10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips (2024)

If you want to discover the world in a simple and unique way, a backpacking tour has to be in your bucket list. Travel in this way allows you to try different experiences like hiking, food classes and world-class train rides. Among the most popular destinations for vacations include Europe, Southeast Asia (Vietnam and Malaysia) and South America.

See all backpacking tours

Excellent

5380 reviews on

Backpackers travel

Ready to head out on your backpacking adventure? Here are a few essential tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Buy travel insurance. Regardless of your destination or the length of your trip, travel insurance is an essential component of any trip. Make sure you know exactly what’s covered before you purchase.
Pack light. You may be tempted to bring your entire wardrobe, but remember: you’re going to feel the weight of every item you pack, and lugging around a 70-litre backpack jam-packed with clothes is going to be uncomfortable at the best of times.
Stay safe on the road.Along with taking general safety precautions, be sure to make back-up copies of your important travel documents, protect your valuables, and research the route from the airport to your hotel or hostel before you arrive.

Backpacking trips for beginners

Safe, friendly, and boasting some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, here are a few of the best destinations to consider for a first-time backpacking trip:

Backpacking in Europe

Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and London are some of the top backpacking and gap year destinations in Europe for good reason: their iconic landmarks and jaw-dropping architecture keep people coming back year after year. Already been to the major capitals? Head to postcard-perfect cities like Edinburgh or Prague for a dose of fairy-tale charm. If sun-kissed beaches and ancient ruins are more your style, opt for a tour that encompasses Spain, Greece and the rest of Southern Europe. Start exploring Europe’s classic sights with these tours:

Essential Europe
Duration: 12 days
Destinations: UK, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France
Highlights: See the beauty of the Alps and walk the winding canals of Venice
Greek Island Hopping
Duration: 13 days
Destinations: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Ios
Highlights: Step back in time at Athens’ Acropolis and soak up the sunshine ofSantorini
Rome to Amalfi
Duration: 8 days
Destinations: Rome, Naples, Pompei, Sorrento, Amalfi
Highlights: Delve into the fascinating history of Rome and explore the stunning stretches of coastline along the Amalfi coast

Discover here all the backpacking tours in Europe.

European backpacking trips for college students

There’s no better time to go backpacking across Europe than during your college years. And, thanks to budget-friendly accommodation options and favourable exchange rates, your ultimate dream destinations are more affordable than you might think! Make the most of your spring break vacation and summer holidays with these European tours:

European Escape
Duration: 10 days
Destinations: Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium, England
Highlights: Ride a gondola through Venice, experience Amsterdam’s infamous nightlife, and visit the iconic Berlin Wall
European Magic
Duration: 9 days
Destinations: England, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France
Highlights: Experience Munich’s beer culture, practice your yodelling skills in the Swiss Alps, and go on a shopping spree along the Champs-Elysées
East Meets West
Duration: 15 days
Destinations: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, England
Highlights: Sample traditional Czech pastries in Prague, immerse yourself in Berlin’s history, and explore Amsterdam by bike

Discover here all the backpacking trips for college students in Europe.

Backpacking routes in Europe

One of the most challenging aspects of planning a trip around Europe is deciding where to go. You can’t expect to fit everything the continent has to offer into one trip, but you can start ticking some major adventures off your bucket list with these popular backpacking routes.

Western Europe itinerary

This is a great route to follow if you want to explore some of Western Europe’s most iconic capital cities and must-see sights.

London
Paris
Brussels
Amsterdam

Central Europe itinerary

These Central European hotspots are linked by an extensive train system, so it’s easy to travel between them. If you have more time, consider adding smaller towns like Wroclaw, Dresden, or Český Krumlov to your itinerary as well.

Backpacking tours in Australia

Australia is a fantastic backpacking destination for a number of reasons: the infrastructure is reliable and convenient, crime rates in the country are generally low, and it offers an incredible mix of natural attractions and adventurous activities. Discover the best of Oz with these tours:

Reefs and Rainforests
Duration: 14 days
Destinations: Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns (+6 more)
Highlights: Explore the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the pristine white-sand beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, and take a surf lesson in Byron Bay
Melbourne to Alice Springs Overland
Duration: 10 days
Destinations: Melbourne, Twelve Apostles, Adelaide, Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs (+ 13 more)
Highlights: Take a journey along the Great Ocean Road and watch the sunrise over Uluru

Discover here all the backpacking tours in Australia.

Backpacking tours in India

From its chaotic cities to its magnificent temples and its awe-inspiring Himalayan terrain, India is one of the most enchanting and exciting (and budget-friendly!) backpacking destinations on the planet. No matter what region you choose to explore, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable adventure on these backpacking-style tours:

India’s Golden Triangle
Duration: 8 days
Destinations: New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra
Highlights: Explore the bustling streets of India’s frenetic capital, marvel at the Taj Mahal, and immerse yourself in Rajasthan's royal history
North India Revealed
Duration: 22 days
Destinations: New Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Agra, Varanasi
Highlights: Ride a camel through the Thar Desert, take in the spectacular views at Savitri Temple, and experience the thrill of a walking tour through Old Delhi

Discover here all the backpacking tours in India.

Backpacking glossary

Base weight: The weight of the gear a hiker is carrying
Hiker legs: The state a hiker’s legs reach after a few weeks on trail
Nero: A day in which a hiker goes nearly zero miles
Trail angel: Someone who helps hikers out in any way
Trail name: A pseudonym that a hiker takes on as his or her trail identity

Contact our Travel Experts

+1 844 311 8331

24/7 Support

Our team of experienced tour specialists have travelled to hundreds of countries around the globe and have decades of first-hand travel experience to share. Contact us now to have all of your tour-related questions answered!

Ask a question