Backpacking holidays will naturally require you to bring more items than if you were just off on a beach holiday. Having a list of what you need to pack will be indispensible, and knowing what to expect in the different destinations you will be visiting is therefore very important.
It is always recommended to have accommodation booked for the first night of your stay, as you never can tell how hard it could be finding accommodation in a whole different location. You should also be aware of what food and drinks will be available, and never visit a restaurant that has poor sanitary conditions.
You need to be aware of the laws and customs of your destination country, as respecting them will always be necessary. If you do get into trouble with the authorities, your country’s Embassy won’t necessarily be able to bail you out. Many countries in exotic locations will have local customs that can seem entirely different from what we are used to at home, and, as well as religious traditions, dress codes could also be in place. If you are not properly presented many of the locals will take offence. Additionally, you will also highlight yourself to thieves as a tourist who is not in the know.
If you are heading off the beaten track, you will more than likely be relying on poor transport. No matter what part of a country you are travelling to, having a plan for how you will get there and back will be highly recommended. Hitch-hiking should never be done alone.