{"id":79630,"date":"2018-06-19T15:54:33","date_gmt":"2018-06-19T15:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=79630"},"modified":"2025-08-05T09:23:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T09:23:03","slug":"backpacking-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/backpacking-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Simple Backpacking Tips You Need To Know But No One Will Tell You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re doing your own research or having friends put their two cents in, your first big trip comes with a bombardment of backpacking advice. This guidance all seems to have one thing in common: they state the obvious. You\u2019ll be told to stay safe and avoid dark alleyways, but no one will tell you the essential backpacking tips that will get you through every day \u2026 until now. So, take my advice and follow this simple but necessary backpacking advice, so you don\u2019t learn the hard way (like I did!)<\/p>\n

1. Pack all the medication you could ever need<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Travelling can give you the feeling of invincibility. I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but you are far from it. You\u2019ll get sick and, when you do, being able to reach into your bag and take whatever medication you need will be much easier than trying to locate the nearest pharmacy, dragging yourself out of bed and somehow learning and correctly pronouncing the Spanish word for \u2018throat lozenge\u2019. Bring a variety of basic medicine that you trust to tackle any sickness. Even if you don\u2019t use it, it\u2019s way better to be safe than sick.<\/p>\n

2. Download Offline Maps as soon as you hit WiFi<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As soon as you open Google Maps for the city you\u2019re in, the data is stored in the app. Even as you lose that precious WiFi connection, the app will be able to show you the city roads and remember any recent searches. As a traveller, this is incredibly valuable as you can go forth with your life-changing adventures and get lost in a city. Now you can do this with the peace of mind that Maps will know where you are and how to get you home. If that doesn\u2019t make Offline Maps the real MVP, nothing will. (Oh wait \u2013 maybe you\u2019re not a massive sports fan like me? By MVP I mean Most Valuable Player and you\u2019ll quickly learn Offline Maps are your new travel essential).<\/p>\n

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3. Tell your bank you are going overseas<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If your bank sees any suspicious transactions, they will suspend your account immediately and try contact you to establish if it\u2019s legitimate. Bless their hearts, I\u2019m sure this is done with good intentions, but it can be a traveller\u2019s worst nightmare. Their idea of a \u2018suspicious transaction\u2019 is basically any transaction made from a country you apparently aren\u2019t in. Informing your bank of where you\u2019re going and what dates you\u2019ll be there as part of your travel preparations will ensure you aren\u2019t left stranded on the other side of the world with no money. This is one of the best tips for backpacking, as we generally don\u2019t travel with access to many sources of money so remember to keep your bank in the loop.<\/p>\n

2025 Update:<\/strong> <\/span>While it’s still a good idea to notify your bank, many new travel-friendly banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise)<\/b> or Revolut<\/b> are designed for international use and have a mobile app to manage your card. Consider getting a secondary card from one of these services to avoid fees and have a backup in case your main card is lost or stolen.<\/p>\n

4. Don\u2019t look like a tourist too much<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, some people like to pick on travelers because we are easy targets, especially for thieves. These people can spot a tourist from a mile away, so it\u2019s always a good idea to try and fit in with the locals. That means you should use Maps on your phone and not a giant paper map. No visible belt bag\/fanny packs\/bum bags; if you really must wear one, hide it under your clothes. Don\u2019t carry a backpack that looks packed to survive an apocalypse just to walk through the city for a day. Ultimately, you\u2019re a tourist and should always embrace that, but not making it so obvious could keep you out of trouble.<\/p>\n

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5. Don\u2019t pack your whole wardrobe<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Everyone would love to have the choice between their nice casual, semi-nice half-casual, super nice not very casual and not nice but kind of casual shoes, but when you\u2019re travelling, carrying all of these is a nightmare. Less is more and simplicity is best when it comes to packing your wardrobe. Bring versatile clothing that can go with anything. Basic tops, jeans and anything black will be your best friends. Pack smart: every piece of clothing needs to earn its spot in your bag. If you’ll only wear it once, leave it at home. Try to bring clothes you can wear multiple times that suit a variety of occasions and you will achieve that ever-elusive balance of fashionable and functional.<\/p>\n

Staying in a hostel<\/strong><\/a>? (Of course you are). Check out this hostel packing list<\/a> for all the essentials you\u2019ll probably forget to pack.<\/p>\n

6. Know the local lingo for ‘toilet’ or ‘restroom’ and carry small coins for pay-to-use facilities<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You never want to get caught needing to go with nowhere to go, especially on holiday AND in a foreign city. Some public toilets that are easy to find in most cities and it\u2019s a good idea to know where they are. For example, shopping centres always have public toilets; hotel lobbies are good too and are on the higher end of the public toilet cleanliness scale. As you get more desperate, you can try fast food places but beware they may not be the cleanest and some may charge a small fee to use. Knowing these could save your life (or at least your underwear and dignity).<\/p>\n

7. Carry some plastic bags with you<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s nothing worse than having a wet towel or wet clothes lying around in your suitcase (or, you know, if you\u2019re looking for underwear and you put on a pair that may have already been used. Yeah, gross right?). If only there was a way to separate and store your wet or dirty clothes to keep them away from your lovely clean ones whilst you\u2019re travelling? Hello, plastic bags to the rescue. Having a couple of plastic bags takes up minimal space, has multiple uses and is always a handy addition to any suitcase.<\/p>\n

8. Budget like a pro, but stay flexible<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The key to a stress-free trip is finding a balance between sticking to a budget and splurging on incredible experiences. You’ve been saving for this, so don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure just to save a few euros. Use a travel budget app like TravelSpend<\/b> to easily track your daily expenses and see exactly where your money is going. While having a budget is smart, remember that memories are priceless. If you find an epic tour or a great cooking class, it’s okay to reallocate your funds. Your most treasured memories will come from experiences, not from the money you didn’t spend.<\/p>\n

Backpacking around Europe? Read this guide for how much to budget for your trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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9. Familiarise yourself with common public WiFi<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Today\u2019s traveller can get away with not buying a SIM card with all the public WiFi networks available. If you\u2019re stranded needing to catch a ride, look something up or just need your daily HostelWorld Instagram<\/a> fix, knowing where these are will be your saving grace. Most fast food places like McDonald\u2019s, Burger King and Starbucks will have free WiFi. The same goes for most shopping centres. Retail giants like H&M, Primark and Marks & Spencer also provide free WiFi for their customers, so you can surf the net while you pretend to look at clothes.<\/p>\n

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10. Take plenty of photos<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You may feel ridiculous taking selfie after selfie (whilst secretly loving it) but you\u2019ll thank yourself for it one day. Nothing brings a smile to your face more than looking through your memories and remembering all the great times you had. Your photos are the most unique souvenirs you can have and will be a timeless keepsake of some of the best moments of your life. Of course, making all your Instagram followers jealous too is always a bonus, but this one\u2019s really for you.<\/p>\n

Check out our tips on how to take awesome travel photos<\/a><\/p>\n

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11. Jot down a few things you\u2019d like to do in each city<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re a meticulous planner or a free-spirited wanderer, it\u2019s always good to have some knowledge of the best things a city has to offer. Lists can be found online, but the only person that can make a list perfectly suited to you and your interests is you. Whether it\u2019s visiting a museum or gallery, going for a hike or attending a sports game, you can create a list of fun exciting things that you\u2019re guaranteed to love. A little planning can make sure you leave every city with wonderful memories and zero regrets.<\/p>\n

Looking for ideas for your trip? Search for your destination on the Hostelworld blog<\/a> for amazing travel advice and things to do around the world.<\/p>\n

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12. Get the lowdown on cultural basics of the places you\u2019re visiting<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cultural customs can be unfamiliar to many travellers and when you\u2019re a guest in another country it\u2019s important to be respectful of their culture. Doing a little research into what to expect<\/em> could help you avoid accidentally offending someone. Things like tipping in the United States, or how the Spanish siesta impacts business trading hours, or not being able to litter, smoke or spit in public in Singapore can all be tricky customs for those not used to or aware of it.<\/p>\n

13. Roll up your clothes when packing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many minimalists have tried and failed to stop accumulating random things in your travels. It\u2019s almost inevitable that you\u2019ll pick up more clothes, souvenirs and keepsakes that will take up space in your luggage. One of the best space-saving backpacking tips is to roll up your clothes so they\u2019re more compact and they\u2019ll look wrinkle-free and fabulous. They can also be wrapped around your valuables for protection, like souvenir shot glasses or that precious bottle of vodka you\u2019ve been nursing along the way.<\/p>\n

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14. Ask locals for suggestions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re ever stuck for ideas of what to do, are looking for somewhere to eat or just wanting something different to do than the standard tourist stuff, your best bet is to find a local and ask them. Generally, everywhere you go people are quite friendly and always happy to show off their city and help a guest in need. Chances are they\u2019ll know some hidden gems their city has to offer and would love to share them with you.<\/p>\n

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15. Check the weather before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This may seem like a simple one, but it\u2019s the simple ones we often forget. The importance of knowing the weather ahead of time when preparing for travel can\u2019t be underestimated. It influences what you\u2019ll wear, what you\u2019ll eat and what activities you can and can\u2019t do. You don\u2019t want to be stuck wearing layers of clothing in 35-degree heat or going for a scenic hike in the pouring rain. Unless certain parts of your body can tell that there\u2019s a 30% chance it\u2019s already raining, it will serve you well to look at the weather and plan accordingly.<\/p>\n

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16. Bring some entertainment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re jet-setting or taking the scenic route, you\u2019re going to have a lot of downtime while you\u2019re in transit. Even the shortest of trips can feel like a lifetime without anything to occupy your mind. If you\u2019re a TV or movie buff, bring a laptop, tablet or even phone loaded with movies and TV shows. If reading is more your style, bring your favourite book, or by a new one along the way. Even a video game, book of puzzles or a travel journal to write in can help you reach your destination in no time.<\/p>\n

17. Don\u2019t forget to channel your inner E.T. and phone home<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of travelling and completely lose track of your life at home. It may feel like a world away, but it still exists and it\u2019s closer than you think. When you have some downtime get on FaceTime or Skype to your loved ones to touch base. Share your amazing stories, photos of where you\u2019ve been and how you\u2019re having the time of your life because they care about you and will be dying to know. Phoning home is a win-win; it will cure your homesickness and brighten up their day.<\/p>\n

18. Try everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Travelling allows you to push the boundaries and venture outside of your comfort zone and, with this you will be faced with some new challenges. The best advice I can give is to try them all and have no regrets. It doesn\u2019t have to make sense or seem like a good idea, but you will never know unless you try. Learn how to make paella or salsa dance. Demolish that plate of snails. Sing karaoke with locals. Go off-road quad biking. Whatever you don\u2019t normally do, do it. Embrace everything that comes your way and you\u2019ll learn so much about yourself and be left with incredible stories.<\/p>\n

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Ready for your trip? Find the perfect hostel here<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

About the author<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Alex is a passionate traveller, traversing the globe to meet the most amazing people, party, chase sport and try figure out if there is more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. Follow his adventures on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book<\/h3>\n

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