Generator’s Guide for First Time Backpackers

Why Go Backpacking?

Why go backpacking, you ask? There are literally a thousand reasons why you should, but for concision’s sake, we’ve narrowed it down to some of the most popular – which should be more than enough to convince you if you’re on the fence (although why you would be in the first place is a mystery to us). Here’s why, in our humble opinion, you need to go backpacking:
 

Strength and Confidence

Firstly, it’s brilliant for building up your strength and confidence. Because backpacking lets you experience the world in a more fast-paced way, it can seem intense at times; don’t worry, though, this is completely normal. Initially, you may have issues with the languages of the different countries on your agenda or find it difficult acclimatising to the local food and culture; again, this is normal, to begin with. As long as you take away the positives from any new challenge that comes your way whilst backpacking, you’ll gain strength and confidence for the future.
 

Making New Friends

One of the biggest reasons people go backpacking is, you guessed it, to meet other backpackers. There’s nothing like getting to know like-minded people who you can share experiences with on your travels, and it’s safe to assume that the adventures you go on together will keep you reminiscing long after your respective trips are done. Also, backpacking can provide the perfect backdrop for meeting someone special. Imagine hitting it off with a person who shares a similar sense of adventure and zest for life – as if backpacking couldn’t get any better!
 

A Fresh Perspective

If it’s a new way of looking at the world you want, backpacking can offer you that. By experiencing many different cultures and events, backpackers tend to develop a more relaxed view of both themselves and what’s happening around them. The lifestyle is addictive in its appeal, we’ve got to admit. Wherever you go, backpacking is the perfect way to set your mind free and get to know yourself and the world around you much better.
 

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Every time you swing your giant pack over your shoulders, you head off on a new adventure. Whether travelling to the airport, bus stop or train station, you can bet your bottom dollar that excitement is never too far away. No matter what your tastes, your backpacking trip is whatever you want it to be, and if you’re new to the whole experience, it won’t take long for you to fall hard for the freedom it affords.


 

How to Prepare for Your First Backpacking Trip

No doubt in your mind? We didn’t think so; backpacking has a way of bringing out the adventurous side in all of us, especially if there’s somewhere in the world you’re desperate to see. Now all that’s left is to start prepping. But you’ve already spent ages picking out the perfect pack – surely that counts, right? You deserve a break; you’ll need to save your energy for travelling. Let the pros at Generator show you how best to prepare for your first ever backpacking trip; you’re in good hands with our helpful, comprehensive to-do list.
 

Decide on a destination (or destinations; it’s a bit addictive!)

For many, this is the trickiest part of preparing for a backpacking trip. The world is full of beautiful destinations to discover; it’s only right that deciding where you’re going to visit is more than a little difficult. From Madrid to Miami, there’s plenty out there for the avid adventurer. And, of course, most backpackers opt for visiting multiple destinations on their travels. Bearing this in mind, you may wish to cross a few places off your world map when you go backpacking for the first time.
 

Get essential gear and clothing

Depending on where you choose to go, the belongings you bring can make or break a backpacking trip; it doesn’t matter if you’re travelling to Barcelona first, you’re still going to need a coat if Stockholm is an upcoming stop on your journey. It’d also be a good idea to invest in a travel sheet, which will come in handy if you’re flying or travelling by rail, and for any impromptu sleepovers you may find yourself having on an airport floor.
 

Plan your food

Relax, you don’t have to account for every single meal you eat on your trip (that’d be impossible with all the fun going on!). Instead, you should do a quick recce of the eateries in the area/s you’re visiting to get to grips with where’s good to grab a bite. Also, if you’re partial to a snack or two throughout the day (or night), be sure to include plenty of non-perishable, on-the-go foods in your pack; they’ll help keep you fuelled up until you can stock up on more goodies later in your trip.
 

Find and book affordable flights

Because backpacking requires a lot of hopping from destination to destination, you’ll want to make sure you book the cheapest flights possible. Depending on your flexibility, you can find some excellent deals if you know where to look. Make sure you shop around for the latest airfare offers well in advance of your trip starting and cross another item off your backpacking prep list.
 

Leave half your stuff at home!

Travelling as light as possible is essential when it comes to backpacking. You don’t want to be carrying around more than what’s necessary during your trip, particularly if you plan on visiting lots of places in a short space of time. Any gadgets, cosmetics, knickknacks, etc. that you don’t need shouldn’t go with you. It may seem a bit over the top, but we promise that you (and your back) will thank us later.
 

Take out the right travel insurance

If you’re thinking about going backpacking without travel insurance, think again. Backpacking may be a fun way to travel, but accidents can happen, which is why it’s always good to be prepared. You don’t want to set off on your trip without some coverage in place; ideally, you’ll want a policy that safeguards you in the event of personal injury and lost belongings. Although we have every confidence that your backpacking adventure will be memorable for all the right reasons, we encourage you to get insured just in case.
 

Don’t plan your whole trip!

The mystery is the best part of backpacking; at its core, it’s about being spontaneous and seeing all that’s on offer in your chosen destination. There’s no need to map out every little detail of your trip; sometimes it’s just better to see where the wind takes you. So, if you’re the kind of person who likes giving everything a go, remember that there are plenty of opportunities to indulge your adventurous side whilst backpacking for the first time.

Everyone should go backpacking at some point in their lives; it really is the most interesting way to see the world, whatever your interests. From Paris to Berlin (Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg), wherever you decide to stay with us on your first ever backpacking trip, we can’t wait to meet you!