Expecting the unexpected…

 After the first week of backpacking around Asia I have learnt a few things that should be taken into consideration when travelling. It takes a lot of time to learn how to properly feel like you have the hang of backpacking and there are definitely more things I will be learning throughout the next couple trips I have planned this year. Even though there are plenty more to experience, this post will share with you a couple tips and essentials products that have made my trip easier. 

Starting with my main tips…

1. There will be a lot of waiting; for trains, planes and buses. Not everything is done on a strict timeline unlike the UK so don’t ever plan to be on time. Give yourself plenty of time and prepare to be waiting for longer than you think. 
2. Things won’t go to plan- just like transport there may be times where you want to go somewhere or do something but there simply isn’t enough time or you don’t have the energy. Don’t be frustrated by this- you can’t always do everything but just focus on what you have done and what your doing in the moment (a very Buddhist perspective which is fitting). 
3. So if things don’t go to plan then don’t rely on a tight schedule. It’s important to know what you want to get out of the time in the area and have an idea for each day but there will always be other things available so make sure to give yourself room to experience different things. 
4. Although money shouldnt be the centre of your worries when travelling through Asia as it’s more about experience than anything else it’s a good idea to make a budget for each day. These may vary but it’s helpful to know how much you spend each day and how much you are willing to spend. Also make sure to take advantage of the things that you have payed in advance. For example if your hostel provides breakfast I would often recommend most days having breakfast as it will save you some money in the long run. 
5. Especially in Asia you will want to buy a lot, especially all the ‘hippie’ clothes but don’t be deceived- your bag isn’t that big! If you start the trip light, it will give you much more room to buy new things so only pack a few necessities. Check out my last post for a guide for packing a travel backpack. 
6. Although tourist areas are good to go to as they will have things that are worth seeing, one should also live like a local when travelling. Go to the local restaurants and markets as well as temples or parks. You will get to see the other parts of the country that often are ignored and will usually be the real part of country which is important to experience.  

My top essential tips are…

1. Because there will be a lot of waiting and travelling between the countries and cities I would recommend download movies or tv shows on to your phone, as well as your favourite music and audiobooks. It will make the time go faster and help you get through a long day of travelling. 
2. Always have some food in your rucksack. Even though the food so so great in Asia, you don’t know when you will next eat or if there will be food when travelling so it’s better to be safer than sorry. Going to a market or a corner shop to check out the local snacks- some of the items are so different from snacks that you get in Europe and it’s worth trying. 
3. One of my more important items that I would recommend bringing in your hand luggage is an sleeping mask. Due to the long days of travelling and visiting things around the city you will be tired and will need a lot of sleep to keep up with the busy days. An eye mask allows you to sleep whatever the situation- a busy hostel dorm or sleeping in the bus! 
4. Take lots of photos. I try not to stay on my phone too long but some views are so breathtaking you should remember them and share them with friends and family.  I have included many of the photos I have taken to my instagram page so that everyone can keep updated with me. As well as this in the future you will definitely want to look back at your old travels so I would recommend printing the pictures off when you get back home to make a ‘GAP YEAR’ album so you will always have the memories! 
5. Finally, a classic but I would bring a diary with you to write down what you have been up to. Even if you have never written a diary before it’s so helpful to remember what you’ve done because the days go so quickly and there is so much so it’s easy to forget whereas with a diary you can go back and read through all the adventures you have had. Remember to keep tickets and photos to add to the diary for small momentums of the trip- you will be thankful of that in the future. 

I hope this helps anyone who is planning a Gap year trip and doesn’t know what to expect! Remember to follow me on instagram- @aryana.t.Murphy for updates and photos from my travels. 

Love, Aria 

XO