Backpacker virgin seeks advice and tips !?

I am going on a year long trip accross Asia, South America and Australasia, but have never backpacked. Any advice, or useful tips would be VERY much appreciated !!Backpacker virgin seeks advice and tips !?
Get the best rucksack you can afford made by an outdoor specialist company. Buy it at a good ';outdoor'; shop and make sure it is the right size for YOU. Most of the weight should be carried on your hips.





Don't take anything that you won't need or that only has a single use. Only take clothes that can be easily washed in a sink and dried quickly on a line.





Take a small, good quality LED torch or head-torch. Get one that takes AA or AAA batteries. If you get one that takes button cells or lithium batteries you will find it difficult to buy replacement batteries locally and they will be expensive.





Find someone who can teach you some self-defence before you go. You don't need anything fancy, just a couple of kicks and punches and the best target areas, basically eyes, nose, throat and groin (on a man).





Stay with a group of people you trust, try not to be on your own at any time. If you are on your own, avoid back-alleys, parks and short-cuts, stay where there are lots of people and lots of light.





Try to take two credit-cards. One to use and one to leave in the hotel/hostel safe in case you are robbed.





Don't take anything with you that you don't want to lose. Get a cheap watch, no expensive jewellery, no flashy phone or camera and don't let people see how much money you have. Keep most of your money hidden in a money belt or something similar and transfer a little of this to a purse when no-one can see. If you get robbed, you will only lose what is in your purse. Keep your wits about you at all times. There is no need to be neurotic but you are less likely to be a target if you look confident and aware of what is going on around you. Don't divorce yourself from your surroundings by using an i-pod or phone when you are walking in the street.





If you do feel threatened, make for somewhere with lots of people, a supermarket, service station, lit up houses, liquor store and MAKE A LOT OF NOISE.





I hope I haven't frightened you or put you off. I want you to have a good time but I would also like you to stay safe. I have given you exactly the same advice as I gave my God-daughter when she went to South America and she had a WONDERFUL time but said that part of this was due to the extra confidence she felt when she was out.





Have a good trip.Backpacker virgin seeks advice and tips !?
Don't be separated from your passport or money.


I live in a favorite spot of summer backpackers.


Amsterdam ... YEP I see them EVERYDAY! I live on the way into town from one of the larger public camping areas.





You would not believe how fast ... people will have off with your, money, passport, PHONE, credit cards and entire pack.


You have to realize those are not crimes of chance. Those are crimes committed by someone who does that FOR A JOB. And they are good at it too. These people have an entire system set up to dispose of your goods. Within minutes your credit card number is winging around the world and phone calls are being made on it.


Your clothes are searched, washed an sold in the market. even your pack is sold to a vendor of second hand equipment.


Keep your cash and passport safe. bring a photo copy of your passport OPENED showing your picture and both pages with writing.





That's it. We have very little violent crime... but the place is crawling with pickpockets!
The best tip i can suggest is......





Cut back on Toiletries....Seriously they take up a lot of room ,Are super heavy, can leak in transit %26amp; believe me you can usually everything you need along the way %26amp; much cheaper.





Just take quality products that you think you cant do without ie strong sunscreen %26amp;a few of your beauty products...





You may need to Buy a Wire%26amp; lock on the road to secure your backpack when on trains/beses hotel room....A lot of budget accomodation requires a padlock





Be safe always %26amp; trust nobody!!!! Hasslers %26amp; Hustlers seem to hone in on Fresh trusting backpackers.....treat every situation as a lesson
If you are a fan of Rachel Ray, there is an issue of her magazine just recently that she suggest you how to pack light and I found it very interesting, unfortunately I do not kept a copy of it, but you may can find one or click on her we page, pretty sure you'll find it.
1. Don't hitch hike


2. Keep your items by your side


3. Always keep your family upated.