Tag Page backpacking

SunnySideStu

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choosing a graduation trip: asia or paradise islands?

We’ve been tossing around ideas for our graduation trip, and let me tell you, it’s been a real headache. We want to go backpacking for about two weeks, but because of our internships, we can’t leave Madrid until the very end of August. Here’s the kicker: every time we get excited about a place in Asia—like Thailand, Vietnam, or Japan—we check the weather and see it’s monsoon season. I mean, who wants to spend their once-in-a-lifetime trip dodging rainstorms and soggy shoes? It’s not just about the weather, either. This trip is a big deal for us (and not cheap), so we’re really hoping for sunshine and good memories, not wet backpacks and ruined plans. We did notice Indonesia has better weather, but one of our friends already went there last year. Nobody wants to be the person repeating someone else’s adventure, right? In a moment of desperation, we even started looking at places like the Maldives, Fiji, or Hawaii. They look like paradise, but are they even doable for backpackers? I can already hear my parents worrying about us going somewhere too remote or off the beaten path. They’d definitely sleep better if we picked a place that’s a bit more mainstream and easy to get around. This is our first big trip to Asia (except for our one friend who’s already been to Indonesia), so we’re hoping to make it unforgettable. Has anyone else tried to plan a trip like this and run into the same problems? Where did you end up going, and was it worth it? We’re stuck between wanting adventure and not wanting to get soaked or stranded. Any tips or suggestions would be a lifesaver! #graduationtrip #backpacking #travelplanning #Travel

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QuaintQuokka

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can $6k really last 3 months backpacking in europe?

Last summer, I finally decided to take the plunge and backpack through Europe for three months. I had about $6,000 saved up, and honestly, I was nervous it wouldn’t be enough. Every blog and travel guide I read seemed to have a different answer. Some people claimed they survived on even less, while others made it sound like you’d burn through that in a few weeks, especially if you wanted to enjoy a glass of wine in Paris or a proper meal in Rome. I spent hours comparing hostel prices, train tickets, and even grocery store costs in different countries. I remember standing in a tiny bakery in Prague, trying to decide if I should splurge on a pastry or save my money for a museum ticket later. Sometimes I felt like I was missing out because I was always counting pennies, but other times, the simple things—like a picnic in a park—ended up being the most memorable. Here’s my big question: For those of you who’ve done a similar trip, did you ever regret being so strict with your budget? Did you find yourself wishing you’d spent a little more on certain experiences, or was it worth it to stretch every dollar? And for anyone who’s managed to make $6k (or even less) last for three months in Europe, what’s the one tip you wish you’d known before you left? I’m curious if anyone else has felt this tug-of-war between saving money and actually enjoying the trip. Any specific cities or countries where you felt your money went further—or disappeared way too fast? #EuropeTravel #Backpacking #TravelTips #BudgetTravel #SeniorTravel #Travel

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SkylineSerenade

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finding the perfect backpack for packrafting trips

So, I’m planning a packrafting trip and I’ve hit a bit of a snag with my backpack situation. I want to carry all my gear—packraft, paddles, and the usual odds and ends—but I can’t seem to find a backpack that checks all the boxes. The ultralight, frameless ones (like those from Zpacks or Hyberg) are super light, but honestly, they just don’t feel comfortable once you load them up. My back starts complaining after a couple of hours, and I’m not getting any younger! On the other hand, the rigid frame backpacks are a pain in the neck for packrafting. They’re just too stiff and bulky, and there’s no way I can squeeze one inside my packraft’s T-Zip compartment. I’ve tried, and it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—frustrating, to say the least. So here’s my dilemma: I need a backpack that’s somewhere in between. Something with a bit of padding for comfort, but flexible enough to fold or squish into my packraft when I’m on the water. Plus, I want to be able to strap stuff like the raft and paddles on the outside. Is that too much to ask? Has anyone found a bag that actually works for this? Or am I doomed to keep switching bags every trip? If you’ve got a go-to backpack for packrafting, or even just a clever hack for making this work, I’d love to hear about it. Bonus points if you’ve actually tried stuffing it into a packraft! Let’s help each other out—my back (and my sanity) will thank you! #packrafting #backpacking #outdooradventures #gearquestions #middleageadventures #Travel

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