While spontaneity reigns supreme in the life of the independent traveler, adequate preparation and research are conducted before embarking on any adventure.  Although a specific itinerary or schedule is never set in stone – that would defeat the purpose – a general route or destination is established.  In no way is this restrictive; it simply provides a framework to build on. 

      Independent travelers educate themselves about the country, culture, and people they will visit, equipping themselves with tools to manage inevitable challenges. 

      Realizing Mozambique is a high-risk destination for developing malaria ensures proper medical procedures are implemented to protect health.  Knowing the Tangier region in Morocco is chock-full of bandits facilitates safe rerouting through that region of the country. Understanding that using the “okay” symbol in Brazil is tantamount to inviting a homosexual encounter assists the traveler with respecting variations in cross-cultural communication. The more knowledgeable one is about a country, culture, and people, the more prepared one is to deal with differences. 

      Independent travelers understand the value of packing properly.  Before any trip, they spread out everything they consider compulsory; then discard half of it.  Packing lightly and comfortably, they carry only absolute essentials that correspond to the type of trip they are going on. 

With a basic itinerary in place

and an appropriately packed bag, the adventure begins.

     Independent travelers have restricted budgets. Traveling economically, they discover creative ways to stretch their dollars. 

Restaurants are avoided; instead, shopping is done at grocery stores, and meals are made from scratch.  In Portugal, I used a bed frame I found on a beach as a grill to cook over a fire. 

      Cheap accommodation is found at hostels, campgrounds, or by developing relationships with locals who invite travelers to stay as guests.  Hotels are never an option, unless someone else pays the bills.

Hitchhiking, busing, or gathering groups together to split costs, saves transportation expenses.  If these methods fail, independent backpackers remain peripatetic.

      Independent travelers discover ways to extend their trips.  Running out of money is no reason to return home. Taking a hiatus from travel to work within the country generates income for continued exploration.  Backpackers are willing to do work they might refuse to do at home.  Picking oranges in exchange for meals or a few nights’ accommodation is a rewarding experience overseas.

       Being an independent traveler requires thick skin, patience, and strength of character.  Setbacks are inevitable, and when they arise, travelers adapt, finding imaginative ways to respond.  If cheap accommodation cannot be found, travelers don’t give up and book a hotel.  If it means sleeping in a ditch, so be it.  Communication troubles, political unrest, foreign gastronomy, and unpleasant environments are all characteristic of the experience.  Independent travelers remain flexible, prepared to change plans at a moment’s notice.  Adventure, danger, and the unknown are welcomed aspects of this existence; the good, the bad, and the ugly are all expected.

      Unlike tourists who remain distant from the locals, independent travelers insist on experiencing indigenous culture and people.  They associate with native residents, participate in cultural events, and absorb all aspects of the community, including cuisine, customs, and traditions.

      Independent travelers are excited about their adventures and connect with like-minded souls.  Extroverts by nature, it is common for travelers to join together, even if they do not know each other.  They constantly share stories with each other, trying to out do each other with chronicles of their excursions.

      Independent travel is much more than a type of vacation; it is a way of life.  The thirst for adventure is never quenched.  Independent travelers maintain journals of their trips and are excited to share them with anyone who listens.  I have religiously documented all my travels and frequently refer to them.  Keeping a record of past trips ensures the experiences will be retained in memory.

      Independent travelers are always planning their next trip.  As soon as one adventure is complete, preparation for the next voyage begins.  It is the nature of the beast.