Backpacking FAQs - Your ESSENTIAL Questions Answered!

[@marieboulanger4457]

I'm almost 58 and started solo backpacking at 55. I had never backpacked before. I absolutely love this way of traveling and have found I meet the nicest people and make better connections. It is very empowering.

[@wallybag100]

I started backpacking around the same age I'm 58 and in Amsterdam I turn 59 on friday

[@DiscoSeeman]

Is the age gap with other travellers not an issue? It’s the only thing I’m apprehensive about because i feel ill be 15-20 years older than everyone

[@marieboulanger4457]

@@DiscoSeeman not at all. Age is not a factor at all. I guess it really depends on your perspective and personality. In my opinion, backpackers are usually friendlier and more open minded

[@lisaalderson8555]

That's very encouraging to hear. I'm 48, and disabled and don't have anyone to travel with but I'm thinking of just going for it.

[@hannahxoxox5948]

@@lisaalderson8555 just go for it!

[@casiunangel3039]

Omg I LOVE your hair❤️

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks! 💇🏻‍♀️

[@PocketTrailblazer]

Firstly, you are *never too old* to go on an adventure, I hope I'm still backpacking in my 70s! (although I obviously won't be in hostel dorms at that point!) Secondly, your new hair looks - FANTASTIC! really suits you 😍

[@christelnielandt5117]

Hi everyone, my heart melts when I listen to backpacking 💛🧡❤️. I am 54 now and I did my first huge backpacking trip to New Zealand. After that I headed to Japan, Australia close to 7 months in total. It was THE best time ever in my life. I was 24, hardly any Belgians doing the same. I cherish all the memories. Thing is, once a backpacker, always a backpacker. Now there is the internet which is such a huge help in planning a trip, at that time no internet. Phone calls and postcards. Omg it seems like the Middle ages 😅. As I am into yoga now, I do prefer my own space whenever possible. Yet it is awesome to people people from all around the world when you backpack. At a certain age, people like me are being called ‘flash-packers’, I learnt in Kuale Lumpur. Deep inside we remain backpackers, however We do enjoy our own room, or smaller rooms. Cheers to everyone. Keep on enjoying every trip you make and feel proud. Loneliness makes part of it but we all tend to forget. Big hug to all of you backpackers ⭐️🙏💖

[@iansmith4023]

Many years ago (more than I care to remember) I backpacked across the north of England (I was 22),and on the way I fell in with another backpacker,and we walked together for several days. I really enjoyed his company,and he kept up a great walking pace (as well as great conversation). Not bad for someone who was 79! So,don't just consider yourself to still be backpacking in your 40s - look forward to backpacking in your 70s :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

That's a heartwarming story 😭❤️

[@citydesk4527]

@@BackpackingBananas Must be the north of England. I was walking the Hadrian's Wall walk in 2012 and I was in my thirties. At the B&B where I stayed the landlady suggested that I have my evening meal in the local pub with a 'nice Canadian' who was also staying. I agreed and we had a lovely evening chatting together, him telling me he could only walk east to west because of his different length legs, his love of slow cooking pots and that he was so glad to have made the trip, seeing that he celebrated his 80th birthday a few months before!

[@as0205_]

Love the new hair 😍 and amazing advice as always! You're the youtuber I've binged watched back in 2019 before my first solo trip and I still am in love with all your videos

[@BackpackingBananas]

Aw thanks so much 🥰🥰

[@JOONTHEGO]

So many great tips! I started backpacking when I was 19 and immediately fell in love with it. For anyone watching this deciding whether or not to go, DO IT!

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥳🥳

[@billmccaleb7481]

Great hair, CR! Product idea for you: water proof bum bag for solo beach goers! Keep your valuables with you in the water...

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ohhh I like it!!

[@saphsroses4194]

I turned 18 a few months ago and I just went on my first solo trip this summer. It was only for 2 weeks around Germany and France but I loved it so much! The FAQs (and other videos) that you make are extremely useful, and have got me excited for my next trip, whenever that is.

[@jaycoates1648]

For the beach question, I’d recommend finding a beach that is not as popular or rural ish and to leave your things in the bushes or out of sight behind rocks or things. The less visited beaches tend to be nicer in my opinion and you’re not going to be at as much risk if there aren’t as many people. I’ve done it many times and haven’t had an issue.

[@chloeglynn2054]

Currently solo interailing my way round Europe at 18 and in the middle of a global pandemic! You’re never too young, just put yourself out there and you’ll have a great time. My roommate is 10 years older than me and from the other side of the world. We would never speak in our normal lives but we’ve spent the whole day together and had a blast!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Glad to hear you're having a good time! Can't believe you're on the road already! 🥳

[@dejashu]

THOSE BABY BLUES ARE SHININ' BRIGHT. Such a helpful video!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

😅😅 ready to take you on your first backpacking trip!

[@bethanysparling6527]

I started travelling at 16, moved overseas at 17, and have visited 29 countries so far at 22. There’s certainly no age too young, but you need to be able to look after yourself.

[@damasovi_travels1244]

love your eyes, even more the accent, BUT the best part is your content!!! I am 43 and last year I did a little traveling in Europe and as you mention, never too old to do hostels! it is even better? well I was in the room and everybody was very nice and some young people from my country they all talk to me as if I was there father / teacher... it was funny! So yes I will do it again next time, when we can travel again. Thanks for all your videos!! I am loving the Colombia's episodes!

[@FunnyBackpacker]

Love your question and answers your edits are amazing and your clarity is brilliant.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@yorgunsamuray]

I have started traveling by myself at a relatively older age...when I had the means to do that. First backpacking started as an economical way only, but then I fell in love with the backpacking lifestyle. My biggest backpacking achievement was that time is when I quit my job that was not going that well at that time, took a midlife gap year (the year I would turn 40) and did a backpacking trip across Asia in the greater part of the year. There also were some visa questions for an onward ticket, I had made a hotel reservation in the neighboring country and told the passport check that I'd go by bus to the next country and I hadn't bought the ticket yet. I was let go by then. I'm now in my mid-40s and I'm still going on backpacking trips (albeit shorter) and staying in dorms. I wouldn't need that much comfort. My family and friends are always bewildered though but...who cares!

[@anaferara8748]

I'm so gratefull for finding you. You showed me a whole new world when it comes to travel. Overall you changed my view on world and life. Thank you soooooo much!

[@BackpackingBananas]

You just made my day ❤️❤️ Comments like this make everything I do worth it 🥰🥰

[@abbyandlukeadventures7162]

10:58 just an FYI from Christiannes point About waterproof phone case I have a waterproof bag I use for paddleboarding and it’s called a dry bag so it stays dry you can get them from decathlon and sports direct or amazon and you can swim with them around your shoulder or waist and nothing gets damaged and they float on top of the water ✌🏼they’re amazing for valuables if the beach is busy and you’re being extra cautious

[@BackpackingBananas]

Yess dry bags are great 🤩

[@UbahTravels]

I’m currently a week into months of backpacking and you’ve helped me soo much Christianne. The rose pink extension lead is my absolute fave thing I’ve packed and Grayl water filter too. I made my way through your Amazon shop and they’ve proved very invaluable! Like I hadn’t even thought of taking an extension lead before and now I cannot live without it! Ive watched like every backpacking tip video you’ve ever made and will still watch even though I’m on the road already! 😂 I was really sad your solo shop was shut for the pandemic. Wanted the solo bumbag 😭. I have the water proof phone bag, it is fool proof and absolutely essential if you plan on going in the water and you don’t have a GoPro. I’ve used it in a water activity before and worked like a charm xx

[@BackpackingBananas]

How good is the extension lead?! Gamechanger 😅😅 I'm so pleased to hear you're having a great time ❤️😊

[@UbahTravels]

Backpacking Bananas absolute game changer indeed, thank you!! Xx

[@isabellechalkley8632]

Excited to watch this whilst eating lunch!! Loving the new Megan Fox hair 😍 Xxx

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hope you had a good lunch! ❤️ Hehe thanks 🥰

[@oochiecoo5]

Your hair suits you so much, brings out your eyes! Great vid 💛

[@BackpackingBananas]

Aw thanks so much! 🥰🥰

[@martinbutcher37]

After two seconds I thought "new hair". Love it 😀. Excellent video as usual. Super editing.

[@carlosmarin3392]

Christiane..you are really on the spot with your advices and recommendations ...people..one is never too old to go out there..there are unbelievable beautiful places & good hearted people in every corner of this amazing planet..

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥰🥰🥰

[@nelfabia1189]

Pretend to be making a sandcastle, dig a little in the sand and bury the wrapped valuable, top with towel and some clothes. 🤗🤗🤗

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha great idea!

[@ENERGYMAXXING]

I did that and once lost all of it because I could not find it afterwards😂

[@gasphynx]

@9:45 I carry a wet/dry bag and bring it in the water with me

[@grandslam1998]

Still backpacking in my 60s. Great advice Bananas!

[@rogerlincoln6802]

Oh, that last comment was me and I still love the hair, and the new hair

[@ambarrose]

Am I too old? Well I just reached some stability in life at 30. Before my life was a fuc*ing hurricane. So now that I got to a point where I found myself as a person and reached some stability I'm considering van life and backpacking. I always wanted to live adventures. Why not now?

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hope you have the best time 🥳🥳 its your time to thrive 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@esterpavon9653]

Not old at all! I did my first solo backpacking trip in Asia in Dec 2019-Mar 2020 and I was 30 yrs old :) Go for it girl!!!!!!

[@davidklimaable]

The age is only number, important is how you feel :-) I am 43 and i backpack every month at least for few days and i love this style of travel and the freedom of it.

[@dontrinh7686]

Thank you for posting these amazing videos! I am just about to start backing soon!

[@Lunamward]

Love this--had no idea about the fake flight site. I travel with a 35 L as my carry on and a "normal" backpack as my personal item. I attach my shoes to the straps and then it's all good to not check. When I go to check in I put each backpack on a shoulder and look very casual, they've never asked me weigh them. I've found that in most countries I've traveled laundry is cheap and I'd rather do a bit of washing in the sink or find a laundry service than carry a ton of weight on and off of trains, planes, in and out of hostels and hotels. I find I do laundry every week and a half, so I pack enough for that--even if I'm traveling for months.

[@paulah3995]

Regarding the last question: I can‘t remember where it was but I stayed in some hostels that would have age restrictions, meaning only people under 30 could stay there. So make sure for check for things like that

[@RedShoesSmith]

So much valuable info in this video and others. As a US Marine with a love a travel, basic and easily digestible information is always valuable. Can't wait what adventures come your way.

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥰🥰🥰

[@purpleskies4553]

Great video so nice to see backpacking videos and dream of future trips, also your new hair looks mint💕😁

[@BackpackingBananas]

Yay for backpacking videos returning hopefully soon 🙏🏼🙏🏼 thank you 💇🏻‍♀️

[@joannaholland1486]

So many great tips thank you! I’m planning a SEA trip for next summer so this was super useful! Xx

[@BackpackingBananas]

Yay 🥳🥳

[@riyanair9219]

Been binge watching your videos and making my post college travel plans. Love your channel 💕

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Riya ❤️ woohoo I love making travel plans 🥳🥳

[@talesofapolarbear6705]

I love your warm genuine energy! ALSO, love your hair!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🥰💇🏻‍♀️

[@user-xg8bn5bb7s]

Waterproof/dry bag style fanny packs. They hold your mobile, some notes and passport. I put the items inside a small waterproof bag for double security.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Sounds like a fabulous idea!!

[@infinitylove3]

this was super helpful!! thank you so much :) im going on my first trip to CA! cant wait

[@vanessargipson]

I purchased the Tortuga Setout 45L which is supposed to be the maximum carry-on size for most planes. I ❤ it. I wanted a bag that didn't look like a typical backpackers bag, and would save me money by not having to check it. Going on 2 years of using it!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Nice!! It looks like a fabulous backpack 😍

[@bettyli6635]

I turned 65 in December and was hoping to be doing my first solo backpacking trip right now but due to the pandemic, I am waiting for Taiwan to open up. I love all of your videos and can't believe that I had missed this one. I even bought the same backpack as you as you did an amazing review and I think it will work best for me too. Thanks again for all the advice you give and the adventures you share. Would love to see you get over to Taiwan and do some videos there. :)

[@lauraelizabethbrown]

Gonna throw this in-- while backcountry hiking you will meet people of literally all ages. Like I have met several people in their 80s just doing a strenuous 10 mile hike. Mad respect. Also some 10 year olds with their parents.

[@fionalamb8159]

I went backpacking just after turning 19 for 3 months and it really wasn’t as scary as I expected. I loved the whole thing and would definitely recommend 😍

[@fdavie2]

Backpacking is the best way to travel in my opinion. Thanks for the info ❤️

[@BackpackingBananas]

Agreed! 🥳

[@gemmawatson246]

This is the video I was needing right now! Especially the last question...turning 29 soon 😬 Watched so many of your vlogs & they are really helpful and amazing content as well. Thanks ✌🏻

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ah yay 🥰🥰 so glad it's useful!

[@daydreamerwanderer]

Your dark hair and tan skin makes ur eyes pop so much. You fit dark hair so well

[@Lingsandthings]

Thank you for this video!

[@RishalPatel]

LOVEEEE the new hair!!!! this video is so cohesive and full of useful info (even though I've been backpacking for two years lol) 😂

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Rishal 🥰🥰

[@chriswilliamson590]

Great video as always Christianne. Just want to chat about age. I did my first long haul at 22, my first round the world at 41. I am now 45 and planning my next round the world and lots more. Age is no problem. Just travel, be safe and happy. Travel is just amazing. Happy to chat 😀😀😀

[@BackpackingBananas]

So pleased to hear the travel bug never dies 🤩

[@Hbeth]

I love your new hair color!!! It suits you!!! Is your natural hair color this dark?? This is a very beautiful hair color.Keep this color, Christianne ♡

[@anayapopat7474]

thanks for this Christianne!! loving the hair 😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Pleasure ❤️ thanks! 💇🏻‍♀️

[@jesssimmons8858]

Your advice is always so clear and interesting to listen to - loved this video, thank you!

[@smiff972013]

I can’t wait for this pandemic to be over so I can go!! Thanks for the awesome video and tips :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥳🥳

[@Thatkiwiguy]

So much this! Im locked down in Melbourne Australia and have a year long trip around the world planned for next year. I refuse to believe this won't happen!

[@tittit7418]

@@Thatkiwiguy im locked down in the uk planning on a working visa to Australia next September and Melbourne is the first stop !

[@pickles4742]

@@Thatkiwiguy did you get to go?

[@Thatkiwiguy]

@@pickles4742 I escaped Australia and I'm currently in New Zealand. I fly to Mexico on September 5th 😀. Well looking forward to it

[@lottieb1895]

love the new hair, another great vid !xxx

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Lottie 🥰💇🏻‍♀️

[@IshaScott]

For going to the beach with valuables...Waterproof bumbag with your phone in an extra layer of waterproof always works for me

[@celsgalacticgarden7162]

Most of the people I met in Guatemala & Peru are actually in their 30s!! SE Asia wars def a younger crowed, I was 23 and felt old ahaha

[@samsujzaman9624]

Graceful and articulate. God bless 🙏🏻

[@JJEmersonWildlife]

Nice one mate, I reckon you'll be making a few people keen to get out there and backpack again when the time is right! 😁✌

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hope it's not too long before we can all get back out there 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@alib4431]

Love the new hair!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🥰🥰

[@alib4431]

Backpacking Bananas when is there going to be a restock of the solo tshirts?

[@chloecaddamy3668]

Your videos are so honest and helpful!

[@BackpackingBananas]

🥰🥰🥰

[@aislingdooley5477]

your hair is so so nice!! really suits you 💓

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much ❤️❤️

[@Millerolivia7]

Another great video! I can’t wait to start traveling again!!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Me too 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Bethanstanley]

I absolutely love this video so useful!! Also your hair looks amazing!!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@bmountainstate]

Can we talk about the hair situation? I LOVE THE DARK HAIRRR 💖💖

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🤓💇🏻‍♀️

[@selitoskuldakis2209]

Yea, you look so good with dark hair

[@FionaFace]

Great video, love the outward flights tip! 😎 Was going to do my first "proper" solo backpacking trip to South America in June (which obviously didn't happen.) So hard to know when travel will be feasible again!🤷‍♀️

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ahh man! Yes so hard to know. Very frustrating! I hope for us all that it's not too long 🙏🏼

[@mena3926]

Love your hair and this video. definitely my favorite KZbinr and my inspiration for travel. I’ve been thinking of starting a channel but not sure how to really make a travel video or advice video. Would love a little tutorial if possible. Much love from Hawaii, aloha and mahalo🤙🏼💗

[@marjiecleveland]

Good questions & answers. Glad you addressed the age issue. I'm 60 and still want to backpack, when I can. I actually want to hike the Camino de Santiago, and I have a 70 year old (female) relative who wants to go with me! :-)

[@citydesk4527]

@Marjie Cleveland Just reading a few of the comments. Go, hike the Camino de Santiago (when it is safe to travel from wherever you currently are). I walked it three years and it was brilliant. One of the top three experiences of my life. There were people of all ages, doing different distances every day and everyone mingled. In fact it was the variety of different people that really made walking the Camino a real treat; ages, nationality, employed, not working, walking for religious reasons, walking for the physical challenge ...

[@marjiecleveland]

City Desk452 I’m in central Florida. I’ve watched videos of those who have walked and it’s inspiring to see others my age and older walking it. Can’t wait!

[@seandesmond5560]

Great video lovely Christie!!! ❤ Hopefully we can travel soon!!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Sean! Yess hopefully not too long!

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

This is so super helpful. I’ve never actually done any solo backpacking before, I am totally blind and it’s something I’m wanting to consider. Are there any solo groups and companies you could recommend? You have a fantastic awesome vibe and this really has given me lots of useful tips and information. Carry on the excellent work.

[@citydesk4527]

I can't recommend them, as I have never used them but there is Traveleyes, for groups of blind and sighted people.

[@BlindGirlVlogs]

City Desk452 Thank you so much for letting me know, I have heard of them but they are incredibly expensive and I was hoping to do something fairly cheap but I really do appreciate you commenting and giving me that information. Thank you very much.

[@jameshess6498]

Hello Christy How you are well. I just wanted to say thank you. I'm not physically able to backpack. So I backpack through you. You videos help. So keep up the good work and stay safe. James

[@BackpackingBananas]

My absolute pleasure 🥰🥰 all the best!

[@Alliegoesbackpacking]

My queen!!

[@bySumi]

This makes me miss backpacking sooo much I hope I'll be able to travel a bit summer next year

[@frankietoms2981]

im currently booking my first flight and im not sure if i need to pay extra to have the checked in bag or go for hand luggage

[@BackpackingBananas]

If you can fit everything you need into the hand-baggage allowance, that is gonna be so satisfying to save that money and travel lighter ☺️

[@petalpantin3075]

OMG I LOVE YOUR HAIR LIKE THAAAAT

[@buckettraveler8398]

I'm working on saving money and my goal is close but I keep thinking maybe I better not go but your videos always keep me on track

[@BackpackingBananas]

Keep going! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🥳 You got this!

[@hanaineu]

Is backpacking mean a hiking backpack? I am going to buy one, Gregory 44L Trekkingbag but I want to use to travell just because I dont want to bring small luggage 😅

[@Cassie23455]

This was so helpful! Thank you 🙏 X

[@BackpackingBananas]

Pleasure ❤️❤️❤️

[@MillaExplores]

Great tips and your hair looks gorgeous! 🤩

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🥰🥰

[@miina_bakar]

This is so informative and useful, it gives me more courage and preparation for travelling thank you for sharing beautiful ❤😊

[@keke_oh]

Love you hair! Makes your eyes pop so much! And your tan is gorrrrgeous

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🥰🥰

[@valerincorcino3095]

My issue is I'm 5'2 FT and a 40L backpack its still too much for me lol, and I wasn't even backpacking when I used my first "Travel Backpack" last week. My back is still in pain and I'm going on another trip next week for now I'll stick to my carry on and my normal backpack

[@lenama8697]

I want to go on my first exploring the world packing, I def need to document it. What go pro or camera do you recommend that is good enough but not that expensive like professional ones ?

[@BackpackingBananas]

A GoPro will always be my essential travel companion for documenting trips!

[@madalenacaldas7666]

You suit dark hair so much girl !!!!! 😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@MattNav]

Awesome video as always Christianne. And as others have said, love the new hairdo

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Matthew! 😊💇🏻‍♀️

[@MattNav]

@@BackpackingBananas here's a not so FAQ : do you collect Avios for your travels ?

[@alajode]

Waaah your hair! It looks amazing😍😍😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks mate! 🥰💇🏻‍♀️

[@rogerlincoln6802]

Love the new hair colour

[@kittysmith6224]

Hi Christianne, love the channel! Quick question, the scratch off map behind you in the vlog, how did you manage to secure it on the wall? I have the same one but its not staying on and not sure if I should buy a frame? 🤔 p.s. love the hair..thanks- Kitty

[@BackpackingBananas]

Mine is in a picture frame! Xx

[@ropro9817]

Backpacking Bananas: Love the dark hair! :D

[@arianaalvarez2165]

Your hair!!! Love it

[@viniciusbrito3132]

Have you ever thought about backpack in Brazil? I'm sure that you'll love this place I can help you if you want, I'm Brazilian

[@BackpackingBananas]

One day!

[@jaredf.5439]

Christianne I really like your videos. They are so informative and I just love you as a person. Backpacking Bananas, how did you get that name? Keep on crushing it!

[@miaroselindsayx]

Your hair!!! 😍💗

[@BackpackingBananas]

💇🏻‍♀️💇🏻‍♀️💇🏻‍♀️

[@sophiekok7875]

This is a totally different question, but when does the solo bumbag comes back?? I really want it before i go travelling 😅

[@BackpackingBananas]

In September!! I'm not sure of an exact date yet but v soon 🤓🤓

[@aleksandras6979]

Is this expedia thing still working? What are the other websites you meant to please?

[@jakehill4874]

I’m sure you’ve got this comment a thousand times recently but when should i rebook a backpacking trip that was cancelled due to Covid. Was meant to travel Thailand and Bali beginning of this year but it was cancelled. Scared to rebook flights for next year incase the same happens again 😩 stuck in a rut with it all haha x

[@BackpackingBananas]

Best just to not book anything until you have some more certainty x

[@tomscritics]

Hi, I wonder, for whom you do this Videos? Who is your target group, 18 to 28? Thanks Thomas. It's obvious who your sponsors are, thats done be better. Thanks for an answer.

[@BackpackingBananas]

My videos are targeted at anyone wants to go backpacking! But normally people who watch my videos are age 18-35 as that’s the most common age to go

[@TheFoundersofJoy]

Great video! Inspiration for my videos. Peace!

[@johnwest360]

Hello Christianne ❤❤❤🇵🇭

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hello Justin!

[@justinebrown7465]

You are so beautiful! Can't wait to travel again after watching this video!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Aw thank you 🥰 ahh I can't wait to travel again too!