BaileyHotel.org

Any advice for backpackers from around the UK?

I am a 20 year old woman planning to travel across the UK next summer only, possibly staying in youth hostels time to time. Certainly do not expect to be on par with the Hilton, but anyone who has been in them before willing to offer a "review" of your experience? Also, some tips on what I bring with me / Leave home? I've been in the UK a number times, but always full too and stayed in good hotels, so I need some advice on how to pack lighter, without leaving out something important, and avoiding problems in a shelter.

PhilipL had some good suggestions. Please do not worry about staying in hostels! I've been traveling extensively for a number of years (as a single woman in her 20s) and have spent months traveling around the UK by myself. I've never had a single topic at any hostel. They do not deserve the bad reputation they have in many circles – unless absolutely necessary (ie: lack of shelters in the area), I do not stay in hotels when I travel. The shelters are a lot fun – stay in one room and you meet a lot of great people! That said – avoid Blue Sky Hostel in Glasgow. It is easily the worst hostel I've stayed in * * and was always a little scary side! However, one of the nicer hostels I've stayed in was in Edinburgh (also one of my favorite cities in the United Kingdom) – Budget Backpacker's called http://www.budgetbackpackers.com/ You may want to take a tour of the youth of the entire budget of the United Kingdom when you first arrive. Travel www.radicaltravel.com Radical Tour is a youth network and is actually very good. Life met a few friends when I went to all a couple of trips a few years ago. I have recommended visits to friends who have raved about them. They are inexpensive and can give you a good idea of the distribution in the United Kingdom before choosing the areas to visit. As for things to take with you, be sure to take a good (but light) jacket. I found the summers in the UK to be hot but can be a bit wet at times. Pack a good pair of walking shoes and walking shoes – I try to find a pair of sandals that can also carried out at night if you want to dress (which are not luxury, of course, but do the trick). Take 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of lightweight pants (like linen or hemp), 2 TANKTOPS, 2 short-sleeved shirts and 1-2 long-sleeved shirts. Take one or two Hoodies / Sweaters and maybe a skirt / top for night out (or if you want go to the theater.) A pair of pajamas (very light) or just sleep in his underwear. In addition, taking only 3-4 pairs of socks and underwear. If you go to a travel store, you can buy fast dry versions and these are excellent. Also buy a universal connector and sink small packets of liquid detergent to make your own clothes. You can get cables for hanging clothes and going to dry overnight. Very, very handy! This does not sound like a pile of clothes to take, but trust me, it adds up! This is more than enough. Also, be sure to purchase a money belt and a travel bag that zips all the way around. Buy a travel towel (dries quickly), blockade of large luggage (to lock your luggage to the accommodation – to regular locks on your luggage and then put the cable through the lock and then through the bed – you can save a great deal of concern). Travel-sized versions of everything, like a toothbrush, paste, shampoo, Purell, small hairbrush, and so save a lot of weight. You can buy new things in the UK if necessary. Lantern, travel diary, Lonely Planet guide UK (very handy), etc. Whenever I travel I go to a used bookstore and buy books in two or three small $ 1. Most shelters have pockets of book – a book and can take another. I have used these extensively around the world and are at your fingertips! You do not have to throw or let new books, because behind weight, and not spend money on expensive reading materials. One more suggestion is that you buy the space saver "bags" for your backpack or briefcase. This is rectangular bag (box shaped) made of mesh and fabric – usually black and the zipper goes around three sides. Roll and all that make the underwear of these bags. Come in different sizes and are very useful for saving space.