When you take a vacation to a faraway land, you always run the risk of seeing a watered down version of the location. This issue of having a potentially unauthentic experience is often exacerbated when traveling with a group tour provider. Some people prefer a trip designed to provide a quick “getting to know you” with their destination of choice – especially if roughing it isn’t your thing -, but for those looking for a more in-depth understanding of a new culture, backpacking may be the way to go.
Backpacking is an amazing option in that it makes the journey just as important as the destination. And, as amazing an experience as traveling light through a foreign land can be, it is only better when you are doing it with a group of friends, family, or loved ones. Backpacking – or packing light – is also often a preferable choice for those looking to keep costs down. Sites like hostelworld.com can direct you to a safe hotel alternative, and when your trip itinerary isn’t dictated by a tour operator, you’ll be better able to find authentic and inexpensive holes-in-the-wall.
You can read more about the pros and cons of backpacking trips vs. tour operator vacations here. Have you ever been backpacking with friends? Tell us about it! Maybe you’ll be our next featured guest blogger.