A Backpacker's Confession

As a seasoned backpacker with over 10 years of experience, whenever I receive messages from friends asking about backpacking, I can't help but recall my own initial journey. Now, having traveled through more than 30 countries, met countless interesting souls, and experienced many unforgettable stories. But in 2013, I was just like you - a fresh college graduate curious about the world.

Back then, with a mix of yearning for the unknown and a bit of nervousness, I embarked on my first backpacking trip. I remember my parents were worried about me traveling alone, and my friends thought I was too adventurous. Looking back now, that seemingly rash decision completely changed the trajectory of my life.

Demystifying Backpackers

The perception of backpackers today is completely different from the old stereotypes. Don't think that backpackers are just budget travelers living on bare necessities. According to the latest tourism data, the global backpacker market size exceeded $200 billion in 2023, with over 40% of backpackers coming from middle-class families. These numbers tell us that modern backpacking is no longer just a "budget" choice but a pursuit of a lifestyle.

So what are today's backpackers really like? First, they all have a strong sense of independence. They don't like being constrained by travel agency itineraries and prefer to arrange each day at their own pace. For instance, if they find a place they particularly like along the way, they won't hesitate to change their original plans and stay longer to experience it deeply.

Second, backpackers particularly value travel experiences. Unlike traditional tourists who rush to take photos and leave, they prefer spending time experiencing local lifestyles, such as shopping at morning markets, eating at local restaurants in residential areas, or participating in local festivals. I often like to sit at street-side cafes, watching passersby and feeling the rhythm of the city.

Finally, modern backpackers have a strong desire to share. Through social media, they not only document their experiences but also share practical travel tips. This sharing not only helps others who want to travel but also allows them to better reflect on their travel experiences. I often share my travel stories on social platforms and have gradually made many like-minded friends.

Preparation

Many people think preparing for their first backpacking trip is very complicated, but it becomes simple once you grasp the essentials. Let me share my experience with you.

First is choosing the destination. For beginners, I especially recommend starting your backpacking career in Southeast Asia. There are many reasons: first, the tourist facilities are well-developed, with complete tourism infrastructure at almost every attraction; second, the costs are low - in Thailand and Vietnam, for example, 200-300 RMB per day can cover accommodation and meals; most importantly, the people here are very friendly, and even if you don't speak the language, you can understand each other through gestures.

I remember when I first went to Thailand, I couldn't speak Thai at all and only knew a few English phrases. But the locals were very patient and would help you in various ways. Once when I got lost in the Chiang Mai night market, a fruit vendor not only drew me a map but personally walked part of the way with me. Such warm experiences filled me with confidence about backpacking.

Regarding itinerary planning, my advice is to definitely leave enough flexible time for yourself. Many people planning their first trip try to pack every day full, afraid of wasting time. But in reality, the truly wonderful travel experiences often come from unexpected discoveries outside the plan.

For example, during my experience in Hoi An Ancient Town in Vietnam, I originally planned to stay for only 3 days, mainly to see the ancient architecture and take photos. But by chance, I met a local artist. He not only showed me his studio but also taught me how to make traditional lanterns. This unexpected encounter made me stay in Hoi An for an extra week, and it became the most memorable part of my entire Vietnam trip.

Besides flexibility in time, another principle in itinerary planning is: don't arrange attractions that are too far apart on the same day. Many people try to cross half a country in one day to save time, only to exhaust themselves. I suggest marking the places you want to visit on a map when planning, then arranging them reasonably according to their geographical proximity. This not only saves transportation time but also makes the entire journey more relaxed and enjoyable.

Equipment Selection

Speaking of the most important equipment for backpacking, it's definitely the backpack that will accompany you throughout your journey. Choosing a suitable backpack can make the entire trip much easier. Based on my years of experience, a 40-50 liter backpack is the ideal choice. This capacity won't be too tiring to carry while walking, yet can fit all necessities.

When choosing a backpack, pay attention to several key points: first, the carrying system should be comfortable, with rational design of shoulder straps and waist belt to evenly distribute weight; second, it should have good water resistance, as you'll inevitably encounter rain while traveling; finally, it's best to choose a backpack with a back-opening design, which is both safer and more convenient for accessing items.

Let me detail the specific equipment list. First for clothing, choose quick-drying, durable materials that are easy to wash and don't wrinkle easily. Generally, 3-4 sets of change clothes are enough. You can bring more underwear since it doesn't take up much space. Also, definitely bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, which will be useful in many situations.

For electronic devices, the basics now are a phone, power bank, and power adapter. If you like photography, a camera is certainly essential. But note not to bring too many electronic products, as this both increases weight and can attract thieves' attention. I usually bring a large-capacity external hard drive to backup photos and videos promptly.

Medicines are often overlooked by first-time backpackers. You don't need to bring too much, just some common medications: anti-diarrheal medicine, cold medicine, band-aids, and anti-inflammatory drugs are the basics. If you have special medication needs, prepare those additionally. It's recommended to take photos of medicine instructions for future reference.

Anti-theft bags and hidden waist packs are necessities for protecting valuables. Passport, cash, and other important items should be carried on your person, not in the main backpack. I usually distribute cash in several places, so if something unexpected happens, not everything will be lost.

Some small items are also very useful: like portable clotheslines, very convenient for drying clothes in hostels; multi-functional Swiss Army knife for opening bottles or handling simple problems; sunscreen and mosquito repellent are necessities in tropical regions; and a small notebook and pen for recording travel experiences.

Accommodation Tips

Regarding accommodation for backpackers, many people worry about safety and hygiene. But actually, today's youth hostels have developed very maturely, with not only good environments but also opportunities to meet many interesting people.

Taking Southeast Asia as an example, a bed costs between 30-50 RMB per night, while double rooms might be more expensive but won't exceed 200 yuan. Modern hostels generally have private bathrooms, communal kitchens, common areas, and some even provide free breakfast.

When choosing a hostel, pay attention to several aspects: first, the location should be good, preferably in the city center or somewhere with convenient transportation; second, check the reviews, especially regarding cleanliness and safety; finally, see if lockers are provided, which is important for backpackers.

I particularly enjoy staying in hostels because you can meet travelers from all over the world. I remember at a hostel in Chiang Mai, I met a German couple. They had been traveling the world for over a year, and every evening we would chat in the common area, listening to their experiences in various countries. From them, I learned many travel tips and gained a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Besides hostels, there are many guesthouses to choose from. Although they're more expensive than hostels, if you want more private space or want to experience local life, guesthouses are a good choice. I once stayed at a very distinctive guesthouse in Hoi An Ancient Town, which was a converted historic building where the owner taught guests how to cook Vietnamese food - an experience you can't get at hotels.

Money-Saving Tips

Although today's backpackers aren't all about saving money, it's good to save where possible! Let me share some practical money-saving tips.

First, regarding transportation. If your schedule allows, try to choose overnight buses or trains, which saves one night's accommodation cost. Night transportation usually has fewer people, so you can sleep more comfortably. For getting around within cities, use shared bikes and walking more. This not only saves money but also allows you to better experience the city's atmosphere. Sometimes aimless wandering can lead to discovering many interesting places.

Second, regarding food. My suggestion is to eat where locals eat, rather than always going to restaurants in tourist areas. For example, buying fresh fruit at morning markets or having breakfast at street-side shops are both authentic and economical choices. If your accommodation has a kitchen, you can cook for yourself. I often cook with friends I meet at hostels, exchanging ideas while cooking, which is particularly interesting.

Then there's admission tickets to attractions - many places offer student or group discounts. If time permits, you can visit during local holidays when some attractions have special offers. Also, many museums have free admission periods, so doing research in advance can save quite a bit of money.

Shopping also has its techniques. If you want to buy souvenirs or local specialties, it's better to go to local markets rather than shops in tourist areas. You can bargain at markets, and there's more variety. However, maintain a friendly attitude while bargaining, as this is also a way of respecting local culture.

Safety Notes

Regarding safety issues, this is indeed something every backpacker needs to pay special attention to. First, definitely purchase travel insurance before departure. Although you might not need it, it's better to be prepared - if you really encounter any unexpected situations, having insurance will give you peace of mind.

Important documents must be photocopied or photographed, preferably saved both on your phone and in cloud storage. Electronic versions of passport, flight tickets, and insurance documents should also be prepared for emergencies.

Stay alert in unfamiliar environments. Especially in crowded places, keep an eye on your belongings. Don't keep all your cash in one place, better to distribute it. Keep valuables in the safe at your accommodation.

Be cautious of friendly invitations from strangers. Although meeting kind people while traveling is common, still maintain vigilance. If participating in local activities or group tours, it's better to book through official channels.

Conclusion and Outlook

Backpacking is really not just a way of traveling, it's more like an attitude towards life. It teaches us to experience the world in the simplest way and helps us understand what's truly important in life. During this process, we meet all kinds of people and experience all sorts of things, which become our most precious life treasures.

Everyone has a backpacker living inside them, some just haven't discovered it yet. Perhaps now is the best time for you to start backpacking. Don't think you're not ready yet - actually, like life itself, travel can never be 100% prepared for. What's important is taking the first step, then leaving the rest for yourself to explore and discover along the way.

If you're already feeling the urge, why not start by planning a simple weekend short trip. You can first choose somewhere not far from home and try experiencing it the backpacker way. Trust me, when you actually start your journey, everything will fall into place naturally. All the challenges and difficulties in travel will become nutrients for your growth.

So, are you ready to start your backpacking journey? The world is so big, there's always a place waiting for you to discover its beauty.