The first time backpacken is exciting, new and sometimes takes some getting used to, but above all a cool way to discover the world. You discover places you might never have found otherwise, make new friends along the way and completely set your own pace. It's the reason we fell in love with travelling and now set off every year with our backpack. Since we now know which things are useful to know in advance (and which pitfalls are better to avoid), we have collected below a few tips we would have liked to have known ourselves during our first backpack trip.
1. Choose a destination that suits your first backpacktrip
The very first step is deciding where you want to go. Logical, you will think, but not every country is suitable for a first backpack trip. It's smart to choose countries that are convenient, safe and popular among backpackers. This makes travelling a lot easier and chances are you'll quickly meet other travellers. Consider countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia or Sri Lanka.
Travelling in these countries is easy as there are plenty of hostels and hotels and you can easily travel around using your own transport, public transport or local tours. In addition, it helps to read up a bit on the culture beforehand, so you know what is normal and what to consider.
Tip: Choosing to travel outside Europe? Then make sure you have a travel insurance with worldwide cover. With this, you are well insured, regardless of your destination.
2. Don't take too much with you (you really need less than you think)
Almost everyone who goes backpacken for the first time takes way too much stuff with them. Yes... we did this too! An overweight backpack is especially awkward and you will find that you will not use everything. Therefore, only bring clothes that you wear often and can easily combine. Go for basics that dry quickly, because the less you bring, the easier your trip will be!
Tip: Take packing cubes or vacuum bags with. Ideal for quick packing without chaos in your backpack.
It is also useful to bring a few basics to make your trip easier, such as a power bank, mackintosh and a small lock. And above all, choose a backpack that fits your height and build well, so that you travel comfortably and don't hurt your back.
3. Buy local mosquito spray (sometimes works even better)
Mosquito spray from the Netherlands works fine in Asian countries, but takes up a lot of space. We ourselves often use Kruidvat's mosquito spray (with DEET). But anyway... if you go backpacken for a longer time, it is difficult to take a whole supply with you. So buy a local variant: it is tailored to the climate and mosquitoes in that area and sometimes works even better than the one from the Netherlands. Moreover, in many countries you will find natural sprays that are less aggressive to your skin, ideal if you are sensitive to DEET.
4. Keep copies of important documents
It is useful to have digital copies of your passport, visa, plane tickets, vaccinations and insurance papers. Should you lose something, you will always have a backup. Keep these documents in the cloud or in your e-mail, for example. It's a small effort, but can save you a lot of stress during your trip. For extra inspiration and smart preparations, check out our useful travel tips for your travel preparation.
Tip: bring two passport photos! You won't need them everywhere, but if you need to extend or apply for a visa on the road, it can be handy to have a few passport photos with you. It saves time, hassle and often money.
5. Read up (but do it your way)
You no longer need to carry heavy travel guides, but it is nice to read up a bit beforehand. You can do that through blogs, digital travel guides or Google Maps maps that will help you with the ideal route, transport options and accommodation. That way, you always have handy information at hand! Many travellers save their most important itineraries or tips offline so they can access them anytime. It's mainly about knowing how things work in the country you are travelling to, not about planning everything perfectly.
6. Don't be fooled by other people's opinions
Every traveller has a different experience, and online you will already sometimes find horror stories or strong opinions. Don't let this stop you. Above all, discover for yourself how a country feels and what suits your way of travelling. Someone else's negative experience does not have to be yours at all. So trust your own feelings and go into the adventure with an open mind.
7. Book only the first nights and leave the rest open
Many people think you have to book everything in advance when you go backpacken, but this is not necessary at all. In fact, it often actually makes your trip less flexible. Personally, we usually only book the outward journey and the first night. This ensures that you know exactly where to go when you arrive, but afterwards you have all the freedom to adjust your route based on what you find along the way.
Sometimes we book ahead on the way, other times we find nice accommodation on the spot. Above all, feel what suits your way of travelling, there is no right or wrong.
Tip: If you really want to sleep in a specific accommodation, book it in advance to avoid disappointment.
8. Hostels take getting used to, but also the most fun way to meet people
Sleeping in a hostel for the first time can take some getting used to. You never know exactly who you will share a room with and sometimes you will have quiet travellers, other times you will end up in a room full of partygoers. But hostels are also the place to quickly get to know new people. There's really no need to feel uncomfortable: almost everyone is open to contact.
It can be handy to bring a sheet bag and earplugs, though. And if you want more privacy (like us)?Look at private rooms, which are often affordable too.
9. Rainy season is no immediate reason to stay home
Are you going to backpacken for longer? Then you may certainly find yourself in a country during ‘rainy season’. This usually does not mean that it rains all day long. It often involves a short, heavy shower in the afternoon and the sun just shines the rest of the day. The advantage: it is quieter, greener and accommodations are often cheaper. So don't be put off by the word ‘rainy season’, in practice it is almost always not that bad and locals don't call it the ‘green season’ for nothing.
10. Safety: logical thinking will get you furthest
Backpacking is safe, as long as you keep using your common sense. Choose accommodation with good reviews, let someone back home know where you are roughly, and keep photos of your important documents online.
While travelling, you probably often use public Wi-Fi networks, for example in cafes, hostels or airports. Those networks are not always well secured. To protect your personal data, it is smart to use a trusted VPN service, especially when you need to do online banking or log into accounts with personal information. It takes little effort and avoids a lot of risks.
11. Bring a lock
A small TSA lock comes in handy at more times than you think. You use it for lockers in hostels, for your backpack during an overnight bus or to securely close your flight bag. It gives a bit of extra security and prevents others from easily accessing your belongings. You can recognise a TSA lock by the red symbol, and the advantage is that customs can open it without damaging the lock.
12. Be alert to small scams
In popular backpack countries, you will sometimes come across small scams, such as taxis without meters, money exchange offices with unrealistic rates or people trying to rip you off. Use your common sense, always check reviews and compare prices if something is not right. This will prevent hassles and keep your trip relaxed.
13. Set your debit card to ‘world mode’ before you leave
This is one of those that many travellers forget: set your bank card to ‘World’ in the app. If you don't do this, you often can't withdraw money outside Europe. It's done in two seconds and avoids stress at the airport.
Read also: Cashing in Sri Lanka: 6 handy tips + cost overview
Read also: Cashing out in Thailand: Tips, Costs and Smart Alternatives
14. Leave expensive jewellery at home
It is often not convenient to take expensive jewellery with you. Therefore, we actually always leave them at home and take simple jewellery with us. It makes your trip that little bit more carefree. What you do is of course entirely up to you, but our experience is that you don't miss it.
15. Always take a fine daypack with youe
Besides your big backpack, you always need a smaller backpack. With this you go out while hiking, sightseeing or when you go out for something fun in the evening. A lightweight daypack is ideal and takes up almost no space. We also often take a linen bag, handy for groceries or beach stuff and easy to fold in your luggage.
16. Backpacking doesn't mean you have to be alone
Backpacking actually offers lots of opportunities to meet new people. In hostels this goes without saying, but you will also quickly meet other travellers during walks, tours, workshops or day trips. Being open to small talk is often enough.
Many backpackers additionally use groups such as the Facebook group Backpackers in Asia to find other travellers or see what meet-ups and activities are going on. Always meet in public places and trust your gut - that's the most important thing.
Frequently asked questions the first time backpacken
Best backpack for first time backpacken
For most beginners, a backpack of 55 to 65 litres ideal. This size gives enough room for clothes, toiletries and basic gears without being unnecessarily heavy.
When choosing, pay attention to a good adjustable back system, sturdy hip belt and multiple pockets so that your organisation remains easy while travelling. In the Netherlands, outdoor shops like Bever, Decathlon or Kathmandu often have several models you can try on, which is especially important because a backpack really needs to fit your height and build.
How do I choose a backpack as a beginner?
Above all, a beginner's backpack should be comfortable. Most importantly, the bag should be adjustable to your back length, the waist strap should be sturdy and the bag should be no larger than you need. A capacity of 55-65 litres is perfect for most trips.
Try different models packed and ready to go so you can feel how the weight is distributed. Also pay attention to practical details such as a front opening, compression straps and a comfortable carrying system.
Which travel insurance policies are suitable for first-time backpackers?
For a first backpack trip, a Continuous or short-term travel insurance with worldwide cover the best choice. Make sure medical expenses are covered on top of your health insurance, and check whether baggage, cancellation and extreme sports may be required for your trip.
Many travellers choose providers such as Allianz, Univé or ANWB because they have clear packages that fit well with longer backpackrips.
Your first backpack trip awaits you
Still in doubt? Don't let that stop you. A backpack trip is an experience that really stays with you. You will get to know yourself better, see new cultures and discover how big (and at the same time small) the world really is. With the right preparation, you set off with a nice feeling, and the rest you discover as you go. That is what makes backpacken so special.
We try to keep this blog, with tips for first-time backpacken, as up-to-date as possible but this cannot be done without your help. If anything has changed, please let us know via [email protected].
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