General travel tips and advice from other backpackers

- As well as buying the relevant Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to your destination(s) find a travelogue by someone who has been there and read it just before you leave. - i.e. Bill Bryson for Australia, or Matthew Paris for Peru. - When you’ve arrived, get lost on purpose - travelling is about adventure and discovery. Toria Letts

- Keep a diary. It is so easy to forget the amazing things you done and it also fills in long journeys. - Pack Lightly. Been said before and I will say it again. Just imagine carrying your rucksack on a two mile walk to the bus station in 40 degree heat - you will wish then you hadn’t bought ten t-shirts when you only wear two! Vicki Crabb

- Don’t follow your guidebook too religiously, it’s not the Bible. - Spend the extra money if it means doing something amazing. Worry about paying your debts off later! Cara Grayling

- This should be an obvious one (but just in case, for the numbskulls amongst us); no matter where you are, have respect for the local culture and environment, and avoid sullying the backpacker’s reputation. Applies even when pissed! Laura Chapman

- When going to a new place, organise the first 36 to 48 hours before hand, you don't want to be wandering around a strange place a night, looking for accommodation. Shane Hodges

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- Be confident on planes - don’t let your neighbour hog the armrest. - Clean your teeth when you’re flying - there’s nothing worse than sitting next to someone with bad breath on a 13 hour flight. Phewee! Gabi Cross

- Choose your travelling partner carefully - even your best mate might have different views on how to travel. Lorraine Bridges

- Keep a journal. Stick in tickets, maps, leaflets, anything really. If travelling with friends you've made, get everyone to write a goodbye note in your journal at the end. Tori Oram

- Always carry your camera and some water and nibbles in case you stumble upon somewhere fantastic and stay out all day. - Whilst keeping to your budget, don’t get too mean with your money as you might regret missing out when you get home. Vikki Barnes

- Keep a diary. Even if you’re not the Bridget Jones type, it’s worth it. One day you’ll be working nine-to-five and wearing pinstripes and you’ll be glad that you did... Jess Fitch

- Learn the native language of your destination. Speaking VERY LOUDLY AND PHO-NET-ICA-LLY in English doesn't work. Steve Bartram

- Be aware of the local customs. Follow them without exception. Jez Green

Click here >> if you've got any general travel tips and post them on the messageboard. We're always on the look-out for travel tip gems - it's great to learn from the wisdom of others.