5 Tips Solo Backpacking: Me Time and Holiday at the Same Time!

Although initially backpackers were synonymous with independent travel done entirely alone, now many backpackers travel in groups or even as a community. By still not using travel agents, backpackers who travel with their community still get the same experience, which is independence and preparing all necessities efficiently.

However, for friends who want to travel alone to seek more challenges, of course, it will require more preparation. But, friends can check out some backpacker tips below to ensure the journey remains safe and enjoyable even when alone.

Take Advantage of Ticket and Accommodation Promotions

If you are from Jakarta and want to travel to Karimunjawa as a backpacker and alone, it’s impossible to just walk, right? Backpackers are indeed synonymous with cost savings, but there’s no need to do it so extremely. There’s no prohibition for a backpacker to use public transportation such as trains or planes. What’s important is that a backpacker must pay attention to independence so that the experience gained is maximized.

A backpacker is known as a smart traveler because they can take advantage of situations well, such as promotions for cheap transportation tickets and cheap accommodations. When at tourist spots, backpackers can use any transportation as long as the mobility is higher compared to tourists using travel agents. In fact, backpackers can also mingle with local residents, and when politely asking for permission, they can stay at local people's homes. Wow, you can make new friends!

Prepare Essentials Only

What’s important for a backpacker is to be compact and able to go anywhere without feeling cumbersome. Therefore, a backpack is key to carrying necessary items. Since backpacks usually do not have more space compared to suitcases, a backpacker is prohibited from bringing unnecessary items. Even the clothes brought are recommended to be just what’s necessary; they can apply wash-dry-wear. Another essential item after clothes is rain protection gear, such as an umbrella or raincoat, because it might rain while waiting for public transportation, right?

Research the Destination Area

Researching the destination is very important for a backpacker. They need to know what the climate or weather is like in that place, how safe it is for independent travelers, and how cheap food and public transportation prices are there. To save costs, this research is also useful to know how long it takes to travel from one place to another so they can plan the travel schedule for that day.

Join a Backpacker Community

Joining a community for backpackers does not mean you have to travel with that community. However, in that community, members usually share their personal experiences when backpacking to a place, such as how much money was spent, where they stayed, how friendly the locals were, and which spots are fun for a backpacker to visit. Joining a community not only adds knowledge about a place but also helps you find a new family, right, friends?

Physical and Mental Preparation

Not being able to sleep during the journey like tourists who travel by bus with a group, of course, physical preparation for a backpacker must be done. If you want to be a backpacker, don’t forget to get used to exercising. At a minimum, you should be accustomed to walking long distances or light jogging every morning or evening so you don’t get tired quickly when backpacking later, okay, friends?

Being a backpacker indeed has many benefits when traveling. Backpackers will not be rushed when visiting tourist spots like when traveling with a travel agent, allowing for more interaction with local residents or tasting more local cuisine. Especially when done alone, there’s no need to pay attention to travel companions, just be responsible for yourself. It’s a great way to train your mental and communication skills while being independent!