Japan

Wildly unlike anywhere else in Asia, Japan merits a special kind of traveler, willingly to expand both their wallet and their stomachs for a fantastic tour through history, harmony and heart. Whether it’s the tantalizing shops in Shibuya or the breathtaking hike up Mount Fuji that have you plotting a trip, the wholesome and happy people of Japan make any time spent here memorable. 

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Orange Temple), Kyoto

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Why Travel To Japan

We were captivated by everything in Japan: their food, their preservation of nature, their standards of cleanliness, their massive high rises, efficient railways, underground anime libraries, above ground capitalist corners—the list barrels on. It’s a fascinating country to explore as an outsider looking in and the best way to do it is through your stomach. In all corners of Japan, the food is some of the most creative and strangest there is. With each new city we had fun losing ourselves in the open markets and peering behind Shoji paper doors to find new food. Though the country is rather expensive to explore, the amount of parks, monuments, temples, and museums you can visit for free offer a small opportunity for backpackers to get a taste of the island. 

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The National Flag of Japan

The Nitty Gritty Facts

127 million people live in Japan, 9.27 million of them live in Tokyo, the capital.

The National Language of Japan is Japanese.

The Japanese name for Japan is “Nippon” which means “sun origin.”

Japan is made up of 6,852 islands.

The highest point in Japan is Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776m high (12,388ft).

Sumo is the National sport of Japan.

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Our Route

Tokyo — Kyoto — Osaka

Roughly a seven-hour journey from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus and costs $30.

Roughly a 1.5-hour journey from Kyoto to Osaka by train was included in our Japan Railways Pass.

Traveling throughout Japan is easy because everything is so well connected and their public transportation is top of the line. It can be affordable as well if you're putting in the effort to sort out the best option. Checking out the bus options rather than the bullet train is a good way to save some money. It's also worth exploring the different budget airlines to try and score an affordable domestic flight. 

Budget airlines for Japan include

Skymark Airlines

Starflyer

Peach Aviation

Jetstar Japan

Vanilla Air

Air Do

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The Rugged Budget

The national currency in Japan is the Yen 110 Y = $1 USD

All Day Subway pass $6—$10 USD

Single Fare Subway ticket .50—$4 USD

Local buses $2—$10 USD

Accommodation in a 8 bed mixed dorm $14—$27 USD

Private room in a 4 star hotel start at $80 USD

Beer at a bar $6 USD

Beer from a shop $2 USD

Street food $3—$6 USD

Sit down restaurant $9— $18 USD

A pack of 20 cigarettes $3—$5USD

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Japan From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Osaka Castle

View of Osaka skyline

Asakusa, Tokyo

Asakusa, Tokyo

Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Tokyo

Osaka

Kyoto

Tokyo

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In Japan

It's more economical to travel by bus, but it does take more time. If you have a limited amount of time to travel through the country the Japan Rail Pass may be the best option for your trip. There are plenty of different options depending on the length of your travels, regions, and how you want to travel that make the Rail Pass flexible. You can buy a passes valid for 1 day up to 2 weeks and for the entire country or just for selected regions. We chose to take the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto (as it was much cheaper than the train ticket), but then decided to buy the rail pass for the regions of Kyoto and Osaka. We purchased a 7-day pass that allowed us to travel on any train between the two cities, and within the cities, as much as we wanted for a 7-day period.

Japan is definitely known as an expensive country to travel in, but it can be done on a budget. The food in Japan is delicious on any budget. Eating well in Japan doesn't always mean breaking the bank. You can walk the markets to get squid on a stick, buttered oysters, fresh prawns or gyoza (pot-stickers) all under $6. The sushi is good everywhere, so don't be afraid to pop into a kitschy side shop rather than a sit down proper restaurant to feed your appetite for good sushi.

You don't have to stay in Shibuya in order to enjoy its craziness. There's more affordable accommodation outside of the intense crossroads of Tokyo that are easily walkable and the metro can take you anywhere in the city. It may be crazy and confusing but it's a lot of fun to master. 

 Buy beer from the local shops rather than the bars or restaurants to save a bit of extra cash.

Japan uses the same power plug as in the United States. I.e. any plug from the US will work in Japan. The voltage is 100v whereas the US is 110V - so it may take a little longer to charge your devices.

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo: Free

Shibuya is a lively district of downtown Tokyo that by night is an incredible show of people and lights. Join the thousands of fascinated pedestrians taking in the awe of light and sound by walking the Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the Time Square of Tokyo.

Takeshita Street, Tokyo: Free

There's so much going on in the Shibuya area, but Takeshita road is a concentrated microcosm of everything typically, and strangely, Japanese. It's several blocks of crazy shops, karaoke, arcades, candy, and of course anime.  It's aesthetically entertaining to take a walk along side locals and tourists alike.

 Shinjuku, Station, Tokyo: Free

This is Tokyo's busiest station serving more than two million passengers a day and it's worth a visit. The surrounding area of Shinjuku is a less commercial version of Shibuya. It features some of Tokyo's tallest buildings and you can visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office and their observatory floors for free for a fantastic view of the whole city. 

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo: Free

This is an ancient buddhist temple built in the traditional Japanese tradition. A beautiful example of Japanese history.

Imperial Palace, Tokyo: Free

The Palace is surrounded by an enormous park with different gardens and grounds that visitors can stroll through for free. Owned by the Royal Family, the palace itself is only open two times a year, but you can view the castle from the park. The view from the bridge doesn't disappoint. 

Asakusa, Tokyo: Free

The entire area of Asakusa is filled with shops selling everything you can imagine. There are lots of street stalls and restaurants, bars, art, music, and temples. This is a fun place to get lost for a day.

Osaka Castle, Osaka: 600 YEN ($5.50USD)

You only have to pay if you want to go inside. The inside of the castle is impressive. It's a pristine museum, but the view from the roof is what makes the $5 worth it. It's a 360 degree view of the city. 

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Orange Temple), Kyoto: Free

This was one of our favorite activities. The two hour walk from the Inari Temple up Inari mountain is a beautiful stroll through the forest. Of course the biggest draw are the hundreds of torii, traditional Japanese gates, that make up the path way and lead visitors to the temple at the top. It’s a sea of orange archways that’s often crowded by tourists, however, we found that the farther up the mountain you walk, the less tourists we came across.

Nishiki Market, Kyoto: Free

Who doesn't love a good street market. Personally, this one has been one of our favorites. It’s an expansive one that stretches at least 10 blocks. Here you can find lots of local flare, fresh seafood, traditional drinks, desserts, clothes, souvenirs, and of course mini temples tucked in varying alleyways.

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

 Obi Hostel, Tokyo $18/night for an 18 bed mixed dorm

This was our favorite hostel in Japan. The hostel is located in a quieter neighborhood, which meant we were some of the only tourists around (at the time that's exactly what we wanted). The staff was awesome, the hang-out area was relaxing, the dorm rooms were huge and every bed was pod style, complete with privacy curtains, a light, and electric socket in each one. There were plenty of lockers, clean bathrooms, and a washer and dryer. We extended our stay here because we enjoyed it so much. 

 Guesthouse Origami, Kyoto $14/night for an 26 bed mixed dorm

Pretty average hostel. Nice beds, rooftop hangout area, great location and seemed to attract really cool fellow backpackers. The owner seemed to have lots of information about the city and kept the hostel really clean. The only drawback was check-in was not until 4pm. 

Hostel Wasabi Osaka Bed & Library, Osaka $18/night for an 18 bed mixed dorm

This is a super cool design for a hostel. The main floor of the hostel (reception) is filled with books. All the walls are bookshelves completely packed with books from all over the world. There are even secret hang out rooms halfway up the bookshelf you can climb into and hang out and lounge. The bathrooms were 5 star. They were immaculately clean, with granite counters, vanity style chairs and makeup area, hair dryers, mouthwash, soap, slippers, towels, and lots of showers. Both the men and the women’s had a washer and dryer. The dorm rooms were large with lots of beds, and each pod had a privacy curtain, a light, and electric socket which made them comfortable. They also offered free hot or cold drinks and free Miso soup which made the hostel even more cozy. 

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Itching For More Information About Asia?

Thailand

From the crystal waters of Koh Tao, the riveting jungles in Pai, the nightlife of Bangkok, and the temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand is a playground for all ages. Eat what the locals eat at the many markets that take over cities across the country, learn Muay Thai at one of the many matches that happen every weekend, observe and walk among monks at any of the many monasteries or temples, and swim with fish you have never seen before in crystal clear water next to some of the most breathtaking beaches you have ever seen.

View of Bangkok

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Why Travel To Thailand

Thailand has a very interesting position on the spectrum of Southeast Asia, it’s both wild and crazy and surprisingly organized. It’s a great first taste of Asia where you can ease into the bustle of traffic and street food in Chiang Mai, travel down Khao San Road to experience the nightlife in the electric capital Bangkok, and retreat to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the south near Phuket. We love Thailand for the people, the food, the history, and for the never ending access to all sorts of landscapes and activities that fit a tight budget. Thailand is an easy country to travel within and is one of the most accessible countries in Southeast Asia. 

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National Flag of Thailand

The Nitty Gritty Facts

68 million people live in Thailand, 5 million of them live in Bangkok, the capital

Thailand’s national language is Thai.

The world’s largest golden Buddha is in Bangkok.

Thailand shares a border with four countries: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

The National currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB)

Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by an European country.

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Our Route

Phuket — Ao Nang — Koh Tao — Bangkok — Chiang Mai — Pai — Chiang Ria

Flying, like in most places for Southeast Asia, is relatively affordable between major destinations. You can usually get away with not checking a bag either which will cut down your ticket price.

Thailand Airlines include:

Thai Airways

Bangkok Airways

Thai Smile

Jet Asia

NokScoot

AirAsia

Thai Vietjet Air

Budget Airlines include:

Air Asia X

Tiger Airways

Jetstar

Cebu Pacific

Lion Air

Firefly

Nok Air

A fun and popular way to explore the country is by bus. You’ll get to see more of the diverse countryside or you’ll save on a nights accommodation by taking an overnight bus. We found that 12go Asia was a trusted site to start our research, get prices and eventually purchase tickets.
The main mode of transportation down south around the islands is by boat. You’ll either take the speed boats during the day that seem to stop running around 3pm or you’ll have to take the slow overnight boats that depart around 10pm. Between some of the closer islands (Railay Beach, Phi Phi, James Bond island etc.) the main transport is the long-tail boat. 

There’s also a train that mainly runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai that is worth checking out if you prefer a bit of extra comfort on the overnight journey between the two cities. The train, though a much longer journey than by bus, can be the cheapest option if you plan far enough in advance. The views are supposed to be magnificent, especially during sunrise.

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The Rugged Budget

Thailand’s currency is the Baht 33 THB = $1 USD

Accommodation in an 8 bed mixed dorm: $8.40/night

Private room in a 4 star hotel start at: $30/night

Beer at a bar: 80 THB ($2.40 USD)

Beer from a shop: 50 THB ($1.50 USD)

Street food (like Pad Thai): 30 THB ($0.90 USD)

Sit down restaurant: 100 THB ($3 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes: 80 THB ($2.40 USD)

What our specific route of travel cost:

Phuket— Krabi in a minibus: 140 THB ($4 USD)

Krabi Town — Ao Nang local truck: 60 THB ($1.80 USD)

Krabi Town — Suratthani in a minibus: 180 THB ($5.80 USD)

Suratthani — Koh Tao on a boat: 600 THB ($18 USD)

Koh Tao — Bangkok combined boat/bus: 950 THB ($28 USD)

Bangkok — Chiang Mai on an overnight bus: 534 THB ($16 USD)

Chiang Mai — Pai by minibus: 150 THB ($4.50 USD)

Chiang Mai — Chiang Rai: 129 THB ($3.90 USD)

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Thailand From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Au Nang

A baby 2 year old elephant at an elephant sanctuary, Chaing Mai

Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple), Chiang Rai

Au Nang

Wat Saket Temple, Bangkok

Monkey Hill, Au Nang

Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai

Au Nang

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In Thailand

Flying domestic in Thailand is cheapest when flying from the south to north rather than flying from north to south. We found that international flights into the islands were cheap and then we could work our way north by either busing or flying.  

Depending on the city, the method to finding a bus is different. Taking transportation out of Bangkok we found that we could buy tickets easily online. From the islands the the best option was to buy tickets from a tour company that pick you up directly from your hotel or hostel. In other major cities the cheapest way to book transportation was by heading directly to the bus station.

Buses from Chiang Mai to Pai don’t run in the evening because the mountainous three hour journey is dangerous at night. The latest we found a bus was at 6pm leaving Chiang Mai the earliest was 7am. 

Renting a motorbike in Thailand requires that you leave your passport upon renting. Technically you’re also supposed to have either a motorcycle license or international driver’s license, but most companies will rent to you regardless. Police however will randomly set up checkpoints to check and fine tourists illegally. *Important note - There is a scam going on in some of the cities regarding your passport and motorbike rental. The scam happens upon the return of the motorbike you rented. They will find damage on the bike (that was already there) and claim you did it. They will then try to charge you money to fix it. Make sure you take lots of pictures or a video of the bike and all its components the moment you rent it (let them see you do this). This will protect you from getting scammed and protect your wallet from having to pay for damage that was already there. 

7/11 is the hot spot for cheap food. They often have discounted "buy 2 deals" on snacks, water and food. Surprisingly, they have good frozen meals and their toasties are probably the most iconic Thai meal among backpackers. Only 25 THB ($ .75USD) for a ham and cheese toastie. 

In smaller parts of Thailand it’s easier to specify that you require a meal with no meat rather than requesting a vegetarian meal. Buddhist vegetarianism often includes abstaining from eating onions, garlic, leeks and chives, because they may distract one’s path to mediation because of the potent smell.

Travel with bug spray and sunscreen. It will come in handy more times than you think.

Thailand supports all power plugs, but for countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America, you’ll need a voltage adapter. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Walking Bangla Road, Phuket: Free

A lively and surprising strip off of Patong Beach that offers everything from tourist t-shirts to Ping Pong shows. It’s a spectacle to sit and people watch just around sunset when the lights come on and the dancers come out. Visit side streets for the best beer deals (60 THB for a Chang Beer) and crazy shot deals (6 tequila shots for 100 THB - that's only $3USD). 

Thai Boxing Match, Bangkok: Free

On Sunday afternoons you can visit a Thai Boxing match for free at the Chatuchak Market, that usually start around 2pm. It’s best to get there early to get a spot ringside. Otherwise a match will cost you around $15-$30USD any other time, anywhere else.

Karon Big Buddha, Phuket: Free

You can walk up the hill (6km) or rent a motorbike to visit the Buddha following signs off of Chao Fa Road East near Chalong. It’s a great place to watch the sunset. 

Monkey Hill, Ao Nang: Free

Heading down the beach with the ocean on your right, you’ll come across a path leading over Monkey Hill. The entrance is kind of tucked away, but ask anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction. It’s roughly a ten minute hike up and over the hill on some rickety bamboo steps. The best part is it leads to a resort beach that’s private looking but anyone can swim at. At the end of this beach is the best place to spot wild monkeys playing along the coast.

Mor Paeng Waterfall, Pai: Free

This is a set of waterfalls and is free to visit. There’s even a part of the rocks that visitors can slide down into the water.

Chatuchak Market, Bangkok: Free

The largest market in Thailand with over 15,000 stalls is an exciting weekend activity. With live music, good food, and great souvenirs it’s a cool place to people watch and get to see a more local side of Bangkok.

Wat Saket, Bangkok: 10 THB ($.30USD)

It’s over 200 stairs to the top, but the whole way up is beautiful with lots of forestry, statues, bells, all leading to the impressive Wat at the top. There’s an amazing view of Bangkok and it’s an experience to hear all the bells chime in the wind at the very top. 

Sea Kayak Riley Beach, Ao Nang: 50 THB/hr ($1.50USD)

Awesome way to experience the amazing limestone landscapes in southern Thailand is from the water. You can easily sea kayak from some of the smaller islands or from popular Railay Beach, which doesn’t charge visitors a national park entrance fee. Getting to Railay Beach is 200 THB round trip for a long-tail boat. 

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai: 50 THB ($1.50USD)

The white temple in Chiang Rai is a rather unconventional temple built as an art exhibition that replicates a Buddhist temple. It’s both eerie and beautiful, where every element of its structure reflects on the Buddhist teachings of reaching enlightenment. A cool element to the temple are the hundreds of hands before the bridge. The hands represent desire and are all reaching for you.

Island Hopping, Ao Nang: 370 THB ($11USD)

Traveling from the main port of Ao Nang you have the opportunity to visit 5 different islands by chartering a boat for the day with 6 people (If you don't fill the boat and have less than 6 people, the price will obviously be more per person than listed above). This breaks down to 370 THB/person, before the national park fee of 200 THB. It can get pricey to visit the different beaches, but this is the best way to see a whole range of beaches in one day.

Snorkeling, Koh Tao: 500 THB ($15USD)

Koh Tao is known for diving and snorkeling naturally because the water is so incredibly clear and warm. You can rent your own snorkeling gear or sign on to a day tour that includes five stops around the island, lunch, water, tea and coffee for 500 THB.

Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai: 1,800 - 2,400 THB ($53-$71USD)

Definitely the most expensive tour we’ve done, but we put a lot of work into ensuring that we visited a sanctuary that didn’t abuse their elephants in anyway (no riding, no chains, no loud noises, forced poses, or tying up at night) and we paid a bit more for that. You can hang with the elephants and do a day trip for 1,500— 2,800 THB depending on the company.

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Pop In Hostel, Ao Nang $8/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

We loved the atmosphere of the hostel because it was in a relatively calm part of Ao Nang, but the staff and residents were always lively. The beds were comfortable and we enjoyed that each bed had a curtain. This hostel also provides a free bbq every night. Big upside is Sam, the gigantic and lovable puppy that lives in the hostel.  

iSanook Hostel, Bangkok $7/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

This hostel is in a remote part of town, but it’s really comfortable, clean, and cozy. They have a kitchen which is a huge upside for a hostel in Southeast Asia. They staff was more than helpful here and willing to provide very detailed instructions for off the beaten activities in town. It’s in a more local neighborhood which means cheaper and more authentic street food. There’s a small coffee cart around the corner that sells their homemade iced Thai coffee for only 15 THB and a restaurant down the road that has amazing meals for 30 THB. The hostel is about ten minutes walk from the nearest metro station and just a hop away from a 7/11. 

Fundee Hostel, Chiang Mai $7/night in a 7 bed mixed dorm

We enjoyed that this hostel was in a good location inside the walled old city. It had a nice outside seating area, clean and cozy rooms, as well as free coffee and tea throughout the day. It was very quiet, but not too far from the lively parts of town. 

Happy House Backpackers, Pai $6/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm

We loved the atmosphere at this hostel. It was very relaxed and open, a bit of a party hostel, but not too overwhelming that it was hard to sleep. The rooms are pretty basic, but they have nice open bathrooms. The hip family that runs the hostel is very welcoming and knowledgable about things to do in town.  

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Itching For More Information About Southeast Asia?

Chile

In the north of Chile, the Atacama Desert offers one of the best places in the world to stargaze, but if endless sand dunes aren’t your fancy than Santiago’s buzzing markets and lively atmosphere would be a quick change of pace. If you’re looking to delve into the country’s artistic side, then a two hour detour to the protected UNESCO world heritage district in Valparaíso is a good place to lost in the endless blocks of graffiti. Chile may be narrow on a map, but the excitement and adventures within the country are anything but slim. And of course you can venture to the very southern region of the country to explore Patagonia, a cool and dry climate full of icebergs, whales and open landscape featuring some of the most beautiful sights the country has to offer.

Valparaiso

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Why Travel To Chile

The Chilean people are proud of their culture; from their baked shrimp and cheese empanadas to their unique twist on the Spanish language. Their slang makes listening and communicating in Chile an activity of its own, but they love it and they’re not shy in sharing all their quirky adaptations of traditional Spanish. More deeply, Chile is an interesting place to visit because they’re still recovering from the seventeen year Pinochet dictatorship that only ended in 1990. Political conversations and discussions between generations are growing, but much of the country is still divided on pro/con Pinochet. This makes traveling in the country a ripe experience. They wear this political wound on their sleeves. The powerful presence of street art in Chile is a testament to the country’s healing process as the younger generations fully embrace their artistic freedom after two decades of artistic bans. So whether it’s food, art, or history that draws you, Chile has it all.   

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The National Flag of Chile

The Nitty Gritty Facts

Over 18 million people live in Chile, roughly 7 million of them live in Santiago, the capital.

Chile’s national language is Spanish, but is spoken with lots of slang.

The driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert, is in the north.

The largest ever recorded earthquake was in Valdivia, Chile. It was a 9.5 on the Richter Scale lasting 10 minutes, and triggering a devastating tsunami. 

The Republic of Chile is a Democratic Republic after almost two decades of being a military dictatorship. 

World famous Easter Island belongs to Chile.

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Our Route

San Pedro De Atacama — Calama — Santiago — Valparaíso

South America is largely an overland commuter continent. There’s no standard recipe or consistency for airline tickets like there is in Europe and Southeast Asia, so the most popular way to travel is by bus.

Bus Companies include:

Cruz Del Sur (Most popular for backpackers)

Frontier Del Norte

Pullman 

Romani

Tur Bus

Airlines for Chile include:

Sky Airline

Latin American Wings

LAN Airlines

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The Rugged Budget

Chile uses Chilean Pesos (CLP) as their currency 

Transportation between cities by bus averages at about $17,000 CLP ($26 USD) 

Accommodation in a 8 bed mixed dorm $6,500 CLP ($10 USD)

Private room in a 4 star hotel start at $84,600 CLP ($130/night USD)

Draft beer at a restaurant $3,200 CLP ($5 USD)

Bottled beer at a bottle shop $1,900 CLP ($3 USD)

Street food like empanadas $1,200 CLP ($1.80 USD)

Sit down restaurant $6,500 CLP ($10 USD)

Pack of 20 cigarettes $2,800 CLP ($4.3 USD)

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Chile From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Valparaiso

Santiago

Santiago

Valparaiso

Valparaiso

Valparaiso

Santiago

Valparaiso

Valparaiso

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In Chile

Plan appropriately for Patagonia. You either pay a hefty chunk to fly to the Patagonia National Park, take a bus, which routes through Argentina, or hitch-hike your way down the coast. Whatever your route, it’s not cheap to travel down to the very south and will take some time to make the entire journey. Be advised that the buses from Santiago travel through Argentina which for some nationalities requires a visa.

We found out the hard way that it’s not permitted to drink alcohol on buses. It is illegal in most places to drink on the streets in Chile.

Talking politics can be a touchy subject. Despite our fascination and desire to ask locals about Pinochet and the dictatorship, it’s a controversial topic that should probably only be prompted if initiated by a local first. 

The best way to buy bus tickets is to actually go to the bus station. You can roughly search around on the internet to find timetables and prices online for buses using sites like Busbud and Recorrido, but because there are so many buses and varying schedules their sites can’t always offer accurate information. 

Hitch-hiking is an appropriate way to travel in Chile. It’s not uncommon that travelers, specifically heading down south to Patagonia from Santiago, will hitch-hike to cut their costs.

Some hostels in Santiago offer dinner with a night’s stay. It’s not the fanciest meal, but it offers a nice break on the budget. 

Chile supports the two prong and three prong power plugs mainly used in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

The voltage used in Chile is 220—240 V so the US, Canada and most South American countries require a voltage converter for charging electronics.

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Museum of Memory and Human Rights, Santiago: Free

This museum fully dives into the political rise to power of Pinochet and the persecution of the people during his dictatorship. It’s a powerful exploration that’s historically informative and emotionally explosive. We recommend renting the audio guide for the $5 USD because there’s a lot of extra information that paints a powerful image of the Chilean people. Give yourself 2-3 hours to fully explore everything this museum offers. 

The Cementerio General de Santiago: Free

The cemetery in Santiago stretches 120 soccer fields in length with graves as small as a PO box and as large as a two-story building. The cemetery is divided into sections because it’s so big. They have mausoleums for families, the police force, and even one specifically dedicated to shoe-shiners. You can walk or hire a bike for the day. Bikes were around $15,000 CLP ($23 USD). The easiest way to get to the cemetery is by taking the Red line Metro to the Estación Cementerios for $625 CLP each way ($0.95 USD).

Offbeat Walking Tour, Santiago: Free

Tours 4 Tips starts at the Museo Bellas Artes and departs at 10am everyday. The tour is free, but you tip at the end for the tour guide’s time and awesome knowledge about their city. The offbeat walking tour was awesome as you wander through the Esmeralda neighborhood, visit the Mercado Central and Mercado La Vega, as well as explore the Cementerio General. This tour is fantastic because the Wally guides focus on the locals rather than the big picture spots.

Mercado Central, Santiago: Free  

If you don’t get to take the walking tour, the Mercado Central is a great place to check out. It’s the fish market, so go in with an open mind. It’s a good place to eat local.

Valpo Street Art Tour, Valparaíso: Free

This free walking tour in Valparaíso was one of our favorites. The guides are local, edgy and personable. The idea behind the tour is in exploring the levels of artwork in the city, what’s legal and what’s not, and to give more context to the intensity of graffiti in Valparaíso. Make sure that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour for their extensive knowledge about graffiti and their time. Buses from Santiago to Valparaíso are only $6,000 CLP with Romani buses ($6 USD) and it takes roughly two hours.

Stargazing, San Pedro de Atacama: Free

You can see the stars quite clearly from any point in San Pedro. Even in the town, which is small and bears very little light pollution, you can see the stars. If you have the patience and fancy not paying money to stargaze then we suggest packing a warm blanket and heading just outside of town to have a look. 

Observatory Stargazing Tour, San Pedro de Atacama: $20,000 CLP ($30 USD)

As it is one of the greatest places on earth to experience the stars, taking an observatory tour is awesome. There are all kinds of tour agencies offering nightly tours in different languages that all center around high-powered telescopes. You’ll get to see the deep craters of the moon, the rings of Saturn, galaxies and traces of a far off black hole.  Tours sell out quickly, especially the tours to the main observatory. Some companies accept email reservations, but we found ourselves just wandering into different offices to book our tour.  

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Juriques Hostels, San Pedro de Atacama $12/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

This hostel isn’t anything flash, but it’s welcoming and the courtyard full of hammocks and harbors a very natural environment to meet travelers and even to see a few stars. It was cozy, the owners were lovely and the beds were comfy. 

Aji Hostel, Santiago $14/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

We enjoyed the tranquility of Aji hostel, two times. It had a cozy home feel from the quaint den to the grand wooden staircase. We enjoyed that the hostel included dinner with each night booked. It was pretty simple, either pasta or chicken, but free is free. It also brought everybody together every evening and we met some fun people that way. The only downside was no outside common area.

Escarabajo Hostel, Valparaíso $9/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm

The restored Victorian style home is near local shops in a quiet part of town. It’s on top of one of the many hills about a ten minutes walk down into the busy part of town. For us, Escarabajo was arguably the best part about Valparaíso. The staff was welcoming and fun and their creative activities along with evening family meals, were a big part of why we extended everyday— for nine days we kept extending. The Escarabajo courtyard became our home over the course of our stay and we lucked out that for a week the whole hostel extended their stay and we all explored Valparaíso together.  

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Itching For More Information About South America?

Cambodia

Whether it’s a personal quest to cross off Angkor Wat from your bucket list or to fall into conversation with some monks, Cambodia is a unique place to experience culture and community the Buddhist way. From the history filled capital of Phnom Penh, to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia is a great country to experience history, meet welcoming locals and save money, as it remains one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.

Angkor, Siem Reap

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Why Travel To Cambodia

Visiting Angkor is certainly a powerful incentive to make the journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia. The archeological park of Angkor is brimming with historical beauty as some of the oldest religious monuments and temples are still standing from centuries ago. The park is full of hidden details and it’s all seamlessly overrun by trees and moss making the park an adventurous journey through time. On top of the history in Cambodia, the people are lovely. We were overwhelmed by the genuine responses from locals and their willingness to share. The country is stricken with poverty, but the locals have adapted a curative happiness that’s infectious. The people take a great deal of pride in their culture and their spirituality. The temples here are miraculous, full of detail and ten times more flash than any of the buildings surrounding them. You’ll find temples everywhere all uniquely their own design and specialty. 

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National Flag of Cambodia

The Nitty Gritty Facts

15.76 million people live in Cambodia, 1.5 million of them live in Phnom Penh, the capital.

The National Language of Cambodia is Khmer.

The National Currency of Cambodia is the Riel (KHR).

Cambodia's flag is the only one in the world to feature a building.

During the Khmer Rouge rule under Pol Pot in 1975 to1979, around 2-3 million of the then 8 million population were executed.

Half of Cambodia’s current population is younger than 15 years old.

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. also bombed Cambodia from 1963 until 1973.

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Our Route

Phnom Penh — Siem Reap

Bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is roughly a five hour journey  and costs $9. We traveled mostly with the Sinh Tourist company because they were reliable and relatively comfortable for a good price. 

Traveling throughout Asia is easy and affordable. Both domestic and international flights are relatively cheap.

Budget airlines include

Air Asia 

Tiger Airways

Jetstar

Cebu Pacific

Lion Air

Firefly

Peach 

Scoot

You can also rent motorbikes in Cambodia fairly easily in order to travel from place to place. Keep in mind that riding in Siem Reap, specifically Angkor Archeological Park, is technically illegal for tourists without a Cambodian driver’s license but everyone does it anyway. 

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The Rugged Budget

Tuk-tuks under $5 USD

Domestic buses $7—$15 USD

International buses $15—$25 USD

Accommodation in a 8 bed mixed dorm $4—$7 USD

Private room in a 4 star hotel start at $24 USD

Beer at a bar $3 USD

Beer from a shop $1 USD

Street food $1—$5 USD

Sit down restaurant $6— $15 USD

A pack of 20 cigarettes $1 USD

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Cambodia From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Angkor, Siem Reap

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Angkor, Siem Reap

Angkor, Siem Reap

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

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Helpful Hints For Traveling Cambodia

Officially, the currency in Cambodia is the Riel, but there seems to be a stronger market for the US dollar. The exchange rate is roughly 4,000 Riel to $1 USD. If you’re really penny pinching, it might be best to deal in Riel, but in all honesty things are so cheap in Cambodia that working in dollars is more manageable. There are less decimal places to think about when dealing in dollars and you’re could be providing the bit of extra change that shopkeepers and family members benefit from. 

The country is primarily Buddhist which is evident in the amount of temples and Wats around the country as well as the spirit houses, both inside and outside, of homes and businesses. The spirit houses provide shelter for wandering spirits and offerings from the living are to ensure happy spirits who inhabit these spaces and wish to enter the physical houses of the living. The outside spirit houses often look like miniature pagodas, all gold and decorated with miniature nagas. 

Cambodia like most of southeast Asia, supports a range of power plugs including: the North American plug, the European plug, and the UK plug. 

The voltage used in Cambodia is 220—240 V so the US, Canada and most South American countries require a voltage converter for charging electronics.

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap: $37 USD entrance fee plus $18 USD tuk-tuk around the park

Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the iconic Tomb Raider temple Ta Prohm in Siem Reap. We recommend taking a tuk-tuk around the park because sites are spread out, but there’s also the option of renting a push bicycle or electric bicycle around the park. 

Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Phnom Penh: $3 USD for entrance and audio tour.

Thousands of men, women, and children were kidnapped and taken to several locations in the outskirts of Phnom Penh to be executed as enemies of the state during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Cheung Ek is the central monument and remembrance site of the mass genocide during the ‘70s in Cambodia. Visiting the fields isn’t a light hearted event, but it’s important as a visitor to the country to understand this raw historical wound as it paints a broader picture of the people as a whole. 

“Turn the Imperalist prison into a revolutionary lesson.”

— Anonymous, S21 Memorial

S21, Phnom Penh: $5 USD for entrance and audio tour

Visiting S21 is critical in understanding more about the genocide of over 1.7 million Cambodian people during the five years under the Khmer Rouge. It’s a difficult visit, but the audio tour is a powerful part of understanding the Cambodian people who are still healing.

Royal Palace and Golden Pagoda, Phnom Penh: $10 USD

The grand palace is worth a visit and so is the area surrounding it. We actually enjoyed the architecture and beauty from the outside for free. 

Phsar Thmei Central Market, Phnom Penh: Free

The central market is cool because it’s housed in a very artsy building full of history as it was bombed in WWII and then rebuilt. It’s perfect for people watching as well as a great stop for unique food such as fried tarantula.

Fish Pedicure, Siem Reap: $3 USD and a complimentary drink (beer/coke/water)

A huge and strangely popular activity in Siem Reap is to dip your feet in the fish tanks after a long day of temple visits. The strangely ticklish and oddly comforting activity will leave your feet so smooth and your abs sore from laughing.   

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Siem Reap: Siem Reap Pub Hostel: $3.88/night for an 12 bed mixed dorm

This hostel had an electric atmosphere and a pool. We spent hours wrinkling in the pool playing water volleyball and meeting amazing travelers. The food was tasty and affordable. The refreshing fruit smoothies, however, were better at the family restaurant next door. Beer at the hostel was cheap and cold which is always a plus. The beds were relatively comfortable and the air-conditioning worked great. We loved the helpful and friendly staff that worked there. The hostel is in an obscure location, down a rather dodgy alley way, but worth it. Not far from the bustle of town, street food, or shopping outlets either. 

Phnom Penh: Dynsey FlashPacker Hostel: $4/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

This is a relatively new hostel, but they’re off to a great start. We loved how clean and cozy the hostel was. The rooms were spacious and comfortable with great air-conditioning. The rooftop atmosphere was great and the beer was a good price. Their tour prices and tuk-tuk deals were awesome and easy to arrange. It was only $18 for a tuk-tuk tour to S21, the Killing Fields, and a trip to the airport. 

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Itching For More Information About Southeast Asia?

Colombia

From the Northern coastal beaches of Palomino to the southern ancient ruins of St. Augustine, Colombia offers an amazingly diverse playground for all types of visitors. The country has lush jungles, mountain treks and crystal beaches. There's the chance to live the big city experience or stroll through cobblestone streets in the smaller towns throughout this large country. The Colombian people are energetic and lively and the music that flows through the country is as uplifting and beautiful as the people. Whether you're up for a coffee tour in Salento, trying grilled ants in Barichara, or strolling back in time in Cartagena - Colombia is at the top of our list.  

Guatape

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Why Travel To Colombia?

A hundred times over, the people of Colombia make this place a must see. We felt that the locals are willing to embrace tourism with an open mind, accepting backpackers as people rather than just their wallets. Most of the country is relatively fresh of tourism, which offers backpackers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. We felt safe while traveling and exploring Colombia and we can't argue with the prices for tourists to travel. From the Andes mountains, to the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Pacific ocean to the Caribbean Sea, this country's topography is rich and full of variety. Whether it's the beautiful beaches to the lush jungles, Colombia offers it all.

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The National Flag of Colombia

The Nitty Gritty About Colombia

48.9 million people live in Colombia, 8.9 of them live in Bogota, the capital.

The National Currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).

The country is the world's third largest exporter of coffee.

The National Language is Spanish.

Colombia is roughly the size of Portugal, Spain and France put together.

Colombia is named after famous explorer, Christopher Columbus.

1/3 of Colombia is covered by the Amazon Rainforest.

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Our Route

Cartagena — Santa Marta —Palomino — San Gil — Barichara — Medellin — Guatape — Salento — San Augustin —Ipiales

We travelled through Colombia two times for a total of 10 weeks, traveling by bus, tuk-tuk, taxis, and boat.

Transportation in Colombia is wildly affordable. You'll pay roughly $1USD/1mile on the buses. The comfort on the long-haul buses were quite reasonable and we even received free wi-fi on most of the buses in the northern part of the country. Flying between big cities is affordable using Viva Colombia and Avianca. Also Spirit now flies to Colombia from the states and within Colombia. 

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The Rugged Budget

Transportation from A — B is roughly $1USD/1mile

Taxis usually 10,000COP ($3.08USD) for ten minute ride; it's acceptable to negotiate 

280ml beer is roughly 3,000COP ($1.08USD) sometimes less

Accommodation in a mixed 4 bed hostel from $5USD — $18USD/ night; The farther South we traveled the more common it was for hostels to allow/provide tent options for their accommodation. 

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Colombia From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Barichara

Salento

Barichara

Guadalupe

Salento

Palomino

San Augustin

Barichara

Salento

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Helpful Hints For Traveling Colombia 

There are many places still in Colombia where English isn't spoken so enjoy and invest some time in learning the language. It's fun!

Bogota & Cali, as big cities often can be, is a little unsafe at night, so just be mindful and attentive to your surroundings.

Because much of the coffee made in Colombia is exported, invest in trying coffee from top export regions like Salento.

We encountered some hostels that allowed patrons to pitch tents on the property for just a few dollars which meant access to wifi, showers, and sometimes free breakfast for just a few dollars.

Each region has a different variation of arepas and how they are prepared, try them all.

The voltage used in Colombia is 220—240 V so the US, Canada and most South American countries require a voltage converter for charging electronics. 

The best way to buy bus tickets is to actually go to the bus station. You can roughly search around on the internet to find timetables and prices online for buses using sites like Busbud and Recorrido, but because there are so many buses and varying schedules their sites can’t always offer accurate information. 

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Some Fun Stuff To Keep You Busy

El Penol Rock, Guatape: 12,000 COP ($4USD)

740 stair hike up a giant rock. When you reach the top you have waiting for you, 360degree views of the town and lake.

Playa Blanca, Cartagena: 20,000 COP ($7USD)

A beautiful white beach located on an island full of fresh seafood, huge palm trees and crystal clear water. Free to be on the beach, only costs money to get a boat to the island.

Zipline, Guatape: 10,000 COP ($3.50USD)

4 minute Zip-line over the lake and town of Guatape.

Bungee Jumping, San Gil: 70,000 COP ($23USD)

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Jump from either 70m or 35m jump over the Rio Fonce from the top of a crane.

Gondola Ride, Medellin: 3,000 COP ($1USD)

Take the Gondola across the city of Medellin for stunning and humbling views of the city.

Las Lajas Sanctuary, Ipiales: Free

Hike down a small mountain to see this beautiful Gothic style church.

Archaeological Park, San Agustin: 25,000 COP ($8USD)

Visit this unique UNESCO site to explore the ancient ruins and stone carvings from 2000 years ago.

Las Gachas Swimming Holes, Guadalupe: Free (30min hike from town)

Take a beautiful short hike through the countryside and visit this unique swimming hole. It is a small river that has over a dozen, 3 meter deep holes within the river you can jump into.

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation we Recommend)

Cartagena: El Viajero Cartagena Hostel ($15/night)

We recommend this hostel to anyone visiting the ancient city Cartagena located on the Caribbean Sea. The hostel featured comfortable beds, clean rooms complete with air-con, friendly and helpful staff, a moderately priced bar, great atmosphere and superb location.

Santa Marta: Eco Hostal Yuluka ($11/night)

This is a really unique hostel. The entire property which consists of 6 bungalows, a great pool, and a huge kitchen/restaurant were built with only the materials found on the land. The hostal built around the huge rocks and trees that lay on the property to try and sustain an eco-friendly lifestyle. We absolutely adored this place both times we stayed here. The staff were wonderful, the beds were comfortable, the pool was clean and refreshing, the property was beautiful, and the free breakfast was a nice touch.

Palomino: Primaluna Beach Hostel ($16/night)

This was a really cool hostel located right next to the beach. Palomino is a hippy beach town where all the building are built in bungalow style, with grass roofs and wood floors. We enjoyed this hostel, and in fact extended our stay by a couple extra days. The pool was awesome, the staff was very friendly and helpful, the bar was reasonably priced and the location was perfect. 

San Gil: La Pacha Hostel and Camping ($7/night)

We absolutely love this place! Amazing owners, very eco friendly, and a unique stay! Check out our review below called "Glamping Around the World: La Pacha Hostel in San Gil, Colombia" for all the information about this awesome place! Do not miss your chance to stay here. 

Barichara: Tu Casa Barichara (Must Contact for Price)

To this day, this is our favorite place we have ever stayed. We stayed here for a total of 2.5 weeks and absolutely fell in love with the house, the town and the local people. This is a Homestay & Hotel combo more than a hostel. This means you get your own room in the house (complete with a living room, family room, kitchen, bathroom, courtyard and outside jacuzzi) and for a few hours a day the owners, Margarita and Don will come around and offer to take you anywhere you want to go. They want to give people a 'real' experience of the town and what is has to offer. The house is beautiful, the owners are some of our favorite people and the town is a hidden gem!

Medellin: Hostal Lleras Calle 8 Medellin ($8.50/night)

This is a nice hostel in a very nice part of the city. The hostel is located in a clean and safe part of town and is close by to many tourist attractions. The hostel features clean rooms, privacy curtains in the dorm rooms, multiple kitchens, clean bathrooms, and a movie room with air-con. Definitely a nice place to stay when visiting this huge city.

Salento: La Floresta Hostel ($8/night)

As far as we could tell this was a pretty average hostel but our stay was unique and fun. We stayed in a tent that was fully furnished with a mattress, sheets and pillows. Every morning we were offered free coffee while overlooking a nice view of the mountain side where the coffee grows. Nice staff, great location and comfortable hostel.

San Augustin: Hotel Casa De Nelly ($8/night)

As far as we are concerned, this is the only place you should stay when visiting this city. Here you are treated like family because the owner herself is a backpacker. That means she provides backpackers with the needs and wants backpackers have; because she herself is one. The hostel has a very comfortable atmosphere, complete with a nice kitchen, fireplace, wood floors, huge outside patio, garden, clean rooms, soft beds, and great staff. We had family dinner here every night, which is a great way to meet people and share an experience with fellow backpackers while being treated like family.

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Itching For More Information About South America?

New Zealand

New Zealand is charismatically and wonderfully relaxed. With the most native and rugged landscapes as a background, the people have adopted a very formative island vibe. It’s both welcoming and uniquely independent as a place on the map and the national parks are cause for an influx of thousands of tourists each month. The freedom to camp and potential for exploration makes New Zealand an incredible destination to roam. New Zealand has endless breathtaking views, hip cities, friendly locals, tons of adventure and a rich history. This is a truly a country you have to see at some point in your life. It is guaranteed to impress and leave you wanting more.

Mt. Roy, Wanaka

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Why Travel To New Zealand?

The overwhelming answer is for the scenery. To a level of almost hilarity, the landscapes are perfect and the adventure is never ending. The oceans are clean and crisp and their national parks are captivating. The islands are a mix of agriculture and urbanization which seamlessly mix with the parks and forest. The wildlife is abundant and thriving which makes for exciting adventures and the kiwi people are friendly and welcoming. The country is open to any tourist who wants to visit and is breathtakingly beautiful 12 months a year.

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The National Flag of New Zealand

The Nitty Gritty About New Zealand

4.69 million people live in New Zealand, 402,000 thousand of them live in Wellington, the capital

New Zealand has two national languages. The first is Maori and the second is English. 

New Zealand has 13 national parks, eight of which are considered Great Walks that make up over 30,000 square kilometers. 

The Haka, performed by the All Blacks Rugby team, is a war dance and battle cry that is a big part of Maori ceremonies and culture. 

New Zealand was recently discovered to be the 8th continent of the world - It's not just an island off Australia anymore.

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Our Route

Auckland— Nelson — Takaka — Christchurch — Lake Tekapo — Wanaka — Queenstown — Haast — Dunedin — Blenheim — Wellington 

*We spent five months working in New Zealand, traveling to nearby destinations during the weekends and then we traveled by campervan and motorhome for three weeks after we finished working. We spent the most time in the south island.

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The Rugged Budget

New Zealand is expensive. It's an island so goods are imported and sold with a high tax. That being said, it is possible to travel the country as a backpacker. The key is in securing your own transportation that doubles up as accommodation and restricting your food budget to a minimum. Cooking in helps to reduce the budget. There’s a reason that backpackers travel by campervan and it’s because it’s more affordable than hostel hopping. 

Flights within the islands can be relatively affordable depending on the destinations and time. Fun fact that it’s cheap to fly from Auckland, but not cheap to fly to Auckland. 

(Prices calculated for the high tourist season of December — March)

$40 one way from Auckland — Christchurch

$46 one way from Christchurch — Queenstown

$131 for a one way from Queenstown— Nelson

$28 for a one way from Nelson— Wellington

Buses run anywhere from $20—$60

Inter islander Ferry = $65

6 pack of Mac’s IPA at New World = $15

24 Steinlager = $30

Bottle of descent wine at New World = $12

Beer in a pub or restaurant = $6—$10

Craft beer in a restaurant = $10— $15

 Dorm bed in a decent hostel = $20— $45

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New Zealand From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Nelson Lakes

Wharariki Beach, Takaka

Haast

Wharariki Beach, Takaka

Motoeka

Wharariki Beach, Takaka

Wharariki Beach, Takaka

Dunedin

Golden Bay

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Helpful Hints For Traveling New Zealand

If you have the time, buy a car. Transportation is one of the more difficult aspects of traveling in New Zealand. There are plenty of opportunities to purchase a car or if your time is limited, maybe only a month or two, then renting a van is worth it. It’s a far better experience to see the country by camper van and in the long run it will pay off not having to book accommodation or buses. 

Understand the Freedom Camping laws before you rent a van to avoid any fines or violations. The government take Freedom Camping quite seriously. If you have a s"Self-Contained" vehicle or van (which means it is equipped with a toilet) you can stop and camp almost anywhere. If you only have a van that has been converted and does not have the Self-Contained sticker, you can only park and camp in designated areas. The fines can be substantial. Usually $200.

Grab One is the Craigslist of New Zealand which can be beneficial when looking for cars or planning activities.

The Warehouse is a department store that sells everything from basic food to furniture with affordable prices. It is essentially the Kiwi version of Walmart.

Buying beer from the groceries stores is far cheaper than any of the bottle shops.

New World is a chain of groceries stores that has a surprisingly good selection of deli made sandwiches and wraps in their bakery. They're made fresh everyday and they’re cheaper than any of the restaurants or take away shops. 

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Some Fun Stuff To Keep You Busy

Hike to the geological center of New Zealand, Nelson: Free

A quick 15 minute walk to the center of NZ from Nelson town center. Take pictures with the statue and get a 360 degree view of the city.

Explore the beauty of Wharariki Beach, Takaka: Free

Explore caves, sunbathe, swim and take amazing pictures of the rock formations and playing seals in the water.

Check out the Art Museum, Christchurch: Free

A massive and really great art museum right in the center of the city.

Check out Mount John University Observatory, Lake Tekapo: Free

You can either hitchhike, rent a car or take a bus to the top of a mountain and explore the observatory and get 360 degree views of the city and the 4 lakes. Absolutely breathtaking. 

Hike Mt. Roy, Wanaka: Free

The earlier in the morning you leave for this the better. This is a 4 hour hike to the top of Mt. Roy, where you will get amazing 360 degree views of the city, the lake and see a spectacular sunrise or sunset. 

Explore all the activities do do around the lake, Queenstown: Free

There are loads of activities you can do on or around the lake of Queenstown. You can walk around the lake for some beautiful picture taking moments, rent a jet-ski, go on a steam boat cruise, swim, skydive, bungee jump, golf, rent a mountain bike or just relax at some of the coolest restaurants and bars in town. 

Walk up the steepest street in the world, Dunedin: Free

Baldwin Street is the steepest street in the world with a gradient of 35%

Take a bike tour to the 22+ vineyards, Blenheim/Renwick: Free

A guaranteed fun day! Check out our article below for all the details on how to do this. "Vineyard Hopping in New Zealand's Wine Capital"

Walk around Cuba Street, Wellington: Free

Cuba Street is the famous hipster street in New Zealand's capital. Check out the super chill bars, enjoy some tapas and a local restaurant, visit breweries, or window shop at some of the coolest stores Wellington has to offer. 

Leap off of the top of the Sky Tower, Auckland: 225NZ ($168 USD)

Take a deep breath a leap off Aucklands highest building. Plunge 192 meters at 85 kmph.

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Nelson: The Prince Albert Backpackers ($21/night)

The dorm rooms (and private rooms) are super clean, large and offer lots of natural NZ sunlight. The common kitchen is large and offers plenty of space to cook, but there is a restaurant that offers cheap backpacker meals if you would rather. There is a great bar, common area with a large tv, outside hang out area, computer room, and a bbq for you to use for free. The staff is outstanding. Oh, did I mention the free waffle breakfast?!

Nelson: The Bug Backpackers ($17/night/night)

This is another great hostel in town. Equipped with 2 kitchens, a huge backyard area to hang out, a bbq (free to use), a common area inside, and offers really comfortable beds and clean bathrooms at a reasonable price. The owner Mike is awesome and is sure to take care of you if you choose to stay here.

Queenstown: Bumbles Backpackers ($26/night)

A highly sought after hostel. Bumbles overlooks the lake and has a great common area inside with a wall of windows overlooking the water. The kitchen is large and the beds are soft, spacious and equipped with their own bathrooms. The atmosphere is contagious at this hostel as everyone who stays here wants to do something all the time. Whether it's drink, eat, or explore the city; there is always something to do.

Dunedin: Chalet Backpackers ($16/night)

We really enjoyed this quiet, small hostel. Located on the top of a hill (like most things in Dunedin) this unique hostel is a remodeled hospital from the early 1900's. A small hospital at that. It features wood floors, huge ceilings, large windows, lots of bathrooms, a big kitchen and a back patio where you can hang out in the garden. 

Auckland: ($$$$/night)

We do not have any hostels to recommend. We had a very bad hostel (Surf & Snow Hostel). We talked to lots of people about hostels in Auckland and everyone has the same censuses: They are all overpriced and don't really offer any amenities. You even have to pay for wifi. Really do your research when looking for a place to stay in this city. You may be better off renting an Airbnb or using couchsurfing. 

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Itching For More Information About New Zealand?

Peru

Home to one of The World's Great Wonders, Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu. It's jungles of the Amazon Rainforest, glaciers in Huaraz, deserts of Ica, lake Titicaca bordering Bolivia, the beaches of the the Pacific coast and the presence of the native Quechan people. Whether it’s rallying the tastebuds over ceviche, jumping dunes in Huacachina, swimming in the ocean near Mancora, partying all night in Lima or witnessing the buzzing vibe in Cusco, Peru is a must see. 

Huacachina

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Why Travel To Peru?

Peru is a unique spot along the backpacker trail—very much on the trail. Because of Machu Picchu, Peru is certainly a well visited country by citizens all over the world, meaning it is well developed and fitted for tourists in the areas of interest to tourists. Places like Cusco have the unique architecture, structure and buzz of a fun city. But much of Peru is underdeveloped and a bit more raw than we expected. For this reason we loved and struggled with it. We loved witnessing Peru outside of its postcard perfect structure. We loved seeing the Quechan people in small towns rather than exploited in big cities. But we also felt the poverty and frustration of the Peruvian people.

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The National Flag of Peru

The Nitty Gritty About Peru

32.2 million people live in Peru 8.47 million of them live in Lima, the capital.

The National currency of Peru is the Peruvian Soles (SOL).

There are 3 official National Languages in Peru: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara.

Peru has officially been a country since 1821.

Peru grows more than 55 different varieties of corn and over 3,000 different varieties of potatoes.

Guinea Pig is a delicacy in Peru.

Peru is home to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigational lake in the world.

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Our Route

Mancora — Huaraz — Cusco — Aguas Calientes —Huacachina — Paracas — Arequipa 

8 weeks traveling by planes, buses, vans, taxis and walking over mountains

Transportation is marginally public. Long-haul routes between the north and the south of Peru are affordable and common. The buses are quite comfortable. We took Oltursa as much as possible as they offered comfortable seats, entertainment, and meals all for a very affordable price. 

South America is largely an overland commuter continent. There’s no standard recipe or consistency for airline tickets like there is in Europe and Southeast Asia, so the most popular way to travel is by bus.

Bus Companies include:

Cruz Del Sur (Most popular for backpackers)

Airlines for Peru include:

Latin American Wings

LAN Airlines

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The Rugged Budget

Transportation from A — B is roughly $2.10USD/1mile

Taxis usually picks up at 3.5PEN ($1.07) and is then calculated as roughly $2/mile 

500ml beer is roughly 5PEN ($1.52USD)

Accommodation in a mixed 8 bed hostel from $8USD — $22USD/ night

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Peru From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Machu Picchu

Paracas

Cusco

Punta Union Summit, Huaraz

Arequipa

Arequipa

Arequipa

Arequipa

Santa Catolina Monestary, Arequipa

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Helpful Hints For Traveling Peru

Bring the bug spray, the sand flies in Peru are eager for foreign skin. 

Don’t travel to Mancora—too many people have been robbed in Mancora for us to recommend it to future travelers. It’s a popular beach town to stop at in transit to/from Ecuador to break up the long journey between countries, but crime rates are high and authorities are doing little to minimize the risk. 

Take the time to learn or explore some of the Quechuan culture. The Andean people have a very unique existence among the traffic of Westerns. Taking a guided tour in either the Sacred Valley or Colca Canyon is a unique way to ask questions and explore more of how powerful the relationship between the people and pachamamma is.

Ceviche is fresh and among the best in the world in Peru (Lima invented ceviche), so give it a shot.

Peru supports the two prong and three prong power plugs mainly used in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

The voltage used in Peru is 220—240 V so the US, Canada and most South American countries require a voltage converter for charging electronics.

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Some Fun Stuff To Keep You Busy

Rainbow Mountain, Cusco: 100 SOL ($30USD)

A beautiful mountain top that is naturally colored like a rainbow. A four hour hike to reach the top.

Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes: 137 SOL ($42USD)

It's Machu Picchu, what else is there to say other than it is a MUST-DO, but if you're in Peru I am sure this is one of the main reasons why. You have a few options for seeing it. You can see the Inca City Of Machu Picchu and hike Montaña Machu Picchu for $42 or see the Inca City Of Machu Picchu and hike Huaynapicchu for $45. Both of these hikes lead you to a great viewpoint of the ancient city of Machu Picchu. There are also many Jungle Treks that take 2-6 days to complete with your culmination of the trek ending at Machu Picchu. These treks cost more money and there are tons of tour companies that offer the package at varying prices. 

Santa Cruz Trek, Huaraz: 98-325 SOL ($30-100USD)

This is the most famous 3 day trek in Huaraz. The peak is at 15,500ft and overlooks a glacier and lake. We only paid $30 because we did not go with a tour company and carried our own tent, food, and supplies. If you take a tour, the our company will carry everything for you, but you on a time schedule. We prefered to be on our own time schedule and set up camp wherever we wanted. 

Sandboarding & Dune Buggy Tour, Huacachina: 81 SOL ($25USD)

This is a great full day activity. Take the dune-buggy and cruise around the dunes and stop at the biggest dunes to sandboard down. 

Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa: 40 SOL ($12USD)

A beautiful and old 16th century monastery just recently opened to the public. It's huge and is a photographers paradise.

Colca Canyon Trek, Arequipa: 100 SOL ($31USD)

This is a great 2 day trek that takes you past the Cruz Del Condor and through a canyon 1,200meters down to an oasis where you stay the night before you take the trek up the next morning during sunrise. Lots of tour operators offering this tour; make sure to barter your price.

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Mancora: Misfit Hostel ($8/night)

This is one of our favorite hostels in Peru, solely because of the owners and the atmosphere they create. This is a simple hostel located on the beach, literally 10 meters from the waves of the ocean. The hostel has a very relaxed vibe (where you grab your own beer from the fridge and write it down in a notebook to keep track) and an atmosphere that will make you extend your stay over and over and over again. 

Huaraz: Alpes Huaraz (8.50/night)

This is a nice hostel located right in the city center of Huaraz. This is a city you come to if you plan on doing some trekking around the area. Huaraz is known for its famous treks. The hostel is clean, has plenty of bathrooms and showers, the beds are comfortable, the wifi works great and the price for a bed per night is attractive.

Cusco: Supertramp Hostel Cusco ($12night) & Intro Hostels Cusco ($8/night)

Supertramp Hostel is a newly remodelled hostel right in the center of Cusco. The beds are pod style and are very comfortable. Each pod includes a privacy curtain, light, locker and outlet within the pod. The staff were very friendly, the location was close to everything you would want to do in the city and the free breakfast was a nice touch.

Intro Hostel was our favorite hostel between the two of these. The hostel unlike Supertramp is in an old building (an old mansion actually) and has lots of character. The stone building includes beautiful wood floors, and outside fire pit, a fun bar, free breakfast, comfortable beds, huge lockers, and has a great location. 

Huacachina: Banana's Adventure ($27/night - Includes free activities)

This is the famous hostel in Huacachina. There are only a handful of hostels in this small desert town adventure oasis, but this is the one everyone wants to be in and/or comes to for a party. The hostel is more expensive than others but that is because it includes adventure activities you would otherwise pay for if you stay anywhere else. You can go on a dune-buggy tour and go sandboarding down the sand dunes, go on a wine or pisco (the national liquor) tour, or partake in a killer BBQ buffet at the hostel. The hostel features a pool, pool bar, free breakfast, comfortable beds, a great staff, and awesome tours. If you are going to Huacachina, this is the only place you should stay. 

Paracas: Kokopelli Paracas Hostel ($10/night)

We lived and worked at this hostel for 2.5 weeks. However this is the hostel to be at in this tiny town. Paracas literally consists of 2 streets and there is only so much to do in the town. This hostel however has a great vibe, the best bar in town (seriously, locals come to the bar because it's that awesome), an awesome pool, lots of bathrooms, super awesome staff, and is located right on the beach. The beds are pod style and are very comfortable. Each pod includes a privacy curtain, light, locker and outlet within the pod. The best place to stay in Paracas. Other hostels are only a couple dollars cheaper than this one, but you get so much more for your money when you stay here. 

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Itching For More Information About South America?

Greece

From the breathtaking caldera view in Santorini, the nightlife on the island Mykonos, to the ancient ruins of Athens, Greece has something to offer every tourist. This country is chalk full of adventure, delicious cuisine, picturesque moments, rich wine, tasty sweets and some of the kindest people we have met in Europe. Greece is a perfect destination for a budget vacation.

Sunset view over the caldera, Santorini City view of Athens

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Why Travel To Greece

Apart from the obvious facts of its historic status, Greece as a country and its people are a perfect excuse to travel and visit. The culture reflects a focus on food and family which plays a major part in all parts of the country from the islands to Athens. We loved all the rich flavors of meats and cheeses, freshly baked pastries, traditional dishes like moussaka, and their unique style of gyros which includes french fries wrapped in alongside all the other delicious toppings. Moving throughout the country was a treat and whether we visited a party island like Mykonos, a picturesque island like Santorini, or a locals only island like Paros we found great people and comfortable places.

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The Nitty Gritty Facts

The National of Flag Greece

Almost 11 million people live in Greece and 665,000 of them are concentrated in Athens, the capital.

Greece’s national language is Greek. 

Roughly 16.5 million tourists visit Greece each year which is more than the country's population, making up 16% of the country’s GDP. 

Athens is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, political science, Western literature, historiography, and Western theories of tragedy and comedy.

Greece has roughly 2,000 islands, 170 of which are populated.

Continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years, Athens is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

The National currency of Greece is the Euro €. 

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Our Route

Crete — Santorini — Paros — Athens — Thessaloniki

There’s essentially two ways to approach travel in Greece: one, start from the mainland and then tour the islands or two, start from the islands and travel the mainland. From two separate trips to Greece, we highly suggest starting mainland and working towards the islands for a few different reasons. Athens and Thessaloniki are wonderful cities, full of cool places to visit, however coming from Santorini, paradise, it’s hard to take in and fully realize the beauty and potential of these places after such tranquility. Their cities are dirty and crowded, loud and somewhat of a shock after days alone on the beaches. It’s also a good idea to start in Athens, explore more of the history, freshen up on mythology and then visit places like Crete which plays a major role in Greek mythology. 

Travel by train in Greece is fun and easy. Major train stations and routes are Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Larissa.

Interrail pass for 3 days within one month for Greece start at €59 ($69 USD)

Eurail pass for 3 days within one month for Greece start at €101 ($118 USD)

Ferry travel in Greece include: 

Blue Star Ferries (discount with Eurail pass)

Superfast Ferries (discount with Eurail pass)

Minoan Lines (discount with Eurail pass)

Aegean Speedlines

Hellenic Seaways

Budget airlines for Greece include:

RyanAir

EasyJet

Volotea

Aegean Airlines

Vueling

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The Rugged Budget

The official currency in Greece is the Euro 1€ = $1.16 USD

Transportation for intercity trains €22— €50

Transportation for island ferries (Blue Star):

Athens — Heraklion €38 ($44 USD)

Athens — Santorini €20 ($23 USD)

Athens — Paros €20 ($23 USD)

Accommodation in a 4 bed mixed dorm in Athens €17 ($20 USD)

Private room in a 4 star hotel in Santorini €25 ($30 USD)

Beer at a bar €5 ($5.80 USD)

Beer from a shop €2 ($2.3 USD)

Gyro €2 ($2.30 USD)

Sit down restaurant €12— €24 ($15—$30 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes €4.20 ($5.60 USD)

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Greece From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Sunset view over the caldera, Santorini

Oia, Santorini

The Old Port of Heraklion, Crete

Chania, Crete

Oia, Santorini

Chania, Crete

Imerovigli, Santorini

Chania, Crete

Santorini

Chania, Crete

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In Greece

Sunscreen in Greece is quite expensive, €20 on the islands, and the sun is powerful so bring your own to save yourself the change and the pain of a sunburn. 

There are bakeries everywhere in Greece where you can get a filling meal for just a few bucks. Bakeries specialize in Spanakopita (feta and spinach pies), traditional moussaka, and of course sweets like baklava and galaktoboureko. 

Because hostels in Greece aren’t the best, not as nice as other European cities, we found that hotels were actually cheaper and nicer than the listings we came across on hostelworld. 

Traveling by ATV and motorbike is the best way to get around on the islands— specifically Santorini. ATVs are affordable and accessible and give visitors the opportunity to navigate all over the island at their own convenience. 

Santorini can get quite expensive if staying in the center of the island, Fira, or the luxurious part of the island, Oia, but staying in Akrotiri, Perissa, and Imerovigli means spending less money on accommodation and food all while being only 15-30 minutes away from the picturesque parts of the island. 

Greece uses the European and Russian plug. They have sockets using 220 - 240 V so citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America need a voltage adapter to charge their devices. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Mars Hill or Filopappos Hill, Athens: Free

It costs €20 to visit the Acropolis, which was under construction when we visited summer of 2017, but climbing either of these hills in the public park surrounding the Acropolis offers a completely free view of the Parthenon as well as a great view of the city.   

Pilgrimage From Fira to Oia, Santorini: Free

This a peaceful and scenic four-six hour walk along the Caldera in Santorini, from the center (Fira) to the northern tip (Oia) is an enjoyable afternoon activity. Hike to the very edge of the island to grab a seat amongst other backpackers to the best sunset over the Aegean sea. Buses back from Oia to Fira are €1.60.

Atlantis Books, Santorini: Free

By far one of the coolest book stores we’ve been to and it’s all housed in a cave, like most shops on the island of Santorini, except they’re home to a range of cats, dogs and travelers. Opened in 2005, by two British travelers, the bookstore is an enthralling maze of all kinds of classics and contemporary books. It’s artful and adventurous. It’s of course free to visit, but they kindly ask for a donation if you’re going to take a picture. 

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Galatia Villas, Santorini $35/night for a private room with a double bed

This was our first taste of Santorini’s charming beauty. We loved that there were pockets of Santorini that were super affordable, like outside of Fira. The rooms here were cozy and clean. We enjoyed the location being close to Fira, but not in the congestion of town. The staff was friendly and helpful. 

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Itching For More Information About Europe?

Czech Republic

From the historical Charles Bridge, ancient churches, numerous beer gardens, museums, and the many national parks, the Czech Republic has something to offer every kind of traveler. This country is full of outdoor adventures, picturesque town squares, amazing beer, ancient castles and posses some of the most interesting history in Central Europe. The Czech Republic is a perfect destination for backpackers and vacationers alike and can easily be travelled on a budget.

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Why Travel To The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is quickly becoming one of thee most sought after countries to visit. Whether you're a backpacker or a casual vacationer looking for a fun and unique destination, the Czech Republic is an extremely affordable and welcoming country to visit. From the more than two-thousand ancient castles overlooking every city and town, to the hundreds of pubs overflowing with Pilsner, and the dozens of National Parks, the Czech Republic offers its visitors with weeks of adventure, days of relaxation or a perfect mix of both. Get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets, stumble upon delicious restaurants and historical pubs, spend hours exploring the museums in Prague and Brno learning about this country's fascinating history, and explore the castles and churches that make this country so well known. There is no excuse why you wouldn't want to visit this beautiful country and if you are planning backpacking trip, make sure this country is on your list. 

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The National Flag of the Czech Republic

The Nitty Gritty Facts

Almost 10.56 million people live in the Czech Republic and 1.3 million of them are concentrated in Prague, the capital.

The Czech Republic's national language is Czech. 

The National currency of the Czech Republic is the Koruna (CZK). 

The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption rate per capita in the world.

The Czech Republic ranks as one of the least religious populations in the world, with only 19 percent of people claiming to believe in God.

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Our Route

Prague — Brno

The best way to travel within the Czech Republic is by train. Sure, you can find cheap flights or take a bus with the ever popular European tour company Busabout, but traveling by train is fast, efficient, affordable and allows you to see the countryside and travel through towns and cities you would have otherwise never seen. The best option is to buy a Eurail pass which will allow you to travel seamlessly throughout the country whenever you want and will take you wherever you want. To save money on accommodation, take night trains, and reserve a couchette for a good night's sleep.

Travel by train in the Czech Republic is fun and easy. Major train stations and routes are in every major city.

Interrail pass for 3 days within one month for Italy start at $70 USD

Eurail pass for 3 days within one month for Czech Republic start at $238 USD

Budget airlines for Czech Republic include:

RyanAir

EasyJet

Czech Airlines

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The Rugged Budget

The official currency in the Czech Republic is the Koruna 22 CZK = $1 USD

24-hour metro pass 110 CZK ($5 USD)

One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 24 CZK ($1.08 USD)

Accommodation in a 6 bed mixed dorm in most cities in Czech usually cost around 200 CZK ($9 USD)

Private room in a 4 star hotel in any major Czech city starts around 1,217 CZK ($55 USD)

Beer at a bar 30 CZK ($1.36 USD)

Beer from a shop 15 CZK ($.68 USD)

Meal at pub with beer 100 CZK ($4.50 USD)

Sit down restaurant 200 CZK ($9 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes 100 CZK ($4.50 USD)

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Czech Republic From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In The Czech Republic

While many shops in Prague will accept Euros, to get the most of your money, withdraw Czech Koruna from an ATM.

One of the great things about Prague is the size. It’s a small city, and most areas of Prague are well connected by public transportation. Tickets start at about $1.08 USD for a single-fare ticket on public transportation.

A tram ticket costs 24 CZK for 30 minutes of use, or 32 CZK for a 90 minutes. You can buy tickets in many small convenience store or metro station.

Prague has a metro system with three lines, totaling 62 kilometers of tracks, and 61 stations.

If you’re on a budget, cooking for yourself can save you a lot of money. Groceries in Prague are very affordable and there are plenty of supermarkets, and farmers markets.

The Czech Republic uses the European plug. They have sockets using 220 - 240 V so citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America need a voltage adapter to charge their devices. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Walk across the Charles Bridge, Prague: Free

This is probably to most iconic and well known attraction of Prague. Everyone from tourists to locals flock here all times of the year to walk from one end to the other, enjoying the city views, gazing at the art being sold by vendors, or to listen to local musicians. The Charles Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river and was constructed in 1357.

Explore Malá Strana, Prague: Free

Walk the historic cobble stoned streets and gaze at the beautiful centuries old buildings. You will find lots of hip shops, restaurants, pubs and expensive hotels in this area. Make sure to bring your camera for this one.

Climb the steps to the top of the Astronomical Clock, Prague: $5

This is an ancient clock that dates back to the 12th century. It has never been destroyed (even during WWII) and remains an iconic symbol for the city of Prague. Hike up the stairs to the top where you can see 360 degree views of the city.

Drink at the National Beer Museum, Prague: $13

If you pay for the tour (which is the $13 price we have listed), you get a quick but fun tour learning all about the history of beer in the Czech Republic. When you are finished you get 4 free beers of your choice. Otherwise, this is just a cool place to hang out and drink good beer. There is always live music happening and the bar boasts 30 different beers on tap.

Take a stroll through Letna Park, Prague: Free

This is a large park located at the top of a hill overlooking Prague. From here you get stunning views of Prague and the river, where you can get great pictures of the Charles Bridge and the cityscape, get lost in the maze of flowers, or have a glass of wine during sunset.

"Imagine" yourself at the John Lennon Wall, Prague: Free

A lesser known tourist attraction, the John Lennon wall is an old stone wall that is always being spray painted with John Lennon quotes, Beatles lyrics and inspirational quotes. It changes all the time as local artists come here and contribute their additions. Can be hard to find but the adventure you have looking for it leads you into some cool parts of town. Ask the locals or your hostel to point you in the right direction.

Explore the ancient catacombs, Brno: $6

A catacomb is "an underground cemetery". This specific catacomb is located underneath the Church of St, James and you can take an unguided tour exploring the hallways and rooms that feature the bones and skulls of more than 50,000 people.

Check out the Spilberk Castle, Brno: Free

This is an 13th-century castle that first served as a fortress and then as a prison for common criminals and opponents of the Hapsburg monarchy which lasted from 1526 to 1804. 

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Hostel Prague Tyn, Prague  $18/night for an 8 bed mixed dorm

We really enjoyed this hostel for many reasons. The staff was excellent and always went out of their way to help, the location is in a beautiful part of town, surrounded by small local streets where you can find great food and beer, and the beds were really comfortable. It also features great bathrooms, a nice common area and fun atmosphere to meet other backpackers.

Hostel One, Prague $30/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm

This is one of the more expensive hostels in the city but is well worth it. It features an awesome cave bar in the basement, a huge backyard where you can drink beer with friends all night, a nice kitchen where you can cook any time of the day, a movie room (yeah, a movie room), and a central location next to cool bars and restaurants. It also boats nice beds, great room views, clean bathrooms and knowledgeable staff. 

Hostel Jacob, Brno $20/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm

This was a nice hostel in a great part of town. It is small so there is not as much atmosphere as other hostels, but features great beds, wood floors, huge windows that let in tons of sunlight, clean and modern bathrooms, wonderful coffee and friendly staff.

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Itching For More Information About Europe?

United Kingdom

From the wild nightlife to the vast amount of historical buildings and monuments in London, the gorgeous castles in Scotland, the open landscapes of Wales, the pubs and people of Northern Ireland or the stunning Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the UK has something for every type of traveler. The UK is a perfect destination for a backpacker looking to find a good time at the pubs or the casual vacationer looking to relax on the beaches or immerse themselves in history.

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Why Travel To The UK

Apart from the various kinds of rich history within this country, the UK offers visitors many reasons to explore this island country. This is a great country to find your backpacking feet if you're just getting started on a European backpacking trip, or a perfect country to explore the landscapes and relax on the beaches if you're on a quick holiday trip looking for some rest and relaxation. You can explore the castles of Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland, drink like a Brit in the pubs in Manchester, relax on the beaches down south near Brighton, get lost in the many colorful areas of downtown London, take a train through the green hills of Wales, explore Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, or get lost in the many small towns like Crewe, York or Preston. Though the UK can be an expensive country, there is always a way to do it on a budget, and with the UK being so backpacker friendly there are many ways you can explore on a budget if you're willing to put in the research.

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The National Flag of the UK

The Nitty Gritty Facts

Almost 66 million people live in the UK and 8.8 million of them are concentrated in London, the capital.

The UK's national language is English but you will find people speaking languages from all over the world, 300 to be exact. 

The National currency of the UK is the British Pound £. 

The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.

The shortest war against England was with Zanzibar in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes.

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Our Route

London, England — Stansted, England — Bishops Stortford, England — Cambridge, England

Crewe, Wales

Edinburgh, Scotland

Belfast, Northern Ireland  — Antrim, Northern Ireland — Londonderry, Northern Ireland

The best way to travel within the UK is by train. Sure, you can find cheap flights or take a bus, but traveling by train is fast, efficient, relatively affordable and allows you to see the countryside and travel through towns and cities you would have otherwise never seen. The best option is to buy a BritRail Pass which will allow you to travel seamlessly throughout the country whenever you want and will take you wherever you want. To save money on accommodation, take night trains, and reserve a couchette for a good night's sleep.

Travel by train in the UK is fun and easy. Major train stations and routes are in every major city.

A BritRail Pass for 3 days within one month for the UK start at $145 USD

Budget airlines for the UK include:

RyanAir

EasyJet

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The Rugged Budget

The official currency in the UK is the British Pound £ (£1 = $1.30)

Transportation for trains £30— £150 (Unless you have a train pass)

Accommodation in a 6 bed mixed dorm in most major cities in the UK usually cost around £14 - £20

Private room in a 4 star hotel in any major UK city starts around £130 ($170 USD)

Beer at a pub £6 ($7.80 USD)

Beer from a shop £2 ($2.60 USD)

Fish & Chips at a pub £8 ($13 USD)

Sit down restaurant £20 ($26 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes £10 ($13.00 USD)

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The United Kingdom From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In The UK

If you're looking for an inexpensive bite on the go, stop into any of the Tesco Lotus shops and get their £5 deal. It's any entree (sandwich or wrap) with a snack (chips, candy, energy bars) and a drink (soft drinks including Naked smoothies) all for only £5. 

Take advantage of your resources and search for free accommodation using Couch Surf, HelpX or WWOOF. 

Weigh the cost and benefits of staying in London's city center vs. outside of it. Although hostels are cheaper outside of London, the difference in price will often equal that of a stay in the center once you factor in the price of taking The Underground. 

The Underground is expensive so if you can, take the bus instead. You'll be exchanging money for time as buses take longer, but you'll also get to be above ground to see the sites. 

The UK uses the European plug. They have sockets using 220 - 240 V so citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America need a voltage adapter to charge their devices. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Free Walking Tour, London: Free

Check out some of London's most famous tourist attractions by foot. There are loads of Free Walking tours offered in this city that will take you to some of the most sought after tourist sights. The tours usually last around three hours and will take a break for lunch. All you have to do is tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed the tour.

Pub Crawl, London: The cost is up to you

It's cheapest to get drinks from the local shops in London rather than go to the pubs, however, it is a fantastic experience to drink drafts at a pub in the UK— right of passage. So our best advice is to take advantage of the happy hour deals in town, some of them listing £3 beers and house wines until 8 pm on weekdays (Adam & Eve Bar). We also found Simmons King's Cross has £2.50 bottles of beer, spirits with a mixer, or wine from 4-9pm, Sunday to Friday.

Take a Museum Tour, London: Free
Take a tour through one of the ten free museums in the city ranging from The British Museum to The Science Museum and the national gallery.

Explore the Edinburgh Castle, Scotland: $20

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting and historic sites Scotland. Located in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, Edinburgh. The views from the castle are breathtaking and allow you access to see the city from a viewpoint like none other in the city. This castle is obviously very rich in history and will leave you entertained for hours as you explore the museums, hallways, art and terraces.

Stay on the Train, Wales: Price varies depending Route

Whether you are heading to Manchester from London or you just want to explore the east, make sure you take a train ride through the country of Wales. The scenery (especially by train) is breathtaking. You will see green pastures as far as the eye can see, loads of sheep and mini-horses running around, beautiful rolling hills, and stone buildings every couple of minutes. This is a very relaxed country and should definitely be explored, but at the very least, take a train through the country, listen to someone speak welsh, and have a pint in the rain.

Take a Black Taxi Tour, Belfast NI: £35 but the price gets cheaper with more people

Belfast is full of political history and culture. After 35 years of conflict, Belfast, and most of Northern Ireland have taken to expressing the conflicts through art. The black taxi tours take visitors on a controversial and detailed experience through history.  

Visit The Giants Causeway, Antrim NI: Free
Make sure to take a visit north, far north, to visit the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, that result of an ancient volcanic eruption. You can tour the site for free, without a guide, and roam the lush cliff sides through guided paths. 
 

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

St. Christophers Inn, London $35/night for a 4 bed mixed dorm

Not only is the location awesome, the building itself is breathtaking. Formerly a seaman's hostel, the building was converted to an astonishing traveller’s place. Featuring a huge Bar, a courtyard, a cosy hangout area in the lobby and all amenities a backpacker could wish for. Whether you just stop in London for a couple of pints, or you're planning an extended sightseeing and shopping trip; this hostel is the place to stay. All the rooms come with comfy wooden beds, private shower, and toilet facilities and lockers for your belongings.

Budget Backpackers, Edinburgh $41/night for a 12 bed mixed dorm

Budget Backpackers is in the lively Grassmarket area, surrounded by bars and cafes and within walking distance to sites around central Edinburgh. The hostel features quiet, clean and comfortable rooms and a highly praised pub crawl and walking tour. There's lots of common areas to meet people if you're travelling on your own and are looking to party and meet people this is a great spot.

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Itching For More Information About Europe?

Italy

From the historical Colosseum and ruins in Rome, fashion in Milan, romance in Venice, beaches in the Amalfi coast, and the ancient cities of the south near Bari, Italy has something to offer everyone. This country is chalk full of adventure, picturesque moments, rich wine, tasty sweets, mouthwatering pasta and some of the kindest people we have met in Europe. Italy is a perfect destination for backpackers and vacationers alike.

Venice

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Why Travel To Italy

Apart from the obvious historical status, cobblestone streets, curvy roads, and delicious foods, there is no excuse why you wouldn't want to visit this beautiful country. If you are on a backpacking trip, chances are this country is on your list, as its geographical location is well within reach of of nearby heavily touristed countries. This is a perfect country to get lost in for a little while; your sense of adventure and exploration are heightened in this country as everything there is to see leads to something even more bold and beautiful. The list is infinite of things you can do to keep yourself busy. Moving throughout the country is easy, affordable and scenic, as Italy has a wonderful rail system that runs everywhere you will want to go.

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The National of Flag Italy

The Nitty Gritty Facts

Almost 60.6 million people live in Italy and 3 million of them are concentrated in Rome, the capital.

Italy's national language is Italian. 

The National currency of Italy is the Euro €. 

The world's third oldest continuously inhabited city for 9000 years is located in the south of Italy, called Matera.

Italy is credited with creating Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Provolone and Ricotta cheese.

The Vatican City is an independent state within Italy.

Ancient Rome was said to be eight times more densely populated than modern New York.

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Our Route

Rome — Vatican City — Florence — Milan — Venice — Cinque Terre — Matera — Pomarico

The best way to travel within Italy is by train. Sure, you can find cheap flights or take a bus with the ever popular European tour company Busabout, but traveling by train is fast, efficient, affordable and allows you to see the countryside and travel through towns and cities you would have otherwise never seen. The best option is to buy a Eurail pass which will allow you to travel seamlessly throughout the country whenever you want and will take you wherever you want. To save money on accommodation, take night trains, and reserve a couchette for a good night's sleep.

Travel by train in Italy is fun and easy. Major train stations and routes are in every major city.

Interrail pass for 3 days within one month for Italy start at €90 ($105 USD)

Eurail pass for 3 days within one month for Italy start at €151 ($178 USD)

Budget airlines for Italy include:

RyanAir

EasyJet

Vueling

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The Rugged Budget

The official currency in Italy is the Euro 1€ = $1.16 USD

Transportation for intercity trains €22— €50 (Unless you have a train pass)

Accommodation in a 6 bed mixed dorm in most cities in Italy usually cost around€12— €24 ($15—$30 USD)

Private room in a 4 star hotel in any major Italian city starts around €50 ($58 USD)

Beer at a bar €5 ($5.80 USD)

Beer from a shop €2 ($2.3 USD)

Pizza €10 ($11.50 USD)

Sit down restaurant €12— €24 ($15—$30 USD)

A pack of 20 cigarettes €4.20 ($5.60 USD)

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Italy From From The Scratch My Pack Lens

Matera

Florence

Florence

Rome

Rome

Pomarico

Cinque Terre

Rome

Florence

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In Italy

Book your train tickets in advance as Italy is a heavily populated and visited country. Tickets to major cities sell out fast.

If you want to see The Pope, you can go to the Vatican City on any given Sunday and watch him give mass. The price is free but you may need to get your ticket ahead of time to ensure a seat.

If you want to see the real Italy, leave the big cities and visit a town you have never heard of before. There are tons of amazingly beautiful, old and raw towns that are untouched by tourism in Italy. This is a great way to get unique pictures, meet un-jaded locals, and walk down ancient cobblestone streets.

Make sure you spend some time on the Mediterranean coast. It doesn't matter where you do it, but make sure you see it; it is breathtakingly beautiful and the water is near perfect.

There are bakeries everywhere in Italy where you can get a croissant, baguette, cheese, or pastry for a cheap price.

Major cities can get quite expensive if staying in the center. Staying just outside the city center means you will be spending less money on accommodation and food all while being only 15-30 minutes away from the picturesque or touristy parts of the city. All the major cities have great and cheap public transportation so it will be easy to get anywhere you want to go.

Italy uses the European plug. They have sockets using 220 - 240 V so citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, and most of South America need a voltage adapter to charge their devices. 

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Colosseum & nearby Ruins, Rome: Free

It is free to view the Colosseum from the outside but costs money to walk inside. It has got really overcrowded and tickets are sold out regularly. Get your tickets early and arrive early in the morning for a less crowded experience. Make sure to walk all the way around the colosseum to see the surrounding ruins of ancient Rome. 

Hop on Hop off Bus Tour, Rome: $16

This is bus pass that allows you to hop on and off at every tourist destination in Rome over a 24 hour period. The company (Hop On Hop Off) stops at all the important stops and you can spend as much time you want there. When you're ready to leave just go back to the waiting point and wait for the next bus to pick you up and continue your journey.

Explore the Vatican City, Rome: Free

"Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It's home to the Pope and a trove of iconic art and architecture. Its Vatican Museums house ancient Roman sculptures such as the famed “Laocoön and His Sons” as well as Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling."

St, Maria's Basilica, Rome: Free

This was Leonardo Da Vinci's last architectural design before he died. He actually died before it was complete, so half of the building is complete and painted and the other half is not. Upon entering the building it is typically Da Vinci, with beautiful paintings on the ceiling and a play of architecture that caters to his background in sculpting. In the back of the building there is a small museum dedicated to the history of the construction and to DaVinci himself. 

Trevi Fountain: Free

This a beautiful 17th century fountain that still stands today after moderate restoration. The reason this fountain is unique is because the water free flows through the pipes using gravity to push it out instead of mechanics like any modern day fountain. It is said to be good luck if you throw in a coin over your back while making a wish. Get there early as it is always crowded and is a must see attraction while visiting this city.

Visit the Duomo, Florence: Free

This is a breathtaking church (even for Europe) and boasts the largest free-standing dome in the world (hence the nickname "The Duomo"). Santa Maria del Fiore as it is actually named, is the third largest church in the world (after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London) and was the largest church in Europe when it was completed in the 15th century. 

Hike to the Highest Point in Florence: Free

Take an easy hike up to the top of the hill in Florence. At the top is a beautiful park where you can see the cityscape and escape the craziness of tourists roaming the streets. This is a great place to view the sunset or have a picnic of wine, bread and cheese.

Explore the Market, Florence: Free

Florence has one of the best markets in all of Italy. The market happens every day and lasts all day. The market is long and narrow and allows you a chance to escape the sun and get lost as you venture through the covered shops where you can find anything from food to souvenirs, to leather goods. 

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa: $12

Take a day trip from neighboring Florence (90 minutes away by train for $12) to visit the iconic Leaning Tower.

Take a Hike, Cinque Terre: Free

Cinque Terre means "The 5 towns". Start your hike early in the morning in Riomaggiore and hike the path through all the town to culminate your hike in the 5th town of Monterosso for sunset and dinner on the beach.

Explore the Sassi, Matera: Free

Matera is claimed as the third oldest continually inhabited settlement in the world after Syria's Aleppo and Palestine's Jericho. The city of Matera has been occupied for the last 9,000 years and is famous for its Rupestrian Churches and the two Sassi districts, which are intact, cave dwellings from the Paleolithic era (better known as the Stone-Age).

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

Hostel Lodi, Rome $21/night for a 4 bed mixed dorm

A very nice hostel located a bit outside of the main attractions but you can easily walk to the Colosseum or walk to the metro near by to take you anywhere you want to go. The staff was amazing and we were greeted with a very warm hello, welcome drink, and a smile. The staff answered all our questions and were eager to help us make sure we had a great stay in the hostel and in Rome. It boasts a great garden and comfortable beds.

L'Ostello dei Sassi, Matera $20/night for a 12 bed mixed dorm

This is great hostel with a great location. It was low season when we were there and pretty much had the entire place to ourself. It boasts great architecture, wonderful staff clean facilities and plenty of common areas to hang out in.

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Vietnam

With more than 10 million tourists visiting annually, Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the most travelled to countries in Southeast Asia. From the endless rice fields in northern Sapa, the ever famous limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, and the french quarter in Hanoi, to the center of the country where you will meet Da Nang - the fastest growing city in Southeast Asia, which is surrounded by multiple UNESCO World Heritage Cities like Hue, Hoi An, and My Son. Take a trip further south through the mountains of Da Lat, the beach town on Nha Trang and make your way to the biggest, fastest and most populated city of Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City. The country remains one of the cheapest in Southeast Asia and is a great starting point for a backpacking tour of Southeast Asia.

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Why Travel To Vietnam

We were captivated by almost everything is Vietnam. The country boasts beautiful beaches leading into crystal clear water, incredibly interesting history, crazy traffic, bustling nightlife, a communist government, and hardworking locals that welcome tourists with a smile, cold fresh beer and a plate of Bún Chả, a local favorite. There's much to do and see in this long and narrow country and we feel like we have just scratched the surface. We love this country for the never ending access to all sorts of landscapes and activities that fit a tight budget. Vietnam is an easy country to travel within and is one of the most accessible countries in Southeast Asia. 

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The National Flag of Vietnam

The Nitty Gritty Facts

92.7 million people live in Vietnam, 7.6 million of them live in Hanoi, the capital.

The worldwide known food, Pho, is the national dish.

Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon until 1975 when it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City following its capture by North Vietnamese communist forces.

Vietnam has 3 major religions, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism.

The war in Vietnam war started in 1954 and didn't end until 1975.

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Our Route

Hanoi — Sapa — Da Nang — Tam Ky —Hoi An — Ho Chi Minh City

Roughly a thirty two-hour journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by bus and costs around $40.

There are many stops in between these two cities (Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh in the south). Most backpackers follow this route (in one direction or the other) and stop at the different cities along the way.

The most traveled cities in Vietnam are: Hanoi, Hoi, Hoi An, Sapa, Halong Bay, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat & Mui Ne

Traveling throughout Vietnam is easy because everything is so well connected. It can be very affordable if you're ok with putting in long hours on bus rides. However, there are also regular cheap flights from the north to south or visa versa. 

Airlines for Vietnam include:

Vietnam Airlines - The flagship airline of the country

VietJet Air - A budget airline

AirAsiaX - A budget airline

Jetstar Pacific Airlines - A budget airline

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The Rugged Budget

The national currency in Vietnam is the Dong 22,800 Dong = $1 USD

Local buses $.50—$2 USD

Intercity bus $5—$25

Accommodation in a 8 bed mixed dorm $4—$6 USD

Private room in a 4 star hotel start at $20 USD

Beer at a bar $1-2 USD

Beer from a shop $.50 USD

Street food $1—$4 USD

Sit down restaurant $4— $6 USD

A pack of 20 cigarettes $3 USD

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Vietnam From The Scratch My Pack Lens

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Helpful Hints For Traveling In Vietnam

It's more economical to travel by bus, but it does take more time; a lot more time. If you have a limited amount of time to travel through the country by bus the there are a few other options. Depending on the length of your travels, where you want to go, and your route, there are flights into most of the heavily touristed cities, and Vietnam boasts a rail system that is affordable, clean and efficient. 

Apply for an E-Visa before your visit. At the beginning of 2017, Vietnam started their E-Visa program (for 25 countries) where you apply for your visa online from anywhere in the world. Before that you would have to go to a Vietnamese embassy somewhere to apply for your journey. It will cost around $25 and only needs 3-5 days for processing. After 3-5 days you can log back into the website and find your approved letter from the government. Print this out and bring it with you upon your arrival into the country. 

Buses are a cheap option for local transport, however for $5/day you can rent your own moped and be free to explore whenever you want, wherever you want. But be careful, the traffic in HCM City is brutal. Make sure you always get off to the left, the opposite side as your muffler, or you might end up with what the expats call a "Saigon Kiss" i.e. a burn on your leg from the hot exhaust. If you don't feel comfortable with a moped and buses take too long, download the Grab App. It's Uber for Vietnam: Cheap, fast and efficient. 

 Buy beer from the local shops rather than the bars or restaurants to save a bit of extra cash.

Vietnam uses the same power plug as in the United States and Europe. I.e. any plug from the US or Europe will work in Vietnam. The voltage is 220v whereas the US is 110V - so your devices may get a little warm while charging.

Ho Chi Minh City is the Bangkok of Vietnam. The ever famous Bui Vien Street is where most backpackers and tourists young and old flock to during the evening. Whether you're looking to suck down a couple nitrous balloons, drink a bucket of beers, rave until the sun comes up, take shots until you can't move, play "find the hooker", or you just want to watch other people do these things, Bui Vien Street is definitely the place to go. If this seems like too much for you, there are dozens of surrounding rooftop bars with a view of the city, complete better sounding music, cocktails instead of shots, waiters instead of an overcrowded bar, and bathrooms that you won't mind using. Of course the price changes with the new scenery as well. Whatever your fancy, nightlife in HCM City is an ever present part of what makes this city so fun and memorable.

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Activities That Won’t Scratch Your Budget

Exploring the Rice Fields, Sapa: Free - $4 USD

You have two ways of exploring Sapa, by foot or motorbike. We personally prefer motorbike because the area is vast and there is lots to see. We rented a motorbike from our homestay for $4 a day and were able to explore all day, discovering lonely dirt roads, water buffalo walking the road, children playing in the rain and breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding rice fields. 

Women's Museum, Hanoi: $1.50 USD

This is a great museum that boasts five levels of women's history. Each floor has a different theme: fashion, war, marriage, motherhood, and daily life. This museum gives you a great insight into the role the Vietnamese women play in the country and in history. Give yourself about 2-3 hours to enjoy everything it has to offer. You can purchase an audio headset for an additional 50,000 dong, but we don't find it necessary as there are explanations for everything you see.

Hỏa Lò Prison Museum, Hanoi: $1.50 USD

Hỏa Lò Prison was a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War. This museum (which still looks like a prison) exudes Vietnamese propaganda and is full of pictures, videos and audio stories that will almost make you change the way you think about Vietnam history. 

Watch the Dragon Bridge breath fire and spit water, Da Nang: Free

This is super awesome. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Dragon Bridge will close down at 9pm. At around 9:05 the dragon will breathe fire for about 5 minutes and then spit water for about 10 minutes. This is a really cool sight so make sure to bring your camera but don't stand to close or you will get drenched.

Lady Buddha & Monkey Mountain, Da Nang: Free

This beautiful white statue of Lady Buddha is taller than Lady Liberty in New York. It is surrounded by Monkey Mountain where you can drive your motorbike for hours searching for monkeys or making your way to the very top for a 360 degree view of Da Nang and the ocean. 

Relax on the Beach, Da Nang or Hoi An: Free

Da Nang and Hoi An boast some of the best beaches in Vietnam. Head to the beach and grab a chair under an umbrella for 50,000 Dong ($2USD) or order drinks or food and your chair is free.

Take a ride down the Thu Bon River, Hoi An: $5 USD

This is a rather famous tourist attraction in Hoi An. You can take a long-boat, boat ride down the river either during the day or at night when the city is lit up with lights and floating candles in the water.

Weekend Street Markets, Almost every city: Free

Almost every city you go to i Vietnam boasts a weekend street market. The market in Hanoi in especially long but every market you may go to will feature roughly the same things: lots of food & drink, clothes, souvenirs, and electronics. This is a fun way to interact with locals, try street food, take some action shots with your camera, and practise you bartering skills. 

Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City: $20.00 

 The tunnels are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels and were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.

War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City :Cost $0.75

The museum comprises a series of themed rooms in several buildings, with period military equipment placed within a walled yard. One building reproduces the "tiger cages" in which the South Vietnamese government kept political prisoners. Other exhibits include graphic photography, covering the effects of Agent Orange and other chemical defoliant sprays, the use of napalm and  bombs, and war atrocities such as the My Lai massacre. Curiosities include a guillotine and three jars of preserved human fetuses deformed by exposure to Agent Orange.

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral of Asia, Ho Chi Minh City: Free

Established by French colonists who initially named it Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters. During October 2005, the statue was reported to have shed tears, attracting thousands of people and forcing authorities to stop traffic around the Cathedral. 

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Where Did We Stay (Accommodation We Recommend)

 Chien Hostel, Hanoi $5/night for a 20 bed mixed dorm

This hostel is in the center of the old town, minutes away from the lake. The hostel features a free breakfast buffet (which includes eggs, fresh fruit, fried rice, noodles, toast, coffee, and juice). They also give out FREE BEER three times a day for 15 minutes increments. The hostel has wonderful staff, great air-con that is always on, a raging social scene, three rooftop patios, comfortable beds, and is only $5/night.

 Barney's Hostel, Da Nang $6/night for a 6 bed mixed dorm

We love this hostel. It is a little far away from everything else in Da Nang, so a motorbike rental is necessary (which they can set that up for you), but is right on the Han River and a five minute ride away from the beach. This hostel has some of the best staff we have ever come across in a hostel, a rooftop patio overlooking the river and surrounding city, lush bathrooms, huge beds, a nice common area and a How I met Your Mother theme. 

ZiZi Mekhoo Sapa Homestay, Sapa $6/night for a 8 person dorm

Zizi (the owner) and Meria (who is in charge of hospitality and communication between guests and family) are both really great! They both go out of there way to help you with anything you need and are sure to help you make the most of your stay in Sapa. You are 8km away from town staying in a little village with a real rice farming family so you will need a motor bike, but the family can set that up for you. When you arrive it is clear you enter their world, not the other way around. The house can be dusty, the area loud, & the bathroom a bit dirty, because you are living with a real family, not staying at a hotel. The family dinners and breakfast are amazing and include pancakes, coffee and a huge dinner buffet with multiple food options. This is a true and unique experience.

Mina Le Villa, Hoi An $17/night for a private

Hoi An is very touristy and features lots of accommodation options. We stayed at a hostel and thought is was barely average and didn't want to pay $8/night for a better hostel. Instead we decided to spend the same amount of money we would spend on a better hostel and get a private room. This place was amazing. It was about a 15 minute walk from the crazy part of the city (keep in mind this is a really small city, it shouldn't even be called a city). We had a huge room that features a balcony overlooking the river and road, a huge bathroom, king size bed, tv, mini fridge and floor to ceiling windows. It was a really comfortable room and a nice change of pace from the craziness of Hoi An. 

Vy Da Backpackers, Ho Chi Minh City $9/night for a 10 bed mixed dorm or $47/night for a private twin room

"Vy Da Backpackers Hostel is a hub for travellers who wish to meet new people and share stories of their journey around the world. We are located in the heart of Saigon, only a 3-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market and Reunification Palace, the most happening area in the city. Staying at our hostel, you will have full experience of the local perspective as you will get to explore around easily."

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