Planning a backpacking trip can be overwhelming, confusing and nerve-wracking. What do I need to do before I leave? What kind of luggage should I bring? Where do I get travel insurance? I have put together my essential guide to planning your next backpacking trip.
Plan your travel route:
Please note that you don’t have to strictly abide by this; however, having a travel route can make your backpacking trip less stressful and help you manage your time and budget better. Plan a route to minimise the number of flights you take or ensure short flight time. This can save you a lot of money, reduce hassle, and reduce your potential carbon footprint. For example, while travelling Southeast Asia, I planned a loop and took some land border crossings. This saved me a considerable amount of money.
Once you have your rough plan, determine where within your proposed route would be the cheapest to fly into. From there, you can plan your starting point.
Book Flights:
I use Google Flights and Skyscannner to help me find the best deals on flights. However, you should ensure that you are looking up these flights on an incognito browser until the time that you are ready to
book your flights so that cookies and search history are not saved, and pricing remains more consistent.
If you are planning to travel for a few months or relatively long term and are still determining your return date, many travellers just book a one-way flight and secure their return flight 6-10 weeks before returning home. This allows you to change your plans if you wish to.
When trying to find the best flight deal, setting price alerts on apps such as Hopper may be best for the dates you wish to travel. For international flights, you are best booking within 4 months to 6-8 weeks before the flight is due to take off. It is important to note that the best time to book is early midweek, as weekend evenings can be more expensive to book your flight.
Travel Vaccinations:
Research what vaccinations you may need and book a consultation with your GP or pharmacist, or the Tropical Medical Bureau, depending on where you live. Ensure you do this well before your backpacking trip, as some vaccinations may need to be ordered, or some may be out of stock.
Travel Insurance:
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE! The amount of warnings I got from others to ensure I had insurance. It is not worth the risk to skip it.
While in Vietnam, one of my friends got sick and had to have an MRI, several tests and surgery. She would have had a medical bill of thousands of euros without her travel insurance.
Make sure you buy your travel insurance before you depart from your country of origin for your trip. This is to ensure that it is valid.
Shopping around and comparing prices is essential to find the perfect insurance for you. Backpacker insurance can be more expensive than insurance for shorter-term trips. However, you should ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your trip location and duration. Research all providers and look at the terms, conditions and inclusions to ensure you find the best option for you.
Decide on your Baggage:
Suitcase or backpack, it’s up to you. However, I recommend getting a backpack that opens like a suitcase rather than a top-opening backpack.
I recommend between 45L and 65L for longer trips; however, many people travel with less. I recommend keeping your bag below 15 kg so that when you check in your luggage on flights, you can save money by not paying for 20 kilograms of baggage.
Bring a daypack to put your essential possessions as your carry-on for the flight and for day trips.
In conclusion, embarking on a backpacking adventure may seem daunting, but with careful planning and these top tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your journey. From creating a travel route that maximises your experience and savings to booking flights smartly and securing essential travel vaccinations, we’ve covered the crucial aspects to consider. Remember to prioritise travel insurance, as it can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. Regarding baggage, the choice between a suitcase or backpack is yours, but a backpack with a suitcase-style opening can offer convenience. As you venture into the world, packing your 45L to 65L backpack below 15 kg and having a trusty daypack will keep you agile and ready for any adventure that comes your way. So, embrace the thrill of backpacking, and may your journey be filled with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories. Safe travels!