Laos is a wonderful place to go backpacking in. Many people consider it to be the quintessential backpacking country, in fact, and with such beautiful scenery to behold and dozens of unique experiences on offer, it’s easy to see why people think so. However, while you’re certainly going to have a great time once you get there, preparing for a backpacking trip can get a little stressful. From visas to money, there’s a lot to sort out.
To help make the process a bit easier for you, this article will cover a few essentials you’ll need to prioritize as you prepare.
Travel Visa
One of the most important elements to sort out as soon as you can is your travel visa. This is ultimately what allows you entry into the country alongside a valid passport, and given how long they can take to process, you’ll want to make sure you apply in advance. Applying for a Laos travel visa is relatively simple and can be done quickly online, so don’t delay. Of course, you’ll also need to make sure your passport is up to date – you’d be surprised at how many people forget that part!
A Budget
While Laos is reasonably cheap to travel in, you’ll still need a budget. A budget forms the structure for the entire trip, and if you’re traveling with a group of friends, it’s usually a better idea to all chip in to one pot rather than going the individual route.
Consider your accommodation, food, transportation, and activities as the main four categories. You can then take your total available budget and start to distribute it evenly (there are several simple travel budgeting apps you can download for free that can help you).
It’s also worth mentioning that card payment options are available in Laos, but not everywhere will accept them, so make sure you carry some cash at all times.
Health Insurance
Health insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s an essential part of backpacking. While it’s unlikely you’ll get into any health troubles, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You’ll need a general health policy covering hospitalization and emergency evacuation, and given that you’ll be going on long treks and will likely be renting a vehicle at one point, you also need travel policies that explicitly cover these aspects of your trip.
Reliable Cell Phone Connectivity
And finally, you’ll require solid cell phone connectivity for the entirety of your travels. While it used to be the case that you needed an expensive physical foreign SIM to achieve a good connection, these days, nearly all travelers use a Laos eSIM.
This is a type of digital SIM that you install directly to your device without the need for a physical card. They’re generally more reliable and much more convenient, and you can set them up in your home country rather than having to sort things out once you land.
Wrapping Up
Your trip will undoubtedly be a formative experience for you, but it’s essential to make sure you’re adequately prepared. This list doesn’t cover everything, but it’s a great start. Once you’ve ticked these things off, you’ll have covered the most important elements and should feel less stressed. Have fun!