Backpacking for Beginners: Everything you need to know before your first trip
- kiaranemeth
- May 5
- 12 min read
First-time backpacking tips you won’t find on a packing list - get mentally and practically prepared for your trip.
So, you’ve booked your flight, bought the backpack, and maybe even binge-watched a few travel vlogs to get hyped. The adventure is finally about to begin, but wait. There’s one part of prepping for your first backpacking trip that doesn’t come with a checklist: your mindset.
Because here’s the thing: backpacking isn’t just about ticking off countries or stuffing everything you own into a big Backpack or Suitcase. It’s about navigating the unknown, adapting on the fly, and learning more about yourself than you probably expect. And while packing cubes and hostel bookings are important, being mentally prepared is what’ll really carry you through the highs and the inevitable lows. You don’t have to overthink or mentally train like you’re going on some survival mission - but doing a bit of prep upfront can make the whole experience way smoother, more fun, and way more rewarding.
In this blog, we’ll go beyond the basics. You’ll get a mix of practical tips and real talk about what to expect on the road: emotionally, mentally, and in those messy, unpredictable moments that no one really warns you about. Whether you're heading out for a few weeks or planning the trip of a lifetime, this guide is here to help you start with the right headspace.
Set realistic expectations: It’s NOT always a Travel Reel
Let’s be real. Social media has done an amazing job at making travel look like one big, endless highlight reel. Sunset hikes, ocean views from rooftop pools, remote beaches with zero people, and everyone smiling 24/7. And yes, moments like that do happen. Backpacking can absolutely be magical. But it’s not all sunshine and coconut water. What you don’t always see on TikTok or Instagram are the missed buses & flights, the 16-hour or more travel days with no proper food, the language barriers, the hostel beds that squeak every time someone moves, or that feeling of just wanting to be home for one short night in your own bed. And that’s okay. It’s all part of it.
The trick is this: if you head out expecting everything to be perfect, you’re probably going to get frustrated pretty fast. But if you know from the start that some days will be rough, you'll handle them better and they’ll even become some of your best stories later. So don’t let the filters fool you. Backpacking is a mix of the amazing and the awkward, the beautiful and the boring. And once you accept that, you can stop chasing perfection and start really enjoying the ride.
Practical Tip: Keep a Travel Journal
One of the best ways to stay grounded and not get swept up in the “everything has to be epic” mindset is to start a travel journal, and more importantly, actually keep up with it. We usually only snap pics of the highs, but a journal helps you track the full picture: the good, the tough, and everything in between. You don’t need to be a writer to do this. It can be simple. Just two lists at the end of the day: “highs” and “lows.” Or you can write out full stories, your frustrations, reflect on emotional moments, or that random conversation you had at a bus stop that somehow stuck with you. It’s not only about remembering these things, but journaling helps you process them, see your growth over time when reading back, and to keep a real, unfiltered version of your trip that no algorithm can recreate.
Plan, but don’t overplan
It’s totally normal to want everything mapped out before your trip, especially if it’s your first big backpacking adventure. When I started my first year of travel, I had 2 to 3 months planned in advance. It felt smart: I ticked off my bucket list, stayed within budget, and didn’t waste time figuring things out on the go. But there was a catch. Because I was locked into a set schedule, I missed out on a lot of spontaneous moments. I’d meet amazing people in hostels, and while they were planning a detour to some hidden gem or booking a last-minute trek, I had to say no because I’d already booked the next five stops. I couldn’t change plans without losing money or scrambling to rebook everything.
Later on, I learned the magic of flexibility. Having a rough plan is still important, especially for budgeting and keeping some structure, but leave space for the unexpected. Some of the best travel memories happen when you don’t see them coming: a stranger turning into a travel buddy, a town you thought would be “meh” that ends up stealing your heart, or an unplanned detour that turns into the highlight of your trip.
Practical Tip: Plan the highlights but stay open between
Create a rough outline for your trip - know the countries or places you want to visit, budget wisely, and make a list of your must-see spots. But keep the in-between flexible. Book the essentials, like your first few nights or major activities, but leave space to go with the flow. Don’t feel pressured to stick to your plan 100%. The real magic often happens in the unplanned moments - when you stay longer in a place you love or join new friends on a spontaneous adventure.
Embrace the uncertainty: It’s all part of the Adventure
Let’s get real: things will go wrong. You’ll miss a bus, maybe even a flight. You might get lost in a foreign city, or worse, lose that one gadget that was supposed to be your lifesaver. And while it can feel frustrating or even overwhelming at the time, these “setbacks” are often just unexpected chapters of your adventure. Here’s the thing: nothing will ever go exactly as planned. And that’s okay.
When you're backpacking, uncertainty is inevitable and it’s also what makes the experience so memorable.
The way you handle these situations can change your entire journey.
Instead of seeing delays or mishaps as problems, try reframing them as opportunities to learn, grow, and even laugh. Sometimes, the best memories come from the moments when everything goes wrong, but you still manage to make it work. The more you accept uncertainty as part of the game, the less you’ll let it derail your trip. Adapt, breathe, and roll with it - it’s all part of the ride.
Practical Tip: Stay calm, adapt and move on
When things don’t go your way (and let me tell you they will), take a step back, breathe, and ask yourself: "How can I make the best of this?". Whether it’s missing a bus or dealing with a canceled flight, staying calm and flexible is the key. Instead of stressing out, look for a solution or take the time to explore a new area. You’ll often find that the detours can lead to the most unexpected and memorable experiences.
The ultimate Trick: Basic language skills go a long way
Let’s face it. Language barriers will come up, even if you speak great English. Whether you're in a small village or a big city, there will be times when English just won’t do it, especially in countries where the locals don’t speak much (or any) of it. But here’s the secret: learning a few words or phrases in the local language can make a world of difference. I’m not saying you need to become fluent in every language (because let’s be real, that's not happening). But just knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” or “please” in the local language can leave a lasting impression on the people you meet and open the door to better conversations and experiences. Even if you mess up the pronunciation, the effort is often appreciated. It’s a sign of respect, that locals will usually respond with a smile and maybe a bit more patience!
And here’s the thing: communication isn’t just about words. You’ll find that gestures, body language, and facial expressions can go a long way too. Kids do it all the time, right? They communicate with the world without saying a word. You’ll be surprised how far a mix of basic language skills and some hand gestures can take you. So don’t stress about perfection and just give it a try.
Practical Tip: Learn the basics with language Apps
Before you arrive in a new country, spend a little time learning key phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “how much?”. You can use any translator or start with the first units of Duolingo. It shows respect for the culture and helps to break the ice. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to point, smile, and use hand gestures. It’s amazing how much you can convey with a simple “thumbs up” or a friendly wave.
Homesickness & Loneliness: It’s part of the personal growth
Let’s get this out of the way: at some point, you’re probably going to feel homesick or lonely. It happens to almost everyone, even the most seasoned travelers. If this is your first long-term trip, it can hit harder, especially when you’re away from family and friends for weeks or months at a time.
But here's the thing: it's totally normal. You might miss your bed, the familiar faces, or just the simple comforts of home. Maybe you’ll feel a little lost in a new city, or start wondering if you made the right choice. These feelings don’t mean you’re cut out for backpacking. They just mean you’re human.
The key is to prepare for it and figure out how to cope when it happens. Some people find comfort in calling home and hearing that everything’s fine back there. For others, a call might make things worse and make them long for home even more. The trick is to recognize what YOU need in those moments.
One way to process homesickness is by using your journal. Write down what’s making you feel lonely or disconnected, and dive into why it’s affecting you. Sometimes just acknowledging the feeling and understanding where it’s coming from can help you move past it. Once you pinpoint the reason (maybe it’s a lack of routine, or you miss the people who make you feel safe) you can take action to make it better. Whether that’s planning a small treat for yourself, striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler, or taking some time to reflect on why you’re on this journey in the first place.
Practical Tip: Embrace the feeling and find your way through it
When homesickness or loneliness hits, don’t ignore it. Acknowledge it, but don’t let it take over. If calling home helps, do it. If it doesn’t, try doing something that makes you feel more grounded, like journaling, taking a walk, sport or talk with someone new. The more you understand the reason behind your feelings, the easier it will be to move through them. Sometimes it’s as simple as letting yourself feel the homesick moment, knowing it’ll pass, and then focusing on what’s next.
Activities & Health on the road: Stay active, stay healthy
When you’re backpacking, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new places, people, and experiences, but don’t forget about your body. Staying active is crucial for both your physical health and your mental well-being. Plus, it’ll help you feel energized and ready to explore more.
There are tons of ways to stay active while traveling. Hiking is an obvious one as many places you visit will have incredible trails that are perfect for getting your heart pumping. But it doesn’t stop there. You can do home workouts in your hostel, try a local sport like surfing or yoga, or even just walk around the city instead of hopping in a taxi or taking the bus. Every bit of movement counts!
However, long travel days (whether you’re stuck on a bus, train, or flight) can make it hard to stay active. But even on those days, it’s important to do what you can to move your body. Take advantage of layovers to stretch or walk around, and when you can, choose walking or biking instead of taking the easy (and sometimes expensive) route of Uber or taxis.
And while fast food might seem cheap and convenient, try not to always fall into the trap of going for the greasy stuff. It’s tempting, especially when you’re on a budget, and it´s ok to have it sometimes but your body will thank you if you make an effort to eat healthier. Eating a balanced diet will not only make you feel better physically, but it will also help you stay focused and energized throughout your trip.
Practical Tip: Get creative with staying active
When you’re traveling, think outside the box when it comes to staying active. If you’re in a new city, walk everywhere you can and explore on foot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, join a local sports group, or try a fun activity like a dance class or surfing lesson. Even small movements count, so find a way that works for you and keep it interesting. Your body (and mind) will thank you. Also make sure to pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and comfortable shoes for lang days of walking.
Fear & Doubts: A natural piece of the puzzle
Fear and doubts are completely normal emotions to experience, especially when you’re traveling solo or taking on new challenges. Everyone feels them at some point. The key is learning how to cope with them and push through. If you’re looking for tips on how to deal with fear and self-doubt while or before traveling, make sure to read this blog right here.
Money, Money, Money: Budgeting on Your Trip
Let’s be honest - traveling is amazing, but it’s not free. Budgeting is one of the most important (and often underestimated) parts of backpacking, especially if you're planning a longer trip. If you don’t keep an eye on your money, things can spiral quickly. And let me tell you, financial stress on the road is something you definitely want to avoid. Start by figuring out how much money you actually have available for the trip. That includes any savings, income you’ll still be earning while traveling, or jobs you might pick up on the way. Once you’ve got that number, be realistic about what kind of trip you can afford. Choose accommodation that fits your budget (hostels, shared spaces, or volunteering in exchange for a bed are great options), and try to balance your meals. Eating out is fun, but cooking for yourself will save you a ton in the long run.
A big part of smart budgeting is tracking your spending. It’s easy to lose sight of small daily expenses, especially when you’re caught up in exploring and in another country where you´re not familiar with the currency. I highly recommend setting a "safety buffer": an amount of money you promise yourself not to go below, and keep that promise! You never know when something unexpected might come up (a missed flight, emergency meds, or even a spontaneous opportunity you don’t want to miss), and having that backup fund can make all the difference.
Practical Tip: Use Budgeting Apps to Stay on Top of Your Finances
Apps like Tricount, TravelSpend, Budgito or even a basic notes app can help you track income and expenses on the go. Seeing where your money is going helps you make smarter decisions, avoid overspending, and feel more in control of your trip. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent.
Manage Travel Fatigue: When the Adventure wears you out
You might not hear about it on Instagram, but travel fatigue is very real.
It’s that feeling when even the most beautiful sights start to feel boring, or you’re suddenly just tired of moving, planning, and being constantly stimulated by new places and faces. It happens when travel becomes exhausting: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Backpacking isn’t a vacation. It’s a lifestyle on the move, and that can take a toll. Constantly packing and unpacking, adjusting to new environments, making decisions every day. It all adds up. That’s why it’s so important to slow down and listen to your body and your mind. If you try to run to every “must-see” spot or hop cities too quickly, you risk burning out and missing the joy in what you're actually experiencing.
Give yourself the space to pause. Don’t feel guilty for skipping an attraction or sleeping in one day. Rest is not wasted time, it's part of what keeps the journey sustainable and enjoyable in the long run.
Practical Tip: Plan rest days like you plan activities
Just like athletes build rest into their training, you should build rest into your travels. Choose a lazy day now and then. Whether that’s lounging on a beach, chilling in the mountains, or finding a quiet café where you can just sit, write, and breathe. Use that time to reflect on the last few days: what you’ve seen, what made you laugh, what surprised you. Give yourself permission to do nothing - it might be the recharge you didn’t know you needed.
In the end, it’s all about finding the right balance - for you. Between preparation and spontaneity, between having a plan and going with the flow, between pushing yourself and giving yourself a break. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for the perfect trip, because it’s your adventure. Backpacking will challenge you, teach you, surprise you, and change you. You’ll learn what matters to you, how you handle the highs and the lows, and how to trust yourself in unfamiliar places. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
So prepare what you can, stay open to what you can’t, and let the journey do what it’s meant to do: Help you grow.
Travel isn’t just about seeing the world. It’s about seeing yourself in a whole new way.
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