Imagine this: You've just landed in Europe for your first backpacking trip. You make your way out of the airport, and suddenly, street signs and storefront ads are all in a foreign language. You try to order a coffee at a spot in town, but the barista responds in the local language. You smile. You've made it.
After all of your research, all the time you spent saving up your money, and the nerves of traveling alone for the first time, you've finally made it to Europe, and now it's all yours.
You're a backpacker now. You travel on a budget. You sacrifice comfort for experiences. You meet other backpackers and share stories over a few drinks.
You hang out at coffee shops to watch the local people go about their day. You wear infinite combinations of the same wardrobe and don't care who judges.
You're a backpacker and about to have the ride of your life. So, buckle in, turn on your senses, and prepare to remember everything. Here are some of the most important things you'll want to think about while planning for the trip of a lifetime.
Table of Contents
Where to Begin
Your first backpacking trip starts long before you touch down on foreign soil. A lot of planning goes into a journey of this extent, and you will worry about it often.
But try not to worry. Everyone feels nervous on their first backpacking trip. Hopefully, reading all the information we'll give you in this new series will help you feel more relaxed.
Where are you going?
The world is a vast canvas waiting for you to make your mark. Every trip you take will open the door to many more places and adventures that come onto your radar.
That is the advantage of being a backpacker. Backpackers are inspirational, and you'll want to follow their lead. You'll become one of them before you know it. Eventually, however, you'll have to pick a destination, and that is where the process begins.
When picking a destination, you must consider several things, which we will discuss later in this article, such as your budget, who you are traveling with, which countries you're allowed to visit, etc.
For now, the best way to get started is to find inspiration and seek motivation to travel the world. There are plenty of places to look for inspiration, including blogs like Go Backpacking, travel books, travel movies, and shows on Netflix.
How much is this trip going to cost me?
When calculating a rough estimate of the cost of your trip, consider the many expenses. Everyone knows some expenses, such as airfare, accommodation, and that attractive waterproof backpack you have your eye on.
Then, some costs will surprise you while you're traveling. Death, taxes, and surprise expenses while traveling are the three certainties in life. It's good to have money set aside for the unexpected before every trip.
To put it straight, you'll never be able to account for every expense on your trip. This will scare the life out of you, but don't be discouraged.
Generations of backpackers have managed their way across the world with the same fears and made it back home just fine. You will, too, and in this series, we will teach you how to build a reliable budget.
What's your budget?
How much money do you have saved? How much of your savings are you willing to spend on this trip? These are the main questions you need to consider when calculating your budget.
Every backpacker's budget will vary. We'll show you the secrets to saving money for travel so you can get that extra gelato when your new friends in Italy want to stop for an afternoon treat.
If you are going to spend a lot of time abroad, you may also want to know how to keep money coming in as it is going out. Working abroad can be scary at first, but people do it all the time.
Related: Plan a Family Vacation on a Budget
How do I find a cheap flight?
Ah, airfare. The lion's share of any backpacker's budget. Here's a tip: Once you figure out how to reduce airline expenses, suddenly, your entire trip will become much cheaper, and you can travel longer and further.
How long should your trip be?
Answering this question requires a few things. First, you have to understand your travel budget, and you also have to understand yourself. Many backpackers plan trips that become too short.
However, planning a short experience for your first backpacking trip might be better than a trip that becomes too long and makes you homesick. We will walk you through the essential questions to ask yourself when planning the length of your trip to ensure you don't overcommit.
Who are you traveling with?
There are pros and cons to all types of travel. Some backpackers swear traveling solo is the way to go, while others might argue that traveling with a group of friends is the experience of a lifetime.
Then, couples will say traveling together is the most romantic thing you can do. Each can be incredibly fun and equally trying.
Before planning your trip, it's crucial to assess who you are traveling with. We'll help you gather the information you need to make your own decision about each kind of style.
What to pack?
Packing like a backpacker takes a particular type of soul. Luckily, you can adopt that soul as you go. You might like the minimalist mindset and adapt to what you have.
You might even bring that mindset home with you. However, one thing is certain. Packing for weeks or months in an expandable 45-liter bag can become tricky. Here at Go Backpacking, we publish stories to help you with what you do and don't need.
What documents do you need?
Technicalities are invariably dull. Where are you allowed to go? What documents do you need? This is the frustrating part of planning a long trip.
Keeping track of your itinerary is also important, but luckily, we have a way to keep you organized even in the most hectic circumstances on the road.
Related: Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers
How to stay connected with home?
Home? Who misses home when you're in paradise? Well, newsflash, you might. Most people do, and it's all a part of the backpacking experience. A long trip will always test your character, and you will become bigger and stronger for it.
Overcoming all sorts of emotions is only a part of the journey, and homesickness is one of those emotions. So, how do you keep in touch with home?
Today, there are plenty of resources and unique ways to show your friends and family what you're up to and keep up-to-date with what's going on back home, so you aren't blindsided upon returning.
Today's travelers are spoiled for accessible communication, so let's take advantage of all there is to help us.
Conclusion
If you take your time planning your first backpacking trip, it will be more enjoyable. You will see places you've only seen on Instagram or in movies, and you will become friends with strangers all around the world.
The most memorable experiences will be those that make you downright uncomfortable. You will have the time of your life, and if you're like the rest of us, shortly after returning home, you will be on a plane to your next foreign country.
In the coming weeks, we'll answer all the questions posed in this article and more. Stay tuned!
