7 Myths of backpacking

If there is a bad habit that people have when they hear or you talk to them about something they are not familiar with, it is to seek a wrong idea to the issue. Regarding the backpackers, they do not escape the stereotypes that have been pigeonholed by society.

The following myths I will mention does not praise or punish in a extreme way the fact of being a backpacker, but they reinforced false ideas, that is time to clarify:

Myths of backpacking

1- Backpacking is an activity that only young people enjoy.

Myths of backpacking; Old Backpackers

There is a deeply rooted assumption among most travelers, and that is to believe that backpacking around the world is exclusive for young people, in their 20's as only young people is physically suitable  to withstand the bustle of walking in tow with your backpack . While there are a lot of young people traveling to take a vacation from school or college, the fact is that the myth of "youth only" is far from reality.

Starts hit the road and see that you will meet backpackers of all ages, not just young men beetwen 18 to 22 years.  50 years couples, women in their 40s and recently divorced individuals in their 30s who left their jobs and went to travel indefinitely. Even once I met at a hostel a girl and her 62 years father.

You see, the ideal age to backpacking is a mental state and (fortunately) there is no set number that imposes when you go out and meet other people and countries. The phrase "better late than never" comes to demolish this myth, so do not listen those voices repeating that go backpacking is for the young. because they are completely wrong!.

2- You will spend most of the time dirty.

This myth, as absurd as it sounds, is reinforced under the mistaken belief that backpacking is for nomadic hippies, those who bathe every 5 days. It is true that you will have moments where you can not take a shower after a long run (perhaps for lack of water, time or whatever), but most of the time you will have the opportunity to stay neat using the bathroom of your hostel, hotel or wherever you are. As for washing your clothes, should not be a concern because if there is something that abounds in this world are laundries.

3- You will need to take a lot of stuff with you, so you do not miss anything

Myths of backpacking; Heavy Backpacks

I still remember my first trip to Central America when I thought it was best to cram my backpack so that I do not lack of something, but it was a mistake that cost me a pain on the shoulders that I would not wish to anyone. Then, there was the lesson I learned, a long travel is not only about money, but to handle yourself what the few things you take in your backpack.
In my case, I take with me only the necessary when I travel because it is the only alternative to not being overweight. On the other hand, do not worry if you miss something, because thanks to globalization, almost everything is available for sale wherever you go, even on the destination you less imagine.

4- You will sleep in noisy, dirty and unpleasant places

Backpacking; Hotels

It is normal to think that a backpacker, in order to save money, would spend the night in a dingy room. However, we must be realistic and know that in most cases the cheapest hostels are not the best as far as cleanliness is concerned.

Having said this last,  you do not have to sleep in a pigsty unless you want to. Websites like Tripadvisor or Hostelbookers have an extensive current list of hostels, and reviews wrote by other travelers. These reviews include qualifications in areas such as cleanliness and guest service (just to name a few), so you have no excuse to when looking for a budget accommodation thtat is worth staying.

5- The best way to travel is backpacking

Some backpackers that have some kind of delusion of believing their way of travel is the best of all. Some even go so far as to mock those who travel different from them, which I think is stupid. The truth is that as a backpacker, you will have some advantages such as a lighter luggage, but that is no guarantee that you will have fun. Having a memorable trip or not depends entirely on you and not on your backpack.

6- It is dangerous to backpacking

Those who live believing that the world is full of dangerous people, I remind you that in every country in the world (including yours) we have undesirable people. However, it is important to remember that is only a minority, so do not let that a few malicious people deter you from touring other destinations. On the other hand, lowering our guard is not a good idea, as is not be paranoid about everything, but the best is to learn the recommendations to keep you safe on you travel as possible.
In the end, my personal advice would be do not miss the fun of the trip being worried about your environment.

7- You will have fun every time.

Myths of Backpacking

No doubt,  backpacking has an infinite number of fabulous and enviable moments, but there are situations and circumstances that will test your patience. Whether you go on a night tour of 12 hours by bus and not get any sleep, eating something in the local market and getting ill, passing half of the day finding an accommodation in high season or getting lost in a huge city, are facts that tend to happen and you wil need patience and tolerance will to solve sme of this situations.

Needless to say, not all trips are equal and every backpacker will have different stories to tell, but know that the moments, both good and bad, give you more experience for the future.

If you analyze carefully, most of the myths mentioned in this post are nothing more than stereotypes and misconceptions, which put a false mental image about backpacking. Human beings have a bad habit of putting barriers and not leave his comfort zone when it comes to doing something different.

I hope this post start clearing myths and questions you have!