Funny how the “journey to self-discovery” almost always never is an actual, physical journey. It’s mostly a self-realization thing that starts making itself known in high school. There is nothing wrong nor lacking in such a journey. However, for those who crave a more adventurous path to self-discovery, there is one option available.
Backpacking.
According to yourdictionary.com, backpacking is ” to hike while carrying a backpack” and “to travel about or journey on foot.” Today, more and more students are deciding to take a year off from entering college to embark on this self-chartered adventure. To parents who might be reading this, backpacking isn’t necessarily just a way to get out of the house and out of your eyes. ~:>
A lot of life’s lessons are out there waiting to be discovered. Just learning how to navigate a map, for example, literally and figuratively… Knowing where one wants to go and finding out how to get there by oneself is pretty admirable. The whole journey will allow a person to grow and apply values that he or she has grown up with.
Backpacking is not as glamorous as it seems in the movies. For one, you must be somehow mentally prepared for the journey. It will test the extent of one’s strength and courage.
And budgeting skills.
After all, your wallet cannot sustain you for the whole trip. Food and travel expenses have to be earned along the way. In Australia, a lot of backpackers make money by picking fruits. Others make do with hours in construction sites.
To save up on money, experienced backpackers often buy or bring snack foods with them. Aside from being affordable, snack foods are generally small and don’t add a lot of weight to your backpack. After all, an ordinary backpack can easily become twice as heavy when you’re traveling on foot for hours.
And while this journey is for your own self-discovery, it is highly advised that you travel with a companion. Backpacking alone can put you in risky situations. Who will be there to save you then?
Creating a checklist is also strongly encouraged. Aside from all the proper paperwork, you must keep in mind to bring the following: a first-aid kit, a map, a compass, a flashlight, extra food, extra clothes, sun glasses, a pocket knife, a firestarter, waterproof matches, a water filter, a water bottle , insect repellents and sun block.