Planning

Section 1: Planning For your Travels

Barefoot Surfer Travel Blog reads like a chapter book.
Written in order from Start to Finish to help you plan your backpacking journey. You’ll figure out

  • Your why (mindset)
  • Save your money
  •  Best way to spend
  • Find the best destinations
  • Create your Itinerary
  • Packing Guide
  • Health & Fitness

Whether you’re fresh out of school, taking a gap year, or just want to quit your job to explore, you’ll figure it out here. You just need to know your why. 

When your why is strong enough, you’ll find the how

Introduction: The “Why”

Chapter 1: Mindset & Mental Preparation

Chapter 2: Money & Financial Prep

Part 1: Saving & Budgeting

Part 2: Earning & Banking

  • Jobs to Work When Traveling (Holiday Jobs, Digital Nomad)
  • The Best Bank Account Setup for Travelers (Schwab, Revolut, Wise)
  • The Best Travel Credit Card Setup (Capital One, Chase)
  • Travel Insurance 101: When You Need It and Why
  • Maintaining Financial Accounts at Home (Phone Number, Bank Access)

Part 3: Managing Money on the Road

  • How to Carry Money Safely (Money Belt, Locks, Splitting, Hiding)
  • Using ATMs in a Foreign Country Like a Pro
  • How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees & the ATM Conversion Trap
  • Never Use the Airport Currency Exchange: Here’s Why

Chapter 3: Destination Research & Itinerary

Part 1: Choosing Your Destination

  • Where to Go Based on Your Budget
  • A Guide to the Cheapest Regions for Backpackers (e.g., Southeast Asia, Balkans)
  • How to Choose Countries Based on Visa Laws & Passport Strength
  • Seasonal Planning: Where to Go During Each Month of the Year

Part 2: Planning Your Route & Pace

  • How to Build a Loose Route (And Why You Shouldn’t Overplan)
  • Slow Travel vs. Fast Travel: Finding Your Ideal Pace

Part 3: Safety & Community

  • A Realistic Guide to Travel Safety: Is It Safe to Travel?
  • Travel Stories About Staying Safe
  • How to Do Safety Research Without Falling Into Fear-Mongering
  • Travel Communities to Join Before You Go (Reddit, FB, Discord, etc.)

Chapter 4: Spending Smart on the Road

  • How to Find the Cheapest Flight Tickets
  • The Best Way to Book Hostels (Booking Site Guide & Affiliate Link)
  • Hostels vs. Hotels: Which Is Right for You?
  • How to Avoid Tourist Traps and Overpriced Tours
  • The Art of Haggling Properly (And When You Shouldn’t)
  • Cooking vs. Eating Out: A Backpacker’s Guide to Food Budgets
  • How to Get Free Things While Traveling (Couchsurfing, Hitchhiking, Workaway)

Chapter 5: Gear, Packing & Logistics

Part 1: The Core Gear

Part 2: The Packing List

Part 3: Tech & Documents

  • Tech Setup: Phone Plans, SIM Cards, eSIMs, and Offline Apps
  • Essential Tech: Portable Chargers and Cloud Storage
  • Do You Need a Laptop? (Nomad vs. Casual Travel)
  • Your Document Checklist: Passports, IDP, Printed Travel Insurance
  • How and Where to Store Your Passport Safely

Part 4: Specialized Logistics

Chapter 6: Final Preparations Before You Leave

Part 1: Admin & Life Back Home

  • What to Do With Your Stuff (Storage, Sell, or Give Away)
  • How to Pause Bills, Subscriptions, and Responsibilities at Home
  • Telling Friends, Family, & Employers (How to Handle Their Reactions)

Part 2: Health & Wellness

  • Pre-Trip Fitness: Should You Train Before a Backpacking Trip?
  • Stretching & Strength to Avoid Backpacker Injuries
  • What Vaccines You Might Need (Based on Destination)

Part 3: The Final Week Checklist

Next Up:

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