Backpacking America

Backpacking has come to mean a low cost and independent way of travel where all the essentials required for a journey is carried in a back pack. A seasoned backpacker knows what exactly to carry and how to ensure all that is necessary is taken in that limited space of a backpack, be it on a trek across the USA or a journey of discovery to some remote corner of the world. But why go to the world when you can have just as much fun and experiences to fill a lifetime, by simply backpacking America.

If you are backpacking America, what needs to go in to your packing differs from what you would need to carry around if you were going to some other part of the world. And in fact what you should carry when backpacking America will also depend on what part of the country you intend to travel to. However, there are some items that need to be taken regardless of whether you are backpacking America or the world. These include earplugs, small padlock or some kind of sturdy luggage lock, flip flops for the beach or for walking around in common areas etc., a pashmina or similar garment that can be used in any amount of ways, a towel, laundry detergent, a torch, a multipurpose knife and a map. Of course you will need to carry so much more than this list of items but what you must keep in mind is the need to keep things light.

Let us now consider where to travel to when backpacking America. Boston tops the list in most surveys and is often times referred to as the ‘Athens of America’ thanks to its rich heritage of architecture, its vibrant city and night life, choice of food and activities etc. This is in addition to the city’s art scene and places of interest.

Other noteworthy cities to travel to when backpacking America include Washington, the capital city, Seattle, the laid-back city, San Francisco, because it’s probably one of the coolest cities in the world and Austin, the eccentric capital of the state of Texas.

The practice of backpacking has changed with the times and with the coming of the information age, one can go on a trip knowing full well on what to expect. While some may think it tends to take the fun out of what could be a journey of excitement and surprises, it is still advisable to check beforehand the amount of money you need to carry with you, suitable hostels, recommended eateries etc to make sure your time backpacking America ends up just about perfect.

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