by Joseph Savage

Created on: February 19, 2009   Last Updated: March 01, 2009

Freedom, pure unadulterated freedom. That is the heart of backpacking. You simply have the freedom to go where you want and see what you want. Life is about the Journey not the destination, and nobody knows this better that the humble backpacker. These days a backpacker will often have to be prepared for certain expenses. The costs are almost always minimal. After all that's the fun of it. There is just something about exploring with all you need on your back. Having nobody to order you around. Its just you and the road, and the road can be a wondrous friend as long as your respect it.

Now being a backpacker is about freedom, but there are rules you should follow. Theft is simply out of the question. You're a backpacker not an escaped convict. There are many stories of backpacker meeting up and traveling together for a while. But when they separate one party will realize the other has stolen every bit of cash they had. Not only does that ruin some backpackers travels, but if you get caught it would ruin both parties trip for good. Which brings me too another important rule. Always have an emergency way to get home, such as a family member back home with your emergency credit card. Nobody wants to be stuck in Japan without their wallet and no way home.

You need to keep in mind that not everyone will be willing to accept backpackers. You should also know thats okay. There are a lot of place that will take backpackers in. You just need to plan a bit ahead and know where you can go. It is not necessary to get angry and do something you regret, because a place can't/won't take you in. Just because your open minded and wandering free does not give you the right to break and enter.

A key thing to consider when you're backpacking is also to respect other cultures. Whether its wrong to step on a bug, or even a simple no shirt, no shoes, no service sign. You need to show respect to the people around you. Far too often great backpacking locations have been ruined for others simply because the people there before you were rude. Be courteous and understanding to the places that take you in for the night. It doesn't matter if you're never going to be there again. They took you in, the least you could do is be polite and respectful.

As you can see there are ethics to backpacking, but it comes down to one thing. Respect. Respect yourself, respect other backpackers and respect everyone you meet. These are critical to having a good time and having an experience that will change your life for the better. You will not learn anything on your trip if you take it with you eyes closed. So open up and experience difference people, cultures and places. Just remember that if you respect the road, the road will respect you.

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