Healthy Backpacking

There's a pub in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, which advertises that under no circumstances are dirty soap-dodging hippies welcome. The trouble is that when many of us go backpacking certain things - such as clean clothes or showers - become a low priority. We will often too readily sacrifice a spare change of clothes for a lighter load to carry, or a room with a hot water shower to save a few bucks.

One of the trickiest things about a good holiday is staying healthy and fit. A lot of us have been on that big trip away from home where we've come back with not only bigger bags but bigger bodies! Foreign food can be delicious and in some cases cheap, and it's easy to forget exactly what we're eating. No matter where you go there is bound to be an abundance of delicious food waiting for you, so don't sacrifice the good stuff for the fatty 'Western' food aimed at tourists. If you're worried about adding on the extra pounds then just try to stick to the healthy stuff rather than opting to eat pizza or burgers every meal, as tempting as it sounds!

If you're an active traveller then you should have no problem with staying fit and healthy when you're overseas. Depending on where you go you are sure to find activities designed to get you out in the open and active. If you love long walks or hikes, kayaking, canoeing, skiing or snowboarding then you shouldn't have a problem. This is a great way to go overseas and really make the most of every minute of your trip. If these aren't really your style then try to opt for walking around town instead of getting taxis, busses or tuk-tuks, no matter how cheap and easy they are.

Obviously personal hygiene is not just about looking nice but staying healthy. Sure, you can go for days without a shower and just stink a bit. But you shouldn't completely stray from staying clean. Washing your hands before meals or using antiseptic cream or gel may sound a bit lame but you really don't know what you're putting in your mouth when you don't, especially if you've been in busy, dirty cities or rural areas off the beaten track. This is one easy way to get yourself pretty crook, and it may be more than just a twenty-four hour case of an upset tummy.

Lastly there's the look. That typical backpacker look, unshaven, long hair, the same old clothes and a steadily growing collection of jewellery or wristbands is revelled by some and detested by others. It all depends really on your personality, and whether you mind getting a bit dirty or whether you'd rather travel in style. I had a group of friends who became famously known as 'The High-Heeled Backpackers' on their adventures around Europe. They travelled on the cheap and stayed in budget hostels, but did it all with style.

It's really up to you. If you go overseas in the mindset of letting your hair down, relaxing and being completely carefree about your body then that's fine. If on the other hand you know that you'll kick yourself for letting yourself go overseas then just try and stick to these basics. This way you're sure to enjoy every minute of your trip, taste some fantastic food, feel really good about yourself and come home looking great.

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