How to travel around or backpack?

I've never done what you're talking about, but I have been backpacking and I can tell you that a dream trip of mine is to hike along the whole alp range.

Travel on the cheap--bring only what you absolutely need and not a stitch more (a good rule of thumb is to gather everything you absolutely think you need, divide it all in half and only take one of those halves with you--leave the other at home). Travel by bus as much as you can as it's the cheapest. Take overnight buses and trains as that saves you from having to get a hostel room.

Cook food for yourself--much cheaper than eating out. Set up a budget for yourself and stick to it. Stay in hostels everywhere unless you can couchsurf.

Plan on walking more than taking public transportation. If necessary, you can get an under the table job in some countries--it's illegal and I don't endorse it but it's an option and I've known people who have done it. Once you leave, start getting to know your fellow travellers--you might be able to stay with some of them when you're in their home country or they'll know someone you can crash with.

They can also provide you with good ideas for what to do/how to get around on the cheap (hostel workers are also VERY good sources for this). Couchsurf as much as you can. Maybe look into WWOOFing in some countries--you'll have to work (as you will for couchsurfing, to an extent) but the experience will be absolutely worth it.In order to raise money, you can sell your things.

People I've known have sold off all but their most prized or necessary possessions in order to fund their trips abroad. The thing about backpacking for long periods of time is that you quickly learn what is necessary, what isn't, and what you can do to cut corners. For instance, you don't need three pairs of shoes and you can wear most jeans for at least a week.

You can easily find soap that works for your body and hair (Dr. Bronners is a great source for that, though I'm a fan of Lush as well). A very important word of advice though, either make sure you can stand to be around this friend for 6-12 months or set up a rule in the beginning that you can go your own separate ways at any point (and maybe meet back up at some later point). You will need to be around this person A LOT and if you aren't completely capable of that and you force yourself to spend such a long length of time with them you could very easily kill that friendship.

Most importantly, remember that this is a once in a lifetime trip and is all about having fun and discovering yourself and the world--don't let money or other people get in the way of experiencing something important to you. It might sound scary now, but don't be afraid to go off by yourself and travel alone. You'll meet tons of people when you travel so you really won't be alone at all.

Have fun!

Have traveled around and used these tips myself.

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