Ok. It's set. You're going on a trip. Sure, it's a few months down the road, but you can do something to prepare, right now.
What I'm proposing is simple: months ahead of time, pack your backpack like you're leaving in a few days. Clothes, toiletries, electronics, put it all in there. Then, throw it on your back and head out the door. Why, you may ask? To see if your packing (and back) is up to the challenge.
The whole premise isn't to see if you can cram all your junk into a bag. Well, it is, partly, but it's part of a bigger picture. In order to travel comfortably, you've got to pack what you need and be able to carry it around, possibly for long distances. What better way to make sure than to practice? So, pack your bag, strap it to your bag, and head down the road.
When you're out, pay attention to how you're feeling. Did you get tired quickly? Was your bag overloaded? Did it shift around or make your back sore? Or, did it just plain annoy you? When you get back home, take note of your thoughts and try to fix what ailed you. Shift your stuff around, tighten your straps, remove some items, or start working out, whatever you need to fix your problems. I'd recommend repeating this process until your happy with your faux trip. Make sure you write down your secrets so you don't forget what worked.
Have you ever done something crazy to get ready for a trip? How did it go? Let us know in the comments below.
Post new comment