10 Tips for a First-Time Solo Backpacker

Preparing for your first solo backpacking trip is daunting, I know. You can only read so many “Do’s and Don’ts” and “Solo Backpacker’s Guide” blog posts before feeling burnt out, but I thought I’d still go ahead and share what helped me stay safe and have fun. Please enjoy some of the tips and tricks I learned along the way on my first trip as a solo traveler.

1.     Don’t overpack. I thought I was done packing and then my older sister (a seasoned traveler, herself) strolled in and crushed those dreams real quick. I was traveling to Europe in the middle of summer, so my tanks and shorts luckily didn’t take up too much room (I know this rule won’t apply for everyone). After much deliberation, we narrowed it down to what I thought was the bare minimum and I STILL didn’t end up wearing certain things on my trip.

2.     Have multiple “safe spots”. I’m referring to places you can store emergency cash, keys, passport/ID, and even an extra phone if your dad sends you overseas with a backup. My sister made me buy a travelers’ fanny pack, which allowed me to store my passport, big bills, SIM card, and suitcase keys under my clothes. The safest place to store your important goodies is on your body, JUST in case you lose a bag or two along the way.

3.     Make photocopies of your passport and ID. Hostels will often ask for your passport, or a copy of one, when you check in for your stay. I wasn’t completely comfortable letting certain places hold on to my passport and some places were kind enough to accept a copy instead. You’ll want to make multiple copies and store them in different places (see tip #3). If you lose your passport or ID, a copy will provide proof of US residency in case of emergency.

4.     Not your cup of tea? Switch to a marg. Some of the best advice my sister gave me was to surround myself with only people who bring me joy. There were multiple times throughout my trip where I found myself hanging out with people who weren’t my kind of people. So, I ditched them and never had to see them again. Easy peasy. I honestly preferred my own company way more than that of others who rubbed me the wrong way.

5.     Put the phone down. If you’re like me, you’re leaving friends, family, and a significant other at home. It can be so tempting to hop on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter to communicate with friends and get updates from home. You’ll often have times when you’re feeling lonely, out of place, or even when you’re having the time of your life and want to reach out to loved ones to share. They can wait. I often had to remind myself to be present in the moment, and I’m so glad I did.

6.     Save room for future purchases. This tip goes hand-in-hand with #1. The less you bring from home, the more room you’ll have to fill with amazing garments and knickknacks from your travels. Keep in mind that most towns and cities will have laundromats. For a few Euros per kilo, I was able to afford frequent washes, dries, and folds whenever I was running low on clean clothes. This allowed me to save room for this amazing dress I bought in Paros, Greece. 

7.     Don’t dig around in your bag in public. Travelers are easy targets for muggers and pickpockets, ESPECIALLY when they’re looking down trying to find something in their bag. Try and have everything you need (money, keys, tickets, phone) ready to go and easy to grab when in public.  

8.     Say yes often. This one is self-explanatory. You’re going to be presented with new opportunities at every corner. If you wanna see it, you gotta show up—if it feels right.  

9.     Plan, but not too much. The best thing about my trip was that I had no real agenda. I was really fortunate to have help from my dad with booking flights whenever I decided I wanted to see somewhere new. But, apart from planning my next move a few days ahead of time, I woke up each morning with a completely open schedule. Staying in hostels influenced my go-with-the-flow attitude immensely.

10.  You are ready.  No matter what you do, you will never feel completely ready for your first solo backpacking trip—and that’s OK. You can research all you want, but it’s a whole different ball game once you step off that plane, train, boat, whatever. But, trust me. Once you book your first few nights at hostels, buy your plane tickets and zip up your backpack for the last time, you’re as ready as you’ll ever be.