Planning
Visas:
In order to enter certain countries you are required to obtain a tourist visa. Visas can vary in cost and in duration. They can also be dependant on the country you are from; In some cases, countries will not issue you a visa if you are from a certain country.
Some visas can be obtained at the time of entry, while others need to be obtained in advance.
To find out what visas are required for backpacking trip check out your local government's webpage. If you are from Australia, Canada, the U.K., or the USA, most guide books can provide the visa infromation you are looking for; however, you should still confirm with your local government prior to booking your trip.
Travel Alerts:
It is important to check for travel alerts before booking your trip. It may not be safe for tourists to travel to certain areas or countries. Check with your local government to see if there are any travel advisories for the countries you plan on visiting.
If you can't find any information online about your countries travel advisories, the government of Canada has a good online travel advisory page that is updated frequently.
Government of Canada Travel Website:
Visit http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp, click on travel reports and warnings.
International Travel:
Before booking your trip it is important to know how you are going to enter and exit each country you plan on visiting. In some cases, neighbouring countries do not have good relations and cross border travel is not recommended. You may have to take an alternate route such as flying to reach your destination.
Vaccinations & Medications:
Prior to departing on your trip, it is important to ensure that you are properly vaccinated. Different areas of the world have certain diseases that you may not be vaccinated against. In some cases, certain countries can even require documentation that you are vaccinated for a particluar disease before you enter their country.
To figure out what shots or medications you may need; consult a local travel clinic. If you are unware of any travel clinics in your region, consult your phyiscian.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is one of the most underrated items for backpackers. At the minimum, medical insurance should be purchased. If you do not get medical insurance, and something serious happens to you, it can cost an outrageous amount of money to recieve treatment.
Another options is trip cancellation. Trip cancellation insurance is a good option if you have a shorter trip with a rigid schedule. A slight change in that schedule can really mess up your trip. If you have a really flexible schedule, and are booking last minute transportation, this option may not be for you.
Lastly you can also get property theft insurance. This one is all about your comfort level. If you are going to bring along electronics, you may want to consider getting theft insurance. If you are travelling bare bones, with nothing but your backpack and clothes, you may want to pass on the theft insurance. When making your decesion, keep in mind that there is usually a deductable when claiming stolen property