Alright, let’s talk about keeping yourself in one piece while you’re out there backpacking. It’s not rocket science, but I learned a few things the hard way, and maybe sharing what I actually did helps someone else avoid the same bumps.
Before I Even Packed My Bags
First off, planning wasn’t just about finding cool spots. I spent a good chunk of time figuring out where not to stick my nose in too deep. Read a ton of blogs, forums, not the glossy travel mags, but the real messy stuff people post. Looked for places known to be generally okay for solo travelers or backpackers. Didn’t mean I skipped everywhere interesting, just that I knew which areas needed extra caution.
Then came the gear. Everyone talks about fancy gadgets. Me? I went simple. Got myself a decent money belt, the kind that sits flat under your pants. Yeah, it’s sweaty and annoying, but better than flashing cash. I also grabbed a small, wedge-style doorstop. Cheap plastic thing, but jammed under a dodgy hostel door, it gave me peace of mind. Didn’t bother with loads of high-tech stuff, seemed like overkill and just more stuff to lose.
Oh, and the paperwork grind. Vaccinations were a pain. Went to the doc, got jabbed with a bunch of stuff based on where I was headed. Felt like a pincushion. Then insurance. Sorting through travel insurance options was tedious, trying to figure out what was actually covered versus the fluff. But I got it. Had a mate who skipped it, got dengue fever, and ended up with a bill bigger than his whole trip cost. That scared me straight.
Last thing before leaving – told my folks and a couple of close friends my rough itinerary. Wasn’t super detailed, just general countries and cities, and promised to ping them on WhatsApp every few days or when I moved locations. Made my mom feel better, and honestly, it felt good knowing someone roughly knew where I was supposed to be.
Out There on the Road
Okay, so boots on the ground. My daily routine became pretty standard.
- Valuables: Kept my passport, backup cards, and most of my cash locked in my main bag back at the hostel locker. Day-to-day, I only carried enough cash for the day in my pocket or that sweaty money belt. Sometimes I used a ‘dummy wallet’ with a small amount of cash and expired cards, just in case. Never had to use it defensively, thankfully, but felt better having it.
- Hostels: Always used the lockers. Always. Even if the place felt super chill. Brought my own padlock too, usually better than the flimsy ones they rent out.
- Getting Around: Tried to arrive in new cities during daylight. Much easier to get your bearings and find your accommodation without fumbling around in the dark. For transport, I preferred official taxis or ride-sharing apps where possible, avoids the haggling and potential scams with random street cabs. Walking at night? Yeah, I did it, but I stuck to well-lit main streets, especially if I was alone. If an area felt dodgy, I just wasn’t too proud to turn around or grab a cab, even for a short distance.
- People: Most people you meet are amazing. Seriously. But you gotta keep your wits about you. Talked to lots of locals and travelers, got great tips. But I learned to trust my gut. If someone seemed off, overly friendly trying to lead me somewhere specific, or asking too many personal questions right away, I’d make my excuses and move on. Didn’t need to be rude, just… unavailable.
- Staying Aware: This sounds cliché, but it’s huge. Just simple stuff, like not walking around glued to my phone, especially in crowded markets or stations. Kept my headphones out or volume low when walking alone. Tried to look like I knew where I was going, even when I was completely lost. Confidence, even faked, helps deter opportunists.
- Drinking: I like a beer, same as anyone. But I learned my limits pretty quick. Getting hammered in an unfamiliar place is just asking for trouble. Watched my drinks being poured, tried to stick with other travelers I trusted if I was going out properly. Nothing kills the vibe faster than losing your wallet or worse because you had one too many.
Did Things Go Wrong?
Nothing major, thankfully. Had a couple of close calls with pickpockets in crowded European cities – felt a hand brush my pocket once but my wallet was elsewhere. Had some persistent touts try to ‘guide’ me in Southeast Asia, just had to be firm and walk away. One dodgy hostel room where the lock was broken – that little doorstop wedge came in handy. It’s mostly small stuff, annoyances rather than disasters. The key was just dealing with it calmly and moving on.
So, What’s the Secret?
Honestly? There’s no magic formula. It’s mostly common sense dialled up a notch. Do a bit of homework before you go. Don’t flash your stuff around like an idiot. Trust your instincts – if a situation feels wrong, it probably is. Use hostel lockers. Let someone know where you are. Don’t get wasted alone in sketchy places. It’s not about being paranoid and scared the whole time, that ruins the trip. It’s just about building simple, smart habits so you can relax and actually enjoy the amazing experience backpacking is. That’s what worked for me, anyway.
