BACKPACKING
Backpacking adventures around the world
Whether it's a gap year, career break or once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we'll help you create the perfect backpacking experience.
Featured backpacking trips
Handpicked experiences worth checking out
Why go backpacking?
Backpacking is more than just a holiday. It's the freedom to travel at your own pace, discover new cultures, and create unforgettable memories along the way. Whether you're planning a gap year, career break, or an epic adventure between life chapters, backpacking gives you the flexibility to explore the world on your terms.
From tropical beaches and buzzing cities to mountain treks and wildlife encounters, every day brings something new. Backpacking is about embracing the unexpected and turning travel dreams into life-changing experiences.
Backpacking in South Africa
Need help planning your backpacking trip?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
(Test)
Backpacking destinations around the world
From tropical islands and vibrant cities to epic road trips and wildlife encounters, the world offers countless backpacking adventures. Southeast Asia is a favourite among backpackers thanks to its affordability, diverse cultures, and well-established travel routes. Australia and New Zealand are known for their spectacular scenery, outdoor adventures, and freedom to explore by road.
Latin America attracts travellers with its colourful cultures, ancient history, and mix of beaches, mountains, and rainforests, while Africa is famous for its incredible wildlife, safaris, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. North America offers iconic road trips, stunning national parks, and a blend of urban and outdoor adventures.
Thailand is a classic backpacking destination
Popular backpacking experiences
Backpacking is all about creating a journey that fits your travel style. Whether you're chasing adventure, cultural experiences, personal growth, or simply the freedom to explore, there are countless ways to make your trip unforgettable.
Many travellers choose to journey through Southeast Asia, road trip across Australia or New Zealand, explore the vibrant cultures of Latin America, or discover Africa's incredible wildlife and landscapes. Others combine multiple countries and continents into one epic backpacking adventure.
Looking for more than independent travel? Working Holiday experiences are a popular way to extend your travels, giving you the opportunity to work abroad while exploring destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It's a great way to fund your travels, gain international experience, and immerse yourself in local life.
For those who want the perfect mix of independence and community, group trips offer the chance to travel with like-minded adventurers while experiencing unforgettable destinations together. From guided tours and adventure travel to volunteering projects and activity-based trips, group experiences make it easy to meet new people and explore with confidence.
Popular backpacking experiences include:
Island hopping and beach adventures
Epic road trips and campervan travel
Wildlife encounters and safaris
Trekking and outdoor adventures
Volunteering and meaningful travel
Working Holiday programmes
Small-group tours and adventure trips
Learning new skills such as surfing, diving, or sailing
Backpacking in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Planning a longer trip can come with quite a few questions. Here are some of the things you might want to know before going backpacking.
Backpacking is a style of travel that focuses on flexibility, adventure, and exploring multiple destinations, often over a longer period of time. Backpackers typically stay in a variety of accommodations, and create their own unique journeys based on their interests and budget.
Start by deciding where you want to go, how long you want to travel, and what experiences are most important to you. Consider factors such as transportation, accommodation, travel insurance, and your budget. Our travel experts can help you create a tailor-made backpacking itinerary that matches your travel goals.
Some of the most popular backpacking destinations include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. The best destination depends on your interests, budget, and travel style.
The cost of a backpacking trip varies depending on your destination, travel duration, and preferred travel style. Southeast Asia and parts of Latin America are popular for budget-conscious travellers, while destinations like Australia and New Zealand typically require a larger budget. We can help you plan a trip that fits your budget.
Absolutely. Solo backpacking is one of the most popular ways to travel. It gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace while meeting other travellers along the way. Many destinations have well-established backpacker communities and social accommodation options. Joining a group tour as a part of your backpacking trip is also a great way to make new friends.
A backpacking trip can be anything from a few weeks to an entire year or more. Many travellers choose trips lasting one to three months, while others take a gap year or extended career break to explore multiple countries and continents.
Showing 4 / 6 results
You should go backpacking if you...
...feel like you need a change
Sometimes you don't need another holiday. You need some proper time away from your normal routine to figure out what comes next.
...have always wanted to travel for longer
Stop trying to squeeze your dream destinations into two weeks. A backpacking trip gives you the time to slow down and actually experience them.
...want more than a holiday
Learn a language, volunteer, work abroad, take on a new adventure or challenge yourself with experiences you wouldn't normally have time for.
Latest in the KILROY travel blog
We love to travel, and we expect that you do too! Find our travel stories, guides and top picks to feed your wanderlust with an inspiration for your next trip.
