In this post I’d like to cover a variety of things about backpacking, making this the ultimate guide.
I’ve made a sort of checklist for you, going through exactly what you need to pack. You’ll even find suggestions on where to go backpacking!
Did you know that you can even make money while backpacking? I’ll let you in on a few ways at the end of this article.
To start us off, you might be wondering what the benefits of backpacking are. If so, read on.
Why Go Backpacking?
First off, if you’ve never been backpacking before it’s likely that you’re asking yourself why someone would want to.
Well, I’m here to tell you that there are somany benefits to hiking and backpacking. Rather than asking yourself why you should go backpacking, try asking yourself why shouldn’t you go? I bet you can’t think of a single reason.
If you’re not convinced just yet, below you’ll find a couple of the benefits of backpacking, and why you’d enjoy it.
Save Money
In a way, backpacking is like a vacation. Obviously not everyone’s holiday go-to, but if you do choose to look at it that way then it’s a very inexpensive holiday.
With a very small budget, you can easily have the experience and adventure of a lifetime.
If you’re not committed to backpacking, you can even rent the gear you need.
Or, even if you do like to book a proper holiday for yourself, there’s no reason you shouldn’t go backpacking there. Obviously, if you’re in another country or just far from home you should do extensive research about everything before setting off. It’s a great way to see some hidden gems that nature offers.
It’s Healthy
Not only is it good for your physical health, but also your mind.
Going backpacking doesn’t have to be exhausting, because you can go at your own pace and limits. It can be as chill and relaxed, or as strenuous, as you’d like it to be.
Physically, it’s great because of all of the walking you do. Carrying a hefty backpack also makes you stronger. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t enjoy going to the gym, so backpacking is a great alternative workout.
As for your mental health, the benefits are endless. Let me lay it out for you.
You’ll be disconnected from the virtual world. Even if you do have cell service wherever you go, you won’t be spending much time on your phone. This can really help to quiet your mind, as we’re really unaware of the long-lasting effects social media has on us.
On your trip, you might find yourself. With no distractions, you get to just think and relax, and probably learn some new things about yourself.
Backpacking can boost your confidence because you will be more self-sufficient since you’ll rely on no one except for yourself.
Being surrounded by nature makes us happy, just because it’s gorgeous. I bet you didn’t know that it also boosts your immune system. This is according to a study by the University of East Anglia.
It is believed that Phytoncides, which are emitted by plants and trees, have antibacterial and antifungal qualities that help plants fight disease. When we breathe in this substance, our bodies increase the number of a type of white blood cells which also help us fight infections.
There are even more benefits that you might not have thought of. A study that was published in the Journal of Travel Research suggests that backpacking can even increase your productivity and problem-solving abilities. The researchers looked at 500 backpackers, from different places in the world, and measured their personal development based on how they felt before and after their trip.
Make Friends
It’s quite likely that you’ll run into some hikers or fellow backpackers on the trail, and you might end up making a friend for life without expecting it.
Plus, if they’re coming from the opposite direction, they might provide some insight on the trail conditions ahead of you.
I’ve met some amazing people whilst backpacking. When I’d come across someone else, it would be a great opportunity to sit, take a break, and have a chat. I’m still friends with some of the backpackers and hikers I’ve met on the way, and we even plan trips together sometimes.
This is also a great reason to stay in hostels throughout your trip. Sure, it’s also because they’re cheap and convenient, but meeting others is at the top of the list.
Where Can I Go Backpacking?
If you’re not looking to go far, all it takes is a quick google search for some local trails close to you.
Some of us prefer to make a proper holiday out of it and see other parts of the world. Here are some ideas for your next trip.
Southeast Asia
Many have said that Southeast Asia has one of the best backpacking routes. It’s cheap there, has high safety levels, and a great network for local transportation links.
The Banana Pancake Trail got its name way back when people had just started to go backpacking there, and local vendors would sell banana pancakes to travelers passing through.
It takes roughly $1,000 a month to backpack there, and whatever kind of vibe you’re going for you’ll find it. As an example, it is known that there are backpacker party scenes along the trail.
Central America
The Gringo Trail has so much to offer. Jungles, beaches, volcanoes, lakes… who would’ve thought all of these could be found in just one region!
‘Gringo’ is a local slang word for foreigner, and the trail loosely follows the Pan-American Highway that stretches from Mexico to Chile. You could do the whole trip in about 3 months or less.
South America
The same trail as just mentioned, the Gringo Trail, continues down from Panama to northern Chile. There’s also a side route that goes East into Argentina and up to Brazil. This part of the trail is slightly more challenging that the Central American one because you’ll have to sit through some long-distance buses in order to cover some ground. This is due to the fact that key points are spread apart quite a bit.
There are loads of major attractions though, so it is worth it. Such as the Inca ruins in Peru, or the waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu, just to name a few.
Europe
Easier to travel around, but not as cheap. Not exactly tropical either, but if you’re keen to travel through a lot of Europe, then backpacking is a great way to do it.
There are dozens of ways you can do this, and it really depends on exactly which countries you want to go through.
The best way to get around would be by train and bus, but mostly train because the rail network is amazing there.
Depending on your preferences, you could just travel from city to city – or the opposite, avoiding cities completely and sticking only to the countryside. Don’t forget about countries like Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania, because they have a lot to offer.
From my own experiences in Hungary and Romania, not only are the locals’ great people but the nature there is just spectacular.
Southern Africa
If you’d like to see Africa, consider the southern part for your first time because it has good international flight connections.
The public transportation can be quite frustrating because the fact is it’s not very good. This is where the Baz Bus comes in. It’s a hop-on-hop-off backpacker bus service and can take you from Cape Town all the way to Johannesburg. Although you’re being limited to their schedule, it’s definitely worth it.
I’d say you would need 6 weeks or so to really cover ground properly and see everything there is to see. It can be done in less, depending on just how many places you plan on visiting.