Travelling alone is undisputedly one of the best ways to see the world as this is when you can tailor your entire itinerary to fit your preferences and there is no need to split your focus between the point of attraction and your travel partner. This is when you can really focus on exploring places in full detail and in most importantly, in peace.

As amazing as the above sounds, there are also disadvantages and challenges to solo backpacking. This will require you to look within yourself and conduct a balancing exercise to honestly determine whether solo backpacking is the right decision for you.

Here we share with you 11 Things You Should Know Before Going Solo Backpacking. And if you do decide that solo backpacking is for you, remember to stay safe, keep your family updated as to your whereabouts and have fun on your journey!

#1 ARE YOU READY FOR DANGER?

Yes, solo backpacking is what it is and there are plenty of dangers that you can face when in the wild, ranging from getting lost to humans and wild animals. Amongst the three, the most likely situation you’d find yourself in is one where you are lost in the wilderness.

As you are solo backpacking, remember that you will only have yourself to count on especially when it comes to finding your way out of the wilderness. Will you be prepared to face that? 

#2 BRING THE ESSENTIALS

The whole premise of backpacking is that you will only be taking what you require in a backpack with you and mind you that whatever you carry in your backpack is meant to last you for the entire duration of your trip.

Thus, it is key that you take a good look through your initial packing and thoroughly filter out the unnecessary items that you’ve packed. For example, there isn’t a need to bring all the clothing that you’ve prepared especially when you could use the additional space to fit in more food or a sleeping bag. It really isn’t backpacking if you end up bringing a whole suitcase with you, right?

#3 DON’T LEAVE A TRACE

One of the widely known philosophies of backpacking is ‘Leave No Trace’. This philosophy is all about encouraging backpackers to safeguard plant and animal wildlife and to prevent the existing nature trails and campsites from being polluted with human trash and waste.

Before you go on your backpacking trip, it would be best to practice this philosophy even at home, so that you can familiarise yourself with this way of living and avoid being a nuisance to others and the wildlife in the area during your trip.

#4 HITCHHIKING IS A THING

To keep expenditure low, hitchhiking is one of the most practised methods of backpacker travel. Hitchhiking is so much more than the ever-so-recognisable act of sticking your thumb up at the side of the road. It is arguably one of the most amazing ways to travel around the world and connect with people of different cultures and backgrounds.

That being said, hitchhiking isn’t always as glorious as it seems. There are dangers that you have to weigh in such as your safety — especially if you are a solo female backpacker — and whether you are willing to get into the vehicle with someone you have no clue about. It really does depend on your personal preference.

#5 ORGANISATION

One aspect of solo backpacking that you will not be able to run from is the reality that you need to be organised in your packing. As mentioned earlier, essentials are all you should bring with you on your trip and your organisation skills will kick in when it comes to maximising the storage space in your backpack and in arranging the items in your bag according to their weight.

Nonetheless, you should bear in mind that regardless of how well you pack your bag, this will not “lighten” your load in any sense. You must be mentally and physically prepared to carry a reasonably heavy bag through the course of the trip.

#6 READY TO GO SOLO?

If this is your first time travelling alone, ask yourself this — are you ready for solitude? For those who are solo backpacking to cities, the likelihood of you facing complete loneliness wouldn’t hit you because you would come across fellow backpackers and most likely end up spending some parts of your journey with them.

But for those venturing to places which are not so popular with backpackers, being all by yourself will most likely be a reality. 10 days of travel without speaking to a single soul may seem a daunting task but we would encourage you to treat this as a time of reflection and to show yourself some attention that you rightfully deserve.

#7 RESEARCH BEFOREHAND

We cannot emphasize how crucial it is to research your destination and environment before you leave. This is one process that you will need to be extremely meticulous with, in particular with identifying the local wildlife present in that area and the dangers that you may face.

If you are someone who likes to go with the flow, backpacking and solo backpacking may not be the right choice for you. Solo backpacking will demand you to venture out into the wild and without putting in the necessary preparation, you’d be in for more trouble than you bargained for.

#8 SHOWERS ARE LIMITED

Should you intend to go on a backpacking trip that is primarily in the wilderness, it seems rather obvious that access to showers will be limited. Yes, this is probably something most would not be accustomed to, but there are multiple ways for you to stay clean and hygienic.

In the event that hygiene is one issue that you feel very strongly about, it would be wise to tailor your backpacking trip to one that revolves around cities so that you would have access to a hostel and its showering facilities every night. A backpacking trip to the wilderness would likely not be your cup of tea.

#9 THERE WILL BE EMERGENCIES

It really never hurts to be more prepared and being equipped with the knowledge and materials to deal with emergencies is one of the most important elements of your backpacking experience. Aside from doing adequate research, when faced with an emergency, you must be able to maintain your composure and not panic. 

Conduct a personal evaluation of your response towards emergency situations. Remember that there is the chance that you’d be alone when facing such emergencies. Will you be ready to respond appropriately to emergencies or is this something that you would not be able to do?

#10 YOU NEED TO BE FIT

As fun as backpacking sounds, it does demand a certain level of fitness and that would also correspond to the places you eventually decide to backpack to. To put it simply, those who are more physically fit would be able to take more rigorous and intense hikes and their chances of being injured would also be reduced.

Therefore, unless you decide on a city backpacking experience, you will need to spend a period of time building up your fitness so that you can get the most out of your backpacking journey.

#11 YOU MUST BE FLEXIBLE

Love planning every single part of your travel itinerary, right down to the nitty-gritty details? Well, solo backpacking demands you to be flexible because you’d never know who you would encounter along the way or what exciting sight you may happen to chance upon.

Simply do your research and stick to a few places that you would really want to see. But at the end of the day, solo backpacking will require you to keep your mind and heart open to other possibilities that will come your way.

Travelling is good for the soul. Travelling brings about many realisations on top of invaluable experiences. Travelling is something that we all should do.

While it is common to save our annual leave and money for trips with our loved ones, travelling solo can also be interesting. We may be visiting the same places and sampling the same food as our friends, but because we view the world through different lenses, what’s significant to one may not have as profound an impact on someone else.

Travelling solo isn’t as easy. Loneliness is real, and being alone in a foreign land may often be intimidating. We won’t have someone to help us get out of a knotty situation; we won’t have someone to fall back on. But just as well, because we get a different exposure and more often than not, solo trips will change you for the better.

We’ve taken a couple of solo trips ourselves and we’ve found them to be enriching, and if you haven’t taken one, we strongly encourage you to do so. Here are some of the ways a solo trip will change you for the better.

It’s exhilarating to experience that feeling of complete and utter freedom on a solo trip. You are your own person; only you yourself can dictate where you go and what you do… and guess what? There’s nothing stopping you from unleashing your inner adventurer.

No one to stop you if you want to bungee jump off a cliff with the wind in your face, no need to feel the pressure of having someone wait for you while you shop, dine anywhere you like without worrying about someone’s else tastebuds… You are in charge, you are holding the reins, and you’ve got the final say.

1. THE REVELATIONS YOU DISCOVER ABOUT YOURSELF ARE NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING

It goes without saying that, since you are on your own in a foreign land, you will probably spend a good deal of time alone. And that’s nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. Ditch technology and learn to rely on yourself.

Do a bit of self-introspection, roam around with no agenda and strike up conversations with strangers. Basically, take a step out of your comfort zone to do what you normally wouldn’t do (unless it’s, well, life-threatening) and even take time to reflect on your life back home—it might just strike you that your troubles pale in comparison to what’s going on around the world. Or you might surprise yourself with newfound social skills. Just don’t stand by the sidelines – challenge every single one of your fears, insecurities and misconceptions.

2. IT’S ONE OF THE FEW TIMES IN LIFE WHEN THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

You are not constrained by deadlines, time restrictions, rules or travel companions whining about everything under the sun. The scent of freedom is absolutely intoxicating. No one’s breathing down your neck about eating your veggies or going to bed before the sun rises.

Munch on chocolate for breakfast or wear crazy mismatched clothes – just because you can. Jot down your bucket list and start checking boxes. If you’ve got even the slightest amount of interest in something, as long as it’s within the realm of basic common sense, just do it. Because no good travel story ever started out with:  “that one time I stayed in the hotel room…”

3. YOU’LL COME ACROSS ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE, WHO JUST MIGHT SURPRISE YOU BY BECOMING LIFELONG FRIENDS

But first, you’ve got to toughen up and resist the temptation to hide out in your room. Who cares about the stares of judgment you might get? You’re probably just imagining them, anyway. The only way you’ll meet new people is if you make an effort to reach out and open up. Don’t be too quick to turn down an invitation to hang out, or better yet, do the inviting.

You may not speak the language, but a smile is a universal greeting – just take it from there. This might surprise you, but people will actually strike up conversations with you more often because you are by yourself—you are not as intimidating as tourists in pairs or groups.

4. THERE’S A WORLD FULL OF BREATHTAKING CULTURE AND LIFE-ALTERING EXPERIENCES THAT LIES AHEAD.

So you prefer to trek through off-the-beaten-path locations instead of the latest hotspot that everyone’s heading to? Hop on a plane and go for it. Don’t let the lack of a travel companion or others’ hectic time schedules distract you from your own fulfilment.

Explore gorgeous ancient ruins, scale the heights of great mountains, admire iconic landmarks across the globe, or attempt adventurous stunts for an adrenaline rush. There’s nothing stopping you from holding all these stunning memories except yourself.

5. YOU WILL RETURN HOME A WHOLE NEW YOU

When you muster up the courage to undertake a solo trip despite your friends’ confused looks and your parents’ (or other half’s) worry, you leave home one person and come back another. It’s pretty much guaranteed.

Confidence is one of the great things you’ll gain – because not many people can say they’ve navigated the intimidating waters of the unknown and come back (mostly) unscathed and even rejuvenated. There’s so much to learn: fresh perspectives, boldness in the face of failure, a new love for solitude, recognition of your inner strength, a greater appreciation for the little things, feeling more than comfortable in your own skin… It sounds clichéd to say this, but it’s honestly truly rewarding.