Backpacking Advice: Your Ultimate Guide to Doing It Right

Backpacking has long been a rite of passage, whether you’re stepping out into the world post-exams, taking a well-earned sabbatical, or finally answering that call for adventure. But it’s more than just slinging a pack over your shoulders and heading off with a vague idea of where you're going. Done well, backpacking can be exhilarating, empowering, and life-changing. Done badly... let’s just say you’ll have some interesting stories.

At The Leap, we’ve helped thousands of travellers, of all ages and experience levels, get out there with purpose, confidence, and curiosity. So, whether you're prepping for your first big trip or fine-tuning your next, here’s our ultimate guide to backpacking like a pro.

1. Pack Smart (Not Heavy)

Let’s start with the backpack itself. You do not need to pack for every possible scenario. Trust us, you won’t wear half the clothes you bring.

Top tips:

• Go for a backpack that’s 50-70L, depending on your trip length. Any bigger and it becomes a burden.
• Roll, don’t fold your clothes, it saves space.
• Choose quick-dry fabrics that you can wash and re-wear.
• Prioritise multi-use items (a sarong can be a towel, blanket, or skirt).
• Leave the "just in case" items at home. You can buy what you need en route.

And remember, laundrettes exist all over the world.

2. Go Beyond the Tourist Trail

Backpacking isn’t about ticking off the top 10 sights, it’s about discovering the soul of a place. While there’s nothing wrong with seeing the classics, the real magic happens when you step off the well-trodden path.

Choose experiences that take you deeper:

• Stay with local families instead of hostels every night.
• Join a community project or conservation programme.
• Attend festivals, markets, and community gatherings.

The Leap’s programmes are designed to help you travel with meaning, connecting you to people and projects that most travellers never see.

3. Know Your ‘Why’

Ask yourself: Why are you travelling? Are you looking for independence? A break from routine? A deeper connection to the world?

Getting clear on your goals can shape your trip, and your experience. If your aim is personal growth or a meaningful contribution, then group volunteering, like our programmes in Kenya or Peru, might be a better fit than solo island-hopping.

When you know your why, you make better decisions, from where you go, to who you travel with.

4. Budget Like a Backpacker

Backpacking doesn’t mean living off instant noodles (unless you want to). But it does mean being savvy with your spending so you can go further and do more.

Smart budgeting tips:

• Plan a daily spend limit, with a little buffer.
• Eat where locals eat, better food, better prices.
• Book transport and accommodation in advance when you can, especially in high season.
• Travel slower, less moving = less money.
• Take advantage of inclusive programmes that cover accommodation, food, and activities (like ours).

Also, don’t forget to factor in travel insurance. It’s not optional.

5. Safety First, Always

Safety is often a top concern for solo travellers and first-timers, and rightly so. But with the right preparation and attitude, backpacking is no riskier than everyday life.

Our golden safety rules:

• Research before you go - know the local customs, dress codes, and cultural norms.
• Share your travel plans with someone you trust.
• Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and documents.
• Don’t flash cash or valuables.
• Trust your gut - if something feels off, it probably is.
• Travel with a team or support network when possible. (With The Leap, our teams are on the ground 24/7.)

6. Embrace the Discomfort

Backpacking isn’t always glamorous. You’ll get lost, miss buses, and sometimes question your sanity. But guess what? These are the moments that make the experience.

Push through the challenges:

• Learn to laugh at the mishaps.
• Ask for help - people are usually kind.
• Stay flexible - your Plan B might turn out better than Plan A.

Growth happens in the stretch. You’ll be stronger, wiser, and more adaptable because of it.

7. Make Connections That Last

One of the best parts of backpacking is the people you meet along the way. From bus-stop conversations to deep chats under the stars, these relationships often become the highlight of your trip.

That’s why we design our group programmes to bring together like-minded people at the same life stage - whether that’s school-leavers, gap year students, midlifers, or custom-tailored groups. You’re never too old (or young) to form meaningful friendships around a shared purpose.

8. Be a Respectful Traveller

You’re a guest in someone else’s home. So, travel kindly:

• Learn a few words of the local language.
• Respect local traditions and dress codes.
• Support small, local businesses and artisans.
• Avoid single-use plastics and over-touristed destinations.

Travel isn’t just about what you take from a place, but what you give back.

9. Plan Less, Experience More

Overplanning can kill spontaneity. Leave room for the unexpected: a local invitation, a festival you hadn’t heard of, a detour to somewhere incredible.

With that said, do plan your entry well, especially if joining a programme like The Leap. We’ll help you sort flights, vaccinations, and packing lists, so you arrive prepped and ready to go.

10. Keep a Journal (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

You’ll think you’ll remember everything, but you won’t. Capture the highs, the lows, the weird food, the incredible views, the quiet moments. Your journal becomes your time capsule.

Even better, use your stories in future uni or job applications to show your resilience, initiative, and sense of adventure. Bonus points if you complete our International Volunteering Diploma and rack up those UCAS points too.

Ready to Pack with Purpose?

Backpacking is more than a summer holiday, it’s a doorway into a bigger, bolder version of yourself. Whether you’re heading out for a few weeks in the summer or a full gap year, we’re here to help you make it meaningful.

Why You Should Start With a Leap

Backpacking is incredible, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re starting totally from scratch. That’s where The Leap comes in.

By beginning your travels with one of our fully supported programmes, you’ll get the perfect balance of structure and freedom. You’ll arrive in a new country with a ready-made team of like-minded adventurers (your future best mates), expert support on the ground 24/7, and a chance to make a real impact through community and conservation projects.

Whether it’s for a few weeks in the summer before uni or the start of a full-blown gap year, a Leap gives you the skills, confidence, and connections to travel further, safer, and with more purpose. You’ll leave not just with incredible memories, but with a clearer sense of who you are and what kind of traveller you want to be.

Think of it as your launchpad into independent adventure, with a whole lot of support (and fun) along the way.