Ah, the ultimate rite of passage where you get to leave your current stresses to travel the world, face fears, meet new people and adapt to a life of minimalist necessities. It is a breath of fresh air just thinking about the freedoms that backpacking has to offer.
With the classical (and, overused) Wonderwall played on a guitar at a campfire you stumbled across with other travellers, you’re in your element. Understanding cultures and becoming part of a new community of people where the concept of home transforms into an object you’re carrying on your back.
It’s not exactly a hobby adventure we could miss here at The Hobby Kraze. And, luckily for you we have a team of people who have all been able to experience the world in their own way. And, now they can shed some light onto the backpacking journey for you, too. So, secure your seatbelt; it’s time to go for a ride.
Here’s all the points we’ll be covering in today’s ultimate beginner’s guide to backpacking. And, while you can’t miss out parts 1, 2 and 3, feel free to skip to the part of the world that interests you most and work your way through the world travel guide.
- What Is it and why should you venture into the world?
- Filling Your Backpack with all Your Worldly Possessions
- 15 Apps You Shouldn’t Consider Backpacking Without
- The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Europe
- The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking North America
- The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking South America
- The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Africa
- The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Oceania
- The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Asia
The one thing we will say before heading off on adventures of finding the right beginner backpacking gear and understanding the concept of backpacking for beginners is: experience life and take enjoyment on your own. Yet, safety should be your first priority.
Check the weather, check the route, have emergency contacts, keep fluids and snacks up, have an idea about local medical care, understand cultural norms, and last but not the least be reasonably fit and oh yes, always be weary of everyone you see.
Backpacking can be a unique and personalised adventure that should be tailored exactly to your hopes and dreams as a traveller. So, even if you set off from the homeland with a group of friends or family, be sure to explore your own avenues instead of sticking to the routine of someone else’s dream backpacking trip.
With that, the biggest backpacking tip you’ll ever receive is to go at it alone yet safe.
What Is it and why should you Venture into the World?
By definition, and in accordance with the Cambridge English Dictionary, backpacking is: “the activity of travelling while carrying your clothes and other things that you need in a backpack, usually not spending very much money and staying in places that are not expensive”.
So, what we can deduce is that there are only benefits to this wanderlust of a hobby.
You get to travel, you get to take your things with you, you don’t have to carry too much, you get to see new places and it won’t burn as much of a hole in your wallet as you think. You’ve got to wonder why more people don’t hop on the bandwagon to see where it will take them. And, to that we say it’s clearly because they’ve not got the ultimate beginner’s guide to backpacking on their side (clearly).
But the essential thing to remember for a backpacking adventure is that it is not a cookie cutter experience. It is simply a term to describe you taking a bag of items that will allow you to comfortably travel the world. As long or as little as you’d like and as far or close to home as you’d like.
In fact, the team here at The Hobby Kraze have put together the ultimate list of why backpacking for beginner’s is one of the best hobbies you can adopt today:
- You can choose multiple countries
- You can choose just one country
- You can stay close to home
- You can go to the other side of the world
- You can meet new people
- You can learn new languages
- You can experience new foods (disgusting and delightful)
- You will possess the vital experiences that shape a person’s livelihood
- You will be able to adopt minimalism
- You can learn to fend for yourself
- You will get to see first-hand new cultures and ways of living
- You can take on jobs or work abroad
- You can escape with friends, family or alone
- You have nothing to stop you from doing anything (legal)
- You can teach English as a foreign language
- You can meet ‘the one’
- You don’t have to spend much money
- You can spend a lot of money if you want
- You can collect mementos and ephemera from your journeys
- You will stay fit and healthy
- You will gain critical perspectives of the world
- You will learn to appreciate home and family even more
- You will get to experience independence on a new level
- You have the opportunity to run or walk the path you choose
- You can choose to go home whenever you’d like
- You can be somewhere new every day
- You will be allowing key happy hormones to flow
- You get to escape home society
- You will get into peak physical shape
- You will experience the adventure of a lifetime
- You can try out new hobbies such as bungee jumping or base jumping
- You have the ability to face fears of animals, places, heights and travel
- You can disconnect from life back home
- You can do research while on your adventure
- You can document your travels
- You can build a following on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok for money
- You can enjoy other hobbies like Geocaching while out
Filling Your Backpack with all Your Worldly Possessions
Sometimes, you can leave home with a specific itinerary set out for a month of travel. Yet, when you’re out in the big wide world you’ll quickly realise you’re not Dorothy and you don’t want to find the Ruby Slippers just yet.
So, you need to pack smart yet light. You’ll have one backpack that you need to be able to fit everything you need for an adventure of backpacking for beginners that will continue until you really miss your mum and your bed back home.
With that, the team members who have ‘been there and got the t-shirt’ wanted to share the essential beginner’s guide to backpacking pack list:
- Backpack
- Pouches and Dividers
- Phone
- Phone Charger
- Laptop
- Laptop Charger
- Keys
- Padlock
- Money
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Documents
- Vaccine Certificates
- Tickets
- Tissues
- Go Pro
- Go Pro Charger
- Power Bank
- Swiss Army Knife
- Spork
- Life Straw
- Face Mask
- Sunglasses
- Mini Sewing Kit
- Sleeping Mat
- Teddy
- 2x Pairs of Trousers
- 4x Tops
- Jumper
- Waterproof Jacket
- Beanie Hat
- 8x Socks
- 8x Underwear
- Pair of Hiking Boots
- A Nice Outfit
- Scarf
- Swimwear
- Nightwear
- Sun Cream
- Paracetamol (pain)
- Ibuprofen (inflammation)
- Imodium (the no-no zone)
- Motillium (nausea)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Roll Plaster
- Condoms
- Antihistamine (allergies)
- Hair and Body Soap Bar
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hand and Face Cream
- Razor
- Bum Bag/Fanny Pack
- Ear Plugs
- Hand Towel
- Baby Wipes
- Anti-Perspirant
- Bug Spray
- Water Bottle
- Fire Starter
- Snacks
Every one of these items are essential to making sure your trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as it can be. Of course, if there are any extra medications you need such as an inhaler or EpiPen, don’t forget these in your world travel guide. P.S. don’t try to skimp on underwear, soap or socks; you don’t want to become that person.
15 Apps You Shouldn’t Consider Backpacking Without
Whether you’re travelling with your best pal iOS or long-time lurker Android, there is an array of apps you should install and get friendly with before leaving your front door.
When you’re exploring, you may sometimes need to fall back on key dependable features that you would use in everyday culture: for example, maps. But, when you’re high up in the Andes, you won’t exactly have the bandwidth to see where you are. Yet, using some apps, you can download particular trails or locations of rated restaurants.
We’ve gathered a list of apps you need to check-out to maximise your travel experience:
- MAPS.me
This is that very app to allow you to download key locations before leaving the hostel for a day out in the wilderness. You can start particular locations and events and download the map for later use in case you find yourself in a pickle without connection to the world.
- XE Currency
No matter which country you go to, you’ll always need to understand prices and price conversions. So, whether it’s knowing how much to ask your parents to wire you or finding out if you’ve been overcharged by a street vendor for a dodgy-looking hot dog, have the XE app (which doesn’t need an internet connection) by your side.
- Hostel World
When backpacking, you might take the wanderlust and adventure thing to the next level just to see where each stride takes you. But, when you’ve found a location and want to kip for the night, you’re going to need to find quick and affordable accommodation. So, hop onto the Hostel World app, find a bed and reserve it for the night.
- Sky Scanner
This app allows you to check out all the different routes and locations for flights. So, if you decide you want to do some country hopping, have a look at Sky Scanner to see where the world will take you next. It is also a blessing in disguise when you’ve finally had enough and after growing a Dumbledore beard, it’s time to find the nearest airport to ‘foxtrot oscar’ home.
- Rome2Rio
Unlike the name’s suggestion, it is not an app only useful in the beautiful destinations of Rome and Rio. Instead, it offers endless possibilities of transport options anywhere in the world. So, you simply type your start location and your end location for it to find you the best transport route to suit your needs. I.e., which transport mode you like, to suit your budget, the quickest route or the scenic route.
- Google Drive
You need to have a storage option to save all your adventure pictures, videos, downloads, notes and more. So, why not use the free Google Drive app to do so. Other options include the Cloud and Dropbox apps.
- Skype
It’s been a grand total of five hours in your new land of wonder and you’re already missing your parents. Or, they’ve said they’re not paying you until they see you’ve reached destination number one (safely). So, check-in with the folks back home using the free video calling app that only needs a half-decent Wi-Fi connection.
- TripIt
If you’re really not sure of what to do, where to go or who to talk to, download the TripIt app to do it all for you. If you say where you’re going, how long you’re going for and the types of exploration you like to do (e.g. city hopping, nature loving, highlight experiencing, historical exploring and more), it will generate a full itinerary. With foodie locations, trails, cultural experiences and more, using the TripIt app is the best direction when backpacking for beginners.
- Tinder
While most commonly known for their gift of getting people together for a night under the sheets, it has become one of the best ways to meet new friends and like-minded travellers on your journeys. In fact, the re-vamp of the app has made it so you can pick and choose people in a large radius with your language for a taste of home.
- Nord VPN
When it comes to using the internet on a freedom seeker holiday, one of the best backpacking tips we can give you is to always use the Nord VPN (virtual private network). Anywhere you go, privacy is not always the number one concern. So, if you don’t want people to know your sacred password of ‘ILoveMummy2020’, turn on the VPN and get some private surfing done.
- Four Square
This is a community app where you can discover new places and things to do. Especially in the sense of finding the best place to stuff your face after a hard days walking, you can connect with friends, check-in at locations, see real time reviews and explore undiscovered highlights.
- Google Translate
This is a necessity when venturing out into the world travel guide with a keen eye for the non-English speaking countries. If you’re travelling alone and you don’t know the lingo, you should always have the Google Translate app by your side. You can understand signs, read menus, and talk to locals about the best things to do. They even have the camera feature to hover over writing and translate it before your eyes.
- Speedlancer
If you’re in need of some extra funds when out and about to get in for the chance of a new party or event, you’ll need to do short-term and quick tasks to generate them. Speedlancer allows you to do tasks for businesses around the world. For example: design, app development, writing, virtual assistance, podcasting, photography and more. You’ll often find yourself pocketing the cash after just four hours of work.
- GigRove
GigRove is simply a mix between Speedlancer and Hostel World. Where, you find jobs to do for businesses around the globe or local to your world travel guide positioning. In return, you gain a bed for the night. The idea is that the business will find you a hotel in return for doing work for them on a temporary basis.
- GiveGab
GivGab is an app that pairs you with volunteering work around the world. Often, these places can be schools, hostels, farms, orchards, ranches, B&Bs and more. They’ll need some hands-on work doing! While this is a volunteering role and allows you to do some good around the world to make the most of your travels, businesses offer spare beds for travellers.
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Europe
When it comes to the land of culture, you can’t miss out every old town to every major city in Europe. From exploring the mythological Minotaur’s labyrinth in Crete to the historical thermal baths in Budapest. Not to mention the northernmost countries such as Norway and Sweden who can bring beauty and serenity through the Aurora Borealis or the cultural anchor of Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle.
So, whip out every currency you can think of because there’ll be Pounds, Euro’s, Francs and god knows what else lining your wallet on your travels.
Places you simply can’t miss when backpacking for beginners:
- Amsterdam
- Athens
- Auschwitz
- Barcelona
- Berlin
- Colmar
- Dalmatian Coast
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Geneva
- Heviz
- Ibiza
- Istanbul
- Krakow
- London
- Milan
- Moscow
- Old Nesebar
- Paris
- Prague
- Reykjavík
- Rome
- San Sebastian
- Sofia
- Stockholm
- Szechenyi Baths
- Tenerife
- The Vatican City
- Venice
- Vienna
Backpacking tips and things to look out for
Luckily, when it comes to travelling the vast cultural towns of Europe, they’re the largest area in the world to accommodate free travel. Meaning your beginner backpacking gear will only need a Schengen Visa (if you’re based outside of Europe) where you can travel anywhere for a 90-day period.
As well as this, when it comes to phone data, if you’re already based within the European continent, you won’t face any extra charges and you’ll find yourself free roaming like a bird.
However, some European countries such as Greece and Italy are rife with pick-pocketers. They’ll also have tourist scams where they’ll charge you above board for simple items. So, be sure to keep your guard up, especially in the city centres!
Common greetings from your world travel guide
When it comes to Europe, many languages and countries understand each other and sometimes even adopt colloquialisms. For example: Swiss and German or Italian and Portuguese.
However, hello will always remain to be a greeting that should never be passed-up when starting a conversation with a smile. It shows respect and gratitude. So, have a look at some of the common language translations across Europe:
- German: Hallo
- French: Bonjour
- Spanish: Hola
- Italian: Ciao
- Dutch: Giea
- Czech: Ahoj
- Polish: Witaj
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking North America
North America is a new land filled with an abundance of varied cultures. From the French settlements in Canada and New Orleans to the British forces that laid down the law in New York (later to be moved to Washington DC).
There’s life, there’s action and there’s good old-fashioned love to be experienced across the North American continent. So, whip out your Lincolns and your Franklins and enjoy what our cousins from across the pond have to offer with backpacking for beginners.
Places you simply can’t miss when backpacking for beginners:
- Agua Azul Waterfalls
- Aspen
- Banff
- Caymen Islands
- Chichen Itza
- Costa Rica
- Gran Cenote
- Grand Canyon
- Guadalajara
- Honolulu
- Islas Marietas
- Jamaica
- Kauai
- Lake Tahoe
- Maui
- Mexico City
- Miami
- New Orleans
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Quebec
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Sumidero Canyon
- Texas
- Toronto
- Vancouver Island
- Washington D.C.
- Whitehorse
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
Backpacking tips and things to look out for
North America, while surprising, can actually be one of the safest places to backpack around including for solo travellers. The key things to remember are that you know the language and you know the police stance. So, if you feel as though something seems out of the ordinary, then remove yourself and keep moving until relaxed.
However, if you do choose to head to North America, you’ll need to get yourself a travel visa for the time you wish to be there. This will increase in price if you’re wishing to work and pick-up odd jobs while you’re there.
The only other thing to note is that, as the shopping capital of the world with places like New York, you may want to ensure you have a few more dollars on you! Otherwise, make sure you’re inland for the stunning Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta which happens every year in October.
Common greetings from your world travel guide
Luckily due to the European colonisation of America, you know how to say hello to someone in Canada or the US. But, there are other languages in North America you should probably know in case you decide to explore the beautiful regions of Mexico (expect a pat-down) or the tropical vistas of Jamaica.
- Spanish: Hola
- French: Bonjour
- Jamaican: Mawnin (morning)
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking South America
If you’re wanting to head down into the temperate regions of South America, you simply can’t miss the famous events such as Brazil’s Rio Carnival or Columbia’s July Feria de las Flores (festival of flowers).
Your beginner backpacking gear will be tamed after soaring through the ups and downs of South America’s cultural heritage. From Peruvian culture and Chillean deserts to Argentina’s ice fields and Bolivia’s plains. There are a few historical landmarks you simply can’t miss from your world travel guide.
Places you simply can’t miss when backpacking for beginners
- Angel Falls
- Buenos Aires
- Cartagena
- Cusco
- Easter Island
- Huacachina
- Iguazu Falls
- Lake Titicaca
- Lima
- Machu Pichu
- Mendoza Wine Region
- Paraguay
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- Peru
- Rio de Janeiro
- Salvador
- Santuario de Las Lajas
- The Amazon Rainforest
Backpacking tips and things to look out for
When it comes to South America, the bus will become your best friend. It is the most common form of transport after long-distance train rides to the capitals.
As well as this, South America is one of the only continents to allow free travel and no need to book a visa in advance. As long as your passport is valid and you have space for stamps, your free to travel the world (well, South America).
Yet, when you do, you need to be on your toes to look out for scammers looking to get you used in the drugs trade back to your home country. To ensure you’re kept safe, keep extra copies of your travel documents, travel insurance and your family is aware of the travel itinerary.
Common greetings from your world travel guide
Most South American countries are very proficient in English due to vast amounts of tourism. However, being able to greet the natives in their own tongue will always be a sign of respect. Common worldly languages such as Spanish and Portuguese top the ranking for the most commonly spoken tongues but others can creep in, too.
- Spanish: Hola
- Portuguese: Ola
- Quechua: Allianchu
- Guarani: Mba’eteko (how are you)
- Aymara: Laphi
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Africa
One of the most nature-filled and historical continents in the world is Africa. It’s where we all originate from and it is home to the illustrious and ancient Pyramids of Egypt. A place home to stunning savannas, unbeaten weather and beaches galore with incredible cities such as Morocco and Cape Town to magnetise your interests.
Using your backpacking for beginners’ skills across the African plains, safari lands and waterfall utopias, you’ll never look back. Each country has their own culture and way of expressing joy and love to others. And, this is something that simply can’t be missed.
Places you simply can’t miss when backpacking for beginners
- Ait Benhaddou
- Black River Gorges
- Cairo
- Cape Town
- Cape Verde
- Djenne
- Fish River Canyon
- Johannesburg
- Kilimanjaro
- Lekki Conservation
- Madagascar
- Marrakech
- Mount Mulanje
- Mountain Gorillas
- Pyramids of Giza
- Sahara Dunes
- Seychelles
- Solio Reserve
- Sphynx
- Spitzkoppe
- Table Mountain
- Valley of the Kings
- Victoria Falls
- Zanzibar
Backpacking Tips and Things to look out for
The first thing to consider when heading off for a backpacking adventure in Africa is to make sure you’ve got all the necessary and up-to-date vaccinations. Plus, you’ll need plenty of bug spray to evade the infamous mosquitos.
Public transport is sketchy at best. So, learn to meditate and your patience will soon match-up to the schedules. Also, don’t be surprised if your public transport turns out to be a donkey and cart.
Africa has a bad rep when it comes to PR and the media. It’s best to know that you’re as safe in places such as Cape Town as you are in places such as London or Madrid.
One last thing to note would be that beer is everywhere and it is extremely cheap. So, while you might be tempted to indulge with all the other backpackers who join your travels, remember it’s best to keep memories and good times than lose them to a beer-filled haze.
Common Greetings from your World Travel Guide
In Africa, they are commonly acquainted with the English language, however as the native tongue in South Africa is Afrikaans, you’ve got a better chance with some German dialect. Of course, there are other languages scattered across the continent, too.
- German: Hallo
- Afrikaans: Hallo
- Swahili: Habari
- Amharic: Selami
- Yoruba: Peleo
- French: Bonjour
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Oceania
Two of the most sought-after holidays and living destinations in the world are Australia and New Zealand. And, aside from the deadly animals with a chip on their shoulder, it’s easy to see why.
With beautiful reefs, extending beaches, fantastic people and stunning cities. You’ll never be bored with your beginner backpacking gear on Oceania. If you’re not after the city escape, you can run up to the Snowy Mountains and try your luck at a role on the apple orchards. Or, head into the ‘wakka wakkas’ to Ayres Rock for a taste of giant’s land.
Yet, don’t forget the islands; when you’re done scoping Hobbiton, you can charter some flights with a couple of backpacking pals to places like Papa New Guinea or Fiji.
Places you simply can’t miss when backpacking for beginners
- Auckland
- Ayers Rock
- Bora Bora
- Canberra
- Christmas Island
- Fiji
- Fraser Island
- Great Barrier Reef
- Guam
- Hobbiton
- Kakadu National Park
- Lord Howe Island
- Nelson National Park
- Papa New Guinea
- Sydney
- Takapuna Beach
- Tasmania
- Whakarewarewa Geothermal
- Waitomo Caves
- Whangarei Falls
Backpacking Tips and Things to look out for
One of the biggest things to note is the Kangaroos. Native to Australia, these are the pests that can kill with one boot. While they may look cute and cuddly, you need to take a step back and admire from a distance before heading ten minutes down the road and seeing another.
Before even considering heading to the land down under, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authority visa to allow you through the border. While it can be quite pricey, it lasts for a year and – trust us – it’s worth it.
Otherwise, be sure to pack the insect repellent and leave your space; Aussies aren’t as friendly when it comes to personal space and being tightly packed.
Common Greetings from your World Travel guide
It turns out, saying g’day to every Aussie or Kiwi you might find in Oceania is actually quite offensive. So, be sure to use the traditional sayings such as: hello or hi. Especially in the English-speaking regions. But, let’s not forget that Australia and New Zealand aren’t the only occupants of this beautiful and temperate continent.
So, let’s have a look at how your world travel guide thinks you should say hi here.
- Maori: Tena koutou
- Filipino: Kamusta
- Indonesian: Halo
- French: Bonjour
- Spanish: Hola
- Japanese: Kon’nichiwa
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Asia
Backpacking in Asia is perfect for the nomads who want a taste of holistic culture and some tech-savvy nights out. Plus, it is the home to minimalism and tight spaces; as a backpacker, you can find affordable nights in shuttles.
Asia is the place of vast culture and difference: from the rice plains in China to the dazzling nights in Tokyo and from the Indian elephant experience to the forests of the middle East. You’re bound to find yourself lost in culture and exploration. You’ll never get bored.
There are hot places, cold places, places to wait for the blossoms to bloom and places to sit and watch the world go by while singing karaoke to your favourite 90s belter.
Places you simply can’t miss when backpacking for beginners
- Abu Dhabi
- Angkor Wat
- Angkor Wat
- Anjuna
- Bali
- Banaue
- Beijing
- Burj Khalifa
- Delhi
- Dubai
- Hoi An
- Hong Kong
- Jaipur
- Jakarta
- Kaohsiung City
- Kingdom of Bhutan
- Kratie
- Kuang Si Falls
- Luang Prabang
- Meghalaya
- Mount Fuji
- Mumbai
- Nepal
- Osaka
- Phuket
- Prasat Preah Vihear
- Seoul
- Siem Reap
- Singapore
- Tahj Mahal
- The Dead Sea
- Tokyo
- Dragon’s Backbone
- Universal Studios
Backpacking tips and things to look out for
When it comes to travelling Asia, there are so many different countries with different requirements. So, on this occasion, it’s best to create a travel itinerary and know your countries before heading out. For many places such as Malaysia and Thailand, the visa is completely free.
You can plan a cheap destination hop where you’d like. However, as per most backpacking tips you’ll hear; make sure you get the right vaccinations to cover you while away.
When you’re there, be sure to turn up to watch the bloom of the cherry blossoms for the most beautiful memories of your backpacking for beginners’ adventure. Get off the beaten path, try the strange looking grub from the street vendor and be sure to take-in the culture.
Finally, you can’t head to these destinations without setting aside time for experience days to wear traditional Chinese attire or to take the perfect Instagram pictures with the elephants.
Common greetings from your world travel guide
There are too many languages to count across Asia, the Middle East, Russia and the Southwest. However, making note of some of the more common languages is bound to keep you afloat and respected in most locations.
- Mandarin: Ni Hao
- Hindi: Namaskaar
- Arabic: Marhabaan
- Malay: Selamat Pagi (good morning)
- Persian: Salam, sobh bekheir (wishing good mornings)
- Bangla: Hyalo
- Japanese: Kon’nichiwa
- Korean: yeoboseyo
- Russian: Zdravstvuyte
- Indonesian: Halo
Conclusion
As we wrap-up this ultimate beginner’s guide to backpacking, there’s one last golden nugget of advice we wanted to give you. Make sure to leave room for spontaneity and find joy in the little things.
Backpacking with a world travel guide is not often a window of opportunity throughout the lives of busy modern-day workers. So, when you get the opportunity to spread your wings; you should truly fly. If you find yourself not enjoying something, someone or someplace, use the armada of apps and escape once again.
And, with that, the team here at The Hobby Kraze want to wish you happy travels and vast lifetime experiences you’ll never forget with your beginner backpacking gear.
Share your adventure pictures and videos with us on our social media. And, when you’re back in the homeland, have a look at some of our other ultimate beginner’s guides to help you find a new outdoor adventure hobby.
