4/24/2014

How A Portable Guitar Can Enrich Your Backpacking Trip

By Essie Osborn


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.

The benefits of travel guitars are evident as soon as you board your flight to your destination. Because they normally fit within the parameters of allowable hand luggage, you don't have to check them into the hold. This means that there's a smaller risk that they'll sustain damage during the loading or unloading of luggage. Moreover, their lightness means that you won't have to pay excess-baggage fees.

What makes backpacking such an adventure is that you often take the same modes of public transport that the locals do. In many developing countries, this will likely be a bus or a minibus. Drivers and their assistants often insist on placing large items on the roof of the vehicle for the journey but if your instrument is small and compact, you'll be able to keep it with you or put it in the overhead racks. This makes it easier to quickly transfer from one vehicle to another.

Travel guitars are wonderful for hiking trips or treks through the jungle. When you find yourself in the wilderness, evenings can be boring because there's no WiFi or TV. Being able to entertain your companions with some music is a great alternative.

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.

While some music stores sell travel guitars, you'll have more luck looking online. Another but usually more expensive option is to have one custom made by a professional guitar builder. However, it's a great investment that you won't regret and that will provide many wonderful travel memories.




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