How to plan backpacking abroad for the first time
A first-timer's method for planning a backpacking trip: route, hostels, packing light, budget thinking, safety, money and staying connected over a long trip.
En bref
- Backpacking abroad means travelling with one bag you can carry, using lower-cost stays such as hostels, and favouring experience over luxury. First-timers should start with a short, simple route, a destination with many other backpackers and a reserve for the unexpected.
- The core steps are to set the days and cities, lay a route without backtracking, pick hostels with solid safety reviews, pack light, and prepare backup cards, insurance and a way to get online before you go.
What a backpacker is and who it suits
The word backpacker, or backpacking abroad, does not mean poverty or hardship in itself. It is a style that values flexibility, meeting people and continuous travel, usually with a single backpack. It suits people who do not need full comfort, can adapt and want to keep costs under control.
Starting the plan as a first-timer
- 1Set the days and a ceilingFirst-timers should start with a short trip to see whether the style suits them, then stretch to a longer one.
- 2Pick a destination friendly to this styleLook for destinations with clear transport networks, a range of lower-cost stays and many fellow backpackers. Check entry rules with official sources.
- 3Lay a route without backtrackingOrder cities on a map and use open-jaw tickets if they suit. See our multi-city guide for detail.
- 4Book only the first night and the outbound flightFlexibility is the heart of backpacking, but have the first night sorted so you are not hunting for a bed when tired from the journey.
- 5Set a backup plan and contact channelsTell family or friends the rough route and note emergency numbers and the Thai embassy for the country you visit.
Route and pace
A common first-timer mistake is cramming in too many cities, leaving you tired and spending your time on transport instead of in places. Build in rest days and aim for at least two nights per city. Where possible, choose one or two bases and make day trips.
Backpacker stays: hostels and alternatives
| Type | Avantage | À surveiller |
|---|---|---|
| Dorm hostel | Often the lowest cost, easy to meet others | Noise and little privacy; check safety reviews and lockers |
| Private room in a hostel or guesthouse | More private yet still in a traveller setting | Per-head cost may be higher than a dorm if travelling solo |
| Shared apartments or rooms with friends | Suits longer stays and has a kitchen | Check occupancy policy and extra fees |
Accommodation options for backpackers
- Read recent reviews on cleanliness, safety and lockers, not just price.
- Carry a small padlock and earplugs if you choose a dorm.
- Check check-in and luggage storage policies if you arrive early or leave late.
Packing light and carrying documents
The principle is to carry only what you will use and wash on the road. Choose quick-drying clothes that mix and match. Check airline baggage and liquids rules directly with the airline and airport, as they change. For documents, carry a passport copy and keep a scan somewhere safe.
- Regular medicines and related paperwork; check the destination's rules for bringing medicines in with official sources.
- A plug adapter and a power bank following airline rules; see our power plug guide by country.
- A small towel or waterproof bag for items that must stay dry.
A low-budget backpacking method without fixed numbers
Low-budget backpacking starts by splitting costs into lines: return flights, stays, food, local and intercity transport, activities, insurance, data and a reserve. Look up live prices for each line in your chosen destination, rank which you would cut first, and keep the reserve intact, never overextending on credit.
See our trip budget calculation and cheap travel abroad guides for comparison worksheets. For multi-month trips, set a weekly budget and check each week whether you are on plan.
Safety for backpackers
- Keep cash and cards in separate places and do not carry everything together.
- Be wary of people who lure you to isolated places, services with unclear prices and offers that sound too good to be true.
- Buy travel insurance and read with the insurer whether risky activities such as riding motorbikes or adventure sports are covered.
- See our guides on solo travel safety and lost or stolen phones abroad.
Money and cards on a long trip
A long trip should carry more than one card, stored separately, in case one is lost or blocked. Check fees with your own bank, withdraw cash sensibly and do not carry too much, and notify your bank if it requires so before travelling. See our guides on card charges and currency exchange.
Staying online on a multi-month trip
Long trips often need data across several countries in a row. Buying a new plan per country or using a multi-country plan each has trade-offs that depend on your route and usage. Our guide on data for multi-month backpacking explains the thinking in more depth. Use the data calculator and check the countries covered and live prices before choosing.
Questions fréquentes
What do I need to prepare for backpacking abroad?+
Set the days and a ceiling, pick a suitable destination, lay a route without backtracking, book the first night and the outbound flight, pack light, and prepare insurance, backup cards and a way to get online. Check entry rules with official sources.
How do I backpack abroad on a low budget?+
Split costs into lines, check live prices, rank which to cut first, use hostels, travel in quieter seasons and keep a reserve. There are no fixed numbers; always check prices for that destination.
How heavy should my backpack be?+
There is no number that suits everyone. The principle is that you can carry it comfortably for a long time and it meets the airline's baggage rules. Check the rules with the airline you fly.
Is solo backpacking abroad safe?+
No one can guarantee safety, but you can lower risk with well-reviewed stays, not carrying everything in one place, telling someone you trust your plan, getting insurance and being wary of unusual offers.
Where should a first-timer start backpacking?+
Choose a destination with clear transport, a range of lower-cost stays and many fellow backpackers, and start with a short trip. Check entry rules and safety advice from official sources.
How do I handle data on a multi-month backpacking trip?+
Compare multi-country plans with per-country plans based on your route, use the data calculator, and read our guide on data for multi-month backpacking. Check live prices before buying.
Do I need travel insurance for backpacking?+
It is worth considering, especially on long trips or with risky activities. Read with the insurer exactly what is covered, as policies differ.
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À lire aussi
- Backpacking pendant des mois : garder la data simple à travers de nombreuses frontières
- Booking Cheaper Accommodation Abroad: Hotels, Hostels, Capsules and the True Cost
- Multi-City Trips on a Budget and How to Book Good-Value Trains Abroad
- Budget Travel Abroad: How to Plan a Low-Cost Trip, from 3 Days to 10