On the 10th of March 2025, I’ll board a one-way flight to Bangkok for my first solo backpacking trip, planning to return nine months later. It’s a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepare for a journey that will take me far outside my comfort zone.
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The idea of going backpacking solo didn’t happen overnight. Over the past year and a half, I’ve taken smaller solo trips that opened my eyes to the joys and challenges of independent travel. Now, I’m ready to take the next big step.
South East Asia feels like the perfect destination for this kind of adventure: affordable travel, vibrant culture, and the promise of something completely different from life in the UK. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I’m planning my trip—from budgeting and packing to finding the right mindset—so you can feel ready for your own solo backpacking trip too.
Choosing the Right Destination
Backpacking can take you anywhere in the world. The trick to finding the best destination for your trip is to consider what you want to experience.
For my first big solo backpacking trip, Southeast Asia stood out. It’s affordable, attracts plenty of young travellers, and offers a culture, climate, and way of life vastly different from the UK. It also pushes me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. (You can read more about why travel is the best way to break your comfort zone here.)
Of course, Southeast Asia isn’t for everyone. If you’re not a fan of tropical humidity or the ever-present mosquitos, regions like South America might be a better fit. It offers equally rich cultural immersion, but you’ll likely need a higher budget and some Spanish-speaking skills.
Choosing your destination ultimately comes down to your priorities: your budget, how much you value safety, and what kind of experience you’re after. For me, Southeast Asia’s reputation as a safe, backpacker-friendly region made it an easy choice for my first trip.
I’m sure South America will be on my list someday, but I feel better starting somewhere with a strong network of travellers and resources to help me along the way.
Budgeting and Saving
Everyone’s backpacking budget will look different, and figuring out how much you’ll need can feel overwhelming. I found myself deep-diving into platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and even ChatGPT to get a clearer picture. Researching daily costs for regions like Southeast Asia and South America gave me a rough idea of what to expect.
For Southeast Asia, many travellers suggest budgeting $25–$35 per day, while South America often ranges between $40–$50 daily. Of course, your budget will depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and how much you plan to spend on activities and food.
I recommend creating a personalised spreadsheet to track your savings and estimate your expenses. It doesn’t have to be complex—just something that makes sense to you. For my trip, I’ve cut back on nights out, spontaneous purchases, and unnecessary financial commitments to focus on saving for the adventure ahead.
If you’re feeling stuck, tools like ChatGPT can be a great starting point. A simple prompt like: “Build me a budget for my solo backpacking trip to Southeast Asia covering Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia over nine months” can give you a tailored plan in minutes.
The key is finding a system that works for you and sticking to it. Small sacrifices now can lead to unforgettable experiences later.
Packing Essentials
A solo backpacking trip starts with choosing the right gear, and the most important item of all is the backpack.
When it comes to backpacks, size and functionality matter. You want something big enough to carry your essentials but not so heavy that it feels like you’re hauling your entire house. For my upcoming trip, I’m opting for the Osprey Farpoint 55, which is highly rated by blogs like Indie Traveller, The Nomad Almanac, and The Savvy Backpacker. This bag features a detachable day pack and a suitcase-style opening, making it perfect for organised packing.
Another game-changer for packing? Packing cubes. These nifty organisers keep your belongings tidy and easy to access, even in the chaos of backpacking life. A friend of mine swears by them, and after seeing how efficiently they streamline packing, I’m sold!
Beyond the bag and cubes, think about the essentials specific to your destination. Comfortable walking shoes, quick-dry clothing, and a sturdy water bottle can make all the difference.
If you’d like a more detailed checklist, I’ve created a guide with everything you’ll need for your first solo trip—sign up for my email list below to access it!
Planning Your Itinerary
When planning your solo backpacking trip, there are two extremes: meticulously planning every detail or completely winging it. Personally, I’ve found a middle ground that works best—what I like to call “organised winging it.”
Here’s how it works: I research general highlights before leaving, identifying cities, towns, and attractions that spark my interest. A quick search using terms like “Thailand backpacking locations” on Google Images often leads to a mix of popular spots and hidden gems. From there, I dig deeper into reviews on sites like Tripadvisor to decide if those places are worth a visit.
Once on the road, I leave room for spontaneity. For example, I plan to book hostels one or two days in advance, giving me the freedom to adjust my route based on recommendations from fellow travellers or how I feel in the moment.
This flexible approach ensures I don’t miss must-see destinations while keeping the adventure alive.
For my upcoming trip to Southeast Asia, I’ve outlined a rough route: starting with the famous banana pancake trail, looping back to Bangkok, and then heading south to explore Malaysia and Indonesia. Beyond that? Who knows! The beauty of a solo backpacking trip is that it’s your journey to shape however you please.
Pro Tip: Social media hashtags, travel forums, and even chatting with locals or other travellers can also be great ways to discover off-the-beaten-path locations.
Preparing for the Big Solo Backpacking Trip!
There are a few important things to cover before going on your trip. These things I am in the process of.
Vaccines:
Vaccinations are an essential part of preparing for your solo backpacking trip, especially when visiting tropical regions like Southeast Asia. Diseases such as rabies, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and hepatitis can pose risks due to factors like stray animals, mosquito-borne illnesses, and water contamination.
I recently booked a consultation with an NHS nurse who provided tailored advice for my trip. She recommended vaccinations for rabies, Japanese encephalitis, Hepatitis A (I’d already had Hepatitis B through work), and typhoid. Each of these protects against specific risks common in the regions I plan to visit.
It’s crucial to schedule these appointments several months before your departure. Some vaccines, like Japanese encephalitis, require multiple doses spaced apart, so giving yourself enough time is essential.
Take Action: Reach out to your local healthcare provider or travel clinic to discuss your destination and get a tailored vaccine plan. The earlier you start, the smoother this process will be.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is a non-negotiable part of any solo backpacking trip, especially for peace of mind in unfamiliar territories. Whether it’s covering medical emergencies, lost belongings, or unexpected changes to your plans, insurance ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected.
After researching various options, I’ve decided to go with True Traveller. It’s a company highly recommended in travel communities and reviewed positively on platforms like Trustpilot. What stood out to me was their flexible plans tailored to backpackers, including coverage for adventurous activities.
Of course, comparison sites like GoCompare or Compare the Market are worth exploring if you’re unsure where to start. However, I opted for a provider that’s trusted by experienced travellers. If you’d like a deeper dive into choosing the best plan, Nomadic Matt’s guide is an excellent resource.
Take Action: Research your options early and ensure your plan covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and the activities you’re planning. The right insurance can make all the difference if things go awry.
Mental Preparation
Preparing for a solo backpacking trip is as much a mental exercise as it is logistical. For me, the mix of excitement and nerves has been constant, knowing I’m stepping into the unknown. Backpacking is a complete contrast to the routine and familiarity of day-to-day life, and that’s both thrilling and unnerving.
I’ve found it helpful to reflect on what I’m gaining from this experience. Yes, it’s a little scary, but what’s scarier? Going away and having a blast, or sitting in your favourite armchair at 78, regretting never throwing yourself into the adventure when you had the chance? Framing the trip this way has helped me focus on the positive possibilities.
Not everyone will share your excitement. Some people I’ve spoken to seem uninterested or even dismissive of my plans. It can feel deflating, but I’ve learned to lean on the people who want to hear about every detail and share in my enthusiasm. Finding your support system—be it friends, family, or an online community of fellow travellers—can make a world of difference.
Tips to Mentally Prepare for Your Solo Backpacking Trip:
- Visualise success: Picture yourself navigating your trip confidently, meeting new people, and discovering amazing places. Visualisation can calm nerves and build excitement.
- Plan milestones: Breaking the lead-up to your trip into smaller goals—like finishing your packing list or booking your first accommodation—can make the process feel more manageable.
- Try mindfulness: Practices like journaling or meditation can help you stay grounded and work through any anxieties. Personally, I use Headspace, which has been a great tool for building self-awareness.
This mental preparation isn’t just about calming nerves—it’s about embracing the magnitude of what you’re about to do. You’re taking a bold step that not everyone will understand, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. In fact, it’s probably the most worthwhile thing you’ll ever do.
Conclusion
Planning your first solo backpacking trip can feel like a mountain to climb. With so many moving parts—from choosing the right destination to packing the essentials and mentally preparing for the journey—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the thrill of stepping into the unknown, armed with your plans and a sense of adventure, makes every effort worthwhile.
If you’re in your early twenties like me, this is a prime time to embrace travel, when life often comes with the least responsibilities and the freedom to explore. That being said, backpacking isn’t limited to a single age group. No matter your stage of life, the experiences, challenges, and personal growth that come with solo travel are timeless.
This post reflects where I’m at in my journey, but the beauty of solo backpacking is that everyone’s experience is unique. If you’re considering taking the leap, my biggest advice is to start where you are. Begin planning, even if it feels small or uncertain, and trust that the pieces will come together as you go.
As I look ahead to my trip to Southeast Asia, I’m reminded that it’s not just the destination that matters but the process of getting there. Every step in the planning process—budgeting, packing, researching—is shaping me for the adventure to come. I hope this guide has inspired you to begin your own journey and given you the tools to take that first step.
Safe travels,
Tom
