Top 10 travel tips I wish I had known before backpacking

If you're mulling over the idea of going backpacking, here are 10 tips I wish I had known before I started travelling...

Where to go

For a beginner, I would recommend South East Asia as it’s cheaper, they have lots of backpacking routes and it’s easy to meet people. Indonesia and Thailand are good entry points for Southeast Asia, especially for solo travellers who are looking to meet people to travel with and make new friends! Compared to South America, Southeast Asia is more beginner-friendly when it comes to transport, booking activities, and feeling confident about travelling for the first time. The countries seem to be more built around tourism so things are just smoother.

Finding the right backpack

You will need one that opens like a suitcase so that you can easily take things in and out of it. Good brands include Decathlon, Osprey, Jack Wolfskin, and Mountain Warehouse - depending on your budget. If you get one where it all stuffs inside from the top you’ll probably get frustrated and it’s super difficult to get things in and out every time. For hotter climates, you’ll need less space - 50/60 litres is enough. For cooler climates, you’ll need more space for jumpers and layers so backpacks up to 80L would be good. Here's a link to a cheap but reliable one I got from Decathlon. I'd recommend it as it opens like a suitcase and the top comes off too so if you want to take it as carry-on luggage then that is possible. You’ll have a main bag and also a day bag/backpack for days out just to carry your daily essentials including water, suncream etc.

How much money to take

South East Asia is one of the cheaper places to travel - I spent around £1200 a month without holding back too much on fun activities. When I was in South America I spent £5000 in 3 months averaging £1700 a month and that was on a tight budget! You can easily spend more than this if you go out drinking a lot. Even if you do have the money to spend more, I quite enjoy ways to save money like staying in hostels because I get to meet lots of people and it adds to the adventure!

Don’t over-pack

The trick is to take fewer items of clothing that match everything. Build a capsule wardrobe otherwise your bag will be way too heavy which is not only annoying to carry but also expensive on flights. In hotter places take around 7 versatile tops and 1 jumper. Some shorts/skirts, linen trousers, leggings, and some light dresses to dress up or down and sandals and trainers. In cooler climates, take more items to layer and another jumper and more trousers. Long sleeve tops are also good and even thermals.

You won’t need anything like a hair dryer or hair straighteners. Jeans are also bulky so opt for an alternative. I’d recommend minimal toiletries and use this bag from Superdrug that has a hook and is squishy. Microfibre towels dry quickly and are packed small. I have this handy packing list here.

Stay in Hostels

There seems to be a bad stigma on hostels but most of them are nice - especially in Southeast Asia. Use Hostelworld to look up the best ones, ask other people where they’ve stayed, read reviews from other travellers, and join group chats with other people who are staying there. Hostels are ideal as they’re cheap so your budget stretches further. They are also very sociable and the perfect place to meet people and make friends. They’re normally in ideal locations, and the staff can help you with advice including things to do or places to go and tips on how to get from one place to the next.

Finding the right balance of spontaneity

Some things are best planned, and other things are more fun when it’s spontaneous. The tricky part is to know the difference.

Flights can get expensive when left too late, so I try to book them in advance when possible on sites such as Skyscanner. In the Philippines for example, there are so many islands that it’s almost impossible to travel without having to take an internal flight. It's a good idea to book these beforehand as a skeleton to your itinerary, then be spontaneous around those dates and just leave enough time to explore.

However, things like accommodation can normally be booked a couple of nights before, and even on the same day in some cases. Use your judgment and be mindful of busy periods. When going to a new country, you will need to book in advance to prove to border control that you have somewhere to go, and also good for your peace of mind that you know where you’re going.

You’ll probably also meet people and want to travel with them which is one of my favourite parts of travelling so just be open to new things and trying new activities.

Budget Tips

On my recent South America trip I used an app called Travel Spend which has multiple currencies, categorised spending, and analytics great for keeping a close eye on budgets. Everyone’s budget is different but there are several things you can do while backpacking to reduce costs.

Stay at hostels
Eat local food
Drink less alcohol
Plan ahead for activities and do your research
Take local transport or busses

Other money tips

Sign up for Monzo - easy to split bills and can spend in multiple currencies
Take at least 3 cards - Monzo, Revolut, credit card, home back card
Always carry emergency cash (USD)
Keep different cards and cash in separate compartments in your main bag
Put an air tag in your main bag and your purse in case it gets lost or stolen

How to make friends

Stay in hostels as it’s very social and there are lots of other travellers doing the same things you’re doing
Book group tours and meet people on them
Be open and friendly and people will naturally gravitate towards you
Don’t be afraid to approach other travellers to start a conversation and say hey
Help other people and they will help you

Dealing with Anxiety

Anxiety is normal, especially leading up to or at the beginning of your trip. Remember why you’re travelling and think about all the amazing things you’re going to experience. It’s okay to feel this way - it’s how you grow and become a better person.
Take some time for self-care and journal every evening.
Facetiming your friends and family can help you feel more comfortable.
Remember you can come home at any time and be proud you tried.

Ways to stay safe

When you’re out and about use a zip up cross over bag
Don’t hold your phone out - if you need to use maps turn your map to voice directions and put a headphone in.
Use a padlock to keep your passport locked up with an air tag and always lock your bag.
Use Uber or a similar app or agree on taxi prices before getting into them.
Be extra vigilant and don’t drink too much alcohol. Take care of yourself and remember you are your own responsibility - don’t rely on others to look out for you.

Thank you so much for reading this blog. I hope you found it useful and will take away

some of these tips for your next adventure. If you have any questions you can dm me on Instagram and I’ll be happy to help