Arguably the biggest anxiety for the first-time traveler is the thought of being lonely – visions of cold evenings curled around a flickering bedside lamp sobbing into a dog-eared copy of Wild by Cheryl Strayed as a soundtrack of general debauchery from the downstairs party reverberates through the walls.
It’s a fear born of fallacy as travelers tend to be a social breed. But to guide you through the often intimidating ice-breaker stage we’ve devised a list of simple ways to cultivate companionship on the road. For further tips on fostering friendship while abroad – and similar subjects of importance to the solo traveler – grab a copy of The Solo Travel Handbook .

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Join a walking tour
Not only is this a great (and often free) way to acquaint yourself with a new city, but the nature of walking tours lends to easy conversation. If the group isn’t too large, a good host will ask everyone to say their name and where they’re from, which gives you an easy ‘in’ for striking up conversation with other participants along the way. Stopping for a group meal or drink also presents a great opportunity to socialize.

Not only are they great value, hostels are an excellent place to find travel companions © Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Embrace hostels
Hostels are an essential asset for the sociable solo traveler (and not all are bland, boxy affairs!). Close-knit sleeping quarters foster conversation – or arguments over air-conditioner settings – while cool communal spaces provide an ideal platform to bond with fellow travelers over a beer. Even if you’re not staying at a hostel, you can check hostel websites for event schedules – many host tours, dinners, pub crawls and other events available to non-guests.
Rent a room
Whether it’s Couchsurfing or renting a room through Airbnb and other local home-sharing sites, staying with a host can increase your opportunities to meet new people. Locals who are willing to share their homes are usually gregarious individuals keen to connect with their visitors and offer local insights that enhance the travel experience. You can usually discern from an advert, or reviews from previous guests, how affable your host is likely to be. If you're specifically keen to meet natives rather than fellow travelers, see our guide to striking up a conversation with a local.
Connect online
Over recent years there has been a surge in apps designed to help travelers connect on the road. Chief among them is Backpackr, which helps you meet people ahead of time who will be traveling to the same destinations. While out on the road, EatWith lets you attend dinner parties hosted by local chefs, and Sofar Sounds connects users with musicians hosting intimate gigs in informal venues. Others have turned to dating apps to find local companions or potential romance on the road, although it goes without saying that good judgment and all the usual precautions apply.
There's also a ton of great online travel networks you can join, from Girls Love Travel, a group empowering solo female travelers, to Digital Nomads Around the World, which helps full-time traveling professionals connect and share advice.

If you're dining alone seek out pubs or restaurants where you can eat a meal at the bar © Westend61 / Getty Images

Take your meal at the bar
Choosing to eat at a restaurant’s bar not only allows you to bypass a potentially awkward "table for one" dining scenario, but it also gives you an opportunity to chat with diners either side of you (who may also be eating alone), punters ordering drinks or with the bartender; staff often make an extra effort to chat to solo patrons. So grab a stool and a meal and see where the night takes you.
Join a local meet-up
From cooking courses to tango lessons, classes aimed at visitors offer an opportunity to bond with other travelers over a shared interest, or – depending on the obscurity of the activity – how incompetent you are at it. If you’re struggling to find something that appeals, the Meetup community has almost 30 million members in 184 countries, so there’s a good chance there will be an event of interest during your time abroad: whether you’re after photography tips, hiking groups or a philosophical debate.
Offer to take photos "Would you like me to take a photo for you?" with the universally recognized "camera" mime is perhaps the least conspicuous way to start a conversation with a stranger in a foreign country. If you spot another tourist straining to snap a quality selfie, offer your expertise; a natural prelude to generalized small talk that may develop into a picture-perfect friendship.

Small group tours can spark new friendships as well as memorable adventures © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Embark on a group tour
Whether it’s a road trip to a remote village or a multi-day hike through the mountains, intimate group tours offer travel experiences that perhaps aren’t possible – or financially viable – to take on as an independent traveler. Small group sizes create a sense of camaraderie, especially when undergoing challenging activities, while long cramped car rides necessitate chit-chat to make the experience tolerable.
Volunteer on local projects
Volunteering provides travelers with specific skill sets the opportunity to benefit the local community in which they’re visiting. It’s also an excellent way to mix with both locals and fellow volunteers during projects and often constitutes an extremely rewarding experience. However, the pitfalls of the volunteering industry – dubbed "voluntourism" – can be tricky to navigate. Make sure you research any potential organization thoroughly before signing up to ensure your experience delivers more benefits than harm.
Simply say hello
Traveling is perhaps the only situation in life where almost everyone you meet will be actively looking to make friends. Other solo travelers are detached from friends and family and are likely to be seeking sociability. The human species has survived for 200,000 years because of our ability to communicate with one another. You’re in a foreign place, nobody knows you: go grab a drink from the hostel bar, slide into that empty seat and say hello to the lonely figure staring haplessly at their phone. What have you got to lose?

Non-awkward ways to meet people on the road

No longer just a tool for licensed professionals or a hobby for the wealthy, high-quality drones are now sold at most electronics stores and can be more affordable than a camera without the wings.
Though, as drone photography reaches new heights (pun intended), so do reports of incidents from amateur drone pilots wreaking havoc.
Beyond the slick appeal of game-changing photography, don't take off on your next trip with a drone until you have a masterful understanding of the red tape, compliance concerns and aviation guidelines in place to ensure safety is the priority.
So before you throw your drone (not your caution) to the wind, use this guide to get you cleared for take-off.

A drone's eye view of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain - if you want to capture this shot, just make sure you check the Canary Islands Drone Laws © Marco Bottigelli / Getty

How to travel with your drone: What is TSA's drone policy?
TSA's drone policy mostly defers to individual airlines' guidelines when it comes to traveling with drones in-cabin or storing them in checked luggage. TSA's primary concern is with your drone's battery: lithium batteries, fuel cells and components of certain parachute systems may be prohibited in baggage.
Given that most commercial drones are now relatively small in size, once you've checked your airline's policies, you're likely able to pack it in your carry-on or your checked luggage when flying. Larger specialist drones or higher-end ones may be outside the dimensions for carry-on, especially when in their protective cases.
Keeping expensive equipment in a carry-on case is good practice, as you have more control of how it's handled. Likewise, always pack batteries in a carry-on bag, so they can be stored in a pressurized environment where the temperature is less likely to fluctuate. Most commercial drone batteries have less than 100 Wh (watt-hours), but it’s good to check against the airline’s rules just in case.
Look at the airport security practices for any country you're transiting through. When traveling with your drone through customs be aware that laws vary from country to country, and some places outright ban drones (more on that below). If you’re traveling through security to a country with strict drone laws, it goes without saying you should leave it at home for that particular trip. You could be risking fines or confiscation.

How to travel with a drone

Can you carry a drone on an international flight? Drone regulations around the world
As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become more commonly used, policymakers are struggling to keep up. While many countries have established laws when it comes to drones, others do not. Regulations can vary, including the maximum height to which aircraft are able to fly to, the areas they are permitted, the distance they can go to buildings and whether or not identity tags are necessary. In the vast majority of cases, UAVs should only be flown while they are still visible to the pilot.

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Views like this are a lot easier to get for amateur photographers now with lightweight, portable drones © Donald Yip / 500px

Where to keep up to date on drone laws and regulations
Leading drone manufacturer DJI has a handy link on their website to local drone laws listed by country which they keep updated regularly. The Global Drone Regulations Database also has a search function that shows recent updates. In the United States, authorities allow tourists to fly drones under the Federal Aviation Administration.
The most important guideline to remember: never fly a drone within a 5-mile radius of any airport.
Always research flight clearance at your intended flight destination before you arrive as rules and ordinances can vary by city and state, and change often.

A drone's eye-view of Surat Thani, Thailand: to capture the same shot, make sure you register your device with Thailand's NBTC or the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) © Peetatham Kongkapech / Getty Images

The 3 best apps for drones: a map, a forecast and a photo wizard
B4UFly : An FAA-sponsored app for recreational drone pilots that documents where you can and cannot fly in the US. This resource is also the most comprehensive compilation of all airports in the US. The app also provides air clearance options via a text message system depending on your location.
UAV Forecast : A real-time log of local weather conditions that aid in gauging the wind, visibility and precipitation.
PhotoPills: Once you're in the clear and ready to fly, PhotoPills is an incredible resource for lining up the perfect shot.
Take a virtual drone tour of the fascinating new excavations in Pompeii
Why your drone's weight matters
Drones over 0.55 lbs (0.25 kg) should be registered on the FAA website, which also has further information available on policy and use. A flying limit of 400 feet high is in place, while pilots should avoid dangerous areas and refrain from flying over crowds. Beginners should consider a compact drone under 0.55 lbs (0.25 kg) to streamline the process of getting into the air.
Canada has a strict height limit of 295 feet (90 meters), while those operating drones should stay at least five kilometers away from airports, airfields and aircrafts. Further information on the specifics is available through Transport Canada. Italian authorities allow drones compliant with Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) regulations, as long as they are not flown at night, over populated areas or over a height of 229 feet (70 meters), while in Japan drones must keep a minimum distance of 100 feet (30 meters) from people, buildings and vehicles and only fly at a maximum height of 492 feet (150 meters).
Underwater photography contest captures astonishing scenes of animal behavior

Just because you can't fly in US national parks doesn't mean there aren't plenty of excellent free fly zones throughout nature © George Pachantouris / Getty

Can you fly drones in US national parks?
Drones are not allowed for recreational or commercial use in US national parks or US national forests. In general, US state parks allow drones unless prohibited through a posted order.
How to photograph Yosemite like Ansel Adams
Be aware of no-drone zones
While countries have varying rules on things like height and location, some places have outright banned the use of drones. These include:
Algeria Cuba Morocco Nicaragua North Korea

Privacy is also a concern when using drones so be mindful of where you fly and when © Denis Belitsky / Shutterstock

Other countries have very strict or unclear drone regulations and thus, flying is definitely not recommended until policies become clearer. They include:
Barbados Côte d'Ivoire Eygpt Iran Iraq Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Madagascar Saudi Arabia Senegal Syria

Drones offer the rare-chance to get a bird's eye view of the world © ViewApart / Getty

Best practices for using your drone on vacation
Many official rules and regulations for the piloting of drones cross over with practical tips that will keep you and your equipment safe. As a general rule it’s always good to have your aircraft in sight, as it can become damaged or even crash. Wildlife and nature should always be taken into account, and it’s good to research if there are any endangered or protected species in the area.
Privacy is another big factor that should be considered, as drones can grant access to hard-to-reach areas that may have been designed to be free from prying eyes. As a courtesy, other people’s personal space in apartments and buildings and in public areas such as beaches should be taken into account. You also should never fly your drone near any military base, any government property or private property. Just because there's a wide-open, remote patch of land does not automatically mean you are free to fly. You are responsible for ensuring proper flight licenses and clearances at all times.
Recreational drone use is just that: recreational. Once you begin to use your drone skills for profit, you are a professional and need to obtain the proper clearances, licenses and approvals necessary. As previously mentioned, always maintain at least 5 miles distance from airports must be observed, as drones can cause many issues with air traffic.
After all that, there’s nothing left to do except get creative and have fun with your drone!
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Taking your drone on vacation? Here's what you need to know in 2022

Glistening, groaning icebergs. Playful Adélie, gentoo and emperor penguins. Sunbathing Weddell seals and spouting sperm whales. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest continent on earth, and for many travelers, the final frontier.
Since the “Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration” at the end of the 19th century, people have longed to follow in Shackleton’s footsteps and explore this polar desert. Fortunately for modern adventurers, more opportunities than ever are open for tourists to check the most illusive continent on earth off their bucket lists. But to do that, you have to have the right gear.

Make sure you have plenty of data storage as you'll take more pictures than you've taken before © Vadim Nefedoff / Shutterstock

What to pack for a voyage to Antarctica
Most expeditions to Antarctica are on scientific research vessels that also transport tourists. Unlike a traditional cruise, however, you won’t need fancy formalwear for the dining room. Dress on board is casual and comfortable and, above all else, keeps safety in mind. Ships typically ban any footwear that’s open-toed or high-heeled, but your tuxedo t-shirt will be just fine for penguin theme night.While on board the ship, your best bet is comfortable, layered clothing and slip-resistant shoes for walking the damp decks. Wildlife sightings are a popular pastime at sea, and this is a good opportunity to give your camera and snow gear a test run, since the wind on deck will give you a taste of Antarctic cold. Binoculars come in handy, too, for spotting far-off whales and birds from the boat.
Be prepared for seasickness crossing Drake Passage
Before you step foot on the southernmost continent, you’ll have to brave the Drake Passage. Those who make the crossing frequently will tell you that it’s referred to as the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake,” depending on the swell of the sea. If it’s the former, you’ll want to be prepared with seasickness medicine. This can be pills, patches, wristbands, or a combination thereof; if you’re particularly susceptible, talk with your doctor about prescription medication before you leave home.

Layering is key to staying comfortable in cold environments — and avoid cotton fabric blends © Angela Ballard / Lonely Planet

Packing for shore excursions in Antarctica
As you approach your first landing, the ship’s crew will check your outdoor wear and camera gear like tripods for any tiny stowaways. Everything will be inspected, vacuumed and brushed to remove foreign particles like dirt and seeds in order to protect Antarctica’s pristine environment.
Getting from your ship to Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands and other popular Antarctic landings requires you to ride in an inflatable motorboat.
A waterproof dry bag or backpack like those used by scuba divers is useful for keeping your camera gear dry, and a waterproof pouch on a lanyard will keep your phone secure and handy for quick photos. The extreme cold will drain the batteries in your electronics faster than usual, so bring extras and keep them in an inner coat pocket to benefit from your body heat until you need them.
How to protect yourself in this harsh environment
Sunglasses with a UV filter are essential for exploring in the blinding southerly sunshine — as is sunscreen. Some people bring ski goggles to help combat the wind, particularly if they have prescription lenses. Moisturizer and lip balm are also necessities in the Antarctic atmosphere; because of its low temperatures, the polar air contains only about one-tenth of the water vapor found in temperate latitudes, and your skin will dry out quickly.
While you might be tempted to pack your bulkiest clothes to stay warm, you’ll be better off with layers of moisture-wicking, windproof fabrics. Top these with waterproof snow pants (a requirement for most Antarctic cruises), but don’t tuck them in — that will shovel ice and snow directly into your boots, leaving you with wet socks and cold toes.

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You'll need different gear for when you're on ship, or shore, in Antarctica © Mint Images / Art Wolfe / Getty Images

Preventing contamination of this pristine environment
Many cruise companies provide guests with rubber boots for shore excursions, largely to prevent contamination of the Antarctic snow and soil. But thin, moisture-wicking socks layered underneath a thicker, warmer pair will keep your toes toasty, particularly if you drop some air-activated heat packets into your boots. The same layering approach works best for your hands, with a thin liner pair of gloves topped with a thick, waterproof pair of ski-type gloves.
A balaclava offers an all-in-one approach for keeping your head warm and your face protected from Antarctic winds, or you can opt for a snug-fitting beanie and a neck gaiter that will fit under the hood of your coat and stay put on quick boat crossings.
Stay warm and dry... except for the polar plunge
Despite freezing temperatures, you should bring a swimsuit. The polar plunge is a fun opportunity to shed your snowsuit and strip to your skivvies for a quick dip in the sub-zero salt water. Once you’re back on board, keep your swimsuit on to take advantage of your ship’s sauna to thaw out from the swim.

Despite the harsh environment, you can pack well for a safe and comfortable Antarctic experience © Angela Ballard / Lonely Planet

How to protect your camera gear in Antarctica
You’re likely to take more photos in Antarctica than many other travel destinations, so make sure your gear is ready. Consider a rubber housing to protect your camera body, a rain sleeve to keep out snow and spray, and a lens hood to help combat the icy glare. An external hard drive will help free up space on memory cards, and a power strip comes in handy for charging all your devices simultaneously in your cabin. You may need outlet adapters, too, so check with your cruise line. Speaking of cameras, you can leave your drone at home — you won’t be able to fly it in Antarctica.
Miscellaneous items you also need for your Antarctica voyage
If you’re bunking in a shared cabin to cut costs, then don’t forget to bring a sleep mask, earplugs, a bag lock and other hostel-style roommate essentials.
Heading to Port Lockroy or Vernadsky Station? Carry some U.S. currency with you to purchase items from the gift shop or send a postcard with a penguin postmark to friends and family back home.
The most surprising thing you probably won’t need to pack for Antarctica is a coat. Most cruise operators provide one as part of your package, both for the branding opportunity and for safety reasons. It’s easier to find boatloads of guests on shore excursions when everyone is dressed alike. Double check before you depart, however, to be sure it’s included in your experience.
Antarctica packing essentials at a glance

Synthetic, silk or wool base layers
Waterproof snow pants
Moisture-wicking socks
Wool or insulating socks
Swim suit
Close-toed, slip-resistant deck shoes
Waterproof boots
UV-protected sunglasses
Drybag
Beanie or watchcap
Neck gaiter
Waterproof gloves
A light windbreaker or jacket
Binoculars
Extra batteries
Camera + chargers, lenses, accessories, etc.
Motion sickness medication
Moisturizer
Sunscreen + SPF chapstick

Introducing Antarctica

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How to pack for a trip to Antarctica

Picture this: You’re on a trail, 750 miles north of the Mexican border where you started, and the elevation is continuing to rise. After two months of slogging in the desert sun, you feel every rock you have stepped over, every switchback, every mountain pass – and a great sense of accomplishment for how far you’ve come.
But the looming mountain reminds you: There are still 1900 more miles of hiking ahead through two more states, and countless obstacles of terrain and weather.
What does it take to complete the Pacific Crest Trail, the US west coast’s greatest footpath? Perseverance. And passion.

Running the entire latitudinal length of the continental US, the Pacific Crest Trail is high on many long-distance hikers' lists © Patrick Poendl / Shutterstock

Where is the Pacific Crest Trail?
The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, runs 2650.10 miles through the states of California, Oregon and Washington. Spanning from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada. It takes anywhere from four to six months of backpacking. Through one national park and wilderness area after the next, one step at a time. Roughly five million to be exact.
What’s more, the trail covers the most variable terrain the planet has to offer, from the heat of the Mojave Desert in Southern California to the high-altitude granite peaks of the Sierra. Then volcano-hopping in the central regions of Oregon before finally inching toward Canada through the wonderment of the Cascade Mountains in Washington.
Here are the basic skills, terrain, weather and more information needed for anyone who wishes to attempt this grueling thru-hike in 2022 and many years to come.

Climbing out of Cascade Locks and the lowest point on the trail, the rain and trees dominate the landscape for much of Washington © Sean Jansen / Lonely Planet

What to expect on the Pacific Crest Trail
The landscape of the trail: The landscape and environment on the trail change as much as the altitude. One day could be 90 degrees in the scorching desert sun, the next near freezing at an elevation of 9000 feet. Preparation for the daily – even hourly – changes is vital. The lowest point on the trail is only 170 feet above sea level (the Columbia River Gorge on the border of Oregon and Washington). The highest is at 13,200 feet (Forester Pass in California’s Sierra Nevada range). With such a huge variation, you could get altitude sickness in the morning and heat exhaustion by the afternoon.
The weather along the PCT: The weather also changes dramatically and quickly. The desert, blistering in the daytime, can drop below freezing the same night. In the higher altitudes of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades, too, temperatures can range from nearly 90 degrees to below freezing, with snow even in the summer months. The variation can be exciting but prepare for rain, sleet, snow, lightning, hail and everything in between at any location on trail, any day of the year despite what the weather channel says.
How to sleep on the trail: Where you sleep depends on what you decide to carry. Most pack a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad for protection from weather and the environment. Yet hikers will cross a road or highway weekly, where it is possible to hitchhike into a town to stay at a hotel or hostel for the night. Be advised, however: most towns rarely have more than a grocery store and gas station. While it’s common practice in the region around the trail, hitchhiking is never entirely safe and we don’t recommend it. Travelers who hitch should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk.

Following the footsteps of John Muir, the Sierra Nevada section of the trail is a favorite to many, and for good reason © Sean Jansen / Lonely Planet

How to prepare for your hike on the Pacific Crest Trail
When to start your hike: Timing is crucial and depends on whether you’re hiking south-to-north (most popular) or north-to-south. If you’re heading north, the start dates range from March to late May; June onward the Pacific Crest Trail Association has revoked any permits issued during this time for a northbound thru-hiker. If you’re heading south, the start dates will depend on the snowpack in the North Cascades of Washington, though they range from early June to September with their own limitations to permitting as well.
How to get a PCT permit: As if the 2650.10 miles of trail aren’t hard enough, the permitting process and applying for one might be a close second. Not only has the National Forest limited the amount of permits issued, they also cut off much of the year for permitting. Limited to just 50 a day for the northbound hiker, starting March first and spanning through to the end of May, spots fill the day the permit applications open. For this year, it began November 9, 2021 for early registration and a second opening January 11, 2022.
For the southbound thru-hiker, the permits are limited to just 15 a day from June 15 to the end of July, then again another 15 a day from the first of August to September 15. Due to COVID-19, hikers are restricted to entering Canada. In order to begin your hike at the Northern Terminus, a hiker must hike north to the terminus, against the traditional start in Manning Park, British Columbia. Permits for entering Canada have been restricted at this time.
With a total number of 8000 permits issued a year for the Pacific Crest Trail, planning your start date well in advance may not guarantee you a space reserved, but offers you the greatest chance at your desired permit date. Should there be no more permits available for your start date or any day in the permit window, you may contact PCTA.org for possible cancellations. Though there is no waitlist available. To begin your future start on the Pacific Crest Trail, you must apply for a permit through the Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Fire permits: Lastly, you will need to obtain a fire permit for uses of a campfire at any location on trail as well as the use of a camping stove. Fire restrictions may be in effect at any location on trail depending on drought or fire weather and each hiker must be knowledgeable of these advisories at their location on trail.

Epic hikes around the world

How to train for your hike: Exercises, stretches and other workout routines can be helpful to prepare for months of hiking. Many thru-hikers prepare with trail running. Logging a couple of miles each day in the months before your hike, with slow mileage gains weekly, can prepare both your body and mind for the eight to 10 hours of daily hiking you’ll do on the trail. Stretching, even yoga, can make moving easier and injury-free. After blisters, muscle tears are the most common setback for hikers and stretching can prevent (and even help heal) injuries.
However, the most important training is mental. All the physical training and backpacking experience means nothing if you aren’t driven to make it to the border of Canada or Mexico. The passion and perseverance it takes to complete the trail is often underestimated. Whatever your reason for starting, hold onto it and use it as your personal drive. It will be monumental to your success while hiking and to your happiness once you’ve finished.
What skills are needed for the PCT: Believe it or not, a basic knowledge of camping and backpacking gear are all you need. You will meet other thru-hikers on trail, and the struggles and exertion will often be shared. Spend some time before you go learning some simple map reading skills and basic first aid. And take the time to balance your pack with weight distribution to make the hike as comfortable as possible. The greatest skill you can carry is the knowledge of what your body is capable of doing. Knowing your limits – both physical and mental – will help your ‘cruise control’ stay set.

The desert sections of trail are incredibly demanding physically, yet stunning in their own way © Sean Jansen / Lonely Planet

What to bring on the PCT: Along with your physical preparation and time management, the tools you use are equally essential and can make or break the trip. A several-liter backpack, warm sleeping bag and sleeping pad are a must. You’ll need to choose between a tent and lightweight bivy (smaller than a tent, it covers basically the same footprint as your sleeping bag) for protection from the elements. Rain gear, a down jacket, extra socks, trekking poles, a hat, sunglasses, trail shoes, a backpacking stove, a water filter, a headlamp and base layer clothing are all necessities. Absolutely do not pack cotton clothing – it retains sweat instead of wicking it away, making your clothing heavy and possibly leading to hypothermia.
How to eat on the trail: You’ll need to find your way into nearby towns along the trek to collect food supplies. You can mail boxes to yourself before you leave, for pickup at various post offices or plan to get food from grocery stores. With a basic and lightweight stove designed for boiling water, you can pack out instant meals, mashed potatoes, noodles and oatmeal. Along with snacks; energy bars, chips, nuts, fruit and candy, the stove is great for tea and coffee. Water is obtained naturally, through the creaks and lakes along the trail. You will need a filtration device to drink the water and avoid sickness caused from waterborne parasites like Giardia or H. Pylori. If you do choose to hitchhike, know that people who live near the trail understand the need for hikers to get to town and many are thrilled to see you.
How to get to the Pacific Crest Trail: Many major airports are within a reasonable drive from the trail. San Diego is nearest to the Mexican border and the Southern Terminus for the northbound hiker, while Seattle is the nearest to Canada and the Northern Terminus for the southbound start. Coupled with Tijuana in Mexico and Vancouver in Canada for nearby international airports. Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles are close enough to the trail to be accessible within the borders with connections from there to even smaller and remote locations.

The weather on the Pacific Crest Trail decides to switch when it pleases. An early September snowfall in the Cascades isn't much of a surprise © Sean Jansen / Lonely Planet

The Pacific Crest Trail and COVID-19
Due to the pandemic, the local areas off trail may be limiting their access to grocery stores and other social engagements to limit the spread of COVID-19. Take this into consideration when entering these areas and use all the tools given by the CDC to do your part. The PCTA also has their recommendations for hiking during the pandemic here. Mailing yourself food to the Post Offices throughout the trail may be the best way to limit your impact. Must you use the local grocery store, please respect the local guidelines and the people who inhabit these small mountain and desert towns.

What to pack for your next hiking adventure

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Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before traveling during COVID-19 .

How to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022: a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know

Trust us when we say Lonely Planet staffers test out a lot of gear. But these things are what have truly made a difference to our travels. Either these things made it easier, offered a chance at connecting with someone or they were just plain fun. Take a look at our list of must-have gear and tech, because we’re confident you’ll find the perfect gift for the on-the-go traveler in your life.

Courtesy Photo

Polaroid camera
From $100
This is certainly an extra item for a traveler's gear – it's just pure and simple fun. Its easy to snap photos of travelers you meet a long the way and share the print with them. Its also fun to have the print to add to your journal, incorporating art and words to really have a keepsake of your trip.

Courtesy Photo

Black Diamond Moji color lantern
Recommended by Gabriel Rovick, adventure photographer and founder of F4D studio
$25
This small lantern packs a serious punch: weighing only three ounces, it can light up your campsite for ten hours on high or a hundred hours on low. Put it in your backpack for car camping trips, nights in a hostel or bushwhacking through the Alaskan wilderness, and with one flick of a switch you can bring the party, as this little lantern strobes its way through the rainbow.

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Courtesy Photo

TYCKA Rangers 56" compact travel tripod
Recommended by Jasmine Alley, a Dallas-based travel blogger and photographer passionate about finding beauty in the world
$70
Whether you're photographing the stars or traveling solo, a tripod definitely comes in handy. I use this exact model because it’s user-friendly, versatile, lightweight and compact enough to fit in a carry-on when I'm flying somewhere. Most recently, I used it to capture the northern lights in Alaska. You could barely see them with the naked eye (they were just a milky glow on the horizon), but with my camera steady on this tripod and a 15-second shutter speed, you could clearly see green in the camera. It wouldn't have been possible to get the shot without it!

Courtesy Photo

Aer Cable Kit 2
Recommended by Alex Howard, Lonely Planet senior editor
$50
Keep track of all your cables (we're not totally wireless just yet) while on the road with this durable nylon-face bag. There are multiple pockets to keep things nice and orderly and a padded interior for protection.

Courtesy Photo

DJI OM 5
Recommended by Amanda McCadams, Lonely Planet social media manager
$159
A small, compact gimbal that attaches quickly and easily to your mobile device, the DJI OM 5 makes capturing smooth video with your phone a breeze. If you’re hiking, making a time-lapse sunset or just taking a pano selfie, it’ll make sure that you don't go home with shaky video.

Courtesy Photo

LensPen NLP-1
Recommended by Erin Lenczycki, Lonely Planet photo editor
$10
My camera lens and phone seem to always be smudged, and even if I pack thirty microfiber cloths, I never seem to have a clean one. So this little guy is a life-saver for me: it's tiny, cheap, and so much better than a t-shirt. I also use it on my glasses daily!

Courtesy Photo

LC-dolida sleep headphones
Recommended by Caitlin Riddell, Lonely Planet director of social media
$23.99
Ears have been the real MVP since the influx of mask restrictions – they hold your airpods, your mask, your glasses and more. If you're trying to get some shut-eye on a long flight or a road trip, try this two-in-one headphone/eye mask combo, which removes the need to have something additional resting on or in your ears. The wireless Bluetooth speakers are so thin it even works for side-sleepers. An added bonus: if you install the Calm app before you travel, you can literally have Harry Styles lull you to sleep in transit, thanks to the celebrity-narrated Sleep Stories feature. You're welcome.

Courtesy Photo

Kelty Redwing 50 backpack
Recommended by Ben Buckner, Lonely Planet senior editor, sponsored content
$150
Rugged and versatile, with pockets for days, this sturdy backpack has been my go-to for outdoor adventure hikes as well as city breaks for years. The ventilated back and suspension system make medium-distances a breeze, and it even fits easily in overhead compartments. (Remember those?)
Promising review: "I've used this particular backpack in the past 4 years to travel around 30+ countries and every variety of travel. I love the versatility of it from hiking to hotels. The two external side pockets, top pocket, front pocket, two bottom side pockets and not to mention hidden pockets under the side ones make it easy to grab gear fast on the go."

Courtesy Photo

Icelantic Skis UV Sun Hoodie
Recommended by Gabriel Rovick, adventure photographer and founder of F4D studio
$65
Icelantic is a Colorado-based, independently owned company that builds gorgeous skis right in Denver. But the brand’s outdoor-wear is equally amazing, and these sun hoodies are no exception. Comfortable for a day of paddle-boarding, hiking, sailing or any other activity you can dream up, these are built to withstand the hardest of players.

Courtesy Photo

Patagonia Endless Ride liner shorts
Recommended by Ben Buckner, Lonely Planet senior editor, sponsored content
$80
These padded shorts – available in styles for men and women – will definitely save your butt. A chamois pad in just the right place takes the pressure off, but the nylon-spandex material elsewhere is light and grippy. You'll never go off road on a bike without them again.
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Best gear and tech for travelers

Traveling light is an essential step towards embracing the spontaneity of travel. With a small pack, you can travel on impulse, sprinting down the platform to catch that departing train, and leaping from boat to village bus without missing a beat. From the comfort of home, it might feel like you need everything but the kitchen sink, but when it comes to packing, less is definitely more.
One of the first surprises for new travelers is that things from back home are easily available in other countries. If you can pick it up when you arrive, why haul it halfway across the world? The other big first-trip packing lesson is the value of having space in your pack–you never know when you might find a Buddha statue or hand-embroidered wall hanging that you can't live without.

A lightweight bag makes life easy if you need to ride up on the roof © Svetlana Bykova / Shutterstock

If your backpack is bursting at the seams when you set off, you'll soon find yourself wrestling with multiple bags while the light load travelers are grabbing the best seats on the bus. Travelers with a single bag experience less stress–they're the folk you see whistling cheerfully as they walk out of the terminal building while you're still fighting to drag your suitcases off the conveyor belt.
Of course, packing is a deeply personal process. Everyone has their own standards of comfort, and their own notions of what counts as essential. But by following some field-tested tenets of traveling light, you can shed size and weight. And as every veteran traveler knows, you regret the things you didn't bring much less than the pain of hauling around things you didn't need!

Take tough decisions at the start of the packing process to win your freedom on the road © Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

The first law of travel physics
There's one inalienable rule of travel physics: the contents of your bag will expand to fill the available space. If your bag is stuffed full at the departure gate, you're already en route to a second bag if you spot anything you want to buy when you reach your destination.
Start with a bag that fits into a plane's overhead compartment, and fill it with only as much stuff as you can fit in without shoving. Leave behind the rest. For ninja-level packing, make a second pass and remove anything you aren't 100% certain you'll use. Tough decisions on your living-room floor will pay big dividends on the road.
Pack densely
Black holes are so compact that now even light can escape their gravity. Your bag should function on a similar principle. Folded is smaller than scrunched up. Folded and rolled is smaller still. If your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, you are probably letting sartorial decisions take precedence over practicality.

It's not hard to wash your laundry as you go © Watch_The_World / Shutterstock

Know your destination
The streets may look different to the street you live on, but the shops sell almost everything you'll find back home, from shampoo and sunscreen to camera cards and phone charging cables. Where tourists gather, you can probably also find plug adapters, the latest movies on DVD and the candy bars you grew up with. A few things genuinely won't be available in your chosen destination, but most will, so don't fill up your bag with things you can buy as and when you need them.
The rule of three
Three pairs of socks. Three pairs of underwear. Three T-shirts. Wear one, wash one, dry one. You can get more miles out of leg wear, so two pairs of pants and one culturally appropriate pair of shorts or skirt should suffice. Stick to light, flowing clothing made from cotton and blends that dry quickly and look good without needing an iron to remove every wrinkle.

Modern gadgets switch voltage automatically, so no need for bulky chargers © Chad Springer / Getty Images

Pack less, wash more
It turns out most cultures have figured out how to wash stuff. Whether you use the hotel laundry or the local dhobi-wallah (clothes washer), a clean shirt is usually just a few hours away. Pack fewer clothes, and wash them when they get dirty, and that onerous weight on your back will get miraculously lighter. At a pinch, most lodgings have a sink and running water–bring a length of string and you've got an instant washing line.
Travel-friendly tech
Most modern electronics (like phones and cameras) switch voltage automatically when you plug them in. If in doubt, check the plug for a note saying ‘Input: 100~240v’ or something similar. Leave voltage-specific devices that require heavy, old-fashioned adapters at home. A three-way splitter plugged into a multi-country adapter should be enough to keep all your devices juiced. If you have USB-powered devices, even better. Bring a plug with multiple USB ports and you'll just need to carry the cables.

Flip flops–essential traveller footwear for this (and any other) season © tvirbickis / Getty Images

Only bring what you need
Repeat this to yourself as you pack. The unknowns of traveling make us want to surround ourselves with familiar items but this kind of ‘what if’ thinking is a fast-track to a heavy pack. If you aren't certain you'll use it, you probably don't need it. Remember, many things can be hired, bought or borrowed as you need them. That mask and snorkel? You can probably hire one when you reach the beach. That hairdryer? Most hotels have one.
Don't go shoe crazy
Veteran travelers rarely pack more than two pairs: a comfortable pair of trainer-type shoes that are good for trekking, day-wear and running, and a pair of flip-flops (thongs) for beach wear and dubious-looking bathroom floors. Only bring smart shoes if you're definitely going somewhere you can't get away with trainers (or pick some up locally when and if you need them).

An MP3 player means you can take your whole music collection on the road © Jonathan Smith / Lonely Planet

Let tech be your friend
These days, your phone can double as your music player, camera and more, weighing not much more than a sandwich. Heavy books used to the bane of travel (though a blessing during long waits for transport). Today, you can load a whole library onto an  e-Reader and a whole record collection onto an MP3 player. Carry a small portable power bank to keep your devices going when you can't get to a wall socket.
Be weight aware
Some things–paper, glass, metal, batteries–are just heavy, so try not to pack them unless you really need to. If you need battery-operated devices, look for lightweight versions; a head torch powered by a button battery weighs much less than a traditional torch powered by heavy alkaline batteries. To stay on the right side of airline weight baggage limits, carry a small, portable luggage scale.

The humble sarong: one minute it's a fashion statement, the next it's a changing room © Manuel Sulzer / Getty Images

Function over form
Prioritize useful things. A ball-gown may look great, but a crumple-friendly cotton dress that you can wear on the bus, beach and dancefloor will take you a lot further. Here are some tried and tested travel essentials:

A quick-drying pack towel : fluffy towels are bulky and take ages to dry; synthetic towels dry quickly and pack away to nothing.
A sarong: it's a changing room, it's a blanket, it's a curtain for privacy, it's a towel, it's a bag, it's a sunshade, it's quite possibly the most versatile item in your bag. Oh, and you can also use it to cover your legs.
Compression straps: they squeeze things into your bag, fix things to your bag, and fix your bag to other things, like the roof rack on back-country buses. They'll also function is a washing line (or bring some string).
A cotton scarf or bandanna: it's a head covering for mosques and temples, a sun hat, a dust-mask, a neck and shoulder warmer; you can even use it as a fashion accessory.
A frisbee: in addition to its friend-making potential, strategically packing it on the outside edge of your pack provides hard-shell protection for breakables. Additional uses: cutting board, plate, bowl, bottle opener, fan, dry place to sit.

Don't despair – there are lots of ways to sneak extra luggage on to a plane © AlexBrylov / Getty Images

Tips for the airport
Even if you get your packing list down to the essentials, you might find there are one or two items that just won't fit, particularly on the way home. If necessary, exploit the the airline industry's three biggest luggage loopholes:

Wearing is not carrying: stuff your pockets, don your jacket, wear your hiking boots and pack your sandals.
‘Carry on plus one personal item’: most airlines let you supplement your carry-on bag with a camera bag or smaller backpack, giving you some bonus storage.
Duty-free doesn't count: if you can't fit it in your bag, most airlines let you carry on air-side purchases without penalty in a carrier bag (which also has room for more loose items).

The best places to travel solo for the first time

Traveling light is one top travel trip; traveling solo is another. It's a great way to meet people–here are some tips.

Savvy packer's pack list
Here is a list of everything we'd suggest for a multi-week trip to most popular backpacking destinations.

Backpack (40L max, 35L is even better)
Bag liner (or a large, heavy-duty plastic bag)
Passport and other documents
Compact umbrella
Three or four light stuff sacks for organizing
Three shirts or T-shirts
Two pairs of pants (trousers)
One pair of shorts (or a skirt)
Three pairs of socks
Three pairs of underwear
Fleece jacket, hoodie or long-sleeved top (for air-conditioned transport and high elevations)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Sarong
Bandanna and/or scarf
Comfortable walking shoes (wear them when you fly)
Comfortable sandals or flip flops
Sleep kit: mosquito net, sleeping bag liner (or a lightweight fleece blanket), ear plugs
Shower kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (or try a piece of alum), small bottle of shower gel
Food and drink kit: snack bars, a travel mug, water purification tablets, a water bottle, a folding knife for cutting fruit
First aid kit: mosquito repellent, clippers, tweezers, plasters, headache tablets, small tube of antiseptic and your usual meds
Camera and accessories (if you can't get by with your phone camera)
Laptop (if your smart phone won't cut it) wrapped in a waterproof bag
Smart phone and headphones (plus charging cables)
Notebook and pens
Parachute cord (or string)
Lightweight head torch
Frisbee

You may also like: 10 destinations perfect for solo travel 10 places in the world with the most intense fall colors Our favorite lesser-known neighborhoods in the world's greatest cities
This article was first published in October 2014.

How to pack for a big trip - tips from experienced travelers

Working wherever your wanderlust takes you has been the dream for years – and is likely to boom in popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic, as more companies shift to remote-work policies and employees get the chance to make up for lost travel time. But living out of a suitcase hits a little different when you need to bring the contents of your desk along with you.
Carrying the right gear can help you stay focused and on top of your to-dos even when your office of the day isn't as chill or climate controlled as the one at HQ. Whether the hotel wi-fi is spotty, the sun is beaming extra bright on the beach, or you want to avoid leaving your phone charger on the train, we found twenty essentials that will keep you on top of the grind around the globe.

Lonely Planet's ultimate digital nomad packing list

Iceland has launched a quirky new website to persuade travelers to swap doomscrolling - the act of compulsively scrolling through social media or news feeds that relate to bad news - and replace it with the more positive act of what it terms "joyscrolling."
The site is called Joyscroll and it has been launched by the Icelandic tourism board after it conducted an in-depth study to find just how much people were doomscrolling on their phones in 2020. It then decided to create an interactive website that would allow people to counter their instinctive habit of chasing negativity by scrolling through joy-inspiring Icelandic sights and sounds instead.

Users of the website cans work their way through a 75-foot-long feed of gorgeous nature scenes and inspirational quotes, as well as listening to joyful musical performances presented by Icelandic stars like Auður, Júníus Meyvant, Gugusar and Ólafur Arnalds. The tourism board came to this figure as its research calculated that each person scrolls through 74.47 feet on their social media feeds each day. There's a tool that measures the distance you're joyscrolling in real time, as you peruse Icelandic waterfalls, geysers, wildlife, northern lights and local cuisine.
There is also a guided breathing section on the site to help users to stay calm. “We hope our content will offer an escape and bring a smile to the world,” says Sigríður Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, head of Visit Iceland. “Hopefully, sometime soon, people will be able to enjoy it in real life. We look forward to welcoming that day.”
You can check out the Joyscroll website here.
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Iceland can help you quit your 'doomscrolling' habit in 2021

There hasn't been much travel this year but that does mean that many of us have been looking to make our living space that little bit brighter.
Whether you're still in lockdown, looking for the perfect gift or just enjoying some downtime over the holidays, you can keep the sweet memories of past adventures alive. Here are a few suggestions for personalizing your living spaces with vacation photos trapped on your digital devices.
1. Put a frame around it
A digital photo frame is one of the easiest ways to display your travel images. The latest generation of digital photo frames are Wi-Fi enabled and make it easy to link to popular social media and cloud-storage services without a big time commitment. Nixplay, for example, has free-standing and wall-mounted frames that connect to Dropbox, Google Photos, Facebook and Instagram.
The Nixplay mobile app unlocks more features, including collection curation, viewing preferences and sharing options. Digital frames also make great gifts for less tech-savvy family members from whom you’re socially distanced. You can create a dedicated email address so you and other family members can send photos directly to their frame.

Photo books like these can be organized by theme or showcase specific trips © Laura Watilo Blake / Lonely Planet

2. Create a photo book of your past vacations
Instead of swiping through your travel photos on your phone, turn them into real page turners with a photo book. They can be organized by theme, color or by specific trips. No matter how they are curated, make sure to pick only the images you really love. Fewer photos will have maximum impact on the page, but you break up the book with collages of smaller images, too.
While services like Blurb, Mixbook, Printique, Costco, Mpix, Shutterfly, and Artifact Uprising have templates and tools that will help automate the process, they don’t always populate the layout in a way that makes sense.
Here’s some advice from Steph Lehman, a photo book editor and graphic designer for Far-Country Press, an independent book publisher based in Helena, Montana: “I like many options to work with for subjects and locations, including different orientations, color schemes, choices for usage as main images or accent photos, etc.”
3. Experiment with unexpected print surfaces
Society6 is an online marketplace for artists who sell their artwork printed on a variety of media, from more traditional framed prints to all kinds of home décor items and consumer goods. Anyone can join, which means you can upload your own travel photos and even make money selling them if you’re looking for a side hustle.
Don’t expect a windfall since you’ll probably want to buy all the cool products adorned with your travel photos. Among other things, you can beautify your home office with a photo calendar, enhance your daily meditation with a printed yoga mat and drift off to sleep snuggled under a custom-designed comforter.
There are all kinds of online printing services with unique products on which to print, including lampshades ( Zazzle), wood boards ( PhotoBarn), metal ( Artbeat Studios), acrylic ( Mpix) and peel-and-stick fabric ( SnapBox).

Kelsey and Grant Miller have a photo wall in their Columbus, Ohio, home. © Laura Watilo Blake / Lonely Planet

4. Go big with a wall mural or photo wall
It may feel like your world has shrunk a little, but your travel photos can be larger than life. Photo wall murals can make you feel like you’re sleeping in a Scandinavian forest or dining on a white-sand beach at dusk. Murals Your Way, for example, will take your photo and wall dimensions and create custom wallpaper with a water-activated adhesive backing.
Kelsey Miller, a copy editor based in Chicago, likes to find unique ways for displaying images. She went the DIY route to save some money on a photo wall in her living room. “The image on my wall is a cloth tapestry I purchased from Society6,” she says. “I cut it into 12 pieces with a rotary cutter (for a super clean cut), then used a cornstarch/water paste to ‘glue’ them to the back of 12 square frames from IKEA. The best part is that I can peel off the tapestry and the cornstarch/water paste washes off with soap and water, so I can always replace it.”
Photo walls can also be groupings of many different travel photos like the one Cleveland art director Stephanie Park has in her home. “They are from all different places, but I’ve made them cohesive by printing them in black and white. They are in silver frames of all different sizes and styles.”

There are a lot of ways to incorporate your favorite travel snapshots into your home decor © Carmen Gold / EyeEm

5. Don’t underestimate the power of a classic print
Printing out your photos isn’t a new idea, but chances are most of your images have stayed trapped in the digital realm. Give your memories some space in the real world and blow them up to appreciate the details on traditional photo paper. “Do your research before you print,” says Vincent McCracken of Mpix, the online arm of Miller’s Professional Imaging, the largest professional photo lab in the United States.
“While drugstores or big box stores might be a convenient way to print your photos, some use cheap paper and your color will vary widely from print to print.” Mpix uses certified archival quality papers and has in-house experts that personally review photos to ensure perfect color on every print. Their standard E-surface paper, which has a pearl finish that you commonly see in wedding albums, reduces glare, which you would normally get from printing on glossy paper.
5. Think outside the frame
There are all kinds of non-traditional ways to show off your travel photos on a wall. You can spend hours on Pinterest and other social media sites exploring all the possibilities. Some of my favorite ideas for exhibiting travel photos include wooden hanger frames, fairy string lights with clips, postcard racks and vintage luggage tags. Finally, if you’re one of those people who hoarded toilet paper at the onset of Covid-19, you can turn the empty cardboard rolls into frames, too.
You may also like:
How to organize your travel photos in four steps

4 tips to help you travel from your couch

This article was first published April 2020 and last updated December 2020.
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