Travel Tips What to Bring
Some travelers have suggested making a photocopy of your passport and other important document and leaving it with a family member so that if you lose it while hiking, you can just get them faxed to you. Moreover, check that your passport is still valid, if not, we recommend that you send it away as the processing time can be long.
Some people find roaming charges for mobile phones are really expensive therefore; if you intend to leave you phone home, you can always purchase prepaid cards and use the payphone to ring home (or our emergency number). Alternatively you can use the Internet café (in almost every town) to send an email or call. Many accommodations and restaurants will have WIFI available.
There is no need to bring any books other than your guidebook, to avoid more weight in your backpack. However if you book with TrekkingBug.com your luggage will be transferred so you can bring a reading book along!
Although there will be pharmacies in the main towns, language can be a barrier, hence making it difficult to get the correct medication. It might be a better option to obtain additional supplies before you leave. However if you are looking for aspirin, paracetamol or panadol, they can be easily obtained in towns along the trails.
There is nothing worse than to bring the wrong gear to a trekking or hiking trip. Always check the weather online and the type of route you are taking, before you go as this can determine what you will need. For instance if you are hiking a relatively easy trail during the summer there is no need to bring heavy walking/hiking boots, this will only slow you down. In this case we suggest you bring a good pair of trail shoes. However during the winter seasons, runners are not good in the bad weather. If you are trekking in the mountains or more challenging trails, having the right gear, hiking shoes with proper grip, etc… is simply essential.
Remember your shoes are the most important part of the gear so try them before you go. Please note that change of clean socks (wool/cotton looped variety) each day can make a huge difference.