How I Created a Morning Routine While Backpacking Long-Term
If you’re anything like me, the morning is one of the most sacred and beautiful times of day. It’s quiet. It’s still. It’s new. There’s something about those early hours that makes me feel calm, connected, and like I have a fresh start. It’s the time of day I feel most like myself, and when I can actually set the tone for how the rest of the day plays out.
But let’s be real—it’s not always easy to have peaceful mornings when you’re backpacking through different countries, sleeping in a new bed every week, adjusting to time zones, and constantly meeting new people. It’s chaotic. That said, over the past nine months of traveling, I’ve done my best to keep some kind of morning rhythm—and I’d say I managed to stick to it about 85% of the time.
Having a routine like this helped me stay grounded, even when everything else felt up in the air. It gave me structure without taking away the spontaneity that makes travel so special. So I want to walk you through what my idealmorning looks like while traveling—and how I actually made it happen while bouncing from hostel to guesthouse to beach hut to hotel.
Why I Love Mornings
My favorite mornings are simple. A mix of movement, reflection, silence, a warm drink, and a good meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but I’ve realized that starting my day with intention makes everything better.
When you’re on the road, it can be easy to skip that time for yourself. But I found that when I gave myself those peaceful mornings—even just pieces of them—I felt more grounded, more energized, and more in tune with my day.
Waking Up Early (And Actually Sleeping Well)
My morning routine really starts with how I sleep. If I get a good night’s rest, I can actually enjoy my mornings instead of dragging through them. Whether I’m in a dorm with 10 strangers or a budget hotel room, I’ve built little habits to help me sleep better while traveling:
- I always wear earplugs (Hostel 101).
- I pack an eye mask, or sarong that blocks out morning light.
- I bring melatonin for the first few days in a new place until my sleep resets.
- I have white noise or rain sounds saved offline on my phone and noise-canceling headphones if I need them.
- I try to read before bed instead of scrolling, especially when I’m trying to wind down in a new environment.
Even just one or two of these things helps me fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed—no matter how many people are snoring in the room.
Early Mornings in a New Place = Magic
I aim to wake up between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. I know that sounds early while traveling, but mornings are so underrated. Most people sleep in, especially in hostels, so everything is calm and quiet. I’ve gotten some of my favorite travel memories during this time—walking through empty streets in Rome, sitting at sunrise in a café in Bali, or doing yoga on the beach before anyone else arrived.
If you go to popular tourist spots in the morning, they feel completely different. No crowds, no noise, just you and the view. It’s such an underrated way to experience a place.
Moving My Body—Anywhere, Anytime
Movement is a non-negotiable part of my mornings. I don’t always have a gym or studio, but I always find a way.
Here’s what that looks like on the road:
- I travel with a foldable yoga mat that I can unroll in hostels, parks, or on patios.
- I’ve saved a bunch of YouTube channels with free bodyweight workouts, pilates flows, and gentle yoga. Some of my favorites are Move With Nicole, Growingannanas, Tana Yoga, or Charlie Follows Yoga.
- I look out for hostels that offer free yoga classes—they’re more common than you think, especially in places like Southeast Asia or Central America.
- I’ve even joined free community yoga in parks or on the beach when I stumble across it or find it online.
- I sometimes find local gyms to workout at, find a running path, or join a workout class.
- If space is tight, I do stretching or breathwork from my bunk or just step outside for a walk.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up. Even 15–20 minutes of movement in the morning makes a huge difference in my energy and mindset.