There is a lot to consider when planning your first backpacking trip. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the idea of living out of a backpack for an extended period of time. However, as with anything else, starting with the basics is a great way to simplify things.
Here are a few travel tips for new backpackers:
Spend money on experiences
When laying out a budget for your trip, prioritize experiences over luxury and comfort. During your travels, you will likely have opportunities to do things that you can’t do elsewhere. Make sure your money goes towards experiences like those whenever possible.
There will be hundreds of opportunities to stay in luxury hotels, but you may only get one chance to swim with manta rays or explore the rainforests of Borneo.
Cut costs wherever possible, and use the savings towards those bucket list items.
Pack light
This is probably one of the most common tips for new backpackers. Packing light at the beginning of your trip will save you a lot of headaches later on. Be selective when deciding which items to bring because once you arrive, you will be carrying everything with you for the remainder of your trip.
You can almost always add items to your pack during the trip, but anything you plan to subtract will either need to be abandoned or sold.
Having a lighter pack could also save you money while flying. Most airlines require carry-on bags to weigh less than 15 lbs / 7 kg. If your pack is well over this weight, you will be forced to check it every time you fly, which could add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of your trip.
Bring a day pack
In addition to your main backpack, it’s important to bring a smaller day pack. Unless you want to lug your main pack everywhere you go, a day pack is critical.
Make sure this day pack has room for all of your most valuable items: passport, camera, phone, etc. You should bring this day pack and your valuables with you whenever you leave your accommodation.
Spread out your money
If you have two credit/debit cards, store one in your main backpack and keep one on your person at all times. This insures that you will never be left without access to money. In the instance that you are robbed or lose one of these cards, you will still have access to the card in the other location.
Use this same practice with large amounts of cash. Instead of keeping it in one bundle, divide it among different areas/compartments of your main backpack. This makes it more difficult for a thief to end up with the entire stash.
Meet other backpackers
Meeting other travelers is one of the highlights of any backpacking trip. You make new friends from all over the world, and in the process become privy to viewpoints much different than your own. Other travelers can also give great information about places they have been.
Traveling with a group is also a great way to save money. Meeting other backpackers gives you the possibility of group discounts, and the ability to split costs on things like taxis.
Stay in hostels
Hostels are the best type of accommodation for backpackers all around the world. Good hostels are equipped with almost everything a backpacker needs, at a very low cost.
Speaking of meeting other backpackers, hostels are by far the easiest way to do this. Hostels create a social atmosphere that encourages travelers to meet. Sometimes hostels even host happy hours or group excursions.
Organize your backpack with zip-lock bags
A great way to organize your backpack is by dividing things into zip-lock bags. This is a great way to keep things separated, while also protecting sensitive items. In particular, be sure to designated bags for your toiletries, electronics and other valuables.
We have seen our backpacks strapped to the tops of busses and tossed over the side of boats, so you can never be too careful in protecting your most important belongings.
