On the road again..

Road trip/ backpacking/ hostel/ hitch hiking advice?

1. Plan very, VERY well.
- Do your homework, know what your budget is and plan on the places you're going to go, where you plan on bunking, and for how long.
- Do very detailed checks on hostels and backpackers places you can go to online. If you can, read up on reviews and only stay at highly rated places. Remember, your safety and the safety of your belongings comes first, so don't try to skimp on the budget for accommodation.
- Have friends and relatives recommend you places if they've been there.
- Read up as much as you can from travel books, take note of people/animals/places that you need to avoid or be aware of.
- By the end of the planning, you will have a full itinerary of your travels - a breakdown day-to-day of where you're going, where you're staying, how much you can spend, and how long you're doing each activity. This way, you wont spend on unnecessary activities/items and wonder where all your money went to. Make your trip "waterproof" - tightly planned.

2. DO NOT HITCH HIKE. It's a big risk on your safety. I would plan all my travels and make sure there are bus routes to places that I want to go to, or I would stay near the city centre so I can walk to anywhere I want.

3. Always let someone else know your whereabouts. It can be the hotel receptionist, a regular text to your parents/friends, or your friend who is traveling with you. If you're traveling alone (which I don't really recommend), leave notes in your hotel room. If by chance someone thinks that you're missing, they can know your last whereabouts.

4. Be very organized. Never leave important documents and money in your room while you go out, always have them on you at all times. Or if your hotel rents out safes to customers, you can store all your valuables there (storing your credit card here might be a good idea, see point #7).

5. Be very self aware. Never let strangers buy you drinks, and never let yourself get too intoxicated if you're out drinking. Be sensible. Don't do any drugs (even if you normally do), as the effectiveness of drugs are different in different countries, as they might have certain higher ingredients, or they may have something which you are allergic to or not used to. It might land you in BIG trouble too.

6. Have a little survivor's kit in your bag with you at all times. This can include a bottle of water, some medication, a Swiss army knife, a lighter/matches, insect repellent, band-aids, pepper spray, and other items.

7. Make sure you have an emergency source of money in case you get robbed, etc. For example, keep some cash in your pocket if you have some in your wallet. So at least you can call your parents to send you money to go home.

8. Be responsible for your safety, but have lots of fun and take a lot of pictures

~~ The travelers' checklist should cover the other things you need.

Wow good answer. Just dont' do drugs. If do or did ...stop!!