Apparently backpackers don't use rucksacks any more

[flippingwings]

DS going travelling for a month.
I got nostalgic about kit and may have even scuttled up to the loft to find my oversized Argos rucksack with matching money belt.

Apparently it's wheeled hold-alls, prepayment cards and apps. No travellers cheques, letters to poste restante and the same Lonely Planet book as everyone else.

Obviously I know nothing so I'm asking for any tips. Eastern Europe for a month by train.

Funny, when I visited UK from USA, I had walked all up and down the street in front of Earls Court Metro Stop on Google Maps beforehand, so I knew exactly which direction to walk in, and where any restaurants would be.

It did not remove any of the wonder when we arrived, but it sure did relieve some of the anxiety of being in a strange place and not having one's bearings! I headed straight to Marks & Spencers, simply Food for a post flight snack. Like I'd lived there all my life.

Surely a little rubber door wedge would be more useful than a branded travel lock? It would wedge doors open if you needed to, as well as closed and probably costs and weighs about the same.

Thing I would not travel without now? Immodium. Getting the shits in the middle of a desert is not great.

I went to Israel without a guidebook, map or anything and was mighty glad to meet up with someone who owned a Lonely Planet guide. Can't believe I was so badly prepared but it added to the adventure, in hindsight.

I've been travelling for the past 18 months, most people don't bother carrying lonely planets because pretty much every hostel has one on the book shelf .

Loads of people still using traditional backpacks down in Aus/NZ might be different in Europe because there'll be more people doing shorter trips. I have a wheeled backpack. Haven't actually used it as a backpack yet but wanted to have that option for when I go somewhere more remote. If he does end up getting a backpack the main advice I'd give is to go for a front loading one rather than a top loading one because it's easier to find stuff in them.

Prepayment cards are fantastic and have the added bonus of being very easy for other people to put money on them so you can always put extra on if he gets in trouble. It also isn't usually that expensive to use a British card abroad. He could take that and keep it somewhere separate from his travel card in case of emergencies.

Taking only his license out is a good idea. I lost my passport while drunk last year, thankfully got it back but my dad is listed as the emergency contact in it so wasn't a great conversation to have with him . Also photocopies of everything important emailed to you and to him is good to have.

One if the things I couldn't manage without is a power bank for charging things. Always useful to have on train journeys but also good as you can leave it charging in the hostel while you're not there.

With putting extra locks/door stops on the door I've never seen anyone do that. Surely it's inconvenient for anyone else staying in the room? Just put valuables in the locker and check the reviews of places before you book them to make sure they're not dodgy. Hostelworld is my favourite booking site because it shows how hostels rate for different things (security, cleanliness, atmosphere etc) and you only pay 10% booking fee which if you book protected for an extra $1 can be transferred to different bookings if your plans change.

He's going to have such a great time, is he going with people or alone?

I still use my backpack for UK travel by train and bus. Tried a wheely bag and wanted to burn it in minutes - the wheels catch even on a station floor.

Tourist needs travel insurance that lasts long enough. And a reminder that it is void if drunk or drugged.

Wheelie cases are pretty crap. (Had to drag one 3 miles in America as the wheels gave way) Give me a rucksack any day. A Revolut card is great. Yes to the door stop, and, an extension cord is good, only need one adapter plug and it will reach to your bed from the socket. Worth looking at lightweight backpacking sites for packing tips.

No rucksacks? How on earth is this travelling if not for a rucksack to mark you out to other like minded souls who may come and share your mosquito net?

Door wedge is an excellent idea and one I advocate. Likewise a small round piece of rubber to put in a sink lest there be no plug and he needs a wet shave. I'll leave it there before I come over all nostalgic and dewy eyed and tell you all stories about waking up in ditches in Thailand (those were the days).

I'm staying near the station in a city which is a popular destination for budget/young travellers and a lot of the girls seem to have four (not two) wheeled suitcases. I suppose they support their own weight so they're not so hard to lug around.

My tip is to buy the makings of a sandwich in a supermarket (so local style bread, cheese and ham) instead of buying readymade in overpriced tourist traps.

I would take one of those battery charger blocks in case of not managing to find a plug socket to charge phones. We have a big one that will give four full charges and we take it on all holidays.

Buy a money belt. You can wear it round your middle and it is pretty unobtrusive. If you are on a train or bus it means you can leave your bag and jacket on the floor without risking pickpockets.

This is featured in the travel video I posted. More comfortable than a money belt.

www.johnlewis.com/go-travel-clip-pouch-black/p593596?sku=232308978&s_kwcid=2dx92700022985030118&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKCAjw2ZXMBRB2EiwA2HVD-LQF4WGcjaBZ_5oI1H4IcvVYdiNqjZxwPdw1rXEcr2SiBHauKUDbohoCnAIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I still use my rucksack when travelling. My top tip is travel light. Plus a small light foldable rucksack for carrying groceries and a bum bag. Mini towel, sarong, hat, long sleeved top to allow entry to churches, places of worship, zip off trousers, survival bag inside rucksack to stop everything getting wet. Selection of basic medicines.