Mail & Guardian reporter
Young travellers are becoming increasingly adventurous and travelling to more far- flung destinations, with many looking for the experiences highlighted in Alex Garland’s novel The Beach.
Reasearch commissioned to tie in with the release of the film The Beach shows that 20- to 30-year-olds believe that independent travel is an essential rite of passage before embarking on a career or university course.
Despite Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-screen appeal, only 7% of young women would choose to be shipwrecked with him. Favourite was Brad Pitt, with Ewan McGregor second, followed by Johnny Vaughan. Jennifer Lopez topped men’s wish-list, followed by Boddington’s ad girl Melanie Skyes and MTV presenter Cat Deeley.
Backpackers’ tips
l Keep small amounts of money in different places.
l To avoid carrying a lot of cash around with you, make use of ATMs.
l Carry a credit card for emergencies.
l Note emergency contact numbers for your bank and/or card issuers.
l Photocopy front and back of cards, in case of emergency.