Advice for beginner travel

Hello! I am 26F and ready to start solo traveling. I am planning a 2 week trip to Thailand in September 2027 (I am aware it’s monsoon season) but want to take some practice runs. I don’t know where to even start. I love the idea of backpacking. I live in the US in Texas. I will happily take any and all advice you can give on how to start backpacking and traveling. I work a full time job, so I’d like to start with something I can accomplish in 7-8 days from start to finish (as in fly out wherever and return to my house). Advice on backpacks and shoes? I’d prefer travel ideas that allow me to start practicing with hostels, but I am very open to camping (i am very outdoorsy and have camped plenty of times).