Backpacker Tips: Budget Travel, Packing List & Must-Knows
- I'd 45-liter backpack or less is perfectly sufficient
- Always with me: travel towel, packing cubes, medicine bag, waist pack, plug adapter
- Clothing roll instead of combining
- Accommodation: Booking.com or Hostelworld, never longer than 1-2 nights book
- The cheapest way to travel is usually by bus and train; for comfort, use the Uber app.
Contents of this post6 chapters
Advertisement: this post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I receive a small commission; the price stays the same for you.
The backpack
Don’t make the same mistake I made on my first backpacking trip and buy the biggest backpack you can get. A 45-litre backpack (or smaller) is completely enough!
Remember: you can go shopping in other countries too!
The packing list
You will find 100 packing lists on the internet. But keep in mind that at least half of it can usually stay at home!
Always with me:
- Travel towel (ultra small)
- Packing cubes
- Medicine bag
- Small belly bag (wearable under your clothes!)
- In Asia: Bite Away stick
- Small cuddly blanket (never leaves home without me!)
- Plug adapter for the respective country
Remember: only pack the things you really need!
Little tip: roll your clothes instead of folding them!
Accommodation
I prefer to book on Booking.com or Hostelworld. It’s simply easy and I can filter exactly what I want.
For real bargain hunters I recommend the Couchsurfing app or Airbnb.
Remember: never book for longer than 1–2 nights. You can always extend! That saves you a lot of stress if the accommodation isn’t what you expected!
Travel insurance for your backpacking trip
For longer trips there are international health insurance plans that can be cancelled monthly.
“Life is too short for ‘someday’.”
Janet Dannehl
Transport
There are plenty of options. Most of the time, though, you’re cheapest off with bus & train! If you’d like it a bit more comfortable, I recommend downloading the Uber app!
Remember: of course you can also walk or cycle around the area!
Meeting people
The easiest way for me to meet people was in the hostel. That usually happens all by itself. Often the hostel itself also offers group activities. Alternatively, there are also 100 Facebook groups and the like.
I met incredibly great people on my trip!
It’s always cool to know someone on the other side of the world & to see each other again after years!
Back then I was grateful for every little tip & dug through the whole internet. In the end you get everything sorted
I develop content and travel stories for brands and travel providers who want to show budget travel and backpacking credibly. Information on possible formats can be found on the page for collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should my backpacking backpack be?
Don't make the same mistake I did on my first trip and buy the biggest backpack you can find. A 45-litre backpack or smaller is more than enough. Remember: other countries have shops too.
What do I really need to pack?
I always bring an ultra-compact travel towel, packing cubes, a medicine pouch, a small waist pouch that can be worn under clothing, a Bite-Away stick in Asia, a small cosy blanket and a plug adapter for the country I'm visiting. At least half of what's on online packing lists can stay at home.
How many nights should I book accommodation for in advance?
Never more than 1 to 2 nights. You can always extend your stay, this saves you a lot of stress if the accommodation isn't what you expected. I prefer booking through Booking.com or Hostelworld; for real bargain hunters, there's Couchsurfing or Airbnb.
How do I meet people on the road?
It's easiest at a hostel, where it usually happens naturally. Hostels often offer group activities themselves; alternatively, there are countless Facebook groups.
Ready for your next campaign?
For the past eight years, I've worked with tourism boards, hotels, and premium brands, authentically, personally, and effectively. Combined with Max Haase, we reach over 6 million people.
