From Quito to Paris, it’s been quite a year. Eight months of living out of a backpack have taught me a thing or two. The countless, buses, boats, and blunders have contributed more to my knowledge than my formal education ever did. Here are a few tips from my travels.

1. You Need Less Than You Think

I’ve been on the road for eight months with just two backpacks (one large, one small). I’ve never thought I needed more. Not once. Here’s what’s inside my backpack.

In fact, I’ve often thought I could do with a bit less. Having so few possessions is wonderfully freeing. If you need anything, you can always buy it on the road.

2. Plan Ahead, But Not Too Much

Find a balance when deciding how far ahead to book transportation and accommodations. Planning ahead can save you money, especially on long international flights. You’ll also have a better selection of apartments, hostels, and hotels if you start looking early.

However, sometimes plans change. I was going to spend two days in Uyuni, Bolivia until everyone I met told me I needed more time. By staying longer, I ended up wasting bus tickets I had already bought. Serendipity is the essence of travel, so you want to leave yourself some wiggle room.

3. Meet the Locals

There’s no better way to learn about a culture than to meet the people who live there. My best moments weren’t spent in hotels or hostels. Nor were they on planned tours of the city.

The most memorable experiences are out of the box and unplanned. Here are some examples of my favorites:

• Attending a Colombian graduation party my third day in the country.
• Being a guest at a Hare Krishna ceremony of love.
• Playing cards on the beach in Brazil, not speaking a word of Portuguese.
• Asking a local in Guatemala about the protests for clean water.
• Spending time with a homeless refugee family from Venezuela.

Meeting the locals gives you a new perspective on life. Seize the opportunity to learn from your fellow humans!

4. Bring Food

Always have snacks. There will be times when you arrive in the middle of the night and have no interest in going hunting for food. Having an emergency reserve is especially important if you have dietary restrictions.

Wherever I go, I bring a bag of nuts, fruit, and instant oatmeal. My backpack hasn’t earned any Michelin stars, but it gets the job done.

5. Slow Down

Traveling is much more enjoyable when you stop to smell the roses. Spend more time in fewer places. When you’re bouncing between destinations at the speed of light, you end up focusing more on the logistics of travel than the beauty of your surroundings.

Taking your time lets you explore places off the beaten path, gives you more time to meet the locals, and can save you money on food, transportation, and accommodations.

6. Learn the Language (At Least a Little)

Learning a few basic phrases can help you navigate a foreign country, but that’s just the beginning. Language is one of the cornerstones of culture. When you take the time to learn the language, you demonstrate respect for the local people and their traditions.

When you attempt the local tongue, the natives will usually be ecstatic. Even if your skills are lackluster, putting in a little effort can go a long way. Here are some tips for learning the language before you go.

7. Take a Medium Amount of Pictures (No More, No Less)

Taking photos and videos is a great way to remember your trip. Nothing takes you back to the evening river cruise or the Adean trek like seeing yourself in action.

However, try to strike a balance. If you’re constantly archiving for the future, you’re never actually living in the present. Take a deep breath and soak in your surroundings.

8. Anything is Possible

Perhaps the most important insight from my travels is that the only limits are those we set for ourselves. Maybe you think long-term travel sounds cool, but it’s too complicated or expensive. But guess what? It’s easier than you think.

So much of growing up is learning to fit within predetermined systems. We follow the paths that are set for us. Traveling around the world and meeting people from different cultures has taught me there are many points of view. The options are endless. If you have a dream, follow it. There’s no better time than right now.