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Backpacking guides

Whether you are buying your first pack or planning your tenth trip, start with these.

Backpacker walking down a cobblestone street in a European old town
Europe

Backpacking Europe on a budget — complete first-timer guide

Routes, costs, rail passes, hostels, and the mistakes every first-timer makes. Read this before you book anything.

12 min read · Updated May 2026

Long-tail boat on turquoise water near a limestone island in Thailand
Southeast Asia

The Southeast Asia backpacker trail — where to go and in what order

10 min read

Machu Picchu ruins at sunrise with dramatic clouds
South America

Backpacking South America — the gringo trail explained

9 min read

Gear up

What to carry.
What to leave behind.

The best backpackers carry less than you think. Our gear guide covers the bags, clothes, and kit that survive months on the road without weighing you down.

Browse backpacking gear
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Take it further

Backpacker working on a laptop in a hammock on a beach at sunset
Long-term

How to backpack for 6 months without running out of money

11 min read

Open passport with colorful visa stamps on a wooden table
Visas

Visa on arrival vs e-visa — what backpackers need to know

5 min read

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Browse routes, compare hostels, and book your first leg — all in one place. No guesswork, no overpaying.

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