What I Hate About Backpacking
Okay, I don’t really hate backpacking. I actually love backpacking. However, there are certain things I hate about it.
I first went backpacking in Asia with my ex, and it was a wonderful experience. I learned about new cultures, living out of one backpack, and making new friends. All of it was great, and it opened up my eyes to a whole new world.
In fact, it was so great that a few years later, I decided to give solo backpacking a try after I got divorced. It turns out I enjoyed it too, maybe a little more than with a partner.
However, backpacking is not as easy as it sounds. Of course, backpacking through countries is a privilege. There’s no doubt about that. But backpacking comes with its negatives too. Negatives that from time to time make you want to quit the lifestyle.
I’ve been on three long backpacking trips. I loved each experience. But today, I want to tell you what I hate about backpacking.
What I Hate About Backpacking
Table of Contents
1. Dorm Rooms
I love hostels because you make so many friends and meet interesting people. However, sleeping in dorms can feel like hell if you are a light sleeper. You hear every snore, every slammed door, drunk conversations, and people packing their luggage early in the mornings.
For a light sleeper like me, dorms can be a bit terrible. Sadly, I’m not a deep sleeper like some other backpackers.
There is also a huge lack of privacy in dorms. I can’t walk around in underwear, change freely, or use the bathroom or phone comfortably, and the list goes on.
However, you’ll find many backpackers don’t care. So it becomes normal to see guys in boxers, girls in bras, and people changing in front of you.
2. Having a Budget
Backpacking for most of us means traveling on a budget. This means we will stay in dorms, eat cheap food, and occasionally skip activities that cost too much. I often wish I could eat where I want and always sleep in private rooms without caring about the cost. But then I’d blow my money in one country instead of 10.
Side note, backpackers will spend money on things they really want to do or eat. We’re not stingy about everything.
3. Long Bus Rides
I’m not too fond of overnight sleeper buses. It’s tiring, and no matter how comfortable the seat is, it will never compare to a real bed where the body gets real rest.
Plus, sometimes people are rude. The person behind you pushes your seat. Some speak loudly on their phones. Others spray perfumes or eat strong-smelling food. Some people take off their stinky shoes. The list goes on.
Buses over 6 hours are tiring, period. I have rode the bus for long hours across Peru, Vietnam, Colombia, and more.
4. Taking Taxis
Taking a taxi is one of the things I most hate about travel. Every backpacker knows they are out to scam and overcharge, so we don’t trust them. Some change the taxi meters, drive around wasting time, and in some countries, they are famously known for being dangerous to take.
Often, they ask personal questions about my single status or what I work in, and how much money I make. It can be uncomfortable. So, I always try to take Uber or walk for my own solo safety. However, if I take a taxi I don’t feel safe in, I send my location to someone.
Of course, this isn’t about every taxi man out there. There are nice ones too. However, if I can skip out on riding one, I will.
5. Having the Same Conversations
I love meeting new people at hostels, and I also fall into asking the same questions because most friendships start with small talk. However, after six months of traveling, the same questions get old.
“Where are you from?” “How old are you?” “What do you do?” You repeat the same conversation with every new person you meet, and sometimes that can be as many as two or up to 10 people a day.
The truth is, I’m not sure how to have a more meaningful conversation. But when you meet the right people at a hostel, you form incredible bonds, and you go beyond these questions.
6. Not Having Alone Time
I’m an introvert. Being alone for me is essential. But, when I stay in dorms, this is hard to do. There is always someone striking up a conversation or inviting you out. Someone will talk to you whether you’re in your room or the common areas.
An introvert struggles with this because we like our alone time, and we don’t mean anything wrong by it, but sometimes we don’t want to be around anyone. So, sometimes I end up being the antisocial person because I just want alone time.
7. The Overpartying
Although my party days aren’t what they used to be back in my 20s, I have fallen into this lifestyle to make friends and be around people. However, it’s a bad and tiring habit if you overdo it.
Therefore, it’s important to read reviews when booking a hostel. Some are social, some are quiet, and some are party hostels. I’ve had to leave party hostels before to get a good sleep in a more tranquil place.
Plus, it gets old. Exploring a city is much better than drinking the nights away and waking up too tired to do anything the next day.
8. Not Having a Routine
The gym, church, friends, eating healthy. Sometimes you miss the things you did back home. I struggle with working online because I want to explore, and I get distracted by the social environment.
The gym doesn’t even happen, and eating healthy is hard to do. So, having a routine is definitely one of the hardest things while backpacking.
9. The Inconvenience of Laundry
Okay, laundry is one of the things I get annoyed with. My clothes have gotten damaged, stolen, and I’ve lost many socks. Plus, to wash clothes, you end up waiting until you have enough dirty clothes, leading to wearing dirty clothes while you wait! Ha! You get the point.
The gym doesn’t even happen, and eating healthy is hard to do. So, having a routine is definitely one of the hardest things while backpacking.
10. Saying Goodbye
The best thing about backpacking is making friends. And one of the worst things is saying goodbye to them. You meet all types of “friends” on the roads. Ones you chat with for a couple of hours on the bus, ones you hang out with for a day, and ones you make a close connection with.
The ones you make a connection with, even if it was for one or two days, it’s hard to say goodbye to them. It’s almost as if they become your best friend for those hours, and then suddenly it’s goodbye.
Of course, it’s now easy to stay connected with social media. But the possibility of ever seeing them again is sadly relatively little. So, you move on and treasure every good memory, and move on to make new friends at the next place. All to repeat the same goodbyes again and again.
11. Not Being Able to Have a Romantic Relationship
I’ve seen backpackers fall in love and then have to say goodbye. It’s sad actually. So, to protect my own heart, I prefer not to allow myself to develop feelings for anyone while I’m on the road.
I’m not open to experiencing the heartbreak of saying goodbye. When you live a life on the road, you can’t have a serious relationship.
However, I know of some backpackers out there who fell in love this way and ended up staying together. So, perhaps there is hope for falling in love on the road for some people.
Again, I don’t hate backpacking. I love it and would do it again and again. So, if you are considering a backpacking trip, do it! It’s something you have to live and an incredible experience.
From the list, what would be the hardest for you?
What to Pack
Are you planning a backpacking trip soon? Check out some of my favorite items to pack:
What I Hate About Backpacking
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.
What I Hate About Backpacking
