Backpacking

Planning a backpacking trip

What this page covers

Backpacking is independent, budget-minded travel: carrying everything you need, moving between places by bus and train, and staying longer than a typical holiday allows. The stories here come from backpacking blogs and travel publishers, covering routes, costs, visas and what it is actually like on the ground.

Visas shape the route

On a long trip, the order of countries is often decided by visa rules rather than geography. Entry rules depend on your passport, some visas must be arranged before arrival, and some regions count days across several countries together. Check each country's official government source before you commit to flights, and keep your passport's validity and blank pages in mind.

Where the money goes

Accommodation and long-distance transport usually take the biggest share of a backpacking budget, and both get cheaper the slower you move. Dorm beds, overnight buses and trains, cooking your own meals and staying longer in fewer places are the classic ways to make money last. Flight deals can make a long trip cheaper to start; the Deals page tracks fares as publishers post them.

Insurance and a safety margin

Medical care abroad can be expensive, and a basic travel policy may not cover long trips or activities like diving or motorbiking. Read what a policy excludes before you buy it. Keep a small emergency fund that you never touch, and a copy of your documents somewhere other than your bag.

Moving between places

Overnight buses and trains cover distance and save a night of accommodation at the same time. Budget airlines can look cheap on the ticket but add fees for bags and seats, so compare the total price. Outside peak holidays, booking a day or two ahead is often enough; around festivals and public holidays, book early.