Planning your first (or next) backpacking adventure? Whether you’re new to backpacking or a seasoned traveller, this guide will make sure you’re set to have an epic, stress-free journey. From budget planning to finding those off-the-beaten-path spots on social media, let’s dive into everything you need to know before strapping on that backpack.
1. TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest are your best friends
Let’s be honest, do we ever turn to google for travel inspiration these days? Probably not, and my guess is, you’ll be finding my blog posts from Pinterest, not google. In fact, I rarely use google for anything these days, if I do it’s probably to identify an actor in a movie or to online shop. My first point of call for all things travel is either TikTok or Pinterest and it’s increasingly becoming the done thing for a lot of people.
- TikTok : TikTok is full of creators who will help you discover everything from budget-saving travel hacks to secret spots only locals know about. Since the introduction of longer form videos, TikTok is becoming an increasingly great place to find full destination breakdowns, budget breakdowns, and ultimate guides. Combined with features like saving into albums, it’s a great place to start. My favourite creators are:
- Okay.Kara.Travels
- Travelsbytash
- Postcardsfromrachael
- Emsbudgettravel
- Abbyngaz
- And my own Wanderinblonde
- Instagram: While many people still use Instagram to post photo dumps and holiday memories, it’s also a treasure trove of practical travel tips if you know where to look (specifically in the captions). Instagram is ALL about short form videos and loaded captions. You might notice people sharing a 4 second video saying “Don’t make the same mistakes I did on my backpacking trip” but they don’t tell you in the video what they are, that’s because it’s the caption that is LOADED with all the information you could possibly need and more. This is a great way to find out information because it’s often more precise and to the point in a caption than it is in a voiceover. Plus you can also save posts and videos into folders which is great for planning multi-destination trips. Here are some of my favourite creators:
- Okay.Kara.Travels
- Travelsbytash
- Postcardsfromrachael
- Reneeroaming
- Justynjen
- And my own Wanderin.blonde
- Pinterest: Pinterest is where you go when you’re ready for detailed guides. Many blog posts are shared as “pins,” so search for your destination, and you’ll find full city guides, budget tips, and sample itineraries. It’s also a great place to create mood boards, find packing lists and SO much more. Pinterest is my go to for the nitty gritty, in depth information I need when planning my trips and it’s where the majority of my traffic comes from.
- My pinterest Wanderinblonde_erin
- Hashtags: Use destination-specific hashtags on Instagram and TikTok to find local influencers and their recommendations. I recommend following these hashtags on Instagram as they appear in your feed like an account you follow would which makes finding new content and creators super easy.
- Follow Travel Vloggers: Some vloggers have entire series dedicated to budget backpacking, and interacting with their posts will then push similar posts and content into your feed. Remember, YOU control your algorithm.
Pro tip: Keep all these recommendations in one place by saving them to Google Maps.
2. Create Google Maps Folders
I can’t be the only one who screenshots things or writes them down in my notes app and then forget all about it or lose it amongst the 20M other things I have saved, right? Google Maps is your new best friend for planning your backpacking trip and keeping all your recommendations in one place.
- Save Locations: As you find places you want to visit—restaurants, landmarks, or hidden spots from your TikTok research—save them directly to your Google Maps.
- Create Folders: Organise your recommendations by city, activity type, or even budget (I save mine by country). For example, make a folder for “budget eats” or “must-see sights.” That way, when you arrive in a new city, you’ve got your own personalised guide.
- Add Notes: When you save locations, don’t forget to add helpful notes—things like opening hours, why it caught your eye, or if you found a special tip online.
No more wandering around a city clueless, or worse, trying to figure out where you saved that one cool café.
3. Budget for absolutely everything you can think of AND the what you can’t think of
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean being stingy, it means being smart. Let’s get real—unexpected costs will always pop up, and some things will cost more than you expect. But don’t stress, here’s how to handle it:
- Identify Your Budget Blowers: Look at your trip plans and spot where the big expenses will be. We knew we we’re planning to hike Mount Batur for sunrise and visit the Khao Sok floating bungalows which could be considered budget blowers when on a tight backpacker bank balance. Knowing this ahead of time allows you to plan around those costs.
- Set an Emergency Fund: S**t happens! Maybe you get food poisoning and can’t face another night in a 20 bed hostel dorm or there could be an emergency at home and you need to go home ASAP. Having a little emergency fund set aside will keep you from stressing when the unexpected pops up.
- Track Your Expenses: Apps like Trail Wallet make tracking expenses easy—perfect for seeing how close you are to the edge of your budget. You can also keep it simple with a Google Sheet (unless you’re me and my spreadsheet loving boyfriend who created an extensive ‘fancy’ spreadsheet to track everything – even the current exchange rate).
- Daily Budgets: Create a rough daily budget based on your total trip funds and stick to it (I can help you work this out if you DM me on instagram @wanderinblonde). This will help spread your money out over the entire trip without running out halfway through, because if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to buy everything and anything you see in local markets and run out of money too fast.
- Check Currency Rates: Look up the currency exchange rates ahead of time, and figure out how much you’ll lose to conversion fees. Use cards with no foreign transaction fees whenever possible, and when ATMs charge a fee, take out the max you can because the fee won’t change depending on the amount. (Look into getting a Starling, Monzo or Revolut account because these cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees).
Pro tip: Budget for the extras and save a little more than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to over-plan than run out of cash, and if you still have that emergency fund at the end of your trip, treat yourself to a big finale to end the trip on a high.
4. Get scam savvy
It’s a backpacker’s worst nightmare: falling victim to a scam, and unfortunately it happens to the best of us. But with a little prep work, you can dodge the typical tourist traps and keep your money safe.
- Research Common Scams: Every destination has its own set of common scams, whether it’s fake “tour guides” or people selling overpriced items to clueless tourists. Research the top scams in your destination so you know what to look out for, for example, the TukTuk scam is very common in Bangkok or the friendship bracelet scam is very common in Paris.
- Be Cautious with Strangers: We’re all about meeting new people, but if a stranger seems overly friendly or offers you something that feels too good to be true, take a step back. This could be anything from someone insisting you follow them to a “secret spot” to a taxi driver quoting way too high a fare.
- Secure Your Belongings: Invest in a money belt (although personally I’m not the biggest fan of these) or a secure backpack with anti-theft zippers to protect your valuables.
- Don’t Flash Cash: Avoid pulling out large amounts of cash in public. Only carry what you need for the day, and keep your main funds in a safe place.
Top tip: follow @americanfille (Amanda Rollins) on TikTok, she has the BEST advice for common scams (Paris scams mostly but they occur all around the world)
5. Learn from the Mistakes of Other Backpackers
Let’s be real—everyone makes mistakes when traveling. But why not avoid the most common ones by learning from those who’ve been there before?
- Read Travel Forums or Watch Vlogs: YouTube vlogs and Reddit threads are full of stories about what people wished they had known before their first backpacking trip. Whether it’s overpacking, underestimating travel times, or forgetting travel insurance—find out the most common mistakes and plan ahead to avoid them. And don’t forget the classic story-time TikTok videos and learn from the horror stories people share on the internet.
- Don’t Overpack: It might be tempting to throw everything into your backpack “just in case,” but trust me – you don’t need it. Packing light will make your trip way more enjoyable (your back will thank you), you’ll also be able to buy more because I can guarantee you’ll buy A LOT.
- Check the Weather: Failing to prepare for the weather can make or break your trip. Always pack for unexpected changes in temperature, especially in places known for unpredictable weather. I know it seems obvious, but pack for the climate you’re visiting, not the climate you expect. Visiting South Africa in July? Be prepared for it to be cold, it’s their winter after all.
- Plan Some Rest Days: Don’t make the mistake of cramming too much into your itinerary. Factor in a few days where you can relax and recharge – it’ll keep you from burning out halfway through your trip, and travel burnout it not to be underestimated.
Pro tip: Invest in good quality gear, especially a sturdy, comfortable backpack. You’ll be wearing it a lot, so it’s worth every penny.
6. Safety First: Tips for Staying Safe While Traveling
Backpacking should be fun and carefree, but it’s essential to stay safe—especially when you’re in a new and unfamiliar place.
- Keep Copies of Important Documents: Have digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. If something gets lost or stolen, you’ll have backups ready. It’s also important to leave copies at home with a friend/family member etc, just in case. (Get extra passport photos too because these can be used in a multitude of different circumstances, visas, travel drivers licences etc)
- Share Your Travel Plans: Make sure someone back home knows your general travel route. Using apps like Find My Friends can help your family or friends check in on you during your trip. If you don’t have an iPhone, SnapMaps is still a viable option (even if its a bit of a throwback to your teenage years!).
- Be Cautious at Night: Stick to well-lit areas, avoid walking alone late at night, and use apps like Uber or local ride-share services if you need a safe way to get back to your accommodation.
- Don’t Show Off Expensive Items: Keep your phone, camera, or other gadgets tucked away when they’re not in use. Flashing expensive items can make you a target for thieves. The phone cases with the lead are a GREAT investment when travelling, no more phone snatchers in your future. Here’s a good one on amazon.
Bonus tip: Carry a personal safety alarm, for some peace of mind.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Now that you’re armed with all the info you need to plan your backpacking trip like a pro, it’s time to get out there and explore the world! Want more tips and tricks for making the most of your adventures? Follow me on Instagram and TikTok and subscribe to my newsletter for even more travel inspiration and backpacking hacks.