I have taken two major backpacking trips, one was solo and the other was with my boyfriend and sister. They each had completely different challenges before and during the trip.

So here we go, in 2018 while at work I bought a one-way ticket to Paris. I had only left the States a few months prior on a school trip to England. I was armed with a fresh, crisp passport and a cute passport holder and I was ready to tackle the world.

1. You don't have to plan every step and every day!

This was a major thing for me, I had all the flights booked ahead of time for my trip, so I had a way to go between cites. But I felt so stressed when I got to Europe and had to leave places when I wanted to stay longer. Having things pre-booked and planned out brought my mom ease and helped to have an idea of what I was doing. But realistically sometimes you might want to stay longer, or shorter. When I arrived in Nice, France I got very bored and did not want to stay the 4 days I had planned. I messed up and planned 4 days and then I was to head to Barcelona. But when I got to Nice, I bought a flight to Rome after only one day being there. That was the first time I changed from my OG plan.

2. It's okay to eat fast food

Traveling can be expensive and don't feel bad when you stop at McDonald's for dinner or lunch. A few dollar burgers or a $20 meal, I'll probably pick the cheaper option. Try the local cuisine because it's going to be good, but don't feel like you have to eat a restaurant dinner overnight. If you're staying in an Airbnb try and go grocery shopping and make meals at home! This small way to save money; this allows you to do more sightseeing things.

3. Try and walk around

Public transportation can be expensive depending on the city, and Uber can also be rather pricy. I found that using the Metro in Paris can be tricky, the big stations are confusing (Gare Du Nord, I got lost). Thanks to Google maps and the power of screenshots, I've been able to walk around with no issues. You see more of the city and a lot of streets that are no typically touristy, it's great to get a view of how locals live. Just be aware of your surroundings and try not to stand out as tourists, that how people pickpocket you.

4. Talk to the people in your hostel

Chances are the people in your hostel feel as out of place and awkward are you do, make conversations with them. Do the typically where are you from, and where have you been a conversion. See what they are doing that day or the next and try and tag along, everyone likes to have a friend with them. When I was in Switzerland I hang out with my hostel roommates for two days straight, we went swimming and hiked mountains. Also, a friend will always take those cute Instagram photos for you. I meet my boyfriend in a hostel bar! Proof that talking to people in your hostel can pay off.

5. Have photocopies of your documents

Things happen, your wallet might get stolen or lost, it is the absolute worst feelings. When I was in Paris I dropped my wallet with my ID, credit cards, cash, and passport. I have a full-on anxiety/asthma attack on the phone with my mom while outside the Eiffel Tower. Luckily I found my wallet at the Metro station and the only thing missing was $400 (not so lucky, but great full my cards and passport where there). If something does happen to have photocopies can help make filing for lost documents a little easier and getting into an Embassy better. In Auckland, New Zealand my backpack was stolen with my passport and you need a passport to get into Embassy. They excepted my state ID, but having my stolen number made the process a little easier. (The embassy won't allow photos, so write the numbers down beforehand)

6. Know where the Embassy is

If your passport is stolen, you will need to go to the embassy which is not open on weekends (I learned that the hard way). Having a general idea of where in the city or where in the country you are can help ease any stress if this does happen.

7. Have a pen with you

This sounds dumb, but I can tell you how many times people get yelled at for not having their boarding passes filled out when they land in a new country. I also have a pen with me so I have no issues with filling out that form. When the form gets handed out I fill it out right away, that way I don't have to worry about dealing with it later.

8. Pack simple things that match

Try and pack as little as possible, thanks to layering and multiple things matching, you can have multiple days of outfits with a few pieces of clothing. I always pack jeans, because I love them and they can go with everything. Take tops are great because they can be layered onto tee-shirts. Weather can change between cities so having a light sweater with you is great, also planes tend to be cold so wear it on the flight and save room.

9. Please pack flip flops

If I see you showering in a communal shower without shoes on I will be judging you. It's gross, that's it.

10. Have fun and take the risk

One of the scariest parts of traveling is booking the flight, if you keep waiting the time might never come to travel. We all only have one life and at any moment that life can be taken away, so don't waste it. You can always find a new job, you can always replace material things (unless it's a childhood blanket *** my fishy blanket is irreplaceable***).

Don't wait for other people either, it's YOUR life.