Everything You Need to Know Before You Solo Backpack

Whether you've never left the country alone or you're a seasoned traveler ready to go deeper, this is the ultimate solo backpacking guide I wish I'd had!

We're covering everything: what to actually pack and what to leave at home, how to do your research using AI and TikTok, budgeting and safety tips that will keep you in the drivers seat, and how to have the confidence to meet new people abroad. On top of practical advice, this video is about knowing yourself well enough to travel well. Solo backpacking has a way of teaching you things about yourself that nothing else can. The better you know yourself going in, the better the trip gets!

Your next adventure is closer than you think…let's get you ready for it!
Drop a comment, where are you hoping to go?

✦ Credit Card Recommendation:
The Capital One Cards I use are Savor and Quicksilver, but they have various great options you can explore here: https://i.capitalone.com/JjfgYBQw2

✦ Use this prompt to plan your own itinerary with AI:
"I am planning a trip to [destination] for [number of days]. I enjoy [list activities you love, ex: hiking, local markets, coffee shops, cultural experiences, water activities, nightlife, slow mornings, etc.]. My travel style is [budget backpacker / mid-range / splurge-when-it-matters]. I am traveling [solo / with a partner / with friends / with family]. My restrictions are [dietary needs, mobility considerations, budget per day, things you want to avoid, etc.]. Please build me a day-by-day itinerary with specific restaurant recommendations, things to do, places to stay, and any insider tips I should know. Prioritize local, off-the-beaten-path experiences over tourist traps where possible."

✦ Rachel's Water Shoe Recommendations:
Here are some low profile water shoes that go with lots of outfits
Tan tevas: https://www.amazon.com/Teva-Original-Universal-Sand-Dune/dp/B08B48B2V3/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XenQ5JtA0Q2Xh1C4sPdGfTnPxng0Aqt5mIoyf_p7zs-CjKbFrEmKvKL0un7hf1AE_wzZq6ZC1O1AxFsGo2fhMsPc6ZDtsY5aeV3M1PBrNWmJrvaesdfGaOXOsZ82xlnBD--I5e4oqDfYGHwvIcJwnVu8cdkavJ7HueGnHaO1glNdpfCWSbm-mzlzBEJxdQ36m7GV0rO2jaL__pWHM0GjVvsrYgV1tXzWJfh7cL_IS31MCZEs0yVKgK7WCHdaskjXi6LEt2QAIk6Cqt9skvKfu7nT6yBoqzwCvJeLikvui9Y.Tj34KKa7l1gx_BB1jc3L2Dj27hjWbw62YG0mDKuBnjU&dib_tag=se&keywords=tan%2Bteva&qid=1777657140&s=apparel&sr=1-1&th=1&psc=1

Black Tevas: https://www.amazon.com/Teva-Original-Universal-Sand-Dune/dp/B00E1FUXRU/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XenQ5JtA0Q2Xh1C4sPdGfTnPxng0Aqt5mIoyf_p7zs-CjKbFrEmKvKL0un7hf1AE_wzZq6ZC1O1AxFsGo2fhMsPc6ZDtsY5aeV3M1PBrNWmJrvaesdfGaOXOsZ82xlnBD--I5e4oqDfYGHwvIcJwnVu8cdkavJ7HueGnHaO1glNdpfCWSbm-mzlzBEJxdQ36m7GV0rO2jaL__pWHM0GjVvsrYgV1tXzWJfh7cL_IS31MCZEs0yVKgK7WCHdaskjXi6LEt2QAIk6Cqt9skvKfu7nT6yBoqzwCvJeLikvui9Y.Tj34KKa7l1gx_BB1jc3L2Dj27hjWbw62YG0mDKuBnjU&dib_tag=se&keywords=tan%2Bteva&qid=1777657140&s=apparel&sr=1-1&th=1&psc=1

✦ Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:12 What to Pack vs. What to Leave Behind
08:26 Research Strategies
09:39 Safety Tips
10:48 Booking and Budget Strategies
12:03 E-SIMs
13:06 Dealing With Loneliness
14:49 Conclusion

Copyright Free Music
Song: Ember - Serenity
Music provided by CapCut No Copyright Music.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJx_PmzSYko&list=RDyJx_PmzSYko&start_radio=1