Backpacking Travel Confessions
Oh, the backpacking life. One of the most incredible and liberating experiences to live. You see amazing places, live unbelievable moments, taste new foods, and meet people from all over the world.
Backpacking teaches you to be a minimalist, and you learn that everything you need for living fits in just one backpack.
Then, there are those things we rarely talk about that go wrong, we find funny, or obstacles we face. Backpacking is great, but it comes with some interesting moments.
If you can handle these backing travel confessions, you can do well in the backpacking world.
Backpacking Travel Confessions
Table of Contents
1. We Run Out of Clean Underwear
Yup, it happens to all backpackers. Since most of us only travel with a backpack, there may not be enough clean underwear for the whole week. So, either they get washed in the sink, or we go commando until we wash them. I’ve even had two girls tell me they simply turn their underwear inside out.
2. We Wear Dirty Clothes
Getting laundry done is one of the biggest hassles of a backpacker. Despite it being cheap in many places, we don’t want to get laundry washed until we have enough of it dirty. So, in the meantime, we will wear the same jeans we wore yesterday, the day before, and the day before that. Whoops!
3. We Walk 30 Minutes to Save $2
Most backpackers are on a budget, and two dollars can be the cost of a meal. So, we will walk because we prefer food over an Uber ride. It is especially true in expensive cities like Singapore. Yes, even if it takes us half an hour longer. On the plus side, we get our daily exercise. I’ve hit 40,000 steps in one day.
4. Sometime We Only Eat Two Meals a Day
On that saving money note, many of us only eat out twice. If we do that back home, we will do it while traveling too. How do we save even more money? We reserve hostels with free breakfast and then go out for a late lunch/early dinner. That’s only one meal we pay for a day.
However, don’t think we are out there starving ourselves. If we’re hungry, we’ll eat! Local food away from tourist spots can be cheap. Other times, if a city is expensive such as Singapore, you’ll find us at the mini-market buying ramen noodle cups or dollar hot dogs and pizza slices. Not the healthiest, but it keeps us traveling for more months.
5. Spend Too Much on Partying
The crazy thing is that many backpackers will save every dollar they can on eating and transportation and then somehow say goodbye to their budget to party for many days straight.
6. Don't Wash Hair Regularly
There are many reasons some backpackers start washing their hair less often. One is running out of shampoo. Another could be because we don’t carry products to manage wild hair, like mine. In my case, if I take the time to straighten my hair, I’ll shower, but I won’t wash my hair for 2 or 3 days. The trick is to throw on a hat.
Then, there are some travelers who don’t wash their hair at all for many months.
7. Hygiene Isn't a Priority
On that same note, hygiene is not a priority for many backpackers. They’ll wash their hair with a soap bar. Many backpackers stop shaving. Some men stop getting haircuts. Some wear their dirty clothes a little too many times. Girls are simple and don’t wear make-up (not really a hygiene issue).
Moving around with hygiene products is hard, so I get why it stops being a priority. In my case, the only area I relax about hygiene is wearing my clothes a few times before getting them washed.
8. We Steal Toilet Paper
In many countries, you have to pay for toilet paper when you use the bathroom. So, instead of buying a whole roll, we just steal a bunch from the bathrooms and carry it with us. You never know when you’ll need it.
Moving around with hygiene products is hard, so I get why it stops being a priority. In my case, the only area I relax about hygiene is wearing my clothes a few times before getting them washed.
9. Use Toiletries Someone Left in the Shower
Sometimes, we run out of shampoo, and there’s no store nearby. So, if you leave yours in the shower, I’m going to have to use some. (I confess I’ve done this twice.)
Moving around with hygiene products is hard, so I get why it stops being a priority. In my case, the only area I relax about hygiene is wearing my clothes a few times before getting them washed.
10. We Get Lost
Getting lost is not uncommon for travelers. Actually, it’s pretty normal. However, sometimes we are really lost. As in our GPS doesn’t work, and we are asking everyone how to get back.
Other times, we accidentally miss our bus stop and end up trying to figure out how to get back. But, this is part of the backpacking journey, and getting lost can turn out to be a great adventure.
Moving around with hygiene products is hard, so I get why it stops being a priority. In my case, the only area I relax about hygiene is wearing my clothes a few times before getting them washed.
Backpacking Travel Confessions
11. Fall in Love
Yes, backpackers fall in love with each other after just a few days together. The sad part about that is they’ll be saying goodbye in a few days to continue their backpacking journey. I’ve seen some people fall hard for each other, and after seeing how difficult those goodbyes are, I prefer not to develop feelings for anyone while traveling.
Moving around with hygiene products is hard, so I get why it stops being a priority. In my case, the only area I relax about hygiene is wearing my clothes a few times before getting them washed.
12. Sometimes We Get Bored or Tired of Traveling
Traveling is a blessing. However, there are days when we’re not feeling it. Riding a bus for 12 hours, delayed flights, not having a routine, stuck in rooms with people you don’t click with. Sometimes it’s even boring to have the same conversations. But, of course, these are only moments.
13. We Get Lonely
It’s not always unicorns and rainbows out there. Yes, we are having the time of our lives hiking majestic places like Machu Picchu or watching a volcano erupt while camping.
But sometimes, the emotions hit, and we miss our loved ones, especially during the holidays. There are days we cry. Days we want to hug our parents or nieces and nephews. However, it’s temporary, and the emotions pass.
14. Some are Running Away From Problems
Although most backpackers travel because they love seeing the world, many are running away from a problem.
I’ve met people who decided to backpack the world because their spouse died, and they decided to travel to their deceased husband’s favorite countries. I’ve met ladies who have struggled with finding love, and they choose to leave their homes.
Other backpackers are confused about their careers and don’t know what to do with their lives. Some are taking a break after a rough year of work or being in the military. Some leave because they are dealing with heartbreak.
Whatever the reason, leaving for a backpacking trip is valid. The truth is, those problems don’t go away, but traveling sure helps with the process of healing.
15. We Get Scared
People assume backpackers are brave because we travel solo. Although we are, that doesn’t mean we never get scared. We often find ourselves in the back of a cab with a creepy driver, praying we safely get to our destination. Other times, we are sure we’ll die on the bus because the driver is crazy.
Then some backpackers board an airplane full of anxiety because, ironically, flying makes them nervous. I’ve also found myself rushing back to my hostel because it got dark, and I’m scared someone will jump out and rob me. So yes, we get scared, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to see the world.
16. We Become Close Friends Quickly
Travel friendships are the best! You meet a person, and 10 minutes later, you feel like best friends. There’s no time to waste because you’ll be parting ways in one day or a week. So you create a bond quickly. Heck, I’ve even found myself almost crying when saying goodbye to friends I make.
The cool thing about travel friendships is that they don’t know your past. There is no judgment. You share your stories, explore the city, and suddenly your’re your close friends. You share the same love for travel, which creates that bond so quickly.
Then some backpackers board an airplane full of anxiety because, ironically, flying makes them nervous. I’ve also found myself rushing back to my hostel because it got dark, and I’m scared someone will jump out and rob me. So yes, we get scared, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to see the world.
17. Our Skin and Hair Suffers
When you’re constantly on the road, carrying good products for skin and hair is tricky. We can only take so much in our backpacks. Airplanes dry our skin and can cause breakouts. We are out in the sun exploring, and despite wearing sunscreen, we burn. We buy any plane-size bottle we can get for shampoo, and it’s not always a good brand. Basically, we aren’t using good products, and our skin and hair feel it.
The cool thing about travel friendships is that they don’t know your past. There is no judgment. You share your stories, explore the city, and suddenly your’re your close friends. You share the same love for travel, which creates that bond so quickly.
Then some backpackers board an airplane full of anxiety because, ironically, flying makes them nervous. I’ve also found myself rushing back to my hostel because it got dark, and I’m scared someone will jump out and rob me. So yes, we get scared, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to see the world.
17. We Hear Sounds in Hostel Dorms
We hear snorting, farting, drunks, sleep talkers, and occasionally people having sex in hostels.
18. We Have Bathroom Issues
Lastly, backpackers can suffer stomach issues. Going peacefully to the bathroom and sharing it with many more people isn’t easy. Sometimes food causes the runs. Or if you are bathroom shy, you end up constipated. And don’t even get me started on periods. They are the most annoying thing to have while backpacking!
What other backpacking travel confessions would you add?
What to Pack
Will you be going on a backpacking trip soon? Check out some of my favorite items I always take with me:
Backpacking Travel Confessions
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
Backpacking Travel Confessions
