
Backpacking
Backpacking travel news and blogs: budget routes, hostels, overland buses and trains, visas and long-term travel, from publishers worldwide.


Inertia is a Bitch
How to break free from the momentum carrying you toward a life you never intended to live.

Learning Bulgarian With Preply: My Honest Review
After four years of living here in Bulgaria (yes, FOUR!), I’ve finally decided to take Bulgarian language lessons. In my defence, we really only live here around half the year and travel the rest…so I…

AK Monthly Recap: May 2026
I absolutely love May — it is the best month of the year in Prague, in my opinion, and it’s one of the best months to travel in Europe as well. This month was mostly spent in Prague, with everything t…

Faye Travel Insurance: The Best New Company Out there
We may receive compensation from Faye as an advertising partner. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. I’ve been writing about travel for nearly two decades and,…


How to Choose a Digital Nomad Base (Our 10 Point Checklist)
After more than a decade of living and working on the road, we’ve learned a lot about what makes or breaks a destination – not just as a place to visit, but as a place to actually live and work. Trust…

How to Attend the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling
It’s the last Monday in May on Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, and I’m standing on a frighteningly steep slope, ready to watch 25 daredevils hurl themselves down after a wheel of cheese. Th…

A Six Hour Bear Standoff in the Smokies
Three bears, a tent, and a night that changed the way I think about the backcountry.

Benton MacKaye Trail Thru-Hike: Complete ✅
294.7 miles, 21 days, and a night I’ll never forget.

What NOT to Do in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a fascinating country, filled with Silk Road history, stunning turquoise mosaics, and some of the best souvenir shopping I’ve ever experienced. I enjoyed my solo trip to Uzbekistan, whic…
Visiting The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos, Greece
The Venetian Castle is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos thanks to its close proximity to the capital of the island, Zante Town. After many earthquakes have damaged similar sights around the i…

Manly: A Lesson in Expectations vs. Reality
When a relaxing beach break turns into a hostel survival story

BMT Thru-Hike: 127 Miles Later
Rugged terrain, unexpected kindness, and the moment the trail finally started feeling like home

There’s So Much To Love About Madrid
Let me tell you something about Madrid that hit me the moment I arrived: it feels like a city built for city connoisseurs. People who love dining, parks, museums, traveling on public transit. I am ver…

AK Monthly Recap: April 2026
April 2026 was a very exciting travel month indeed. I embarked on a 17-day solo trip to Central Asia, visiting Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan! It was my first time visiting this part of the wo…

Madrid 5-Day Itinerary: A Guide to Culture, Gastronomy, and Local Life
Home to some 3.5 million people, Madrid is the capital of Spain and the country’s largest city. Though it’s somewhat sprawling, the city boasts stunning architecture, incredible food, and an energetic…

Capital One Venture Business Card Review
If you’re a traveler like me, chances are you’re always on the lookout for ways to make your trips more affordable. That’s why I collect points and miles: they help me lower my travel costs so I can s…

I Know This Feeling: The BMT Thru-Hike Begins
300 miles, 3 weeks, and one decision: Don’t Defer Your Life Story

Hostels for hostel-haters...
A global collection of recommended stays for those who value privacy, comfort, or just feel a little too old for this.