Travel advice for solo backpackers - Setting off around the world with nothing but your backpack is never a decision that's as simple as it sounds. Some people spend their whole lives intending to travel solo, but never take the leap. 

So here is some advice to consider before you travel, and insightful tips which could give you the confidence you need to take that first step to adventure. Check them out!

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Choosing the backpack - It's key to find a good backpack which is comfortable, durable, and will fit all your stuff. Make sure the straps are well padded so that your back doesn't get so sore.

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Research before you go - Look up information about the places you're going to visit before you go, otherwise you may miss some of the 'must-sees!' If you have friends who have visited the places you're going, ask them for advice.

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Don't overplan - Planning your whole journey right down to the last detail might not be the best option. It could mean that you don't have enough time to spend in a place you really love, or that you have to refuse making plans with fellow travelers because you already have your route set out. Let your journey run its natural course.

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Travel insurance - While traveling it's likely that you'll end up spending nights in airports, train stations, and other places, meaning that you and your belongings will not always be 100% secure. Having travel insurance is a good idea!

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Have a backup plan - Make copies of your travel documents, including passports, citizenship cards, and bank cards. Have a digital copy of these on you at all times so that if you loose the real thing you have a record.

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Forget the gadgets - Don't bother wasting money on gadgets, they aren't as necessary as you think they are. When you go backpacking you'll realize you need much less than you think, so just take the essentials.

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Second account - It's always a good idea to have a second bank account with money in it to use in case of emergency. You never know what might happen!

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Loose the beauty regime - If you're addicted to your beauty routine, then you're going to have to swallow your pride and leave the products behind. Take the essentials, shampoo and soap, in small quantities so they don't take up space. Remember some hotels and guest houses even give you these things for free!

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Don't take too much - You're going to have your bag on your back virtually every day, so the heavier it is the more it's going to weigh you down. Packing light will also give you more space to buy things along your journey!

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Bed sheet - There are few things worse than finding that your bed for the night has dirty bed sheets. It's a good idea to carry a sheet or sleeping bag liner with you just in case.

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Earplugs - Traveling is tiring and sometimes just at the moment when you need sleep the most, hostels and hotels can be noisy and unpleasant. Having a pair of earplugs with you is a great idea, they can help you get some peace and quiet rest when you need it the most.

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Know the local culture - Learn about the local culture of the country you are visiting, as some actions which your culture may think are totally normal, could be offensive in others.

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Be ready to make friends - Throughout your trip you'll meet a tonne of new people, who you could end up becoming great friends with. When visiting incredible places it's likely you'll also meet some amazing people!

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Get rid of unwanted company - However, you're not always going to want to travel with your new friends, and there may be people you meet who you don't want to travel with at all! It's important to know how to communicate this, and to do what you want to do.

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The Internet doesn't know everything - There's a lot you can find out from the internet, but a great way to discover new things is to wonder off the beaten track and see what happens! Some of the best experiences are to be found in undiscovered places.

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Master of your own schedule - Make sure you spend a good amount of time in each place you visit, as rushing through a trip and trying to visit 10 countries in 10 days is difficult, and tiring. Leave your plans open ended so you can spend more time in the places you're enjoying, and less in the ones you aren't.

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Watch out for scams - If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Watch out for people who try to scam tourists!

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Keep calm - Be prepared for things to go wrong. You may miss a flight, lose your passport, have your money stolen or get completely lost. Try not to panic and remember that these situations become important parts of your trip, and teach you how to deal with problems.

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Travel by train - Traveling by plane is a great way to travel long distances in short amounts of time, but if you really want to get to know more of the country you are traveling in, taking trains is the best option.

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Inflatable travel pillow - A small inflatable travel pillow is a great thing to carry in your backpack - it provides instant comfort if you're sleeping on the go and takes up virtually no space!

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Local transport - Read up on the local transport, which is generally the cheapest way to get around. Many tourist travel options have highly inflated prices.

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Events - Look out for local events, they will give you a great opportunity to learn more about the local culture.

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Keep in touch - Don't forget to let family and friends know where you are and where you are heading next. Of course you can contact them via online messaging or calls, etc, but sending a postcard is also a fun way of keeping in contact! Besides this, it's important for people to know where you are in case of emergency.

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Money - Throughout your travels, it's normal to start to think that things you once thought were cheap are now expensive. For example, the price of a quick meal may feel like you're buying an expensive restaurant dinner.

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Shoe laces - Carrying spare shoe laces could save you a lot of trouble, in case yours break or get damaged due to bad weather.

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Look after your feet - Traveling involves being on your feet, a lot. So make sure you look after your feet well, especially before you go to sleep.

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Fishing rope - It might seem odd, but fishing wire is good for mending clothes or your backpack in case of damage. You can also use it to hang up clothes to dry, etc.

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Scotch tape - Having scotch tape is also handy for fixing things, even if just temporarily, before you can replace them or fix them properly.

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Small mementos - Of course you will want to take souvenirs with you from the places you've visited! Try to buy small items that are cheaper and won't take up lots of space in your bag!

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