There’s an idea in being a backpacker that everything you do has to be as analog as possible. This concept is tied into a long-standing culture of rugged individualism which backpacking has historically represented, but it’s also an outdated mode of thought. Today, relying on technology as you travel doesn’t just make you safe, it can also keep you entertained. Of course, ensuring tech works when you’re constantly on the move introduces some challenges, and these are best addressed before they become problems.
What Kind of Experiences can Tech Provide?
While you can’t exactly expect to bring a full-sized PC with you as you travel, many other more casual options can still provide more than enough experience to keep you engaged. One of the most recommended we see is an eBook reader like a Kindle Paper White. These are low-profile devices smaller than many books, with the memory capacity to hold hundreds of novels at once. An eBook reader can also be used to read comics, browse recipes, and engage with many other basic online functions.
On a more interactive scale, users could also consider online casino titles like those at VegasSlotsOnline. These games like Amazon Queen and Spin Island are built with HTML5 compatibility in mind, meaning they work equally well on mobiles, laptops, and tablets. The same applies to host websites like Live Casinos House and Wazamba casino, where all features from signup to collecting deposit bonuses and free spins are easy to claim no matter how the user engages. Even low-powered phones that focus on reliability over everything else can access this form of entertainment easily, thanks to low hardware requirements.
Of course, we can’t forget video and audio streaming either with platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Hulu, and Spotify. As with casino games, access over a range of devices is one of the key features here, where modern technology has streamlined the process a great deal. However, these can be the most difficult to work with while backpacking, owing to greater bandwidth demands and the need for a constant internet connection.
Addressing Travel Challenges
While an eBook reader, a mobile phone, a laptop, and a tablet will be enough to get users into the above options, maintaining access can be a much trickier pursuit. Without proper care, backpackers accidentally harm their options or even damage their devices. Rather than learning the hard way like many of us did, it’s better to be proactive.
We’ve talked about the beautiful spots in nature at BackPackers many times before, but what we haven’t mentioned is that the more naturally pretty a place is, the less likely it will be to have a place to charge a device. Luckily this is one of the easier challenges to address with the adoption of a power bank. Just remember that the cheapest options can be useless and that many positive reviews are the best sign of a good product. Also, be aware that power banks need to have a below 27,00mAh to be allowed on an airplane.
When looking at online entertainment, you’ll also need to be sure you have the right SIM card if you’re going abroad. Roaming data can be expensive, so being prepared with a new data plan is key. Note that there can be a huge difference in costs between SIMs and plans, so be sure to do the research instead of just buying the first one you see at an airport. As mentioned by TravelTomTom, it’s also possible to get cards that cover multiple countries, to make the process even easier.
The final part where we’ve seen backpackers make mistakes is with packing. Firstly, anything electronic in nature needs to be protected in a fully waterproof case. Where the device is stored is also extremely important, as shifting carry weight or proximity to liquids can end up in chaos. Being waterproof is one thing, but there are liquids that are better at getting through barriers than water is, which you’ll learn after having your eBook reader broken via a beard-trimmer lubricant leak.
Whether trying out the different types of entertainment or addressing any issues that might appear, the best overall advice is to prepare before you go. Winging it can be fun for many things, but when it comes to the safety of electronic devices, being careful is the most important approach. Learn to pack, charge, and predict your future needs, and you can mitigate travel stress, and spend more time focussing on the important things.
