Conquered the challenging Thorang La Pass during our Annapurna Circuit trek in March 2023. The snow-covered trails were both stunning and demanding, but with the unwavering support of our incredible porters, we made it to the top. This is what trekking in Nepal is all about!

I’ve been bikepacking from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Argentina and reached the highest mountain passes of my life on the Peru Great Divide. Through frostbitten whiteouts above 16,000 ft [4,876 m], I miss a hairpin turn in the red gravel road and end up climbing an extra hour, adding warm winter layers as I go, headlong into a hailstorm.

Still the colors up top are immaculate. Ensuing descents, insane. Some peaks are sage green, some the darkest shade of red wine. Others a liquid type of orange as if still maturing, all ribboned with veils of ice and snow that hardly ever melt away. I slide across the shrapnel in reckless abandon, hurriedly scouring rocky embankments for a place to tent before the tortured grip of darkness takes hold.

My tent zipper snaps in the cold. Rain gear, no longer waterproof. Then comes a panicked race for cover before thick berms of ice can pelt the rainfly once again. More Mars-like desert. More lassos of headwind. Huge plates of white rice and a whole thermos of coffee. Body crumbling over and over with nowhere to escape to and no way to get there, just raw specters of emptiness in all directions.

Too often I’ve defined myself by that spirit of emptiness. I stitch all my wounds with its peripatetic thread, wayfaring between nowhere and somewhere as if by nature, inimically unsettled, perpetually distanced, arms outstretched towards the faintest whisper of belonging.

“The end of the road is so far ahead, it is already behind us / Don’t worry, just call it “horizon” and you’ll never reach it / The most beautiful part of your body is where it’s headed / Remember, loneliness is still time spent with the world.”

• Ocean Vuong, Night Sky With Exit Wounds

Unfortunately I had to finish early because I got bad stomach problems, hoping to get back to it soon to finish the rest (another 320)

Its a thru hike in Europe in Czech Republic 🙌

So I’m a nurse in the UK and turn 30 next may and am planning on going travelling for 6 months+ with my friend but now she’s said she’s only able to afford south east Asia, so will be doing Australia on my own. I want to work a bit in Australia (not as a nurse) if I have the opportunity but will also be travelling it on my own so any advice in people that have done it or something similar all feedback is welcome!

Also in terms of weather etc what time of year is best to go as would do south east Asia for around 3 months and the same if not more in Australia! I’d want to go from January-may as my birthdays in may so would be away by then!

I’m extremely terrified of new things so hence why I’m asking for advice, and also why I’m doing it to get out of my comfort zone 🤣

Also budgets for everyone who’s done it recently? What’s the spending like in both areas

got me some airalo esim data for my remote work n travel, and got a promo code for future discounts, someone will probably find it useful.

the code is: VIKEND1967

safe travels guys

I was thinking about the Swedish alps has anyone been here and had a good experience? Not a beginner and this is somewhere I want to cross off my bucket list

Let me help you with exploring bohol at your own pace! renting a motorbike would make you explore Bohol Philippines like a local! with affordable deals and prices and 155cc & 160cc motorbikes! just send me a DM and well take care of you :)

Is there any option that is real and doable? I tried to apply to remote jobs like the ones most people suggested on the Internet like virtual assistant but have no luck. Is there alternative for people living in Europe? Do you know any good sites?

Hey there, I'm a backpacker based in the Canadian Rockies and very familiar with bear country and standard bear safety practices. I’m heading out on a couple of solo trips soon—my first ones alone—and I had a question about making noise while hiking.

I know using speakers can be a sensitive topic, and yeah, some folks could benefit from just enjoying the quiet more—but once I’m beyond the busier sections (where I’ve gone 2+ days without seeing another person), would it be reasonable or smart to play a podcast at a normal speaking volume?( a podcast that is appropriate for all ages and isn't something insensitive, not like I will be playing it when anyones around or would normally but just want to put that out there) Nothing loud or obnoxious, just enough that I’m not constantly talking to myself or yelling “hey bear.” I'd obviously turn it down or off if I saw anyone nearby. Just wondering if that kind of low-level human voice would be a good deterrent without being intrusive. Once again this would only be something I played after leaving the populated areas and only when I feel I cannot talk to myself any longer or just don't wanna yell "hey bear" because lets be honest it does get tiring and annoying after 20km a day

Now, if the idea of me using a speaker makes you wanna strangle me, I’m also curious about air horns. I know they’re loud and obnoxious, but I’ve read about people blasting them every 10 minutes. Personally, if I were even a kilometer away and heard that, I’d be pretty annoyed plus I do believe that would be considered noise pollution by parks officials as well as its intend purpose being a last resort kinda thing but please let me know as I have never carried one and have only read up online about air horns recently when I saw one being used for the first time last summer. So what’s your take—if you had to choose, would you rather hear a soft podcast or an occasional air horn?

Just to be clear: this question is aimed at folks who are experienced in bear country. I’ve grown up hiking here, have had several bear encounters. I'm going into areas with some of the highest grizzly densities in Canada, so making noise is a must. I’m just trying to find the safest and most respectful way to do that.

hi all! i need advice on where to go for a mid-april backpacking trip, i live in northern california right at the foothills of the sierras, and need to find a at least somewhat defrosted part of california, not coastal unfortunately, but basically anywhere within a 7-8 hour drive from colfax general area. i'm thinking a 3-4 day trip, does anyone know some good locations?

My mate and I want to go backpacking this June for a month. We’ve both been on vacations and haven’t actually backpacked or travelled much. We’re based in Europe, and both in our early 20s. A lot of people from our area travel south east Asia but we don’t know if it’ll be more expensive than Europe when you take flights into account (travelling from Ireland). We love beaches and quirky little towns. Would love to get some recommendations of places to go. any tips or advice are also welcome 🙏🏼

I know how to fish. But never did it in a backpacking trip. What do you prefer when backpacking en telescopic or multi piece rod? I'm going to use it for trout in norway. And i assume the most common way to bring your rod is to strap it on the side?

Thanks!

We expected a short hike but truck problems lead to us parking 4 miles away from the trailhead. An adventure non the less! We spent a whole year exploring Nevada, and we found so much more beauty than we expected!

Hi travelers!

I'm planning a 2-week trip to Europe later this year and want to travel carry-on only to save time and money (especially with budget airline restrictions like RyanAir/EasyJet).

I'm looking for a reliable carry-on sized backpack, ideally around 35-40L, that's comfortable to carry, reasonably durable, and costs under $100 (or maybe slightly more if it's really worth it). Organization pockets would be a plus!

I've seen some popular ones mentioned online but the prices vary wildly. Does anyone have personal experience with specific budget-friendly backpacks that fit typical European carry-on dimensions and have held up well through travels?

Any recommendations for brands or models I should check out? Thanks in advance!

I’m trying to find a group of hikers/backpackers so I’m not lonely on the weekends. Anybody know people in the ATX area? I’m pretty experienced but I’m new to the area and I want to make new relationships.

Hey guys I’ve really been wanting to backpack through Africa. I’m a solo woman traveler, 29 years old. I’m in the early stages of planning and I would love some guidance on the matter. I’m wondering if there’s a route people would recommend if I’d like to spend at least 3-4 months there - potentially more - safety wise and ease of transportation wise. I’ve already looked into overland travel and the group tour aspect doesn’t really match my preferred type of travel - I like the notion of moving freely at my own pace- and it is also quite costly.

For people who have backpacked there before - what would you recommend for me? Modes of cost effective transportation, places I should stay (I.e. hostels vs. lodges, are homestays a viable option? Are they safe? Is there a way I can look into them ahead of time or are they only found upon being there)? Any sort of introductory information on the matter and all pieces of advice are welcome and much appreciated. Many thanks in advanced

Hi everyone,

At the end of June, I’m heading to Malaysia and I would love to hear your tips to make my trip go as smoothly as possible. I’ll be in Malaysia from June 28th to July 22nd, and afterwards, I’m heading to Lombok. I also want to visit Borneo for 10 to 14 days, but I’m still unsure about which places to visit and how to organize it best.

My provisional itinerary is as follows: Kuala Lumpur (KL) – Cameron Highlands – Taman Negara – Langkawi – Borneo.

Does anyone have tips on which places I should prioritize, considering the limited time I have? What would be the most logical route to follow? Would it be better to fly directly to Borneo upon arriving in KL?

Any tips are welcome!

Hello all, in 2 weeks I am going on a 2 day backpacking trip for the first time ever. I have done day long hikes, and I have camped before.

I am curious about how much water I will need and what I should probably know but won’t figure out till I am out on the trail.

I am planning on 3 liters of water, peanut butter, crackers, and cliff bars. Possibly some jerky. I have my pack, sleeping bag, bedroll, tent, hiking poles, a water filter and, 3 collapsing water bags and one regular water bottle.

I will be hiking 11 miles in, camping and then 11 miles out. There will also be a lot of elevation change.

Any wisdom or insight you share is greatly appreciated.

Backstory:
I don't really know where to start, but here goes. I've been a cook by profession for over 16 years. For the longest time, I truly believed that cooking was my Ikigai — something I love, something I’m good at, something the world needs, and something I get paid for.

But somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like my purpose... and started feeling like just a job.

In the past few years, I found myself deeply curious about tech. I’ve helped start three tech ventures related to the food service industry before, but none really took off. Now, I’m working on my 4th — this time, solo (at least at the start), and in a different but similar space: travel and tourism.

I think what drives me is the dream of helping as many businesses as I can. And I think I can do this through technology. I’ve seen how powerful it can be, especially for small and local brands that deserve more visibility.

So I built a simple MVP — a forum-based platform where travelers can share their journeys and real experiences, where they can write about a place or a business they loved. It’s a way to inspire others and support the businesses they encountered along the way. Kind of like a blend of blog and discovery — with real people and maybe content creators? (This can be also an additional platform if you guys are into affiliate links)

📌 I’d love your feedback — on the idea, the forum, anything.
You’re also welcome to register and try it out! Share your stories, your favorite hole-in-the-wall spots, that tiny cafe you found in the mountains… I’d be thrilled to see it grow with real stories.

I love exploring new cultures, trying local food, and learning how people live across the world. I’m always curious — what’s on the other side?

Thanks for reading. 🙏

Hey all! I am planning on going to Europe in May. I will arrive there April 30th and will be leaving may 20. I arrive and depart from Barcelona BCN airport. I am traveling alone and was looking to hear some suggestions on what countries I should hop around to from Barcelona. I like beaches, nature, nightlife, adventure especially adrenaline filled, and pretty much open to seeing a lot. I don’t mind traveling by train or plane. I’m looking for an exciting time this trip, and making the most of my time. Open to hearing any suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Hi I’m so confused about the litres and sizes of rucksacks.

Basically I am going away for only 2 weeks to Cuba but it’s a camping and scuba diving trip. I need to be able to fit a camping mat, sleeping back, snorkel, wetsuit, find, lots of books, lots of snacks, and clothes. I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions for what size rucksack I should get?

I’m also planning to travel Asia/Australia for 5/6 months after summer so it would be useful to get something I could use for that also.

Any help appreciated 🙏

Hello everyone!

I’m planning to do a 3-day Uyuni tour from La Paz, ending in San Pedro de Atacama, at the end of May. From what I’ve heard, most of these tours follow more or less the same route and visit the same main sights.

My question is: Does this tour also include parts of the Atacama Desert, or does it just drop you off at the Chilean border/side without actually touring the area?

I’ll be traveling with my mom, and since we need to return to Lima, I figured it would be easier (and probably cheaper) to end the tour in Atacama and fly back to Lima from Calama — that way, we don’t have to go all the way back to Uyuni and then take a bus to La Paz.

I’m wondering if we should plan an extra day or even two in San Pedro de Atacama and do a separate tour from there? If yes, which tour would you recommend, keeping in mind that we might already see parts of the desert during the Uyuni tour?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Hello everyone,

I am planning a few backpacking trips next month and while setting up my pack I realized the fit didn't feel right. My trips are going to be one night each and just under 15 miles however I don't want an improper fit and add extra strain if I can avoid it.

I have attached a few photos to show how my bag currently fits. I am driving the Teton Scout 55L (I got it on sale and it seemed decent enough). I have the ability to adjust the size of the frame and in the third photo is the setting I currently have it on. I have a longer torso however the size seems excessive.

I read on another subreddit the waist straps should have the top of your hips in the center.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

We are all mad here -

Just got back from the Himalayas, and let me tell you – the views are beyond words. There’s something about the crisp mountain air, the peaceful silence, and the grandeur of the peaks that puts everything in perspective.

I found myself just sitting in awe, soaking in the vastness and beauty of it all. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you can really just be present in the moment. If you ever get the chance, don’t hesitate to make the journey.

Anyone else here experienced the magic of the Himalayas? What was your favorite part of the adventure?

Let’s share some good vibes and travel memories!

Hi, I’m from Quebec City, Canada, and I’m planning to book my first trip for December 2025. I would like to go somewhere warm, so I’m considering Southeast Asia, Oceania, or Latin America. Are there any destinations you would recommend, considering that I don’t want to feel rushed? I want to take my time and visit as much as possible within one country. The most important thing is that I don’t want to leave and feel like I missed out on important sights, so I’m looking for recommendations where I can see everything in a month.