I’m staying in a hostel in Guatemala and I realized I’ve lost my key. I don’t need it to get in and out but I’m not sure what to do. Will they charge me? Please help. This is the first time I’m backpacking and I’m so lost

Hey everyone,

My girlfriend and I will be in Chiang Mai for few days and then plan to ride a rented scooter to Pai. We have a few questions and would love to hear your experiences and advice! 1. Are there any special scooter rental options for the Chiang Mai → Pai route? Maybe rental companies that specialize in this trip? 2. Our biggest concern is luggage: We both have pretty large backpacks and are wondering if there are scooters with luggage racks where we could secure our backpacks with straps. Has anyone done this before? 3. Are there motorcycles with sidecars available for rent? Or is that uncommon? 4. Is it even a good idea to ride this route with two people on one scooter? We know the road has a lot of curves and some steep sections. Is it doable with luggage, or is it too risky? 5. Are there alternative ways to transport luggage? Maybe a bus luggage service or another solution?

If you’ve done this trip before or have any good tips on scooter rentals, we’d really appreciate your insights. Looking forward to your advice!

Thanks in advance! :)

Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil. Hopefully Uruguay and Paraguay. Not including flights there and back. Solo male, happy to do dorm hostels and buses.

I am stating a 6 months long backpacking trip. I am carrying 55L main rucksack and thinking of carrying a carry-on rucksack of 30L. I am not finding any decent bag with laptop compartment, ample storage plus compact design. I don’t want bulky and big bag. Looking here for recommendations.

Me (f,25) and my boyfriend (m,29) will be landing in Perth at the end of April, via a WHV 417. Though I’m, ofcourse, super excited for this new adventure, I’m also trying to do as much research as I can, now, in preparation for job searching later.

I keep seeing people vaguely suggest using recruitment agencies, but can’t actually find any specific ones! Please can you help us out, and list any recruitment / employment agencies you found particularly useful? :) (And maybe any ones you found poor, and to avoid..)

Hey everyone, my girlfriend and I are traveling Thailand & Vietnam for 90 days starting in May and looking for advice on the best route!

Our plan so far:

• Arrive in Bangkok, stay a few days.
• Head north to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai.
• Fly to Hanoi and travel south through Vietnam ( Where else?).
• Return to Thailand (not sure where—any recommendations?).
• End in Phuket for some beach time before flying home.

Is this the best way to do it, or would you recommend a different route? Also, what’s the best way to get back into Thailand from Vietnam? Any must-visit places we shouldn’t miss?

Appreciate any tips—cheers!

Hi all - I'm going to do the banana pancake trail this year and have 7 weeks to do it. I'm skipping the Thai islands as I'm already going to Indonesia and Philippines after this loop, and wanting to visit Thai islands by itself at some point in the future.

I wanted to get your thoughts on the itinerary I have - looking to get tips on where to spend more or less time at. Or if you have any tips on substituting any of the stops for something else - I'm open to hear it! I only booked the first week and my itinerary isn't set in stone, I just need to be in Pnohm Penh (really want to see Ankor Wat) by the end of 7 weeks.

3 days - Bangkok

4 days - Chiang Mai

4 days - Pai

2 days - Chiang Rai/Chiang Khong (Really just in transit to get to the slow boat)

2 days - Slow boat

3 days - Luang Prabang

4 days - Vang Vieng

3 days - Hanoi (flying from Vang Vieng to save time)

4 days - Ha Giang

4 days - Cao Bang

4 days - Cat Ba Island

2/3 days - Ninh Binh

2 days - Phong Nha

3 days - Hoi An (flying to Pnohm Penh to save time)

4 days - Pnohm Penh

Thank you in advance!

Just trying to plan some further travel in Uruguay, as I have been enjoying my almost-week here, before I head to Argentina to hike Patagonia. I was wondering if anyone had been to Cabo Polonio or Punta del Diablo and could advise whether they are nice/worth it?

My Sea to Summit cup doubles as a stove lid!

If you ever plan to come explore Canada the #1 most mind blowing thing to experience is Shambhala Music Festival. 100% it will change your life!

If interested, check out our documentary video we made about our experience https://youtu.be/PzpEDyTL74I?si=rS4aGcBfliq8cU3P

I know this isnt technically the right place for this but i figure out of all subreddits this would be the best place to ask.

We need a backpack to carry our equipment.

The equipment we carry is a 4"x11"x9" ~20 pound box. Our current problem using a traditional backpack is it kills the armpits and lower back over an 8 hour period. It tends to sit on our lower back and pulls on the armpits annoyingly. We are looking for something to hold this and only this and be as comfortable as possible over a long period of time.

Dimensions are Depth x Height x Width, all in inches

I’m looking to buy a puffer that’s warm and packable. I typically run cold so warmth is a big factor for me. I also have larger hips/ shoulders along with a short torso so it makes fitting a jacket harder. Anyone have any recs? Im currently looking at the ghost whisperer or the feathered friend’s Eos jacket, but im not sure they’d work for my body type. Any recs would be appreciated

Hi all. I have a long layover in the city and am thinking of touring around for the night. I will be tired so just taking safe transport. Are there any areas worth checking out for a casual drink (alcoholic/alcoholic)? I enjoy playing cards, pool, and anything related to live music. As always, meeting new people! TYIA

Hi, I'm looking at doing the Salkantay trek at the end of March. I don't have a lot of time, so I'm looking at doing 4 days, 3 nights: Soraypampa - Chaullay or Lucambamba - Aguas Calientes. I plan to take a vehicle from Chaullay to Lucambamba.

Any opinions on which place might be preferable for staying Chaullay or Lucambamba?

Thanks!

Gregory vs Osprey

Hey guys! Would love an opinion can’t decide which one to get. I know they have different sizes but these two are my only option. I’m in the medical field and would be using this mainly for hospital duties.

Gregory rhune 22L vs Osprey Proxima 30L

Need thoughts and opinions on which one should I get. It’s not the size but more of the functionality and looks for me thanks!

For quite some time I’ve been wanting to get into backpacking but have not had anyone to go with/learn from. A few other friends are also interested in going so now seems like a better time than any to get started. How are these Near Zero bundles? Eventually the plan would be to upgrade items as they wear out with better quality items but these initial trips will be short and close to home to get some experience. Currently in the Blue Ridge Mountains in SW VA. I know I’ll need other items to add to the pack to have a successful trip, but just to get the bulk of the basics. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

Hi,

I am new to backpacking.

If you managed to stay dry on your hike, should you stay fully clothed when sleeping ? Then you could remove layer if you feel too warm.

Or is it a better practice to sleep in thermal underwear and rely only on your gear to keep you warm?

I have a x therm neo air, bivy, liner, inner and outer shell of the Canadian army sleep system.

Thank for sharing your experience!

I’ve been looking and doing lens searches and am coming up with nothing! Anyone recognize it?

hey! im planning a backpacking trip in europe and im not sure if i should book the flights between cities way before hand, or buying it a day o two before i’m planning on leaving. im wondering this because maybe i plan on staying in rome for 5 days, and wanting to leave after three but having my flight already bought would be a problem... any thoughts?

Hi folks! I have 10th April to 4th May blocked off and I want to hit the northern lights. But I don’t know where to head after that. I was considering heading southwards to Netherlands/Portugal but I’m a little confused on that front. I ideally don’t want to hit warmer places (someone under 10-15° C) because I don’t want to have the hassle of packing for both the heat and the chill. I also want to end my trip with a few days (maybe 3/4) in Munich to spend time with a friend and then fly back home. Can someone please help this directionless soul out? I’d be forever grateful.

For reference, I enjoy nature and parties and food and meeting people to share my experiences with. I don’t really have a budget in particular but I do not want to waste my money on tourist traps. I prefer to stay in hostels where I can meet like minded people and I’m considering a euro rail pass for my commute for a change from my usual flights/drives this time. Thanks in advance!

Hey fellow travelers! 👋

I'm working on solving the headaches of group travel planning, and I'd love to hear about your experiences. If you've ever tried coordinating a trip with friends or family, you know the challenges of managing schedules, preferences, and keeping everyone on the same page.

This quick 5-minute surveyy focuses on:
• Your group travel planning frequency
• Common challenges you face
• Features you'd find most helpful
• Your thoughts on potential solutions

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/129PvtfhwAXX2RgKREUCRa4RlIi-wxZRFDAxof8p0Te8/edit

This link is also on my profile description^

Your insights will be incredibly valuable in developing a solution that actually helps travelers like you. All responses are anonymous and will only be used for product development.

Thanks in advance for your help! I'll be actively monitoring this post if you have any questions.

They say it has two options of 3days and 14days but some online reviews say that even if you get the 14day, you will see that it has disappeared from the system after 3days, once you check the flight online.

I need a throwaway ticket that is valid for atleast 14day and preferably more than that around 20days. Do you know any?

Do your plans include a stopover in the tropical islands of Hawaii (USA)? There are some affordable hostels here in Waikiki Beach, great hiking nearby, plus other wonderful sightseeing. Let me know if you need some advice or have questions. Love the backpacking tribe!! Happy to help.

Hello!! My boyfriend and I (22F and 22M) are wanting to start backing, specificity East Asia. I’m more concerned with how much money needs to be saved first! I will take all the advice related to money or not!! :)

Sorry in advance if this post is annoying to some. I am looking to get into backpacking but I feel very inundated with information. I understand that I probably just need to pull the trigger. I am in the San Diego area and want to backpack San Jacinto with my girlfriend. What do I need to know to have a successful trip?

How do you guys handle the money, the job, the personnal relations while travelling couple months at a time? I want to travel around the world, see the cultures, meet new people, find myself in all of this. I know I Will need money for this and I have a great career opportunity at home. How do you guys handle all of this?

29, Always dreamt of travel. I craved to do spontaneous trips so much between 19 and 25, but didn't do much apart from a semester abroad with its surroundings exploring and a 3 day solo trip. I was always waiting for friends to join me in something more than a random week on the beach near home, wasting money in discos and their wannabe vip tables and bottles.
Starting from 25 I stopped that and started a series of memorable solo trips around Europe, peaking with an overseas trip last year.
Last summer I met this guy, 22, and we clicked very fast. We both are a mix of introspective and spontanous charachters. Very flexible, easygoing and sociable.
We had a backpacking hostel trip together last month and it was super interesting and fun. I kept thinking he was the kind of travel buddy (and friend) I wanted to meet at his age.
He's what I wanted to be at his age and what I was around 25/26: new to hostels, travel as my top priority, full of enthusiasm and ready to do everything to save few euros on accomodation, food, transportation etc. But we are now on the opposite sides of the travel spectrum, where he's ascending and I'm descending, appreciating some small comfort improvements, slowing down and preferring a warm meal inside to a sandwich on the go to see everything you could etc

Did you ever find your ideal travel buddy?

Just curious on actual experience. I have a GF who will be coming with, on just a over night trip, occasionally. However I plan on going much more. I’m carrying a osprey kestrel 48 pack. I am a bigger guy, so I do not mind (maybe need. 6’ 200lb. She is 5’ 110, so easy to accommodate) two person tent, 2 person sleeping pad (or should I have her carry her own when she goes? And stick to single for my solo trips). Looking for sleeping set ups, I can carry when I’m alone, but will accommodate 2 people when she randomly decides to go. Any brand/model recommendations for tents, pads, stories/experiences, greatly appreciated!