfast, cable, airport transfers, and of course a tour desk. However, this hostel is quickly filling up, so I would hurry to book a room here. The prices range from $50 to about $300 a night.

Now these are just a few hostels that are still available, but trust me they are going to go fast, so hurry along and book your hostel if you haven’t so far.

Lonely Plant

One of the most well named backpacking guidebooks, which is written from backpackers like us. It’s a classic, fat, and everything you need to know about your destination book. I find that since it comes out every year with an updated version it seems to have the widest range of travel tips for about everything that continues to grow from year to year. Lonely Plant is a great source for beginners who need those extra travel tips about food, attractions, and lodging. It is simple to read and follow, with source of how to extend your ability of creating a crazy adventure for yourself. Plus this book is not overly expensive, $25.

Frommers’s Guide

I find many backpackers who carry around Lonely Plant also have a second book on hand which is the Frommer’s Guide. This book is very similar to Lonely Plant, but with just a touch of “trendy” geared towards it. What I mean is that this book carries a flare of reference to inspire and motivate a backpacker to do exciting, but trendy things. The books uses a lot phrases such as awesome, totally, and amazing. These phrases are pointed towards pictures and diagrams for backpackers to reference. There aren’t as many maps in this guide compared to Lonely Plant, but instead the pictures are used as the main tool. Frommer’s is a little more pricy, $35-40.

Fodor’s Travel Guide

If you need something a little more organized and colorful, well this is the book to choose from. Fodor’s is geared towards backpackers who have a larger budget. It’s a guide that shows the best places to eat, lodge, and do crazy activities. There are little maps in this book, due to almost of the book printed in photos that inspire you to do bunging jumping and other extreme sports. So if you have the extra cash and what to backpack to the extreme, this a great guide for you.

There are many guidebooks, but I feel if you follow them to closely you won’t see crazy, dynamic, and amazing sites that are just sometimes not listed within these books. I find one of the best things to do while backpacking is walk around and get your self-lost within the city. Yet, do keep a map in your hand, but get lost with culture, traditions, and wander off to explore unexpected things. Mind you should be careful, and have an idea where you are but it can be fun and trust me you will see things that not even a guidebook can explain.

As a traveler I seen many tourists carrying their money belts outside and exposing it, or even trying to hide it under a rack of clothing, but no matter what it is still very visible. So there are a few pro and cons towards this method.

Pros:

♦A slim pouch to hide the most important valuables against your belly is perfect for a long bus ride or a plane journey. To ensure no pick pocketing, while on the road. I have seen many times over again individuals snatching bags from under the seats, over top shelves, and even on people’s laps. It can be very common for backpackers to have items stole on trains, while they are asleep.

♦A money belt acts like a wallet, but just a slim one at that. I find if you want to ensure not misplacing it or getting any of your valuables stolen, have a few money belts. Have the most important items on your belly and separate the remaining items in other money belts within your travel gear. This is to ensure if one of these money belts is lost, you have a back up one to keep you going for a while. Plus not everyone knows what a money belt looks like, so they more like to be hidden without anyone realizing what they really are.

Cons:

♦The number one con I find with money belts, they can be very uncomfortable. If you are traveling in a warm climate, they seem to stick to your belly or make your clothes all sweaty.

♦Money belts are designed to be slim, so you can’t put a lot of valuables in them, unless you want to make your money belt obvious. Which is why I would recommend more then one belt.

♦Some local people have no idea what a money belt is, but when it comes to backpackers well its no secret there. So carrying it around in public is not the smartest idea.

♦There are many different types of money belts, but the ones with neck pouches aren’t the safest ways to go about keeping your items safe. They are dangerous due to the string around you neck and they can more uncomfortable due to the pouch sitting on your chest bone.

Generally these money belts aren’t horrible to use, but you just need to know when is a good time to use them and when not to. Since they aren’t 100% secure. I use a little something different as a money belt. Take a look at this and let me know your thoughts? It is called a pocket capsule and it is perfect for cards of any kind and cash for a day trip. Most people have no idea what it is and it looks like a business card holder. I find it perfect for a daytime wallet. You can purchase these at any backpacking gear store and they are pretty cheap.