Backpacking

Backpacking is one of the most popular and cost efficient ways of travel.  Just about anyone can do it, all you need is a good pair of legs and an adventerous spirit.  There seem to be many advantages to backpacking the first being the flexibility.  You can buy a one way ticket to lets say Rome and just travel by the seat of your pants.  You are not worried about lugging around numerous suitcases, everything you have is in a carry on bag.  That being another great advantage.  Anyone who has had some experience travelling knows how frustrating it can be to lose your bag after checking it.  Well, increase that level of stress by 10 if you're in China trying to find a lost bag.  But with backpacks, you don't have to worry about that at all.  It can be with you the whole time.

The whole backpacking experience is not complete without the signature stay in a hostel.  These seem to be great places to stay if you're on a budget (which most backpackers seem to be) and if you want to have a more social and down to earth experience.  In hostels, there are generally common areas where you can mingle with other travellers just like you.  They often love to share their stories and hear new ones, all you have to do is ask.  Who knows, you might be making a long term friend.  If you have any doubts, just think that you have at least one thing in common: you both love to travel.  That's an excellent jumping off point.  Generally, you share a room with 2 or more people.  If this sounds great to you, then by all means, go ahead.  However, if you are perhaps a very light sleeper, or just prefer some privacy, you might consider checking the availability of single rooms.  Most legit hostels have websites and you can drop them an e-mail if it is not listed on the site.  Most towns have at least one good youth hostel and if you go during the right time, you should be able to change plans easily, arrive in the afternoon and still be able to find a cheap room.