These days, going backpacking for a couple of months or even a year or two has become a rite of passage like never before. It's a more economical way to see the world and to experience local culture more authentically than you would have on an organized tour. Many backpackers also allow some time for volunteering, especially when they travel to developing countries. Traveling light is the name of the game but one item that will always come in handy on a backpacking trip is a portable guitar.
While all guitars are in fact portable, they're not always easy to travel with. They can be bulky and unwieldy. However, guitars that were made especially for travelers are a great option. They're smaller than regular guitars but produce the same sound. They're not to be confused with ukuleles, which produce a higher pitch.
Travel guitars are wonderful for airplane trips. Manufacturers often take into account the maximum sizes of luggage that you're allowed to take with you into the cabin and then ensure that their guitars fall within those limits. The result is that you won't have to check in your instrument but can simply keep it with you as hand luggage. This eliminates the risk of the instrument getting damaged by baggage handlers.
One of the joys of backpacking is that instead of traveling in air-conditioned tour buses, you normally travel in local modes of transport. These tend to be rickety buses or trucks or, in some areas, boats. While people can, and do, take anything imaginable onto these vehicles, from furniture to livestock, larger pieces of luggage normally have to go onto the luggage tack on the roof. This can slow you down and you don't get to keep an eye on your belongings either, but a travel-sized instrument can be kept with you instead.
You may be spending some time hiking or trekking. This is another time when you'll be grateful for only carrying a small instrument with you. Not only is it light and easy to carry but it gives you a way to pass the time around the campfire at night, especially when you're far away from civilization, WiFi connections and clubs.
Having a musical instrument with you helps you to be more social too. You'll make new friends at the hostels where you'll be staying as everyone gathers to sing along. However, if you need some peace, you can always take your guitar and go sit on a deck to watch the sunset, on the banks of a great river or in a hammock on the beach. You'll cherish these memories forever.
Some people think that taking musical instruments along when you go backpacking is silly and impractical. However, they forget that musicians can easily make money on the road. You can busk for some extra coins anywhere you want. In many backpacker bars you may even be able to get a paid gig or two to help supplement your income.
Stores that sell musical instruments sometimes have a travel guitar or two in stock. However, if you're looking for a variety to choose from, your best option is to look online. Some companies even specialize in making travel guitars only. If you're a serious guitarist, an alternative is to ask a luthier to build an instrument especially for you.
While all guitars are in fact portable, they're not always easy to travel with. They can be bulky and unwieldy. However, guitars that were made especially for travelers are a great option. They're smaller than regular guitars but produce the same sound. They're not to be confused with ukuleles, which produce a higher pitch.
Travel guitars are wonderful for airplane trips. Manufacturers often take into account the maximum sizes of luggage that you're allowed to take with you into the cabin and then ensure that their guitars fall within those limits. The result is that you won't have to check in your instrument but can simply keep it with you as hand luggage. This eliminates the risk of the instrument getting damaged by baggage handlers.
One of the joys of backpacking is that instead of traveling in air-conditioned tour buses, you normally travel in local modes of transport. These tend to be rickety buses or trucks or, in some areas, boats. While people can, and do, take anything imaginable onto these vehicles, from furniture to livestock, larger pieces of luggage normally have to go onto the luggage tack on the roof. This can slow you down and you don't get to keep an eye on your belongings either, but a travel-sized instrument can be kept with you instead.
You may be spending some time hiking or trekking. This is another time when you'll be grateful for only carrying a small instrument with you. Not only is it light and easy to carry but it gives you a way to pass the time around the campfire at night, especially when you're far away from civilization, WiFi connections and clubs.
Having a musical instrument with you helps you to be more social too. You'll make new friends at the hostels where you'll be staying as everyone gathers to sing along. However, if you need some peace, you can always take your guitar and go sit on a deck to watch the sunset, on the banks of a great river or in a hammock on the beach. You'll cherish these memories forever.
Some people think that taking musical instruments along when you go backpacking is silly and impractical. However, they forget that musicians can easily make money on the road. You can busk for some extra coins anywhere you want. In many backpacker bars you may even be able to get a paid gig or two to help supplement your income.
Stores that sell musical instruments sometimes have a travel guitar or two in stock. However, if you're looking for a variety to choose from, your best option is to look online. Some companies even specialize in making travel guitars only. If you're a serious guitarist, an alternative is to ask a luthier to build an instrument especially for you.
