First time traveling, advice needed
I’m leaving for my first international trip this October and it’s going to be a two month solo adventure. I’ll be visiting New Zealand, Japan, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Spain, and Portugal. Specifically the South Island, Tokyo, Athens, Budapest, Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon. And for the Balkans I’m thinking Tirana, Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Zagreb.
I’m traveling on a tight budget and am basically trying to see everything that I can as cheaply as possible. My only luggage will be a 40L travel backpack. I have a good idea of everything I plan to do and see in New Zealand and Japan but not as much after that. I’m thinking Plitvice Lakes, Christmas markets, and architecture. I love hiking, visiting museums, meeting new people (trying to get out of my introvert shell), and eating good cheap food.
I’m looking for any tips and helpful advice for a first time solo backpacker embarking on this kind of trip. Saving money, packing, staying in hostels, what to prepare for, etc.