How to Backpack the UK in 10 Steps

Studying abroad in the UK? Then most likely you are not just there to do the “study” part of “study abroad.” You are also there to experience another part of the world. So throw the books out of your backpack (since you have already completed all your school work, of course) and get ready for those weekend to weeklong backpacking adventures. These 10 steps will show you how.

1. Pack Light.

When backpacking you will literally be carrying everything you take with you on your back. No matter how light you pack, you will feel the weight—all of the weight. So begin with an empty backpack and before placing any item inside, ask yourself, “What necessary function will this serve?” If it doesn’t own up, leave it behind. Packing light is key, and the key to packing light is necessary functionality. Don’t cheat by bringing a big bag. A school-size backpack is all you need.

2. Take Minimal Clothing

-When traveling, the function of clothing is to cover you, not to impress.
-Remember, you set out already wearing several articles of clothing. Take them into account.

-Look up the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

-If torn between two articles of the same clothing, for example a shirt, choose the shirt that weighs less. If you are traveling in cold weather, then choose the warmer shirt.

-Do not pack shoes. Wear one durable and supportive pair that you can wear every day in all weather. I suggest hiking boots or Chacos.

-Do not pack pajamas. Shower at night and sleep in your clothes for the next day. If you are traveling in cold weather, then sleep in your long-johns. And yes, if it is cold, always bring long-johns.

-Wear the same clothes more than once.

-Traveling for a week without ever having to do laundry requires no more than one pair of pants, three shirts, three pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear, and two bras—this list includes the set of clothes you are wearing when you set out.

-Laundry mats are available but expensive, and if you packed enough to fill a washer, then you packed too much. If you must do laundry, then bring along a bar of laundry soap like Fels Naptha or Zote and wash your clothes in a hostel sink.

3. Chest and a Hip Buckles Are a Must

Use a backpack that has both a chest and a hip buckle. These buckles transfer the weight of your backpack away from your shoulders and back and onto your hips. Without them, your back will ache and your shoulders will literally feel like they are killing you. Buckle up so you can focus on where you are, not on how long until the next time you can sit down because your back and shoulders are committing mutiny.

4. Research

When traveling, you have a limited amount of time to spend at your destination. Spend that time exploring, not figuring out what there is to explore or how to get there. What peaks your interest? Museums? Theatre? Local cuisine? Walking tours? Local music? Use the Internet and write down the information in a notebook. (Don’t forget to take the notebook with you!)

For example, if you like museums, write down the name of the museum, its address, telephone number, hours of operation, admission cost, and, an often overlooked but critical piece of information, the closest underground or bus stop.

There is a valid argument for exploring on the fly, and you can still do that. You are not bound to your research. But research gives you options and saves you time.

Two more tips:

-Write down the directions from your drop-off point (train or bus) to where you will be staying the night.

-Write down the daily weather forecast so you can plan your days accordingly.

5. Book in Advance

Book your train tickets, bus tickets, and hostel beds at minimum a week in advance. If you can book a month ahead of time, then do it. Not only will booking in advance save you significant money, it will guarantee you a reservation. Trains and buses do not always fill up, so you can usually buy a ticket the day of, but the price could mean the difference between a £3 ticket and a £60 ticket. Hostels on the other hand do fill up, especially on the weekends in big cities like London. If you want a bed for the night, don’t wait to book one. If you plan to travel by train often and if you are a full-time student or between the ages 16-25, then it is worth purchasing a rail card. It costs £26, lasts for a year, and saves you 1/3 off all train tickets.

6. Food aka The most important lesson I learned: Backpacking=Collapsible food containers

Food is a constant expense that can add up fast. Don’t let it. Skip the restaurants and fast food and head to the grocery store. Buying one meal at a restaurant can equal the price of buying three days worth of food at a grocery store. (Seriously, £10 can go a long way.) Buy versatile foods like bread, apples, and peanut butter that you can make several, filling meals out of.

Furthermore, all hostels should have kitchens for you to use equipped with all standard cookware. Take advantage of them. Cook up a big meal for dinner like pasta that will keep at backpack temperature for at least 24 hrs and pack the leftovers for the next day’s lunch and dinner. Don’t forget to bring the collapsible food containers. Ziplock bags also work and are lighter but far worse for the environment.

7. Find the Free Stuff

Save money and take advantage of the free stuff. Many museums, especially in London, have free admission. Other museums have certain days that have free admission or are discounted. London and Edinburgh have free walking tours, both of which I have been on and highly recommend. Certain restaurants provide discount meals to backpackers. Theatres have matinee shows, which are cheaper than regular shows. Parks are free. And of course, it costs nothing to walk around and explore.

If you are a student, milk it. Ask. Ask. Ask for student discounts. Students receive discounts on train tickets, at clothing stores, on theatre tickets, on museum admission, at restaurants. You never know where you might get a student discount, so carry your student ID or student visa and ask.

8. Hostels

If you are backpacking the UK, then you will most likely be sleeping in hostels. Other options are bed and breakfasts, couchsurfing, and camping. I will be posting a future article exclusively on the do’s, the don'ts, and the how-to's of hostels for backpackers.

9. Sleep

Get a good night’s rest every night. You might never get to see this place again, so make sure that you can keep your eyes open and enjoy it.

10. Freedom, Baby!

Backpacking is liberating. You realize how little you need and how free you really are. The world is yours to explore, and all you need to take with you is a backpack. Good luck and get ready; it’s addictive.

London Backpacking Adventure