First Time Backpacking? Read This Before You Go

So you’ve decided to go backpacking; whether it’s for two weeks, two months, or more, let’s be real: you're excited and kind of freaking out. That’s totally normal.

Backpacking is one of the most freeing, challenging, and rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Backpacking, especially for the first time; isn’t just a trip. It’s a full-on life chapter. But before you pack your bags or book that flight, here are some things you should know from someone who's been there, done that, and survived.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first backpacking adventure:

1. It’s Not That Deep... But It Will Change You

It it time to chart your own course..

It’s easy to freak out about lots of the small details before you leave. There are a lot of things to consider when backpacking and it can get overwhelming. There are many different ways to go about backpacking and there is no right way. As you travel, you’ll see examples of habits that you’ll want to adopt and other practices you’ll want to avoid. 

You’ll meet people from all over the world, get lost in the best ways, have life changing moments and remember what it feels like to wake up excited again.

You’ll grow, you’ll change, you may cry once (or five times), and you’ll laugh more than you have in ages. But also… you’ll just live. And it’ll feel really freaking good. A day backpacking can feel like a week with the amount of new experiences you’re exposed to daily. Embrace it with a full heart and be kind to those around you.  

2. The World Isn’t as Scary as It Seems

If you’ve spent hours doom scrolling travel forums or watched one too many crime documentaries, let me say this clearly: the world is not out to get you.

Is it important to stay alert? Absolutely. But most people are kind, helpful, and curious. Once you’re out there, you’ll be surprised how strangers become friends, and how often you’ll be helped when you’re lost, confused, or in desperate need of a working ATM.

3. SIM Cards, Offline Maps & Other Things That Makes Life Way Easier

Some basic tools that have saved my ass when landing in a country with no local phone plan or internet access: 

• eSIM or SIM Card game changer - download before you leave - I have used Saily reliably quite a few times. You can usually find stores that sell local SIM cards if your phone does not support an eSIM
• Google Maps offline download before you go
• Google Translate Offline download before you go
• Currency Converter App so you know what you’re spending 

4. Budgeting: More Than Just Counting Pennies

Backpacking isn’t just for broke college students anymore - but budgeting is still key. You’ll quickly learn that money looks very different when you’re living out of a backpack.

• Backpacking can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be: Notoriously there are some cheaper vs more expensive countries. Do some research beforehand on the places you want to see and an approximate budget for that place. Paying for hostels, meals and experiences can add up quickly. Hot tourist areas generally are expensive and staying just outside of them can sometimes save you lots. 
• Flexible Spending: Some days you’ll live off $5 and noodles, and some days you’ll splurge on that once-in-a-lifetime scuba dive. That’s all part of the experience.
• Save money for experiences: One of the joys of backpacking is unexpected plans - having some extra cash put aside for experiences, shows, museums or last minute flights can lead to a deeper experience. 
• Always Have an Emergency Fund: Plans change. Buses get cancelled. You’ll miss your train, or maybe the hostel you booked is a disaster. Having a few hundred bucks tucked away can turn a panic moment into just another travel story. 

5. Backpacker Culture 101: What No One Tells You

The truth? There is no single “normal.” But there are a few unspoken rules and handy hacks you’ll pick up fast:

Hostel Etiquette:

• Don’t turn on the light at 2am
• You’ll want earplugs and an eye mask 
• Label your food
• Be respectful of others 
• Don’t set 7 alarms to wake you up in the morning

Transport Hacks:

• Night buses save you a night of accommodation
• Pack earplugs and a blow up neck pillow — essential for long hauls
• Show up early, but prepare to wait anyway. Transportation looks different in every country - if you don't know the ways of where you are, it can be difficult to navigate and leaving yourself lots of extra time is a good idea.

Backpacker Culture:

Everyone is from somewhere, heading somewhere else. You’re not a tourist, not a local, but part of a global community of people who are also living out of a backpack and figuring it out as they go. You’ll hear stories that inspire you, meet people you’ll follow on Instagram forever, and learn to share space, stories, and snacks.

• You don’t need a full plan. Some of the best moments are spontaneous. Don’t fill your entire itinerary before leaving - there may be places you want to stay and hang out longer than expected or new places that peak your interest after hearing about them. 

6. Insurance, Visas & Other Grown-Up Things 

Look, I know this stuff is boring. But do it. Seriously.

• Buy travel insurance. 
• Check visas. Every country has its own weird rules. Double-check before you go. I have not been allowed to board a plane because I though a 'Visa on arrival' in Vietnam meant you got it on arrival - make sure to look through your destination countries visa and documentation requirements thoroughly before you go
• Make copies of your passport and ID and email them to yourself. Old school but solid

7. What to Bring on Your First Backpacking Trip

For a detailed list, look at this blog post on packing essentials 

Let’s keep this simple. You don’t need everything. In fact, you’ll regret overpacking more than underpacking. Less certainly is more. Here’s the short list of what actually matters:

Essentials:

• Good Backpack (30-50L): Smaller is better - you want something easy to organize and comfortable to wear
• Day Pack or Tote Bag 
• Compression Packing Cubes (life-changing)
• Quick-Dry Towel - my favourite are 100% Cotton Turkish towels 
• Flip Flops for Showers
• Basic First Aid Kit & meds 
• A book or a diary - something to keep yourself entertained 
• Headphones

Tech:

• Universal Adapter
• Portable Charger
• Unlocked Smartphone
• Offline Maps + Translation App

Clothes:

• You’ll wear the same stuff a lot. Bring clothes you’re comfortable in and enjoy wearing
• One “nicer” outfit for going out
• A rain jacket or packable windbreaker is always a good idea

You can buy almost anything you forget. Don’t stress about having the “perfect” gear.

Final Thought: You’ll Figure It Out

The hardest part is deciding to go. You’ve already done that. So take the flight. Say hi to the girl next to you in the hostel bunk. Eat something you can’t pronounce.

Backpacking isn’t perfect. It’s sweaty, messy, weird, and beautiful. But it’s yours, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

No one knows what they’re doing - and that’s the best part. You’ll have bad days. You’ll get lost. You’ll miss a train or overpay for something dumb. But you’ll also figure things out. You’ll trust yourself more. And that’s when the real magic happens.

Every single person you meet on the road once stood where you are now; overwhelmed, excited, and wondering if they’re doing it “right.”

So pack light, stay curious, and remember: sometimes all you have to do is say hi.

 

Xoxo Marg

 

Want more backpacking tips, packing lists, or budget hacks? Drop a comment to let me know what you’d like to see next

Happy trails, traveler!