The backpacking world is an incredible place. You get to see new things, meet new people, and experience new cultures, all while saving money and living a more sustainable lifestyle. But how do you prepare for such an adventure? How can you ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that you stay safe? We’ve got some tips for making sure your next big journey goes off without a hitch!
Have a plan
You’re going to need one, and if you don’t have one now, you will soon enough. You want to be prepared for every aspect of your trip, whether planned or not. Plan for things that could go wrong and what would happen if they did; plan for places where you would like something extra special to happen (like meeting someone new); plan for those moments when nothing seems right at all.
Plan your itinerary
Before you can start planning your trip, you need to decide where exactly you want to go. There are so many places in the world that it’s easy for a traveler with an open mind and adventurous spirit to get overwhelmed by all of the options. The first thing that should come up when deciding on a destination is whether or not it fits within your budget (more on this later). Next, think about how much time and money are available for this trip–what sort of itinerary would work best?
One thing I learned from my experience backpacking through Southeast Asia on a small budget is this: don’t underestimate how long everything takes! You might think flying from Bangkok overland into Laos will only take two hours (or maybe even less). Still, once you factor in immigration paperwork at both ends plus any delays from bad weather or traffic jams along the way (which were common), those two hours could easily turn into five or six hours before reaching their final destination–a big difference!
Also, keep in mind that some countries require visas before entering them; if yours does not have one yet, consider getting one now rather than later so as not to waste precious time during which other important things could happen instead…like sleeping off jet lag after landing at midnight local time after traveling halfway around Earth via plane/train/boat/bus combo transportation system called “transit.”
Start saving money
The sooner you start saving, the better. The best way to do this is by setting and sticking to a goal. If you’re going on an adventure somewhere far away, make sure that whatever money comes in goes directly into your savings account (or at least mostly). If a big purchase comes up that isn’t really necessary for travel–like a new TV or computer–consider waiting until after your trip before buying it; most things can wait until after traveling the world!
If saving up seems overwhelming right now, try finding ways of making extra income so that each paycheck goes right into savings instead of out into bills or other expenses. Working part-time jobs during high school or college may be helpful here; even if they aren’t making much money per hour, these jobs still give young people valuable experience working with others at jobs outside their comfort zones where there’s always room for improvement! They also provide valuable networking opportunities later down life’s road: maybe someday we’ll meet again on LinkedIn.
Get your vaccinations in order
The first step in preparing for your trip is to get your vaccinations in order. A good way to do this is by contacting your doctor and asking them what shots you should get before leaving, as well as when it would be best to get them.
If you’re traveling somewhere with a high incidence of disease (like Africa or Southeast Asia), they may recommend getting all your vaccines earlier so that they have time to take effect before departure. If, on the other hand, there’s little risk of contracting any major illnesses while abroad–say, Europe or Australia–then having them later might be preferable because it gives more time for side effects from previous immunizations to wear off completely
Become proficient in a foreign language
One of the best ways to cut down on costs while traveling is to get proficient in a foreign language. If you know how to speak the local language, locals will be more likely to offer their help and advice without requiring payment. You also won’t have to rely on translation apps and guides as much when trying to communicate with people who don’t speak English.
The best way to learn a new language before heading out into the world is by using Duolingo or other online resources like it (like Memrise). These apps can help anyone learn basic vocabulary and grammar quickly, making them ideal for those who want extra preparation before embarking on their adventure!
Don’t be shy about staying in hostels and Couchsurfing
Hostels are great places to meet people, especially if you’re traveling solo. But they can also be a good option if you have a friend or partner with you–it’s nice to share the cost of accommodation with someone else!
Couchsurfing is another good way to save money on accommodation while backpacking the world. Couchsurfing is an online community where travelers can stay with locals in their homes for free (or sometimes with a small donation). This sounds too good to be true, but it really works! Many people host couch surfers and enjoy meeting new people from around the world every day. Couch surfing has become so popular that there are even websites dedicated solely to helping people find hosts or guests through their websites (like HostelBookers). Plus, if someone doesn’t want anyone staying at their house, there will always be an option.
Pack light and practice minimalism in your everyday life
Packing light is a skill that can be practiced and honed. According to our friends from Traveling Sapiens, it could be the most important traveling skill you will ever master. It’s not about being able to fit everything into a single bag; it’s about bringing only what you need and nothing more.
In preparation for backpacking the world on a small budget, you should practice minimalism in your everyday life. The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to travel with less weight on your back–and in this way, prepare for backpacking around the world!
Don’t bring things that are just sitting around collecting dust anyway; don’t bring things that are only useful once or twice; don’t bring something just because someone else told you it was necessary (it probably isn’t).
Look into volunteer programs
One of the best ways to save money on your backpacking trip is to look into volunteer programs. The great thing about these organizations is that they allow you to travel for free while also providing food and accommodation. This means that all of your expenses are covered by volunteering!
Volunteering abroad isn’t just a way to get free accommodations and food; it’s also an excellent way to meet people from around the world with similar interests. Volunteering in different countries gives people a chance not only to learn more about other cultures but also to make friends with locals who can show them around town or give advice on where else they should visit while they’re there.
Conclusion
The world is a beautiful place, and it’s time to start exploring it. You don’t have to be rich or well-traveled to go on an epic journey across continents–all you need is some planning and determination. If you’re willing to make sacrifices now to save money later on down the road, then there are plenty of ways to fund your trip without breaking the bank completely!
