5 Solo Travel Tips for A First-Time Backer

You’ve been dreaming of that bucket list backpacking trip, and you’ve finally built up the courage to go for it. You’ve spent time planning your route and organizing for your bucket list adventure. So, what’s next? The flights, accommodations, travel documents, and all necessary arrangements for a smooth journey are in place. There are many solo travel tips that backpackers learn along the way to ensure an epic adventure. I’m sharing five of my top solo travel tips to help you prepare for your backpacking adventure. 

1. Pack Light – Don’t Worry If You Forget Something

I can’t stress enough, do not overpack. Overpacking is the most common mistake rookie backpackers make. Far too often, I hear solo travelers return from their first backpacking trip and say, “Next time, I’m packing light.” Whether you are traveling to Southeast Asia, South America, or on a trip across Canada, you can buy what you need along the way. There’s no need to bring your entire closet, especially when you’re frequently on the move.

My rule is to pack one week’s worth of clothes, regardless of how long I am traveling. This applies whether the trip is one week or a whole year. Even if you plan on dressing up when you go out, which I do from time to time, I pack one button-down and one decent, versatile pair of jeans. Chances are no one is going to see you twice, right? Most hostels and hotels offer affordable wash-and-fold laundry services. In many destinations, such as Southeast Asia and South America, there are even cheaper options on the streets.

You Don’t Need to Pack Your Entire Shoe Closet

Another packing tip is to bring one versatile pair of shoes. I have a pair of Columbia hiking shoes that work for hikes, day trips and even if I need to dress up in the evening. If you feel you need a separate pair of dressier shoes, you can tie one pair to your backpack. Shoes packed inside your backpack take up a lot of space.

If you’re curious about how I pack for long-term travel, check out my blog, My Carry-On Packing List For Solo Travel: How to Pack Light.

2. Don’t Stress About Toiletries

I used to pack a shaving kit or toiletry bag that included everything I thought I needed from my bathroom. If you’re packing light, this isn’t practical because they take up a lot of space in your backpack. Now I carry a zip-lock bag with the essentials—toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, and maybe some Pepto Bismol or Imodium. The world is equipped with pharmacies and drug stores, so you can buy what you need when you arrive. I understand women have more products they like to pack, but the same rule applies—if you need something, buy it when you get there. 

3. Put an eSIM on Your Phone Before You Depart

One of my favourite solo travel tips is to get an eSim for your phone before you depart so you’re connected the second you land. This is a safety issue, especially for female travelers but it’s also about convenience. You won’t need to depend on airport Wi-Fi, which can be unreliable, and you can avoid the stress of finding a local physical SIM in your new environment. I’ve been in situations where I was panicking to find a connection so I could find my way to my hostel. 

I use an international eSIM from Holafly, which offers unlimited data and connects me to over 200 destinations. Holafly allows me to travel worry-free from the moment I land and throughout my trip. If I need to check my email for directions, access Google Maps, or order an Uber, I am covered. I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay connected during your trip—sharing my Holafly GlobeDigger discount link so you can save on your eSIM purchase. If you do purchase an eSIM from Holafly using my discount code I recieve a small commission.

4. Stay in Hostels When Arriving in a New City

When I arrive in a new city, I always spend my first few nights in a hostel. Regardless of age, hostels are a great way to connect with fellow travelers especially if you are travelling solo. They have excellent tour and information desks, often located outside tourist areas, allowing you to discover authentic restaurants and enjoy a local experience. If you are travelling alone, hostels are the best way to make friends and find travel partners. You’ll find you’re rarely alone when staying in hostels.

I use the Hostelworld app to book my hostels. It’s quick, easy, and I can pretty much always find plenty of options, even at the last minute. 

Staying in hostels is one of my favourite solo travel tips. To learn more about why I stay in hostels, read my blog, Hostels for Solo Travel at 49.

5. Use Free Walking Tours

I recommend doing a free walking tour when you first arrive in a new city. Walking tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. You’ll discover the hot spots, learn about the dos and don’ts, find places to revisit, pick up cultural tips, and more. Getting to know the area early will make for a better overall experience in your new city. 

Free Tours Through Your Hostel

I have found many amazing free tours through hostels. I booked three epic tours through my hostel in Prague, Hostel Downtown, including a city tour, a beer tour, and a Prague Castle tour. 

Apps That Offer Free Tours

My other go-to for free walking tours is the Guru Walk app. This app connects you with free tip-based walking tours. Guru Walk has given me some of my most memorable travel experiences. I did the Pyramids in Egypt through Guru Walk, which turned out to be a private tour since I was the only one who signed up that day. My guide, a National Geographic photographer, took my iPhone to capture amazing photos and videos as I enjoyed my epic day at the pyramids. He showed me hidden gems, I rode a camel, and we rode ATVs in the Sahara Desert. The name of this tour, if you’re interested, is the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Free Walking tour. I seriously love this app! 

To find out more about how I book tours and how I plan my travel in general, read my blog, My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology.

These are some of my top backpacking solo travel tips. Even if you’re an experienced traveler, you might want to switch things up and travel off the beaten path. Regardless, these tips will enhance your travel experience and you’ll be more prepared for that epic bucket list backpacking adventure. 

For more travel tips check out the Travel Tips section of my website.

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