The last time I donned a backpack I was a nervous but determined solo traveller. In just over a month myself and my Frenchie (I’m talking about my boyf not that awful stripper on CBB recently – although that would be an experience!) will be geeking it up with our sexy backpacks, money wallets and headful of dreams when we tour around South America.
I’m not a total idiot, when you take a foreign place, mix in a new language, turn up the heat and sprinkle in getting lost it could be a recipe for disaster. I think we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t have a few minor disputes especially spending 24/7 together. But let’s not be so neg about what could go wrong and instead focus on what I am certain will go right! And as well as getting to spend so much time with one of my fave peeps on the planet I have got all this to look forward to….
Someone to watch over your bags - It is drummed into you that you should never leave your bags unattended. Anwhere. Ok fair enough. But when mother nature calls and you gotta go then the whole please ‘don’t rob my stuff’ can be slightly tricky. I remember trying to get into a tiny smelly toilet cubicle whilst in a Bangkok bus station with my mahoosive backpack on and my smaller rucksack on my front. Somehow I made it but only just. But on this trip it means I can leave my bags safely with him so I can use the lav like a normal person! Small things.
Extra eyes and ears – Not just to be a bag watcher but also handy to have two of you to fight off attackers as you synchronise your WWE moves to take down the petty thief together. Huzzah. Or more likely to keep those peepers peeled for road signs or listen out for your names being barked out the airport tannoy as the final call for your flight.
Increased instincts – Being by yourself it can be hard to think you are just overreacting when you have a feeling something just isn’t quite right. Of course safety first kids, but there are times when you may be slightly hyped up for no reason and run away screaming like a banshee with your rape alarm wailing just because the kind and harmless gentleman selling you his handcrafted wares looked at you funny. Two brains are better than one. If you BOTH feel something is up then run, run away now!
Splitting the bill – By sharing food, accommodation and drinks on nights out it works out cheaper than stumping up the cost for all these things solo. Also a great excuse to try new food, even if you each choose a different dish that you can’t pronounce and are not completely confident it wont include dog meat inside.
Free pillow – On a bus, train or plane having someone to snuggle up to and get comfy with your head on their shoulder is much better and more socially acceptable than laying your weary head on a stranger. Or so I imagine.
Shared memories - I have huge photo frame of some of the best photos of my trip and I have this blog to try and share my journeys with you. But a few amazing photographs and words still don’t do it justice to being there in the moment with someone who is as giddy as you are!
Photographer – No more do I l need to look a bit strange taking my own photo as now I will have a personal paparazzi!
Doctor – Luckily I didn’t get sick the last time I was away, if you ignore the hangovers, but I had been worried that if I was to get ill there would be no one to help. This time if we start to feel dodgy we have each other to act as a doctor helping with medicine, clean water and sympathy. May be a bit of a passion killer though!
Sun cream putter on-er - This should be a real job title imagine the perks! No more straining and pulling a muscle to reach that part of your back neither of your hands can quite stretch to.
Have you ever backpacked in a relationship?
