How to Plan a Backpacking Trip? Let This Article Guide You!

By Alice Ross | GENERAL TIPS

Jan 21
how to plan backpacking trip

Backpacking has becoming more and more common among people today. It seems like everyone wants to do it, especially with the popularity of social media where travelers can easily influence other people to do the same. But what really holds you back to travel and see the world? Is it the money? Is it the fear of getting lost? No matter what your reason is, you have to keep in mind that all you have to do is to prepare yourself. Before anything else, what you have to ask first is: How to plan backpacking trip?

While proper planning is very important to ensure an enjoyable trip, being thoroughly prepared is even more essential. So before we get into planning, make sure to check out this extensive backpacking guide for beginners to get yourself well prepared for the trip.

Continue reading and hopefully, this article will help you.

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Prepare Your Budget

Of course, whether we like to admit it or not, when it comes down to it, backpacking or any style of traveling for that matter, budgeting always comes first. Depending on your budget, you can decide whether when, where, and how long you are going to travel.

budget

It is extremely necessary to budget your trip, and the best way to carry out it is to compute how and where you may possibly spend your money while traveling. Of course, this includes plane tickets, hotel rooms, food, tours, land transports, souvenirs, and other miscellaneous.

Backpackers usually travel on a budget, so it is important for you to master the art of travel budgeting. Know the best season for travel, which cities sell cheaper food, and other hacks to travel on a shoestring.

Prepare Your Itinerary (Or At Least Have Idea Where to Go)

Choosing where to go is not always an easy process for everyone, but once you figure out, it is going to be a very rewarding milestone. But how do you pick the best destination for you? Here are some points to consider:

- Points of Attractions: What interests you? What activities do you want to do? Are you looking for a beach? Or maybe party scene? Is there an iconic city you want to visit? What is the place you’ve always been dreaming of? Answer these questions and deciding would be easier.

planning attractions


- Weather: Once you listed down some of the prospective places you want to go, being aware of the weather should be the next priority. You want to avoid beaches and mountainsides during rainy days. Knowing the weather will also help you prepare your packing as you will know what kind of clothing you should bring with you.


- Safety: Another important to consider when knowing how to plan a backpacking trip is to know the safety status of the place. Make sure that it is safe to travel to especially if you are going to travel on your own.

safety


- Budget: Again, we go back to the first stage because this is necessary. You have to make sure that you choose a destination that you can afford. You don’t want to go to a place that costs you twice as expected.


- Timeframe: How long are you going to travel for? By knowing the duration of your trip, you can easily make the most of your time. Make sure to also check how long you are allowed to stay in a specific country or whether you need a visa to get there.

Book Everything In Advance

While traveling spontaneously is preferred by many, traveling with things already planned can get help you get rid of the headache and save you a lot of time.

As much as possible, buy all the plane tickets you need, especially an outbound ticket from the place you are planning to go because many countries, especially in Asia, will require you an outbound tickets to make sure you are going to leave the country at the proper timeframe.

travelling

Booking your hotels will also be a smart thing to do. I hate it when I have to carry around my backpack around looking for the cheapest hostel possible!

If possible, you may also want to book tours and other tickets to make sure you don’t have to worry about it later.
But then again, these are not necessary in all cases, but something you should definitely consider.

Pack Your Stuff Right

Knowing how to plan a backpacking trip includes packing the bag right. Here are some tricks to follow to make things more convenient for you:


- The right bag
It is important to choose the best travel backpack for your trip. When choosing, what you have to consider first is the size. It is important not to choose one that is too big and definitely one that is too small. In order to help you, check our article on 
how to choose the best backpack for you.

bags

- Travel Toiletry Kit
Of course, you have to keep yourself clean no matter where you are, so make sure you have toiletry kit with you. Don’t forget to bring your toothpaste, soaps, beauty products, and everything you know you will need to keep you clean and hygienic.

- Clothing
Decide on what clothing you are going to bring. Again, depend your clothing on your activities, destination, and its weather condition. Bring pair pants, jackets, enough underwear, swimsuits, and sleeping clothes. You may also want to bring some accessories like sunglasses and hats. Learn how to mix and match so you don’t have to bring a lot of clothes that will make your bag heavier.


- Travel Adaptor
Usually overseen, the travel adaptor is actually one of the most important items you’ll need when you travel around the world because different countries use different electrical sockets and system. In order to make sure that you will be good to go, there are universal adapters that you can use anywhere in the world. They always come in compact and easy to travel with.

Get Travel Insurance

travel gears

Basically, many people may think that insurance is something not necessary for backpackers. When backpacking, it is inevitable to do extreme activities that can be risky. Again, backpacking trip would usually consist of very low expenses. So, it’s extremely wrong to think that this is just an unnecessary spending. Your safety should come first. And on top of that, these insurance are not that expensive anyway. You can easily find a company that offers coverage that is suitable for everyone’s budget. aside from medical expenses, there are also insurance companies that cover theft, loss of baggage, electronic damages, and other mishaps that may take place along the way. So, again, consider getting travel insurance especially if you are going to travel for a longer period of time! You will definitely thank yourself for doing it!

There is no fixed rule on how to plan a backpacking trip because everyone has a different preference, but by following these tips, planning will surely be easier. No matter where you go, remember that having a plan will make things easier and less stress-free.

So, what do you think of this list? I know how nerve-racking planning for a backpacking trip can be - little things can obstruct of what truly has to be a hassle-free experience. If there are other tips you want to add to this article, let us know in the comment below!

Rating: 4.5 (4 votes)

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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