Backpacking is one of the most exciting ways to travel, but I won’t lie - when I first started, I made plenty of mistakes. From overpacking to running out of money too quickly, I learned a lot the hard way. If you’re planning your first backpacking trip, here are some of the most common mistakes I (and many others) have made, and how you can avoid them.

1. Overpacking

One of the biggest rookie errors? Overpacking. I remember stuffing my backpack with way too many clothes, a full-sized toiletries bag, and even a hairdryer (which I never used). Within days, I regretted every unnecessary item while lugging my heavy pack up hostel stairs in 35°C heat. The reality is, you don’t need half the things you think you do. Stick to versatile, lightweight clothing, use packing cubes to stay organized, and remind yourself that if you really need something, you can buy it on the road. Trust me, your back will thank you.

2. Not Budgeting Properly

Another mistake I made early on was underestimating my budget. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of travel - saying yes to every day trip, eating out for every meal, and grabbing beers every night. Before I knew it, I was watching my bank balance drop way faster than expected. To avoid this, set a daily budget and track your spending. There are loads of free apps that can help (I personally love Trail Wallet). Also, give yourself a little financial buffer for unexpected costs - you never know when you’ll need to replace a lost pair of sunglasses or book an emergency flight.

3. Skipping Travel Insurance

I’ll admit, I used to think travel insurance was a waste of money. “I’m careful, what could go wrong?” I thought. Well, fast forward to a motorbike crash in Vietnam and an ear infection in the Philippines, and I realised how essential it really is. Medical bills and replacing lost items can be expensive, so don’t skip insurance. A good policy will cover medical emergencies, theft, and even trip cancellations - giving you peace of mind while you travel.

I personally use Safteywing - they are a great provider for digital nomads and backapckers who can pay monthly for insurance instead of a set amount of days. This allows for you to travel for as long as you want without worrying that your insurance is coming to an end!

4. Ignoring Visa Requirements

It’s easy to assume you can just show up in a country and get a visa on arrival, but that’s not always the case. Some destinations require you to apply in advance, and others might have strict entry rules (like proof of onward travel). I once got caught out in Indonesia when I didn’t realize my visa was only valid for 30 days, meaning I had to scramble to extend it or leave the country earlier than planned. Always research visa rules before you go, and if a country requires an onward ticket, you can use services like Onward Ticket to get a temporary booking.

5. Booking Everything in Advance

I get it - when you’re excited about a trip, you want to plan every detail. But overbooking can backfire. Plans change, you meet people who recommend better spots, or you just fall in love with a place and want to stay longer. I once booked an entire month of hostels in advance, only to realise I preferred a completely different route. Now, I book accommodation for my first couple of nights, then decide as I go. Flexibility is key when backpacking!

I use Hostelworld to book accommodation and Klook and/or Get Your Guide for activities.

6. Sticking to Tourist Traps

It’s tempting to hit all the famous landmarks, but if you only stick to the touristy areas, you’ll miss out on some of the best experiences. I learned this when I spent my first trip hopping between overhyped attractions and crowded hotspots. Don’t be afraid to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations - some of my favourite experiences have been in places I hadn’t even planned to visit. Some examples include Koh Ker in Cambodia, Ban Rak Thai in Thailand and Nong Khiaw in Laos. Talk to locals, ask other backpackers, and be open to spontaneity.

7. Underestimating Travel Time

I used to think I could squeeze multiple destinations into a short amount of time. In theory, a bus might take 6 hours, but in reality? Delays, breakdowns, and border crossings mean travel days can take way longer than expected. Overpacking your itinerary leads to exhaustion and burnout. Give yourself buffer days between long journeys, and if possible, opt for night buses or trains to save on accommodation.

8. Not Being Cautious with Scams

Scammers know tourists are easy targets, and I’ve definitely fallen for a few classic ones like the “your hostel is closed” taxi trick in Bangkok. Do some research on common scams in each country, always agree on a price before taking transport, and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true. A little skepticism can go a long way.

9. Forgetting to Back Up Important Documents

Losing your passport or phone while traveling is a nightmare, and I’ve had friends go through it. Before you leave, scan copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance details, and save them to your email or cloud storage. It’s also a good idea to carry a few printed copies in case you need them for border crossings. Alternatively, it’s worth sending copies to a parent or reliable friend as a back up incase you lose your phone.

10. Not Enjoying the Moment

When I first started traveling, I was so focused on capturing every moment for photos and videos that I sometimes forgot to just be present. It’s great to document your trip, but don’t let your phone distract you from the experiences right in front of you. Take a step back, soak it all in, and enjoy the journey.

Final Thoughts

Backpacking is all about learning as you go, and making mistakes is part of the adventure. But by being aware of these common pitfalls, you can make your trip smoother, stress-free, and way more enjoyable. Have you ever made any of these mistakes while traveling? Let me know in the comments!