This blog post is all about backpacking travel hacks.
When I was working full-time, I’d always jump at the chance to travel.
If someone suggested a trip, my passport was out, my bag was packed, and I was ready to go.
I’ve always loved the thrill of planning, packing, and setting off on new adventures.
Now, after almost a year of travelling continuously, I’ve picked up a few backpacking travel hacks that have genuinely made my journeys smoother, more affordable, and less stressful.
RELATED Backpacking Travel Hacks blog posts to read:
- The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia
- 11 Things You Need to Buy BEFORE Backpacking Asia
- The Best Travel Route & Itinerary For Sri Lanka
- 15 Packing Mistakes I Made Backpacking Asia You Can Avoid
- Ultimate South Thailand Travel Route: Phi Phi, Phuket & More
This blog post is all about backpacking travel hacks I swear by.
17 Life-Saving Backpacking Travel Hacks I Swear By
These are the backpacking travel hacks I swear by. They’ve helped me stay organised, save money, and make the most of every trip.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first adventure, these backpacking travel hacks can help take your travels to the next level.
1. Use eSIMs for Instant Internet Access
Gone are the days of searching for a local SIM card at the airport or relying on unreliable Wi-Fi.
eSIMs are a total game-changer, especially if you’re hopping between countries. They let you access the internet as soon as you land, without the hassle of switching physical SIM cards.
Apps like Airalo make it super easy to buy data plans for your destination. With just a few taps, you’re connected.
It’s incredibly convenient for navigation, checking reservations, or letting your family know you’ve arrived safely.
Use my code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM!
2. Have Matching Locks and Codes
If you’re travelling with a partner or close friend, this is one of the backpacking travel hacks that will make your life so much easier.
My boyfriend and I have matching locks on all our bags (both our large backpacks and smaller daypacks) and we use the same code across all of them.
This means we can easily access each other’s bags without fumbling for keys or trying to remember different combinations. It’s especially helpful when you’re on the go and need to grab something quickly.
We also use locks with bendable wires, which fit easily on awkward hostel lockers or storage spaces.
3. Store Luggage with Bounce
Have you ever arrived in a city too early to check into your hotel or needed a place to stash your bags after checking out? That’s where Bounce comes in as one of the best backpacking travel hacks.
The Bounce app connects you with locations like cafés, shops, and storage facilities, where you can securely store your luggage for a few hours or even days.
It’s affordable and widely available in major cities.
Whether you’re killing time before a late flight or want to explore hands-free, Bounce is a lifesaver!
4. Book Hotels with Free Cancellation
As soon as a travel plan is mentioned in the group chat, I head straight to Booking.com and secure accommodation with free cancellation.
This way, I lock in good prices early without committing.
Sometimes I even book multiple options to give myself flexibility, especially if I’m unsure of the exact itinerary.
Just don’t forget to cancel any reservations you don’t need before the deadline. It’s one of those foolproof backpacking travel hacks and a way to avoid last-minute stress!
5. Use Monzo or Revolut for No-Fee Spending Abroad
If you’re still relying on traditional banks for international spending, it’s time to switch to Monzo or Revolut.
These digital banks don’t charge foreign transaction fees and often offer excellent exchange rates.
The apps also let you track your spending in real time, set budgets, and freeze your card instantly if you lose it.
Plus, splitting bills with travel buddies is a breeze, as both platforms support easy transfers.
6. Pack a Scarf or Sarong
A scarf or sarong is one of the most versatile items you can pack and one of my best backpacking travel hacks.
It’s saved me countless times during my travels. Use it as a blanket on chilly buses, a pillow on flights, a cover-up for temples, or even a makeshift beach towel.
It takes up almost no space in your bag but comes in handy more times than you’d expect.
7. Download Offline Maps
Before heading to a new destination, I always download offline maps on Google Maps. It’s one of the best backpacking travel hacks in areas with spotty signal or when I’m trying to save data.
Mark key locations like your accommodation, nearby restaurants, and attractions, so you can navigate without stress.
Even if you’re offline. It’s one of the simplest backpacking travel hacks but makes a world of difference.
8. Use Google Maps Pins for Planning
Speaking of Google Maps, I swear by its pin feature for planning my travels.
Anytime I see a place I want to visit, whether it’s a restaurant, attraction, or hidden gem from TikTok, I save it as a pin on my map.
This not only keeps all your ideas in one place but also helps you organise your day.
Group activities by area to avoid unnecessary backtracking and make the most of your time.
It’s like having your own personalised travel guide!
9. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours
Many cities offer free walking tours, and they’re one of the best ways to learn about a destination.
Run by passionate locals, these tours often dive into the history, culture, and quirks of the city, giving you insights you wouldn’t get from a guidebook.
While the tours are free, tipping the guide is customary if you enjoy the experience. But it’s still a budget-friendly way to explore!
10. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer for staying organised. They help you maximise space in your luggage and keep everything in its place.
I use different cubes for clothes, electronics, and toiletries, so I always know where to find things.
They’re especially handy if you’re constantly on the move. You can pack and unpack in minutes without creating chaos in your bag.
11. Keep Digital and Physical Copies of Important Documents
This might be the most important of the backpacking travel hacks in this list! Always have backups of your essential travel documents.
I keep digital copies of my passport, visa, travel insurance, and any important bookings stored securely on Google Drive or a similar service.
I also carry a few physical copies in a separate bag, just in case my phone dies or I lose access to the digital versions. It’s a small precaution that can save you a lot of hassle.
12. Create a Logistics-Only WhatsApp Group
If you’re travelling with a group, setting up a logistics-only WhatsApp group is one of the smartest backpacking travel hacks. Use this group to store essential information, like:
- Booking confirmations
- Passport photos
- Flight details
- Visa information
When my boyfriend and I were travelling through Southeast Asia for months, this groupchat between the two of us was a lifesaver.
Anytime a flight was booked or we needed passport details, everything was easily accessible.
Plus, if one of our phones ran out of battery or got lost, the other person could access the information.
The key is to keep this group strictly for logistics, so no chatting! That way, important details don’t get buried under casual conversations.
13. Use SafetyWing Travel Insurance
If there’s one thing I’ve learned while travelling long-term, it’s the importance of reliable travel insurance.
I use SafetyWing, which has been a lifesaver during my trips. Unlike traditional insurers, they allow you to enrol even after you’ve started your journey, making it ideal for digital nomads or spontaneous travellers like me.
Their rolling monthly plans are perfect if you’re unsure how long you’ll be away.
It’s simple to set up, affordable, and provides excellent coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and more.
RELATED Backpacking Travel Hacks blog post to read: The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia
14. Protect Your Data with a VPN
Using public Wi-Fi while travelling can put your personal data at risk, but a VPN (Virtual Private Network) keeps your online activities secure.
I always use Nord VPN to protect sensitive information like banking details or passwords when connecting to hotel, airport, or café Wi-Fi.
A VPN can also help you access geo-restricted content, like streaming services or websites that may be blocked in certain countries.
It’s a small investment for peace of mind and added convenience.
15. Book Activities with GetYourGuide
While I love spontaneous adventures, sometimes pre-booking activities can save time, money, and stress.
I use GetYourGuide to find and book tours, skip-the-line tickets, and unique experiences in cities around the world.
The platform is easy to use, and many activities offer free cancellation, so you can plan without feeling locked in.
It’s also great for discovering hidden gems or activities you might not have thought of on your own.
16. Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs
Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, signing up for airline rewards programs is a no-brainer.
Most major airlines have loyalty programs that allow you to earn miles or points for every flight you take.
Over time, these points can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, or other perks like lounge access.
The best part? You can often earn points through partner programs, like hotels or rental car companies, so your travel spending goes even further.
Some programs also offer benefits like priority boarding or waived baggage fees, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
17. Use a Travel Credit Card to Earn Points
Maximise your travel budget by using a travel credit card for your purchases.
Many travel credit cards let you earn points or miles for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.
Some cards even offer sign-up bonuses that can cover the cost of a flight or two, plus additional perks like no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and lounge access.
Just make sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges while enjoying all the benefits.
The Best Backpacking Travel Hacks
Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences in life, but it comes with its challenges.
These backpacking travel hacks have helped me navigate a year of continuous travel with so much less stress and more joy.
Whether it’s staying connected with an eSIM, securing flexible travel insurance, or exploring safely with a VPN, these tips can make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable.
Do you have backpacking travel hacks you swear by? Share them in the comments below, I’d love to hear your tips!
RELATED Backpacking Travel Hacks blog posts to read:
- The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia
- 11 Things You Need to Buy BEFORE Backpacking Asia
- The Best Travel Route & Itinerary For Sri Lanka
- 15 Packing Mistakes I Made Backpacking Asia You Can Avoid
- Ultimate South Thailand Travel Route: Phi Phi, Phuket & More
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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