Train can be a relaxing way to travel from the center of one town to the center of another. If you are approached by hoards of touts as you arrive, step into a shop or restaurant to get some privacy and plan your next move. If you are two people or more traveling together it may be a good idea to let one person in the company go look for accommodations without the backpack. Wearing a backpack will undoubtedly attract commission hunters.

Personal Experience - Taxi Trouble Twice

In 2001 we were going to Chamonix in the summer time. Arriving late in Geneva, Switzerland left us no other options than sleeping in our tent next to the highway - or take a taxi to France. It was a terribly expensive taxi ride. A week later when we were going back to Geneva from Chamonix we missed the bus and had to take another taxi back. This time even more expensive. Sometimes it is hard to learn by your own mistakes. A few years later we were going from Santiago de Chile to Argentina. Again we missed the bus and had to hire a cab driver. Geez...

Sea

If you get seasick, get up on deck and look at the horizon. Look at a point in the distance. Fresh air on top of the boat is usually strengthening, but a seat lower down on a ferry might mean less motion.

Time zones

Change your watches to the local time zone and note if there are any adjustments for daylight savings time. Do not forget to change your cell phone´s time setting as well.

If you cross a border by air you are normally told the local time and can adjust it accordingly. If you cross by land however it can be easy to forget to change to the local time. There can also be several different time zones within a country.

Personal Experience - The Panaji Payback

In India 1997 me and a friend arrived at rush hour in Panaji. While my friend waited with the backpacks in a restaurant I searched for available rooms nearby. The hostel just across the street was okey and after dealing with the owner I got a decent price. I went back to where my friend was waiting and we started to walk towards the hotel. Immediately a friendly person approached us with a smile and were willing to help us find a good and nearby hotel - apparently the one I had already booked. He insisted in showing us the way and gladly walked the seven flight of stairs to the reception. When he realized we already had made an arrangement he was not so happy. Sometimes they win, sometimes you win...

Personal Experience - The Chilean Clock Catastrophy

I once crossed the border from Chile to Argentina by bus. The next day I was enjoying my morning coffee waiting for my rafting excursion which would leave from my hostel at 10.00. Suddenly I look at the clock on the wall. 10.20! I rushed back and just managed to catch my ride. I had missed that there was a one hour time difference between the countries.

This article is based on the free e-book The Backpacker's Toolbox It contains checklists, templates, FAQs and practical advice (and a few bad jokes) to make your backpacking experience as smooth as possible.

http://www.hellobackpacker.com - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages: get inspired, plan your trip, advice on the road, tips when back home.