Leisurely backpacking around Europe has become the dream of many young Americans. While there are many places to go, some people are drawn to the friendly culture and lively beer gardens of Germany. If you want to backpack around Germany but aren’t sure where to start, check out these suggestions for how to prepare, where to go, and how to save a few bucks while you’re there.

Preparing to Backpack

When planning your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be sure to apply for your passport as early as possible; don’t leave it to the last minute! The U.S. Department of State says that the routine service takes about four to six weeks, and even the expedited service takes two to three weeks. Without your passport, all your backpacking dreams will be put on hold, so apply early. Applying for a visa also involves various fees, so work that into your backpacking budget.

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With the preliminary paperwork out of the way, next comes the question of whether to plan your route or to just wing it. There are pros and cons to each. Planning your route in advance can help you save a lot of money. You can book hotel rooms and hostels early and save money that way, as well as find festivals or events that you can plan to be in the town for. But what if you meet a fellow backpacker in the hostel who tells you about this really cool music festival tomorrow in Berlin, when you were heading to Frankfurt? The spontaneity of traveling without plans can lead to really cool and unexpected experiences that planned travel sometimes can’t match. In the end, this decision comes down to you. It may be helpful just to have a rough idea of the cities you’d like to visit, and then play it by ear once you’re there.

Don’t forget to brush up on a little bit of German before you go. While most young people in Germany learn English in school, you can’t always count on there being someone to translate. Learn a few common phrases, and it will help you immensely. Plus, people always appreciate it when visitors make an attempt to speak their language. It’s a nice gesture!

When packing, be sure to bring a money belt. Even if you don’t think you’ll use it, bring it anyway. You may change your mind when you’re riding on trains and see some unsavory characters. In general, don’t over pack. Usually people bring too much, when you can get away with bringing very little. Even if you find something you need, there are stores in Germany, so you can always pick it up there.

Best Backpacking Destinations

Really, your destinations in Germany depend on what you are interested in. Germany is an amazing country with lots of history and plenty of things to do, so if you want to see castles, then be sure to check out Neuschwanstein in Bavaria. If you’re really into cars, then go to Wolfsburg and check out the Autostadt, an amazing museum and car factory. You should also look into what festivals will occur during your trip. There are many food and music festivals during the summer, so look up where they’re being held and see which interest you the most. That can help you plan your trip. That being said, there are a few cities you shouldn’t miss.

Berlin is a no-brainer. The capital of Germany, and the biggest German city, Berlin is chock-full of museums, monuments, restaurants, bars, gardens, theatres, churches…there’s something for everyone here. Nomadic Matt, a travel blogger, gives a great tip for Berlin. He says “New Europe runs a long and informative walking tour that begins at the Brandenburg Gate and lasts 3.5 hours. It takes you through the center of the city, shows you all the highlights, gives you some history, and will help you orientate yourself.” These tours are free, so be sure to check it out. Munich is another must-see. Be sure to visit the Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world. There’s plenty to do here as well. Weimar is another great city with lots of history. People like Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Friedrich Schiller, Gropius, Kandinsky, Nietzsche, and Goethe lived here at one point or another, so walk the same streets as some of the most influential musicians, painters, and philosophers and see where they lived.

Saving Money

So you’ve prepared and figured out where you’re going, how do you save money? Well, if you are a student, be sure to bring your student ID with you. In Germany, many places will give you a student discount. Also, hotels can be expensive, so consider staying in hostels or even checking out couch surfing. Be aware though that hostels may charge you for towels and linens, so consider packing a towel and a sheet if you have room. Another good tip is to purchase single country rail passes, which can be much cheaper than buying the Eurorail pass.        

Well, there you have it! Soon you’ll be backpacking around Germany and having the time of your life. Happy trails!

The beautiful countries in Asia offer plenty of opportunities for an incredible backpacking experience. However, for first-time backpackers or backpackers unfamiliar with the area, planning your trip can be daunting. Here are some tips for preparing, suggestions for where to go, and how to save some money while you’re there.

Preparing to Backpack

When planning, be sure you check the visa requirements for the countries that you are planning to visit. Most countries in Asia will allow tourists from the U.S. to be there visa-free for thirty to sixty days, but some countries require you to carry a visa. Be sure to do your research so you won’t be detained due to technicalities. Along with a visa, be sure you apply for your passport early or apply to renew your previous one early. It can take anywhere from four to six weeks to get your passport, so apply early to be on the safe side.

When you select the countries you will be visiting, read up on all of the cultures you will undoubtedly encounter. You don’t want to accidentally offend anyone. Take an hour or so and research the culture, customs, values, religion, and basic phrases in the language(s). You will avoid potentially uncomfortable situations and better understand the people and your surroundings.

When packing for backpacking in Asia, there are a few things that you need to bring. Along with all the regular items, be aware that you will probably need to take anti-malaria medicine. Set up an appointment with your doctor to get all the information, and then be sure to bring the medicine! A word of warning from Simon Petersen, author of the blog Man vs. World, who says “I never suffered from any food poisoning – but traveller’s diarrhoea (or diarrhea) was an infliction I was forced to live with A LOT.” Be prepared for this and talk to your doctor. He may just recommend bringing over the counter remedies or prescribe you something. Also, be aware that you will probably need to bring light long-sleeved shirts, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.          

Best Backpacking Destinations

Vietnam is a beautiful country that is just recently becoming popular with tourists. Because of this, you can find beautiful and pristine hiking and outdoor activities, as well as plenty of nightlife in cities like Ho Chi Minh. An added bonus is the train network that is pretty well developed, as well as plenty of buses to get around on.

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Thailand is an exciting and vibrant country that begs to be explored by backpackers. Not only does it have spectacular food, gorgeous beaches, and amazing nightlife in big cities like Bangkok, but it’s also fairly inexpensive.

India is a large country with diverse locales to explore. The rail system is the second largest in the world, making it convenient to get around.  Check out the temples and monuments in Delhi, visit the hanging gardens in Mumbai, and definitely go drink some Darjeeling tea in Darjeeling itself.

A smaller country that isn’t as well known is Laos. This laid-back haven has plenty of amazing cuisine. It even boasts a national beer! Tubing on the Nam Song River is another great idea for the intrepid backpacker, so be sure to consider the slower-paced country of Laos.

China is a popular destination for tourists for a great reason: this country is awesome! With lots to see and do, Hong Kong is an indisputable great time for those who love the excitement of a big city. Don’t forget Beijing, and definitely go and visit the Great Wall of China!

Japan is an interesting country with juxtapositions of old and new. Tokyo is a wonderful example of modernity, with great architecture and some of Japan’s finest museums. If you’re looking for a taste of old Japan, visit Kyoto to see the shrines, temples, and gardens.

Saving Money

A few tips for those looking to save some money: hotels can get expensive, so check and see if there are hostels available. Don’t forget that some hostels charge for towels and linens, so consider bringing your own. In general, backpacking in Asia is fairly inexpensive, but bring more money than you think you need. Another thing to be aware of is that sometimes the “deal” that a local may offer you is actually a scam. It can be difficult to sort these out, so do some research into common tricks that are used in the country you’re visiting. When you’re traveling via train or bus, see if they have student discounts or multi-day passes; this can save you some money. Traveling overnight on a train or bus is also another effective money-saver as it combines travel and sleeping accommodations.

Backpacking in Asia can be a fun and varied experience. With lots of different and unique destinations, the continent’s many countries have a lot to offer backpackers. With these suggestions, you’ll soon be on your way to an exciting adventure. Happy trails!

There are many wonderful places to hike in the world, but sometimes it can be a little too scary to strike out on your own. The far-flung nooks and crannies of the world are beautiful, yes, but it can be difficult to find the best trails, and getting lost is always a concern. Guided hiking tours have become quite popular recently, and it’s no wonder since there are so many different options available.

What is a Guided Hiking Trip?

The name itself is fairly self-explanatory, as it is a hiking trip that you have a guide for. However, there are a few things to be aware of. Each guided hiking trip will be different, especially since there are many companies that offer them. There is a big difference between group and private tours or climbs. The prices are often cheaper for a group tour, but a private tour can give you a more personalized experience. You need to know your own hiking ability so that you don’t get left behind. If a tour is too physically demanding, your options may be limited once you start if you are doing a group climb. Usually, private climbs can adjust to your pace better, but it does vary from company to company. Be sure to do your research, and find a reputable guide with plenty of experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for references! This is an experience of a lifetime, so you should make it the best one possible.

With hiking tours, you have many different destination options. Let’s examine a few of the unique ones around the world that you could take advantage of.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a spectacular place to hike. This national landmark has many beautiful places to discover and sights to see: towering red walls, cascading waterfalls, vibrant flora and fauna. While the hustle and bustle of tourists may not be very appealing, rest assured that there are many places where you can still find solitude in the stunning landscapes offered by the canyon. There are many guide companies like The Wildland Trekking Company and Discovery Treks, but there are plenty of smaller local guides as well. Do your research, and find the guide and the trip that are right for you. 

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Tongariro Northern Circuit, North Island, New Zealand

Ever thought about hiking around an active volcano? This hiking circuit lets you do just that. Centered around volcano Mount Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park, you have a chance to hike plenty of trails and see some astonishing sights of nature. Although most of the trails do not go up the mountain, there are options for the two-hour hike up the side of the volcano that was actually featured as Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies. There are many brightly colored lakes and volcanic formations that are not to be missed. The 100% Pure New Zealand company offers a 3.5 day/3-night hiking tour all around the mountain. If you’re looking for more hiking after that, then there are plenty of tours nearby in the Kaimanawa Forest Park.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

For the ultimate hiking experience, why not take a hiking tour of one of the world’s most famous mountains? Although this may seem daunting, Tim Ward, author of “Zombies on Kilimanjaro,” notes in his blog, “Kilimanjaro is technically the easiest to climb of the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each continent). You don’t need ropes or special mountaineering gear, or even any previous mountain climbing experience. The youngest person to reach the summit was six years old, and the eldest (as of 2011), was 87.” So how about it? This is one of the greatest experiences that requires a guide, and while it is a splurge, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of splurge. Just think of the affirmation and achievement that you will feel once you are standing on top of the mountain that you just scaled. 

As you can see, there are many unique experiences out there for your guided hiking tour adventure. Having a guide helps you to get the most out of your vacation while easing worries about getting lost and allows you to just have fun. Be sure to check out these great locations, and have a blast on your hiking adventure!

The beautiful country of Italy has a plethora of walking and hiking trails for the adventurous traveler. If you’re looking for a great place to get close to nature, consider going to Italy for your next vacation. There are many trails for the amateur, as well as plenty of places for the serious, experienced hikers as well. Here’s a short introduction to what you need to hike in Italy, as well as looking at two of the best hiking spots for you to consider.

Preparing for Italy

So, what do you need to hike in Italy? Along with the regular hiking needs, like plenty of water, food and snacks, sunscreen and other necessities, hiking in Italy requires a few additional items. Like any hiking trip, make sure that you have a good pair of shoes and adequate equipment for the terrain. Be aware that some places in Italy may require special shoes, like Stromboli where one needs shoes with ankle stability to climb through the volcanic ash. Hiking in Italy is also unique in that there are often many different unmarked trails that branch off of the main trail. A good map—perhaps two or three—or a hired guide are definitely in order as you don’t want to get lost.

Places to See:

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Dolomite Mountains

These mountains, located to the south of the Italian Alps, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The area has over 90,000 acres of land, with trails for every hiking level. There are many picturesque villages nestled in the rocky crags, as well as beautiful wild vistas overlooking alpine lakes, and many sights of the amazing landscape of these incomparable mountains. 

When planning your trip to the Dolomites, consider the timing of your trip. This may be the difference between having a great trip or just an okay experience. Madeline Jhawar, author of the blog Italy Beyond the Obvious, offers these tips for visiting the Dolomites: “I’d avoid August unless you prepare for higher prices and crowds. The Dolomites are a major tourist destination so, as with all tourist destinations in Italy in August, they get crowded and expensive. If you can’t do July, try end of June or the beginning of September.” 

The mountains also have many different trails, so be sure to map out your hiking plan before going. Hiring a guide is also a good idea, so consider checking out local tour companies like the Dolomite Mountains who can help you plan and execute your trip safely. If you do decide to go it on your own, consider buying a guide such as Walking in the Dolomites.

Cinque Terra

The Cinque Terra is a charming region on Italy’s Western coast. It consists of five small villages that cling to the cliffs overlooking the water. The Cinque Terra is usually considered one region as the villages are so close together that you can hike to them all in one day. They are all connected by a series of hiking trails, with trails for all levels of hikers. The Via dell’Amore (“Lover’s Lane,” basically) is one of the most famous routes to walk, an easy 20-minute stroll between two of the villages. The High Trail is the most difficult hike, which requires a guide or a very detailed map. This region is extremely picturesque, with plenty of beautiful views of the ocean, vineyards, and the five quaint little towns.

If you do decide to visit the Cinque Terra, check to see if you are going during the busy season. During the busy season, you will definitely have to book your rooms in advance. Remember that the five towns of Cinque Terra are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore; sometimes hotels in nearby cities will claim to be part of the Cinque Terra, when in fact they are not.

The Dolomite Mountains and the Cinque Terra are just two of the many spectacular places to hike in Italy. These are quite famous destinations that offer opportunities for everyone from the beginners to the advanced hikers, so if you’ve never been hiking in Italy before, these two destinations are great ways to begin. Perhaps they will inspire you to come back and visit more of the amazing hiking spots in the gorgeous country of Italy. Happy hiking!

South America is a popular destination for backpackers, and when you consider that the continent is overflowing with rainforests, archeological remains, beautiful scenery, and vibrant cities, it is no surprise. With so much to see and do, adventurous tourists have plenty of unique activities and cultural experiences to choose from. However, preparing for a trip—especially a backpacking trip—can be difficult. Follow the tips below to prepare for a truly memorable and extraordinary backpacking adventure through South America.

Passport

One of the most important aspects of your trip is your passport. You will need this to get there and back, and if you are visiting more than one country, you may need it to cross the borders, though this is unlikely. Be sure to check the visa requirements for each country you will be visiting. Most countries in South America allow tourists from the United States to enter with just their passport for up to 90 days. However, it’s always better to do your research and play it safe.

Make sure that you make photocopies of your passport and keep them separate from your physical passport. This way, if you lose your passport or if it is stolen, you can replace it easier. It is also a good idea to scan your travel documents and e-mail them to yourself. This way you have a physical copy as well as an electronic copy.

Spanish-English Dictionary/Phrase Book

While you travel throughout South America, you will probably encounter a few people who speak English, but it is a wonderful gesture and also quite fun to learn at least some of the language you’ll be immersed in. If you’ve never taken Spanish before, consider buying a computer program or going to some lessons with someone who does speak Spanish. You can also look up videos on YouTube that will focus on particular phrases good for travelers. And while you’re on the go, a phrase book and dictionary will help a lot, even if you end up just pointing to words. Don’t stress out about communication, though! It’s surprising how much you can communicate even without speaking the same language.

Clothing

You’re backpacking, so keep it light. Also, the clothing that you bring depends on which countries you’ll be visiting and when you’re traveling. However, it’s always safe to bring layers so that you can add clothing if you’re cold or take some off if it’s hot. Some people like to bring zip-off pants that convert to shorts. While these can be effective for changing climates and activities like hiking and sightseeing, just be aware that they do make you stand out as a tourist.

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Most hostels and hotels in South America offer laundry service that is typically very inexpensive. Take advantage of this, and you’ll be able to further cut down the amount of clothing you pack. However, if you do plan to consistently use laundry service, make sure to pack inexpensive, replaceable clothing. This way you’re not losing your favorite pair of shorts to a too-hot dryer.

Toiletries/Medication

For the most part, you probably won’t need to bring many toiletries. You’ll be able to buy what you need over there quite cheaply, plus you won’t have to deal with the hassle of getting it through airport security. Leave the bulky bottles at home.

For prescription medication, you should bring as much as you’ll need for the whole trip. Talk to your doctor to be sure that you’re prepared. If you’re diabetic or need syringes, just know that you’ll probably have to check your bag in the airport since they don’t allow syringes on planes. For over-the-counter medications, you can probably find them there, but it might be good to take some common ones like Tylenol so you have it in case you need it on the plane.

Packing Your Backpack

Ayngelina, a travel blogger from Bacon is Magic, gives a great tip when she says: “I will never travel without packing cubes again. These changed how I viewed packing my bag. Instead of rummaging through my bag it was simple and quick to take them in and out. If you don’t have them, believe me: you need them.” Having packing cubes makes organizing your backpack a snap and really helps keep things tidy during your trip, not just at the beginning.

So there you have it! Have fun in South America, and don’t forget that packing light is better than being weighed down!

You are finally going on the backpacking adventure you’ve dreamed about for years. But before you stuff everything into your pack and rush off to the airport, there are a few things you need to take care of. About two or three weeks before you leave, go through this checklist for backpacking abroad, and make sure that everything is in order.

Passport

This is one of the most essential parts of your trip. Check your passport’s expiration date. If your passport hasn’t expired yet but it’s close, you may want to go ahead and renew it. It is usually recommended that a traveler’s passport remains valid for at least six months after the trip has ended. Make sure that you have a money belt or similar method to keep your passport safe and on your body at all times.

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You should factor in other safety precautions, as well. Before you leave for your trip, make a color photocopy of your passport and stash it somewhere safe. Bring along a few more of those passport photos you had to take. Travel Independent, a website for travelers, by travelers, takes copying more seriously: “Photocopies of everything important (passports, traveller cheque numbers etc.), leave a copy at home, on the internet (internet mail account) and – if possible – with your travelling partner. This will come in handy if you happen to lose your passport and have to replace it.” Also, consider taking an old expired passport with you. You may run into a situation where someone wants you to leave your passport as collateral. Instead of giving them the passport that you can’t do without, you can leave your old one and not worry about it.

Again, check and re-check that you have your passport on your body before you go to the airport. While you’re traveling, make passport checks a regular part of your routine. It may sound silly, but losing your passport is something that can be prevented with some simple precautions.

Vaccination/Medicine

Are your vaccinations up-to-date? Do you have your vaccination record with you? Bringing a photocopy of your record is a good idea. If you are traveling to a country that requires you to get certain vaccinations, having the record will make going through customs a breeze. Plus, if you happen to get sick, it’s always best to have it on hand for the doctor to refer to. It doesn’t take up much space, so pack it with your other travel documents in a dedicated folder.  

Don’t forget an adequate amount of your prescription medication. Talk to your doctor and explain the situation. Usually it’s quite easy to obtain a supply for a trip, so don’t be afraid to ask. Another option is to have your doctor issue you a prescription to take with you. However, filling prescriptions overseas can be difficult, so bringing enough medicine is probably your best option. 

Backpack

Check your backpack before you leave. Do you have everything? If you’re sure that you haven’t left anything out, ask yourself this: is there anything in here that I can do without? It’s a good idea to lighten your load as much as possible to cut down on back strain and leave room to bring back souvenirs.

Try out your backpack a few weeks before you go. Take it on a day-long excursion and see how comfortable you are. Do you need to reduce the weight? Are the straps too long or short? Put it through a test so that when you’re backpacking for real, there are no unpleasant surprises.

Once you’ve gone through this list, you should be set. While you may inevitably forget something, you will at least have the essentials in place and will be ready to deal with anything. Keep your backpack light, your passport and travel documents close, and remember have fun! 

One of the most difficult parts of backpacking is how to pack a backpack for travel. While that may sound silly, it’s true! It’s tempting to just stuff everything in and hope for the best, but that technique doesn’t work out very well in the long run. Unlike a suitcase, it doesn’t have a nice box to contain everything in, so it’s easy to overfill it! Backpack packing can be difficult, so here are some tips on how to do it.

Initial Preparation

Before you actually start cramming everything into that new backpack, there are two steps that you need to take. The first step is to gather all of your supplies, everything you think you might need, and separate them into piles: pile of t-shirts, pile of pants, pile of toiletries, etc.

Expert Backpack Techniques

Rick Steves, a guidebook author, gives this great advice on his website Europe Through the Back Door, “Think in terms of what you can do without — not what will be handy on your trip. When in doubt, leave it out. I’ve seen people pack a whole summer’s supply of deodorant or razors, thinking they can’t get them there. The world is getting really small: You can buy Dial soap, Colgate toothpaste, Nivea cream, and Gillette razors in Sicily and Slovakia.” You’d be surprised at what you don’t need, so when in doubt, don’t pack it.

Back Area

One thing we tend to forget about until it’s too late is the panel of the backpack that will be resting against our back. If your backpack doesn’t have supports, then an improperly packed backpack can have lumps and bumps that make carrying it extremely painful. Try to keep the items lying against the back panel as soft and comfortable as possible.

Weight

Don’t forget to balance the weight in your backpack. Some recommend putting the heaviest item at the bottom of the pack, but others say keep it in the middle and close to your back. Try both ways and see which one works for you. It may be best to eliminate the bulky and heavy items from your packing list altogether. Do you really need to bring that heavy guidebook? Will you ever wear that extra pair of sneakers? Try to get rid of the items with the most weight so you aren’t lugging around too many pounds.

Layers

When packing your backpack, be aware that you won’t be able to access everything as easily as you think. Items on the bottom are going to take some rooting around to get out, so it’s probably not a good idea to put your toothbrush down there or something that you will use daily. Put the things that you will use less often on the bottom and the items you use most frequently on the top.

Organization

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Let’s face it: your backpack may start out perfectly organized with every rolled t-shirt in its place, but it isn’t going to stay that way while you’re traveling. There will be times that you’re rushing to catch a train and jam everything back in willy-nilly, and it’s not going to be pretty. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an easy system of organization from the get-go. Buying different colored bags is a great way to organize. You can put all your underwear and socks in the blue bag, toiletries in the green one, and so on. You get the idea. Not only does it make organization easier, but it also helps with the layering.

Nooks and Crannies

One thing about a backpack is that it has a lot of little spaces that can easily be forgotten about. Be sure to use small items like rolled socks and t-shirts to fill up those places in order to utilize the maximum amount of space. Don’t forget about outside pockets and putting items in places like the insides of your shoes.

With these helpful tips you’ll soon have a well-packed and well-balanced backpack. Have fun, and don’t forget about that stinky sock you tucked away in the bottom! Happy travels!

Where do your trips take you? If you’re more likely to be found rushing down river rapids or climbing bridges than taking guided tours to museums and cafes, you may fall into a special category of traveler: the adventure backpacker.

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Anatomy of an Adventure Traveler

Start your adventure by clicking on the callouts or tabs

Various types of footwear you may need to consider:

Waterproof sandals:

Closed toe sandals are best – waterproof uppers provide good coverage, cap toe keeps toes protected, rubber outer-sole supplies traction.

Hiking Shoes:

Trail running is the most versatile option, make sure shoes are broken in beforehand; all types are made from leather and provide a high degree of ankle and foot protection – designed specifically for rough terrain with stiff and supportive mid-soles. Protects feet from rough terrain and outside elements.

Comfy trainers:

Best if built with heel contoured for stability, arch supports or anatomically contoured footbeds and padded collars. Keeps foot supported, provides smooth walking and ease on the joints.

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Feeling Adventurous?
We’ll see how extreme you really are.

How Extreme are You?

1. It’s not a real trip unless it’s off the grid
2. You have considered using a t-shirt as a tourniquet
3. Who needs a concierge when you have a Sherpa?
4. State Department warning? That’s a travel triple dog dare!*
5. Who needs photos when you can let your bruises tell your story
6. Nap while sky diving? Yeah, that sounds like a good idea
7. Hiking an active volcano? Just another nature walk.
8. Your gear is packed in your trunk at all times
9. You’ve gone to work sick so you can save your time off for a trip
10. You know how to ask for malaria pills in 6 languages
11. You have photos or video of you on a rock face
12. Your internal compass can lead you to clean water or the
    best watering hole depending upon which jungle traverse.
13. You have heard of via ferratta

*Disclaimer: We STRONGLY encourage you not to visit countries with active travel warnings.

The explorer travel bucket list

Your guide to adventure around the globe

(Choose a location to uncover featured activities)

Alligator Wrestling

Location: Everglades, Florida

Alligator wrestling is not actually wrestling. It consists of several carefully planned stunts to force the alligator to do specific moves, such as opening it’s mouth and holding it open as you place your chin atop of it.

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