Moneybelt: Take it with you on a trip, pack it, or check it in when backpacking and traveling abroad?

What is a daypack?

• A daypack is a small to medium-sized backpack (usually between 10-30 liters) that can hold everything you need when you board a plane, go for a day hike, walk around the city or are on the go while traveling or backpacking.
• You carry your essentials in a daypack: work supplies, water, snacks, passport, sunscreen, camera, tissues and a banana (which you always forget to take out).
• A daypack is also called a day rucksack or small backpack.

What types of daypacks are there?

• There are many different types of daypacks, from simple versions with one large compartment, to special types with stabilization straps for around the hips, with a ventilated carrying system.
• Compact 10-15L backpack especially for light duty or minimalist travellers
• Mid-size 20-30L backpacks are ideal for hikes, laptops and lunch
• Large 30-45L daypack for longer hikes or very long days
• Foldable daypack is lightweight, fits in the palm of your hand, ideal as an extra bag for groceries and when travelling light.
• Waterproof or drybag daypack used for water trips or rainy seasons.
• Anti-theft backpack has hidden zippers, locks and RFID protection.

What do you use a daypack for when travelling and backpacking?

• A daypack: for day trips and hikes (with water, sunscreen, food, first aid kit).
• Use a daypack for city exploration (camera, water, jacket, souvenirs, book).
• A daypack for transport between hostels, where you don't put valuables in the big backpack.
• A daypack for remote workdays (laptop, chargers, notebook, snacks).
• Daypack to use as a beach bag, shopping bag, bus bag, jungle bag and so on!

When do you take a daypack with you on a trip or while backpacking?

• For almost all trips are daypacks useful, a daypack or hand luggage is not only handy, but almost a necessity.
• Daypacks are especially handy for round trips with many day trips, (city) walks and hikes, longer stays in a place where you make excursions during the day, or when working on the road.
• If your daypack is also your hand luggage, take into account the maximum permitted dimensions for the plane or bus.

Where can you buy a daypack locally in the world?

• Check for daypacks outdoor shops, backpacker shops or sports shops.
• Some hostels or travel shops sell second-hand or "lost and never reclaimed" copies of daypacks.
• Markets in Asia or South America offer creative versions of daypacks (quality: surprise package).

What is round the world travel insurance or long-term travel insurance?

• Round the world travel insurance means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during all your activities abroad, and which is specifically intended for those who travel for long periods of time, such as world travelers, globetrotters, and nomads.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

• Round the world travel insurance provides coverage for a much longer trip than regular travel insurance.
• World travel insurance is specifically intended for longer trips, whereas regular travel insurance may offer coverage on paper, but in practice handles it differently.
• World travel insurance is suitable for many types of activities, ranging from high-altitude trekking to more risky sports.
• World travel insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you did not take out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance that provides coverage while abroad.
• Long-term travel insurance continues to provide coverage when your home country's health insurance no longer does.
• Worldwide travel insurance also covers your medical expenses up to the actual cost, and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
• Worldwide travel insurance can also continue to provide coverage if negative travel advice is issued.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel around the world?

• That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and posibly work.
• That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your full period abroad
• That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
• That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
• That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
• That you are well insured against personal liability.
• That you are well insured in case of accidents.
• That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
• That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work or voluntary work during your world trip.

Check out more about

• Why en where to take out travel insurances for abroad
• Why en where to take out insurances that cover medical expenses abroad
• Insurance for activities abroad (NL)