Packing your life into a bag to travel the world for the first time can be very daunting. However, when it comes to travel, a little advice goes a long way (literally). We’ve asked our traveller community of Facebook to give their best advice for first time backpackers, so you can jet off feeling confident about your most insane adventure EVER!
Justine Sha
Don’t get a backpack!!!! Wish I could redo the whole thing with a small suitcase on wheels. Backpacks are too small and too heavy!
Brent Farrell
Pack as light as possible. You don't need the world in your backpack just enough to survive in it...and if you forget or need something support the shops of the county you are in and buy local
Ciara Ruane
Never fully pack your bag. You need room for the awesome stuff you are going to buy. Nothing worse than taking a full suitcase on a trip of a lifetime.
Dave Dlaw Lawrence
Document it! Take pictures, take videos, write notes or blogs. Looking back at them in years to come will bring everything back time and time again.
Melissa Elaine DeCastro
Prepare yourself mentally. I just am wrapping up Paris and was definitely not prepared for the cultural difference.
Stephanie Roza
Buy a one way ticket. Let the travel journey unfold as it does and enjoy the freedom of not having to be on a set schedule.
Paragliding in Interlaken. You can book this experience through our Interlaken hostel,
Sam Stalteri
Don’t let small things bother you! Things might happen that you didn’t expect, but it’s all part of the journey.
Sonja Faul
If you can, make a local connection at each destination! Locals have the best tricks and tips to help you make the most of your trip
Sonja in Amsterdam
Alexander Green
Stay in one place for a couple of weeks and sink into the place, much better than darting around every few days
Maire Ni Huilin
Don't talk to strangers! Unless they are like, really really hot
Lewis Trickey
Book a one way flight and don't stop until the money runs out!
Lewis in Italy with his friends
Chris Harries
Pack condoms. You never know. You don't know them. You may never see them again. Too many nevers to not pack condoms.
Vishesh Tayal
Do not stay at hotels! Stay at hostels, and make friends for life!
The Alps
Sean Thompson
Baby wipes .. you can never have too many!
Yolanda Evans
Throw out your itinerary and just go with the flow
Havana, Cuba
Kieran Nash
The best view is often behind you!
Antoinette Fitzsimmons
Occasionally let your mammy know where you are
Morgan Mary Partridge
Be open minded to not booking every place. Take your time off the main roads and explore the small towns around
Adrienne Steiner
My advice would be to stay at a St Christopher’s Inn they have literally everything you will forget to bring - travel adapters, locks and two for one mojitos
Adrienne loving life in Bali
Lindsay Mc Go
Pack light, have fun and stay in St Christopher's and join in the fun!
Anna Pierce
Be sure to grab a metro map before you leave the airport because most metro stops don't carry them.
Mati Ribles
Good shoes
Ryan Devine
Good socks are a must
WE HOPE THIS ADVICE COMES IN USEFUL FOR YOUR NEXT BIG ADVENTURE!