You want to hit the road? Leave everyday life behind and finally do what you want? Explore new cultures, wander barefoot through Southeast Asia, take night trains across Eastern Europe, or ride buses through South America? Then do it. Just go.
This article is one of the most-read on Travelicia. Originally written by Tina after her very first solo backpacking trip, we’ve now updated it for 2025 – keeping its soul, but adding everything you need to know today.
Truth #1: Freedom starts with less baggage
Backpacking is freedom. Less stuff. No fixed plans. The ability to choose every day where to go, who to meet, how to feel. Hostels, bus rides, street food, jungle trails – you’ll get to know yourself. And trust us: you’ll come home with stories worth telling.
Truth #2: Where you go shapes how it flows
For your first trip, we recommend places that are easy to travel, have solid infrastructure, and offer good value:
- Thailand & Vietnam – Backpacker classics. Cheap, tasty, friendly.
- Balkans & Eastern Europe – Not a hidden gem anymore, but still great for budget travel.
- Georgia (the country) – Safe, welcoming, full of wine and mountains.
- Colombia & Peru – More adventurous, but still doable for beginners.
💡 Travel tip 2025: Many countries now offer e-visas or visa-free entry for 30–90 days. Use visalist.io to check requirements for your passport.
Truth #3: You don’t need a fortune to start
Backpacking isn’t expensive – especially if you travel smart. Here’s a rough budget guide (2025 prices):
| Region | Daily Budget (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | €25–40 |
| Eastern Europe | €35–50 |
| South America | €40–60 |
| Georgia/Caucasus | €25–45 |
That includes hostels, street food, and local transport. Couchsurfing, volunteering, and house sitting can cut costs even further.
Truth #4: Less gear = more freedom
You do not need a 60-liter backpack full of “just in case” stuff. Here’s what actually matters:
- Backpack (around 40L) – e.g. Osprey or Deuter
- Packing cubes (trust us, you’ll love them)
- Microfiber towel
- Flip-flops, sneakers, maybe hiking shoes
- 5 shirts, 2 shorts, 1 pair of pants, 1 hoodie, 1 rain jacket
- Toiletry kit (bring sunscreen!)
- Power bank (10,000 mAh is enough)
- eSIM: Pangia Pass, Airalo, or Holafly – works globally and avoids SIM card stress
💡 Pack light. You’ll never say, “I wish I had brought more.”
Truth #5: The best travel tools fit in your pocket
Here are apps we use on every trip:
- Google Maps & Maps.me (offline maps!)
- Rome2Rio – shows all travel routes (bus, train, ferry, flight)
- Hostelworld & Booking.com – for finding places to stay
- Wise and N26 – for cards and money transfers
- NordVPN – keeps your data safe on public Wi-Fi
- 1Password – password manager we rely on
Truth #6: Planning is helpful – but spontaneity is magic
Plan your first two nights. That’s it. After that: talk to people, follow their tips, let the road decide. You’ll miss buses. You’ll end up in places you didn’t plan for. That’s the point.
Still, don’t skip this stuff:
- Make copies of your passport and important docs (online + printed)
- Get travel health insurance (e.g. Genki, Foyer Global Health)
- Check recommended vaccines (e.g. Hep A/B, Rabies depending on region)
And if you get tired? Stay put. Read. Sip a coffee. Breathe. Backpacking isn’t a race.
Truth #7: This trip will change you
You’ll get lost. You’ll feel unsure. You’ll miss home. You might get sick. You might feel alone.
But you’ll also: meet new people. Fall asleep on a bus and wake up somewhere magical. Stand barefoot in a temple and feel everything go still. You’ll feel alive.
So? Grab your backpack. Book the flight. Go.
Have questions or stories to share? Drop us a message – we read them all.
See you somewhere out there 🌍💛