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
- How Much Does It Actually Cost to Travel? Estimating Costs by Region & Style
- How to Save Money for Travel (Mentally Become a Saver, Not a Spender)
- Creating a Backpacker Travel Budget (and How to Stick to It)
- How to Track Your Spending (Free Template Email Sign-up)
- Emergency Funds & Hidden Costs No One Talks About
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
- Backpack vs. Suitcase: Making the Right Choice
- What Size Backpack is Best? (e.g., 40L vs 60L, Carry-on Rules)
- The Best Shoes for Long-Term Travel
- The Best Clothes for Your Pack (Merino Wool Essentials)
- The Best Travel Money Belt to Carry Your Valuables
Part 2: The Packing List
- What to Pack in Your Backpack: The Complete Guide
- The Biggest Mistakes: What NOT to Pack
- How to Pack Light (Even If You’re Not a Minimalist)
- Full Prep Checklist (Free Pamphlet Email Sign-up)
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
- Essential Add-Ons: Rain Cover and a Smaller Daypack
- The Motorcycle License: Is It Worth the Risk?
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
- How to Calm Last-Minute Travel Anxiety
- Packing Dry Runs: Test Everything Before You Go
- Final Checklist: What to Confirm, Print, and Download
- Booking Your First 2–3 Nights vs. Winging It From Arrival
Next Up:
- [Go to Main Category: Destinations]
- [Go to Main Category: Journals & Reflections]