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The Broke Backpacker

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Everyone visits Tokyo. Almost nobody comes here.

If you ask someone to think of Japan, the first image in their head is probably of Tokyo. They think neon lights, bullet trains, endless crowds... But some of the country's greatest adventures happen far away from the cities. And smart travellers that do their research are starting to pick up 😉 Hidden in the mountains of Japan lies the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage route that's been drawing travellers into its forests for over a thousand years. 👉 Discover Japan's Ancient Pilgrimage Trail...

Alex on a donkey pub crawl

There are countries you hear about your whole life… and then there are countries like Lesotho: a mountain nation entirely surrounded by South Africa that sits just above 1,000m, full of Basotho traditions, wild landscapes, and a pace of life that feels worlds away from the beaten path. Resident Broke Backpacker and seasoned vagabond, Alex, has just returned from five days getting to know this underrated corner of Africa. It might not be the cheapest destination, but Lesotho more than makes up...

Choosing a hostel as a woman is a different calculation. Safety, vibe, who else is staying there... it all matters a little more. But it doesn't mean it should stop you from staying in one, because hostels are still generally very safe spaces. You might just need a little more preparation beforehand. So, with the help of a friendly badass lady traveller, we put together a guide to the best hostels for women so you don't have to figure it out on your own. [READ] Hostels for Women:A Lady's...

Vietnam is an incredible destination for backpackers. It’s cheap, energy-charged and fairly easy to navigate. The food is addictive, the motorbike culture is wild and beautiful, and the hostel scene is world-class. What more could you want!? We've recently updated our backpacking guide for Vietnam with extra wisdom from recent trips: it's fresh, sexy, and mega-helpful for inspiration and practical tips. Click the button and give it a read :) > Backpacking Vietnam:Routes, Budget & Tips > Did I...

The Taj Mahal was once described as "a teardrop on the cheek of eternity." Our man Aiden chose different words. "A shit stain on the arse cheek of my Indian trip", he said. Travel has that power. To build something up for years and then hand you the reality, which is usually noisier, sweatier, and significantly more expensive than advertised. We love controversy. But more than that, we love honesty. So our team took a brutal but hopefully humorous look at some of the most overrated travel...

broke backpacker Audy hitching a ride in Mexico

Girls, girls, girls... today, we have a special treat on the menu. For the aspiring adventurer in you, the one who always craves more. The one who's ready to hit the road and stick out their thumb, to go wherever the wind takes them. Today, we're talking about hitchhiking as a woman. Click to read"Hitchhiking as a Woman:Lessons Learned" Hecks yeah! 👍👍 Hitchhiking as a woman may sound scary, but guess what? It doesn’t have to be all that daunting. It's not for everyone, that's for sure, but...

If you are looking for somewhere different, raw and endlessly scenic, Kazakhstan should be high on your list. The country is filled with incredible landscapes, futuristic cities and ancient Silk Road landmarks. Places you've probably never even dreamed of. We put together a list of the 15 most beautiful places in Kazakhstan so you can get some inspiration :) Click here to seeThe 15 MOST BeautifulPlaces in Kazakhstan! A lil' sneak peek of what's to come. 15 Beautiful Places in Kazakhstan...

We travel to open our minds and “find ourselves”, Reader. But, sometimes, we end up finding a big, steaming heap of shit instead. Today, we show you destinations you should NOT bother with. Click here to read...Top 12 Worst Countries to Visit[Honest Backpacker Take] Can you guess where?... Top 12 Worst Countries to Visit Travelling in the Internet era is usually ALL about the BEST - the best destinations, the best gear, the best this and the best that. And while people love to know the best...

The euphoric moments. The tantalising sensations. The rocking of dorm beds… Ahh, yes, Reader. Today, I’ve landed in your inbox to explore the weird and wonderful world that is… hostel sex! Click the red button below to get it on. 👉 Sex in Hostels:Backpacking Storiesand the Lessons They Teach Yeehaw! Many backpackers, whether by choice or by chance, have partaken in or witnessed the act in action. It is an enduring part of the hostel experience. But, is it really okay to get frisky in a room...

Van life is (arguably) the best kind of life. Plenty of our Broke Backpacker folk have either travelled (or full-blown) lived in a campervan at some point in their lives. For many of us, it is the superior way to travel. You carry everything with you, sleep wherever (or, well, mostly), and get to travel slow and still wake up in a new place everyday if you so desire. Dani, our resident Kiwi, has just come back from yet another van adventure, so we'll be passing the mic to her for another...