What are some travel tips for first-time backpackers?

[SuzanneN]

most decisions you might struggle with are about time versus money. set straight in your mind what your priorities are before you set out, it will make those decisions easier. 

pack light. pack fewer clothes than you think you need. you can find a place to do laundry almost anywhere in the world. you can always buy clothes if desperate. 

don't use a backpack unless you are doing serious hiking for days and really need to have everything on your back at all times. a small, carry-on size four-wheel roller is so much easier to deal with, and can be brought just about anywhere from remote beaches to mountains. also they hold less than big backpacks, so you have to be more disciplined about what you bring. 

give yourself time for relaxing and doing nothing. 

don't stay in typical backpacker areas unless you just want to hang out with other foreign travelers.