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Wilderness Backpacking

There are plenty trails available to amateur backpackers that are completely safe since they are well-explored and popular. If an emergency situation should occur on these well-known trails, it is likely that a fellow backpacker and park ranger will stumble upon the scene within the hour. However, for backpackers looking for a more daring experience, wilderness backpacking might be an option. This type of backpacking involves going off the beaten path into areas of wilderness that are rarely, if ever, traveled by humans, and setting up camp. While this kind of adventure can be dangerous for untrained backpackers, the veteran adventurer is aware of a few general skills that are essential for backpacking in the wilderness. Let’s take a look at some of those skills.

How to Get Food Whilst Wilderness Backpacking

Travelers who succeed at wilderness backpacking know how to use their surroundings to satisfy their stomach. This involves being able to recognize which types of berries are edible, as well as such as how to make a spear for hunting and fishing. To make a spear, all that has to be done is tying something sharp to the end of a stick. If nothing is available, the last option is to Continue Reading »

Things to Pack for Europe

Knowing what to pack can seem like a daunting task for any traveler who is looking to visit one or more European countries. With weight limits imposed by most airlines, travelers must choose what they take wisely. While some items depend on personal preference, there are certain items that are on every traveler’s list of things to pack for Europe. Let’s take a look at some of these essential items.

The Two Most Essential Things to Pack for Europe – Your Passport and Wallet!

While these may seem like obvious items to pack, any airline worker will have stories about sensible-looking passengers whom are ready to check-in their luggage, only to find that they forgot their wallet and/or passport. It is always important to double-check that you have your passport and wallet every so often during the process of getting to the airport, as it is possible that it might Continue Reading »

Places to See in Europe

Europe is a vast continent that is drenched in thousands of years of history. From modern cities like London and Paris to ancient wonders like Stonehenge, there are hundreds upon hundreds of places to see in Europe. There are sites scattered all across Europe, so much of what is seen all depends on the region of Europe in which you will be traveling. What you choose to see in Europe will also depend on your personal interests. With its wide variety of ancient and historical sites, there is something interesting to see for travelers of all budgets.

Places to See in Europe #1 – England

Mostly all European excursions make a stop in England, particularly London, since the country was and still is one of the top powers in Europe. Those interested in the English Royal Family should make sure to stop by Buckingham Palace, where tours can be taken for a price, or the outer grounds can be strolled for free. A fun past time for visitors is to try and solicit a smile from the notoriously stoic palace guards.

Another free man-made monument to visit is Big Ben, the enormous clock tower that towers over the center of London. Built in 1858, Big Ben has become a symbol of London much in the way the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of New York harbor. For those interested in the theater, the home of Continue Reading »

Hiking and Camping Trails

One of the highlights of America is that it is filled with dozens of natural beauties. From Yellowstone National Park, to the Grand Canyon, to the Rocky Mountains, there are many nationally-recognized sites to see in the American wilderness. Throughout these areas there are hundreds of hiking and camping trails in which visitors can enjoy the most spectacular sights and views that nature has to offer.

Hiking and Camping Trails in New York State

The state of New York is one of the most popular places for high-quality trails, since according to Trails.com 10 of the 100 camping and hiking trails in America are located in it. One of these trails is Breakneck Ridge Trail in Beacon, New York. This 9.6 mile long trail starts at ground level along the Hudson River and ends up at 1500 feet at its highest point. The views atop the Catskill Mountains of the Hudson River valley below are some of the most breathtaking in the country, which is the reason why Breakneck Ridge is rated as the best trail in America by Trails.com.

Another great hiking trail in New York is Continue Reading »

Budget Travel

There is a general misconception amongst most people that in order to travel one must have a large budget. While certain travel strategies can be very expensive, it is not impossible to budget travel. By using the Internet to do some research before traveling, travelers can find much cheaper alternatives for their methods of travel, boarding, and eating.

Budget Travel Tips for Transportation

The most important part of vacation – backpacking, conventional, or otherwise – is the method of travel, as the different methods vary wildly in price. The cheapest method of travel is usually by bus. Although there is no single bus that runs across the country, travelers can plan a route using online schedules and print out the plan before they begin to travel. It may take the longest, but it is the cheapest method in the long run.

Another method of travel that is a little more expensive is a train, although it is much faster than taking a bus. The advantage of trains is that there are transcontinental trains that have a boarding cart, functioning much like a small, spartan lodging insofar as each guest has their own room. This takes care of both travel and boarding in one purchase, which can save money for Continue Reading »

Best Travel Magazine

Although websites are now the first point of reference for many travelers, there are still magazines available on a variety of travel topics for people who prefer to get their information through print . One indirect effect of globalization is that travel magazine subscriptions have risen every year, since people are traveling more than ever. While there are literally dozens of magazines to choose from, certain magazines offer a little extra that puts them above the rest. There are many magazines that focus on the best travel magazine in a specific niche, which means that searching for the right travel magazine is very important.

Perhaps the Best Travel Magazine for Backpackers Is Budget Travel Magazine

For a travel magazine to be considered one of the best, it is important that it contains valuable information on how to cut costs whilst on vacation. Budget Travel Magazine goes a step further by dedicating its pages to various ways money can be saved while traveling. It offers tips on how to find cheap hotels, eat for barely anything, and tour the city via the Continue Reading »

Backpacking Sites

While many people may travel to enjoy a sense of freedom from everyday life, the truth is that some methods of travel can be confining. By making an extended reservation at a hotel, most people pack more than they need because they subconsciously know that they have a place to store it all. This means that travelers cannot travel on a whim since their belongings are in a hotel room for which they have already paid. For people who enjoy traveling more spontaneously, backpacking is a great alternative as there are many beautiful backpacking sites to see around the world. Here are two great examples:

Backpacking Sites in London

While London might not be the first city you associate when considering backpacking sites, it actually is filled with many things for backpackers to do on a budget. The first thing any backpacker should do is avoid any of the open top buses, since they are geared towards tourists and their prices reflect that fact. Instead, buy a travel card, which acts like a travel debit card that can be preloaded with a certain amount of money, and use every method of travel in the city at discounted rates.

While there are plenty of expensive guided tours through London’s numerous monuments, the cash-strapped backpacker can Continue Reading »

Backpacking Forum

With the advent of the Internet, picking up a new hobby became incredibly easy. Furthermore, individuals interested in a particular hobby could contact each other and discuss their interests. This eventually led to the birth of forums, which allow visitors to become a member and gain access to dozens of different subtopics pertaining to the topic that is discussed through posts. Forums are a great starting point for somebody looking to pick up a new hobby, which is why anyone interested in backpacking should join a backpacking forum.

How to Find a Good Backpacking Forum

There are hundreds of forums on backpacking on the Internet, so it is important to find one that will offer the most benefits. If you stick to free forums you can join as many forums as you want to get a full feel of the information offered before making a decision. It is always a good idea to see if the forum has a welcome area for new members to introduce themselves, as it shows that the members are open to Continue Reading »

Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide

Selecting gear can be an overwhelming task for those new to backpacking since there are dozens of models of boots, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks that offer all sorts of different functions. Luckily, the Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide (an extension of Backpacker Magazine) offers a yearly comprehensive review of the most popular backpacking related items. Travelers who use this guide will gain the advantage of knowing exactly what type of gear they need for their chosen destination, which will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide’s Backpack Reviews

True to its namesake, the Gear Guide is a travel magazine that offers a great deal of reviews on popular backpacks. With over 70 backpacks reviewed from 19 different companies, readers can find reviews of almost any backpack on the market.

The best overall backpack on the market at the moment is the GoLite Lite-Speed backpack. With its ultra light weight – without sacrificing strength or durability – it is easy to see why this backpack was this year’s best overall pick.

The most stable backpack on the market at the moment is the North Face Ligero 50 backpack. It has the durability to brave even the most difficult terrain without worry of rip or tears. It is also more Continue Reading »

Places to Visit in Europe

Given its vast size and rich history, there are many interesting and famous places to visit in Europe. From England and France in Western Europe, to Italy in southeastern Europe, there are cities that should be on any self-respecting traveler’s list.

Places to Visit in Europe #1 – England

England should always be considered when searching for great places to see in Europe. What makes England one of the best countries to visit – in Europe or elsewhere – is its rich history. London is home to Buckingham palace, which is home of the English royal family. It also contains tons of museums that chronicle its history back to medieval times. London is also one of the best places in the world for shopping. There are dozens of boutiques in downtown London that feature designs from the world’s top names in designer fashion.

Another good reason why England is one of the best places to visit is the ancient site of Stonehenge. Seeing this notoriously mysterious site in person is a surreal experience recommended for Continue Reading »

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