The first Chlorophylle ambassador family
Planning a family backpacking trip can be both exciting and demanding. It involves researching child-friendly destinations and preparing everything necessary for traveling with kids. The D'Amours-Roy family has traveled with their children many times but had their first backpacking experience in Bolivia last summer. Marie-Ève, the family's mom, shares practical advice and tips for organizing a backpacking trip and, most importantly, making it an unforgettable family experience.
How do we choose this type of family trip, and why?
Bolivia is a destination that offers exciting adventure opportunities. Backpacking is a popular way to explore this country, given its rugged terrain. Unlike North America, remote areas in Bolivia may not have proper streets or sidewalks, and many journeys are done on foot. Carrying a backpack is ideal for transporting essential items during expeditions.
The greatest challenges of backpacking trips
Throughout our journey, we encountered some tough challenges such as extreme cold and high altitude. One particularly difficult experience was when we had to trek for an hour at 4,200 meters above sea level, carrying all of our supplies at 11 pm to cross the city and reach the terminal. However, we managed to overcome this challenge and complete this part of our journey.
As the weather was cold, we had to pack more warm and suitable clothing and a sleeping bag for our expeditions. In situations where we had no access to electricity, our body heat was the only source of warmth and comfort.
Since we were carrying only the essentials in our backpacks, we had to make use of laundromats to clean our clothes more frequently. It's important to note that dryers are almost non-existent in Bolivia. People prefer to rely on the sun's rays to dry their clothes. Therefore, it's crucial to allocate enough time for this.
I read that in Bolivia, it's important to plan ahead and bring all necessary equipment as it can be difficult to find items outside of major centers.
Find below a list of essential items that you should bring along with you:
- First aid kit (including bandages, disinfectants, and rehydration solution)
- Medications (such as altitude sickness medication, traveler's diarrhea medication, and gravol)
- Cleaning wipes
- Toilet paper
- Head cover for sun protection
- Mosquito repellent
- Vaccination certificates and passports
- Appropriate clothing
Planning is the key to success for this type of trip.
During our trip to Bolivia, we prioritized being present and attentive to each person's needs over comfort. Sleeping at high altitudes was challenging, as we experienced several moments of wakefulness due to high blood pressure. To allow our bodies to recover and acclimatize, we incorporated naps and restful moments into our schedule whenever possible, avoiding exposure to cold or wind.
Afterwards, we continued our backpacking trip, taking breaks for snacks and drinks. During these breaks, we would share the burden by transferring backpacks, with our son occasionally carrying his mother's heavier backpack.
Tips for packing light when traveling with kids.
During our trip, we carried six backpacks. Each individual had a backpack, ranging from 25 to 30 litres, which contained their daily essentials, such as clothing. The parents carried two larger backpacks, ranging from 40 to 45 litres, which contained winter clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries, and medication.
To ensure comfort while wearing the backpacks, we paid particular attention to the length of each person's back and chose a back panel and shoulder straps that were suitable for them. Additionally, we opted for backpacks with multiple pockets and a designated spot for water bottles to make it easier for each child to find their belongings and stay hydrated.
When it came to packing, we focused on including only the bare essentials, while also prioritizing technical, lightweight, and compact clothing. For our adventure in Bolivia, we were provided Chlorophylle clothing, which was perfect for the climate and terrain.
Did you know?
Traveling with a backpack provided us with a unique and more immersive way to explore Bolivia. We were exposed to the pungent smell of garbage that permeated the streets, the dimly lit and ominous neighborhoods, the stray dogs that trailed us for kilometers, and the antique diesel cars that passed us too closely. All in all, it was just another experience we could add to our backpacking adventure!
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