Packing

Packing
One of the key issues when embarking on a backpacking trip is what to take with you. You will need to carry your backpack around for long periods of time and it must contain everything that you will need while you are away that can�t be purchased locally.

It is essential to pack as lightly as possible, your backpack will need to be carried with you everywhere and having a large bulky pack can hamper you boarding buses and trains and will also tire you out to carry around all day.

Clothing
You will need to cut down to the bare minimum when packing clothes, you will need to get used to wearing the same clothes for long periods of time although you will normally be able to wash and dry clothes overnight in most places.

It is advisable to take:

2/3 T-shirts ideally these should be fast drying so that they can easily be dried overnight.At least one longsleeved shirt or polo shirt It is vital to have at least one long sleeved item of clothing for protection from mosquitoes and the sun/cold. These can also look smarter than t-shirts.2 pairs of trousers the most useful type are lightweight cargo style trousers with plenty of pockets. Women might want to substitute a skirt but it is essential to have at least one pair of trousers whilst travelling.A pair of jeans, don�t bring your favourite most expensive ones but a pair of jeans is an extremely hard-wearing and versatile item of clothing.Swim wear are fairly light and worth taking in case you get the opportunity to go swimming. Men can also double theirs as a pair of shorts.Shorts are not advisable in some countries as they mark people as a tourist. If this isn�t an issue where you are travelling then a pair of shorts or 2 is useful.No matter where you are going a light-weight fleece is essential, this can be layered with other clothes to keep you warm in most climates. It is also worth remembering that even in hot countries it can get pretty cold at night. A rolled up fleece can also double as a pillow if required.It is worth taking 4 or 5 sets of socks and underwear. You will have an opportunity to wash them while you are there so it is not worth taking up room bringing loads. Also bear in mind that anything you take that is white is not going to stay that colour for very long!Depending on how much walking you intend doing you might want to take a sturdy pair of hiking boots...only take these if they are really necessary though as they take up a lot of space and are quite heavy.A pair of good quality sandals are essential in most destinations, they have the advantage of being small and easy to pack and can be quite comfortable for most occasions.Taking a pair of comfy trainers is also to be recommended if you can fit them in.
Essentials
A good sleeping bag is essential, one of the modern ones that can be rolled up very small is best. At many hostels you will be charged for sheets/blankets and they may be in a dubious state of cleanliness.A waterproof for if you get caught in the rainy season. These can also be packed up very small indeed.Head-covering, women will almost certainly need one in mosques or countries like Iran or Saudi Arabia.Baseball hat or bandana, these are good for keeping your hair out of your face and the sun off your head.Waterbottles, it is worth taking a few waterbottles..obviously this is more relevant in hotter climates than colder.Swiss army knife, the travellers best friend! Just make sure you don�t fly with it in your hand luggage.Cosmetics and toiletries, you wont need much just take what you need to maintain hygiene.A good first aid kit, for less developed countries it is worth taking syringes with you to avoid contracting diseases from contaminated needles that local first aiders may use.2 towels. There are some really good travel towels on the market which are lightweight and take up a lot less space than traditional towels would. Check out Lightload Towels for really useful super light and versatile towels.Travel washing line.Plastic bowl with knife, fork and spoon.Mosquito repellent.
Useful Items
These items are not essential to your survival but your trip just wouldn�t be the same without them. You may want to consider taking the following;

A camera.Spare batteries.A small calculator.An alarm clock.A money belt.A torch.A personal music player.A deck of cards.A good book.A small bag for use during the day.A pen and notepad (very useful thing to have for writing out directions, reminders of place names, planning itinerary etc).Take lots of bin bags, these can keep dirty clothes separate from dry ones and be used to waterproof your backpack.
Your backpack
The size of backpack you buy really depends on how much you are going to lug around with you, if you plan on taking only the bare essentials you could get away with a 35 litre backpack but on average a 50 litre one might be a better choice, especially as it will leave some room for any souvenirs collected on the way. Certainly unless you are camping then you will not need anything bigger than a 70 litre pack.

What not to take
If you are really short of space or want to travel very light then it might be an idea to not take guidebooks with you. You can do your research before you go and photocopy any information that you absolutely need. Books are quite heavy especially if you are carrying a lot of them and you can probably buy them locally if you really need one. Also people are usually prepared to swap you their guidebook if they are leaving a country and you are heading there. Many hostels have guidebooks too for reference or that people may have left so you can pick them up.Don't take a hair dryer, these are big, bulky and in many hostels you wont be able to use them (no socket), if you absolutely must have one and are travelling in a fairly developed country take one of the small travel hairdryers that can fold up.Don't take anything too valuable or sentimental, lost luggage and theft is all too common these days and you wouldn't want to lose anything that you can't easily replace.Don't take anything that you wouldn't use at home, why would you suddenly start using it when you went away?Caveat Emptor
This list should cover all of the essentials and still leave you a little room to pack any favourite things that you want to take with you. Bear in mind that for some countries you may need to modify this list slightly. For example if travelling in Europe or the USA you probably wouldn't require a sleeping bag.

Also if you are camping you will need to take all of your camping gear such as tents, travel stoves etc. in addition to all of the things listed above

The-Backpacking-Site.com

Treating Hypothermia

Treating Hypothermia: A life-saving skill

The growing popularity of outdoor recreation has resulted in greater demand for an effective on-site method for treating hypothermia. Other than for mild cases, the most effective and safest treatment for all levels of hypothermia is the addition of heat to the body core, rather than via the periphery.
The most important phase of treatment is the prevention of post-rescue collapse during the first 30 minutes following rescue, and during transportation to a medical facility.
Phases and treatment of hypothermia.
After-drop

A further cooling of core temperature occurs after the victim is removed from the cold environment. This after-drop is often responsible for post-rescue collapse.

Pre-hospital stabilization

Preventing respiratory heat loss and progressive cooling, of the heart through the tissues is essential. This cooling if not arrested, can lead to ventricular fibrillation of the heart. Patients who are unconscious, with a temperature below 30°C or 80°F, may not respond to defibrillation. Thermally stabilizing a patient with suitable equipment is necessary, both before transportation and enroute to the hospital to prevent additional cardiac complications.
Core rewarming

This is the most effective treatment for all cases of moderate to severe hypothermia, whether treatment occurs in the hospital or in the field.
Inhalation rewarming

As the only non-invasive hospital treatment suitable for active core rewarming in the field, inhalation rewarming donates heat directly to the head, neck, and thoracic core (the critical core) through inhalation of warm, water-saturated air at 43 - 45°C (107 - 122°F). This method also warms the hypothalemus, the temperature regulation center, the respiratory center, and the cardiac center at the base of the brainstem. In many cases, this rewarming of the central nervous system at the brainstem reverses the cold-induced depression of the respiratory centers and improves the level of consciousness.

Beside this strategic donation of heat, inhalation rewarming also eliminates . .
Respiratory heat loss
This accounts for 10% to 30% of the body's heat loss. This is particularly important in rescue situations where the ambient air is cold (cooling of the core through respiration).

In summary, inhalation rewarming is highly effective in providing "basic life support" through thermally stabilizing the core and brainstem temperatures. It is safe for treatment for all levels of hypothermia, but is particularly important for severe cases, because insulating alone (blankets), does not prevent further cooling of the core.

The first half hour during rescue is the most critical phase of hypothermia management!


Avoid having the victim assist with their own rescue!

Muscular activity by the hypothermic victim pumps cold peripheral blood from the arms and legs into the central circulation causing the core temperature to drop even further. Gentle handling is critical! A cold heart is particular susceptible to ventricular fibrillation, and some victims may suffer fatal ventriculation when jolted about during initial handling or transportation.

" The inhalation rewarming method is now our first choice in the re-warming treatment of all stages of hypothermia in the wilderness environment. " ( Dr. Ian Taylor, Medical Adviser to the North Shore Rescue Team, Vancouver B.C.).


http://hypothermia.org/hypothermia.htm

Frostbite

Frostbite (congelatio in medical terminology) is the medical condition wherein localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold.

Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas. The initial stages of frostbite are sometimes called "frostnip".

Mechanism

At or below 0º C (32°F), blood vessels close to the skin start to constrict. The same response may also be a result of exposure to high winds. This construction helps to preserve core body temperature. In extreme cold, or when the body is exposed to cold for long periods, this protective strategy can reduce blood flow in some areas of the body to dangerously low levels. This lack of blood leads to the eventual freezing and death of skin tissue in the affected areas. There are three stages of frostbite. Each of these stages have varying degrees of pain.

First degree frostbite causes skin to appear yellow or white. There may also be slight burning sensations. This stage of frostbite is relatively mild and can be reversed by the gradual warming of an effected area. Second degree frostbite develops after continued exposure. This stage is characterized by the disappearance of pain and the reddening and swelling of the skin. Treatment in this stage may result in blisters and it may also peal the skin. Third degree frostbite results in waxy and hard skin. It is at this stage that the skin dies and edema may occur as a result of the lack of blood.

If third degree frostbite is not treated immediately then the damage and the frostbite becomes permanent, nerve damage will occur due to oxygen deprivation. Frostbitten areas will turn discolored, purplish at first, and soon turn black. After a while nerve damage becomes so great that feeling is lost in the frostbitten areas. Blisters will also occur. If feeling is lost in the damaged area, checking it for cuts and breaks in the skin is vital. Infected open skin can lead to gangrene and amputation may be needed.

Risk factors

Risk factors for frostbite include using beta-blockers and having conditions such as diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Frostbitten hands

Treatment

Treatment of frostbite centers on rewarming (and possibly thawing) of the affected tissue. This can be achieved in one of two ways:

Passive rewarming involves using body heat or ambient room temperature to aid the patient's body in rewarming itself. This includes wrapping the patient in blankets, moving him/her into a warmed enclosure, or applying body heat via skin contact with another person.

Active rewarming is the direct addition of heat to the patient or tissue, usually in addition to the treatments included in passive rewarming. Active rewarming is more difficult to perform properly and has some added risks, so it is not considered appropriate for treating more serious cases of frostbite outside of a hospital. When performed, active rewarming seeks to thaw the injured tissue as quickly as possible without burning the patient. This is desirable because thawing frostbitten tissue is extremely painful and because the faster tissue is thawed, the less tissue damage occurs This is achieved by immersing the injured tissue in a water-bath that is held just above body temperature.

Excessive movement of frostbitten tissue can cause ice crystals that have formed in the tissue to do further damage. Splinting and/or wrapping frostbitten extremities is therefore recommended to prevent such movement. For this reason, rubbing, massaging, shaking, or otherwise applying physical force to frostbitten tissues in an attempt to rewarm them can be very harmful and is not recommended.

The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive therapy can assist in the salvaging of a greater amount of tissue by increasing the viability of cells bordering necrotic tissue by preventing hypoxia and reducing edema. There have been case reports but few actual research studies to show the effectiveness

Prevention

Factors that contribute to frostbite include extreme cold, inadequate clothing, wet clothes, wind chill, and poor circulation. Poor circulation can be caused by tight clothing or boots, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, smoking, alcohol use, or diseases that affect the blood vessels, such as diabetes.

People working in chemical laboratories should take precautions to wear gloves and other safety equipment as liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic liquids can cause frostbite even with brief exposure.

It is important to find shelter early if caught in a severe snowstorm or other outdoor situation in very cold weather. This is especially important if the weather is windy, as wind chill can greatly reduce the time it takes for frostbite to set in. Even a small cave, ditch, hollow tree, or vehicle can help reduce the chances of frostbite. It is also important to increase physical activity to maintain body warmth, especially in the hands and feet. If without gloves or with inadequate gloves, hands should be kept inside clothing next to the body to stay warm. Extra clothing such as scarves or underwear can be placed around the toes. The face, especially the nose, should be covered with a scarf or other garment. Contrary to popular belief sharing a sleeping bag or blanket with one or more other people, or even dogs, doesn't help to keep warm. If one person has hypothermia or frostbite, it is recommended that person has a sleeping bag or blanket in close proximity to victim.(after removing boots, outer clothing, wet clothing, etc.) to gradually warm the victim. This is because the victim will absorb the heat from the warm person, therefore possibly causing 2 cold injury casualties.

People susceptible to frostbite should wear woolen socks, gloves, and caps in extreme cold. For frostbite in the feet, keeping feet in warm saline water will provide relief. Diabetes can also sometimes lead to frostbite, so diabetics should take precautions as to avoid trips to ice-cold places.

Frostbitten Feet, how to survive

PREDICAMENT
You're on a winter dayhike when an unexpected blizzard develops. Visibility drops to nil, and you're forced to spend a night out in frigid temps. By morning, the storm has passed, but the stabbing pain in your feet has given way to stony numbness.

LIFELINE
Hike out to medical help immediately. If you suffer from frostbite–the formation of ice crystals between your skin cells–only one treatment will do: rapid thawing in a warm-water bath, administered by professionals. Don't attempt to thaw tissues yourself: Rubbing skin causes more cell damage, and exposing numb feet to a campfire can lead to serious burns. Until you reach help, it's actually crucial that your feet stay frozen. Once rewarmed, frostbitten areas become so painful and swollen that walking is impossible–and if thawed areas re-freeze, tissue death and amputation are all but certain. To keep feet from thawing as you walk out, adjust your layers so your body feels slightly cool. (Don't dress down so much that you risk hypothermia, of course.) Quickly improvise crutches if hiking is difficult. If you cannot keep feet completely frozen, remove socks or boot insoles to accomodate the swelling and continue walking out.

www.backpacker.com

10 Tips for Money

1. Plan a realistic budget for the amount of time you'll be away. A budget will help you save more money that could be better spent on activities and treats for yourself.

2. Since the bulk of your expenses will go towards travel tickets, food and accommodation, it pays to research how much things will cost at your destination cities. In some instances, hostels and other shared accommodation will charge a cheaper rate if you book or pay in advance.

3. Visit cheap countries! Countries in South East Asia will generally cost you less than cities in Europe, which means you can spend more time getting to really know a place. Bearing this in mind, you could end up with a more varied and interesting itinerary and a richer travelling experience.

4. Beware of hidden or unplanned expenses such as international phone calls and internet access. Will it be cheaper to bring your mobile phone with you, or would it better to invest in a prepaid international phone card? Now would be the time to find out which option best suits you.

5. Student discounts and other such concessions will make a difference to your budget. Bring your concession cards along and make sure to ask for a discount before you hand over your money.

6. If you're travelling on the cheap, make time to get in touch with relatives and friends in the area for the use of their couch. You save yourself accommodation costs, not to mention possibly getting a free meal or two out of the bargain.

7. Do you have a safety net in case you run out of money? Find out about the availability of seasonal work before you leave home. Seasonal work such as fruit picking is useful for earning quick cash-some farms even provide food and accommodation. Picking Jobs [http://www.pickingjobs.com/] is a good resource, listing jobs from anywhere between Australia and South Africa.

8. While it's not advisable to rely on credit cards, they could prove useful in case of an emergency. Arranging to obtain your credit card and traveller's cheques with your bank before travelling might save you a lot of hassle in the future.

9. Send out information to your family and friends on how they can get money to you if you happen to need it. From bank wire transfer to using an agency such as Western Union, which one will best suit you?

10. Having travel insurance is absolutely crucial. A good policy covers you for the duration of your trip to all your destinations, work abroad, any sports and activities you might do including winter sports, your medical expenses, repatriation, travel and accommodation if you fall ill, reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen items, personal liability, and legal expenses.

Don't let poor planning spoil your adventure. Plan now, so you can have fun later.

www.solotravel.org/10-money-tips-backpacker.htm

Keeping Down Cost

Budget Lodging

It may sound obvious but you should try and avoid double rooms. Go for a dorm room in developed countries as these offer much better value for the solo traveler and is also a good way to meet people. If you are in a developing country then your own room is more realistic.

In developed countries it might be worth lugging a tent around especially if you are not that keen on sharing a dorm with others. Many hostels will let you camp in their grounds and use the facilities for a cost less that a bed.

Budget Travel

Try and not travel around too much especially if you are on a tight budget. Travelling can really eat into your budget.

When you do travel try and share a car with another traveller if you can. Public transport is obviously the easiest way to get around on your own but try and avoid tourist services and travel as the locals.

Even if you are travelling solo then still consider a car in countries like Australia and New Zealand because there are potential savings. If you time it right and by a car at the end of the season you maybe able to make a profit if you sell it in a popular season. Don't forget to put up notices in all the hostels you stay stating you have spare seats. Splitting the petrol will help a lot.

Eating on the cheap

Always try and avoid touristy restaurants. These will be more expensive and often the food will not be as good. Don't think that the hygiene will be any better either!

In Asia night markets are great places to go for an evening bite. They are very cheap and are great places to meet other travellers and locals alike.

In developed countries it makes sense to go self catered where you can.

www.solotravel.org/keeping-down-costs.htm

Earn Money

There are options though to earn some money while on the road and they don't all involve having to have a work visa for the country you are heading to.

Below are some ideas to help your budget and hopefully prolong your travels.

1. Freelance travel writing

Just about every traveler who can write wants to be a freelance writer. Okay maybe an exaggeration but the idea of doing what you love and writing about it for profit is very appealing.

There is no short-cut into this field. Pre-requisites would be an excellent command of written English. It is becoming more important to develop your own style as well and keep that consistent.

Another popular tip is to write in a style or from an angle that is far removed from the mainstream. Following this advice will also help you create your own style.

2. Running a web site and making money from the web

More and more people are running web sites as a hobby. If you have a popular web site you can some money from affiliate marketing and of course you can maintain your site from any Internet connection in the world!

Affiliate marketing, in a nutshell is collecting commission on sales and traffic that you divert from your site to a merchants site. A simple example of this is the solo travel books section on this site. If a visitor clicks on one of the books they are redirected to Amazon and if they purchase the book (or any other one) then we will get commission for referring the buyer to them.

It is pretty simple and can be a very effective way of creating income from a web site. Affiliate schemes have been running almost as long as the Internet and are well established businesses.

Successful webmasters can make very good money and many people do this full time as they can earn more than they could in an ordinary job. Of course it is not as easy as throwing a site up with a few links and sitting back and waiting for the cash to roll in. Like anything it takes time and effort and is no get rich quick scheme.

Here are some pointers.

• Decide on a theme for a web site and start developing some content
• There are many easy to use web page creation packages such as Frontpage and Dreamweaver that can give you professional looking sites.
• You will need a host for the site. You are better of paying for one (maybe US$5 a month) than going with a free one as you don't their banners etc
• Once you have a live site you will need traffic and lots of it!
• Now you can add some affiliate links and start earning money.
• You can use Adsense from Google as well to generate income.
• Finally make sure your site is quite niche and that you are interested in the subject otherwise you are likely to become bored with the project.

There is a huge amount of resources on the web about making money from your site. Start off by typing affiliate marketing into a search engine such as Google or Yahoo and also read up on AdSense.

The only link you need to start off with is www.webmasterworld.com which is a great resource. You will learn a huge amount about affiliate marketing from the forums. Read, read and read again.

3. Teaching English as a Second Langauge (TEFL / ESL / CELTA)

English is now recognised as the world language for commerce, science and the Internet and across the world children are eager to learn the language.

Some of the most exotic locations in the world have a demand for English teachers and the opportunities to meet new people and earn good money are plentiful if you are prepared to look.

Here are some points to consider if you are thinking of teaching English.

• You really need a University Degree or similar these days to compete particularly in high salary countries like Japan and Korea.
• In countries where there is huge demand (e.g. China) you might get away with just a diploma or a CELTA, ESL qualification.
• Do as much research about the area and the school before committing.

www.solotravel.org/earning-money-on-the-road.htm