Being lifelong travelers, we all love our lightweight, multipurpose gear that can withstand the rigors of the road. Gear should be dependable, multifunctional, durable and perform beyond expectations. Nothing could be truer when it comes to buying a good hiking backpack, especially considering it’s going to be your home away from home. Traveling, especially long-term, will literally test the limits of your bag and your body, and as such this decision should never be made impulsively. Buying your backpack should not be a rushed decision and factors like trip length, capacity, material, functionally and comfort should always be considered. When I first got serious about investing in a good pack, I was at REI for a good 3 hours –I think they started to suspect I was applying for a job.

If my three hours was any indication, buying a good backpack is not an easy task. With hundreds of backpack manufacturers and styles, it can understandably be overwhelming. Whatever you do, don’t go cheap. You’ll be doing yourself a disservice and end up buying a new one anyways. A good backpack is an investment. You needn’t spend $500 on a backpack, but be wary of cheap, no-frills, run of the mill $70 brands, as you’ll regret the design flaws and absence of extras. Spend a little more for a good backpack from a trusted brand, and it will be your companion for many trips to come. The Osprey pack I eventually settled on has traveled with me from the U.S to the Middle East for 10 awesome years and I know it has another good 10 years to go.

Travel Backpack or Hiking Backpack

Before you begin shopping for the right pack, it’s important to know the difference between travel backpacks and hiking backpacks. A travel backpack is a backpack-suitcase hybrid with a zippered side panel similar to a suitcase. Hiking backpacks are the more commonly seen cylindrical top loading packs with straps, clips and a top lid. Some people have an opinion that hiking backpacks are only suited for the backcountry and has no place for the backpacker, I disagree. What works for you ultimately comes down to personal preference and style of travel. Travel backpacks are great for easy, organized access to gear and transporting from hostel to hostel. They also function well for short walks or even as a daypack.

On the other hand, if you possibly have camping or long treks in your travel plans, you may want to consider a hiking backpack. Hiking backpacks are designed for comfort, proper weight distribution, and toughness. Unlike a travel backpack, hiking backpacks will have enhancements like full-sized hip belts, shoulder and back suspension systems along with plenty of load bearing straps to mitigate discomfort. Granted the top down packing isn’t as convenient to access your gear, but that’s part in parcel to proper weight distribution. A good compromise would be to get a hiking backpack with side load access.

I am generalizing a bit as they do have travel backpacks that are in the upper capacity range with more advanced suspension systems, but if you’re going to get a 70L travel backpack, you may as well go with a hiking backpack. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did for that unexpected 20 mile trek to the next town.

Personal Backpacking Style

Next, determine the style of travel you normally like to do. Unless you’re willing to buy a different backpack for each trip, figuring out your travel style will save you a lot of money in the long run and give you a piece of foundation gear that’s ready for any trip. For instance, if you generally go on week long trips you needn’t get a high capacity bag and could probably get away with a 35 liter to 50 liter (L) pack, whereas living long-term on the road may require 65L or greater.

Size is pretty subjective though and shouldn’t be the only determining factor. Some people are able to pack very bare bones, where others require a bit more. Consider these factors:

How long is your trip:

Depending on the length of your trip the capacity and overall weight of your pack will vary. Short trips require less capacity, and long trips typically require more. But be aware that the bigger the pack the heavier it will become. 50lbs may not seem a lot at first, but 2 months in and it will feel like a ton of bricks.

What Type of Activities will you do:

I personally feel that one bag can rule them all since I generally use my pack for everything. However, this may not be the case for everyone. Knowing what type of activity you’ll be doing will help you zero in on that perfect backpack. If you’re not planning on carrying it around much, consider a travel backpack or even a wheeled backpack, whereas if you foresee yourself doing long treks then a hiking backpack may be more suitable. I like to be prepared for any type of spontaneous activity, so I lean more towards hiking backpacks. Also, hiking backpacks are generally made a bit tougher, so keep in mind that the more challenging the activity, the greater the stress on the bag.

 Lightweight or the kitchen sink:

Although I mentioned earlier that size is not the main determining factor, it’s still important to consider capacity based on what you plan to bring. If ultra light is your goal, avoid high capacity backpacks as you’ll invariably bring too much or if you do manage to pack light your backpack won’t distribute the weight properly. Conversely, if your backpack is too small, you won’t be able to fit everything in. Have an idea of the gear you’re bringing and pick the capacity of your bag accordingly. Don’t hesitate to bring your items to the store to see how it fits in the packs. A reputable retailer, like REI, won’t have a problem with this.

What To Look For In A Hiking Backpack

Backpacks vary in functionality as much as they do in appearance, with the more expensive models having the most bells and whistles. As with everything, your decision here is closely related to what type of traveling you like to do.

Water Resistant

Your pack is probably not going to be completely waterproof. Meaning, if submerged, or in a torrential downpour your clothing and equipment will still get wet. Although most backpacks now come with a rain cover, you still want it to be made of a tough, rip proof, and lightweight silicone coated nylon or Cordura type material that allows rain or water to bead off and not soak through.

Detachable Daypack

this option is really a personal preference, and not really a deal breaker, as many travelers bring an additional pack for day trips. But for those focused on traveling light, carrying two bags can be cumbersome. I personally like the option of a detachable daypack as I have it only when I need it. On my Osprey, the top lid doubles as a daypack. Not as comfortable as a dedicated daypack, but it serves its purpose.

Heavy-duty Lockable Zippers

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. No matter how good the material of the backpack, if the attachment points, like zippers, are weak the whole bag is worthless. Make sure the zippers are tough and lockable where applicable.

Pockets and Compartments

The more compartments the better. Good backpacks usually have a number of compartments to help store and separate your gear so you won’t have to sift through layers of clothes just to find your chapstick. For instance, maps can go in the top flap, while your flip-flops are stored conveniently in the side pocket. However you decide to pack, separate pockets allow easy and quick access to your gear. Most backpacks will also have strategically placed pockets, like on the hipbelt, so you can get to your gear without having to drop your pack.

Lightweight Internal Frame

Backpacks generally come with an internal frame, external frame, or no frame at all. I strongly recommend a lightweight internal frame made from strong carbon fiber rods. This provides more load support and just looks better. External frames are bulky, conspicuous, and use dated technology and frameless backpacks have awful load support at higher weights.   Trust me, without proper weight distribution, you’re shoulders are going to feel every single one of those pounds.

Side Load Access

I’m seeing less and less of this function on the newer backpacks, but if you do happen to find one with side access you’re golden. You’ll be able to access items from the main compartment of the bag without digging in from the top. You’re life will just be that much simpler.

Suspension System with Padded Shoulders and Load Bearing Straps

Don’t even consider buying a backpack unless it has either an adjustable or fixed suspension system, along with a bunch of load bearing straps. The suspension system is the part that usually rests against your back and where the padded shoulders connect. Fixed system means that it fits to one torso size, whereas the adjustable system can be calibrated. The whole system is meant to help stabilize load and transfer weight to your hips. The load bearing straps, like the sternum strap, will also help move the weight around minimizing pain and discomfort.

Ventilation

To minimize the discomfort from an annoying sweaty back, get a backpack with ventilation. Most internal-frame packs will have some sort of ventilation system or design feature that promotes airflow, creating a permanent breathable layer between yourself and the backpack. Although not essential for load support, it certainly increases your comfort level.

Padded Full-size Hip belt

This is probably the most important feature of any backpack since your hips will be carrying 80% of your backpacks weight. The padding in the belt will help you avoid fatigue, discomfort, and of course load distribution. Make sure you get one that’s full-size, where the padding comes around your hip bone to the front, and isn’t just a thin strap with a clip.

Multiple Straps and Tool Attachment Points

This feature is a personal preference and doesn’t really impact comfort and load distribution but I do feel it’s just as important. I like the idea of having excess straps, clips and tool attachment points. You’re able to perform on-the-fly spot fixes for a variety of unexpected circumstances, making your backpack function more than just as a bag. You’re able to tie, hook, and rig a whole mess of things while on the road without having to carry additional gear. Some backpacks have begun to include “daisy chains” (typically found on climbing packs) which is a series of tool attachment loops.

Internal Hydration Reservoir

An internal compartment that holds your favorite hydration bladder (i.e. Camelpak, Platypus) so you have hands free access to H₂O. Openings on the backpack will allow you access to the sip tube making it a very practical feature during your long treks. You won’t have to dig into your pack or stop your momentum looking for your water bottle.

What size backpack do I need

There’s no definitive rule for this question, as it completely depends on your own travel style, trip duration and weather. Generally, the colder the weather the greater the capacity needed; the greater the capacity the greater the overall weight. I try to pack light and bring only what fits in the backpack. So the best advice is to find a bag capacity you’re comfortable with, and pack in only what you absolutely need and what fits. I’ve provided a very broad guideline below:

Length of Trip	Size in Liters (L)
Day Trips	25-35
1-3 Nights	35-50
3-5 Nights	50 to 75
5+ Nights	65+

How to find the right fit

Image from Gregory Packs

For the best comfort and proper load distribution you need to make sure your backpack fits correctly. Ideally, you should try it before you buy it, but that’s not always an option. To find the correct fit you’ll need to find your torso length, not your height, which is the distance, in inches, between your 7^th cervical vertebra, and your iliac crest. In other words, from the base of the neck to the top of your hip bones. Once you have this measurement, use this guide:

As for your waist size, most backpacks have adjustable hip belts so finding your precise hip size is not as important as determining your torso length. Just make sure the belt sits on top of your hips, with about an inch above and below the belly button.

How much should I spend on a Hiking backpack

You’ll find backpacks ranging from under $100 to as high as $600. Unless you have an unlimited budget and want the latest model just because, it isn’t necessary to spend more than $300. With that being said, I would also stay away from anything under $150 as they will be lacking on essential features like a suspension system or a padded hip belt. Buying a backpack is an investment, and the last thing you want is for the seams to rip or a shoulder strap to tear off when you need it most. Just make sure your backpack has, at a minimum, the above features and fits comfortably.

The Best Backpack Brands

There are hundreds of great brands out there with an equally daunting number of styles and models. I’m not really the authority on which brand is better than the next. I can only tell you the brands I prefer and those whose quality I have confidence in. I’ve been using the same Osprey backpack since 2004, and my wife has been using a Gregory for nearly as long. I can honestly say, that after relentless airline abuse, backcountry trips, and overseas adventures, not a single strap, zipper or clip has ever needed replacement. Worth mentioning as well, Osprey and Gregory offer lifetime warranties on all their bags. You’ll probably never need it, but it’s great to know that the company stands behind their products.

Osprey

With 40 years experience manufacturing backpacks, and a lifetime warranty, Osprey exudes quality. They have one of the largest selections of styles and sizes for all sorts of adventuring, and their packs sport the latest backpacking technology. Osprey is my personal favorite and go to brand of choice; you really can’t go wrong with these guys.

Gregory

Like Osprey, these guys specialize in backpacks. My wife will attest to their quality and comfort. She has used her backpack for close to 10 years without a need to ever repair or replace. Gregory also stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty.

The North Face

Originating in San Francisco, The North Face has been developing adventure gear for over 40 years. I’ve never had the pleasure of using their backpacks, but with their pedigree and lifetime warranty, I would feel confidant carrying their packs any day of the week.

Arc’teryx

Along with having a really cool name, Arc’teryx pumps out some pretty awesome products. They are one of the more expensive brands out there, but if you’re willing to pay the price, you’ll most certainly get the quality

Deuter

A low to mid range brand, Deuter is a solid choice if you want function for a reasonable price. They’ve been in the backpacking game since 1968 and are very popular amongst Europeans.

Backpack Accessories

Rain Cover (separate or built in)

Most backpacks are water resistant but not waterproof, making them susceptible to persistent rain exposure. It’s a worthwhile addition if your backpack doesn’t already come with a built in rain cover. You needn’t get a fancy one or spend a lot of money, just make sure it fits your pack size. I use the REI Ducks Back Rain Cover, and it works perfectly fine.

Airporter Bag

The last thing you want is to have your backpack damaged before you even start your trip. With all the straps, exposed shoulder, and hipbelt, it’s easy for something to get caught and tear right off. An Airporter bag will cover your entire backpack (think bag within a bag) and protect it during transport. As well, you can put a lock on the lockable zippers as an extra layer of theft deterrence. I have the Osprey Airporter LZ. I wish it was lighter (weighs about 1lb) but I suppose it’s worth it for the extra peace of mind.

Well, there you have it, my “how to buy an awesome hiking backpack” guide.

What are some of your favorite backpacks and why?  Please feel free share your own experiences below.

The post How to Buy an Awesome Hiking Backpack appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Should I buy travel insurance?  I’m sure at one point while planning your trip this question crossed your mind and just…kept… on…going. You wouldn’t be alone in marginalizing the importance of travel Insurance coverage. Travel insurance is one of those items often forgotten in lieu of more “important” trip planning priorities like flight or hotel accommodations.  It’s one of those topics that understandably gets very little consideration, and is often relegated to the “maybe” pile of your trip planning.  No one wants to think about the worst case scenario happening to them.  We’re all confident that we take the right precautions and travel smart.  Seriously, who wants to think about contracting malaria within the same vein as beaches and cocktails?

In reality, no matter how prepared or careful you are and regardless of the precautions you take, accidents beyond your control do happen. I personally never expected to throw out my shoulder in Thailand, nor did my wife plan on burning herself on a scooter in Vietnam.  In both cases, we were fully covered and didn’t have to worry about the financial impact of not having coverage. For around $8 per day for both of us, we had complete peace of mind.

The last thing you want is for the unexpected to turn a once in a lifetime vacation into a nightmare that will leave you financially incapacitated for years and years to come. Travel insurance coverage is one of those things that you hope you never need, but are sure as hell glad that you have.

We witnessed this outside of Hanoi. Thankfully we had someone who spoke Vietnamese, and we were able to get her off that ledge.

Travel insurance is the single most important decision you can make for your trip.  Besides just covering emergency medical insurance and evacuation coverage, travel insurance also reimburses you in the event your plans change or is cut short due to illness or the death of a loved one. Other incidental coverage is also generally included like gear theft and damage or baggage delays. To be clear, travel Insurance is emergency coverage only and covers accidents during the course of your travels.  Simply stated, you can’t go and get that physical you’ve been putting off back home. But for a few dollars a day, it was one of the best decisions my wife and I had the foresight to make.  Buy travel insurance!  It’s invaluable and worth every penny.

Unfortunately, navigating the different travel insurance plans can be an involved and confusing process. With a multitude of companies, benefits and unfamiliar terminology it becomes pretty darn difficult determining what policy works and more importantly which travel insurer has your back.  To make matters worse, the coverage only kicks in AFTER something happens, so you really can’t take it for a test drive beforehand!  Just be aware that not all travel insurance coverage is created equal, and not all policies are executed the same.

I personally use World Nomads because of their transparency, huge list of activities covered, and the freedom to alter the policy while on the road.  But don’t take my word for it, go with the company you feel most comfortable with, just make sure you read the fine print and ask the agent a million questions.

To help put you on the right path, below are some things you should be keenly aware of:

Types of International Travel Insurance

Part of the complexity of purchasing international travel Insurance coverage is understanding the different options that are available and how each applies to you or a particular circumstance:

Medical Insurance

When considering travel insurance, most are familiar with travel medical Insurance.  Similar to the medical insurance provided at home from insurers like Blue Shield, travel medical insurance covers the cost of emergency doctor visits, procedures, and overnight stays. However, HMOs and PPOs have limited coverage outside of their network and overseas, and IF it is covered, you’ll usually have to pay out of pocket first and be reimbursed when you get home.  With travel medical insurance, the hospitals will work with your insurer directly on all billing matters.  Still, in the event of any occurrence, be sure to contact your travel insurance company beforehand and let them know what’s going on.

Note that some activities are not covered, and you must clarify with your insurer what those are. World Nomads list the activities covered by location.

Evacuation Insurance

Travel medical insurance only covers care and treatment received in the hospital, but does not cover emergencies that may require “medical repatriation”.  Evacuation insurance, like the name suggests, covers the cost of evacuating you from the location and transporting you back home for additional care. Usually this only kicks in if absolutely medically necessary, but still needs to be an essential part of your policy.  Make sure that any medical coverage includes evacuation coverage, typically in the amount of $300,000.  As with all insurance matters, be sure to discuss with your agent what is covered before and after you get to the hospital.

 Cancellation and Interruption

 No matter how hard we may try to plan, sometimes things happen that are just beyond our control.  It’s impossible to predict with any certainty what will happen down the road, especially if the trip was planned 6 months in advance. You may get sick, get laid off, or experience a death in the family. Cancellation and interruption insurance considers these contingencies and limits your liability and loss for all prepaid nonrefundable expenses that may have been incurred on items like flights, tours and transportation. Cancellation insurance kicks in after the effective date and reimburses for cancellation fees.  Interruption insurance takes place after departure and will reimburse for unused, prepaid, and non-refundable expenses in the event you unexpectedly cut the trip short.  Considering the travel industry, you’ll find this coverage to be the most practical and useable. You certainly should read the fine print carefully for acceptable reasons, but generally cancellation and interruption insurance will cover circumstances if:

Make sure the amount covered is at least $2500.  Coverage can be increased with more expensive policies so determine your needs based on you or your family’s health, destination and reputation of travel vendors.

Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance

Baggage and personal effects insurance covers against losses during your trip as a result of theft, damage or delays to items such as jewelry, electronics and photography equipment.  Most basic plans have a limit of up to $500 per article, but you can purchase more if your trip happens to be particularly adventurous.  Baggage delay insurance is generally only on the outbound portion of the trip, and provides up to $750 to purchase personal effects in the event your baggage has been delayed for 12 hours or more.

Also be aware that airlines do offer checked baggage liability for checked luggage, but read their policy to see what the rules and limitations may be.

Comprehensive Insurance

Typically, most policies you’ll come across will include everything listed above.  Comprehensive policies are great for those who are comfortable knowing that all eventualities are covered.  For the rugged, anything-goes type adventurer, some of the travel insurance coverage won’t seem as necessary, and they could possibly get away with just medical insurance.  For those who want peace of mind, comprehensive travel Insurance is probably the best bet.  Comprehensive will sometimes serve as your primary coverage, superseding all other insurance coverage you might have.

Compare Travel Insurance Companies

Given the sheer number of travel insurance companies, choosing a reliable and credible company is no easy task.  At face value, most companies and policies appear very comparable offering the same coverage, but it’s those little details like claims process or customer service that make the most difference in emergency situations.  You don’t want to be put on hold, while you’re bleeding out!  Also, don’t go cheap, as the only one to suffer in the end will be you. $30,000 may sound like a lot, but with serious emergencies requiring hospital stays, and professional care, it won’t nearly be enough and you’ll find yourself paying a fortune for something that could have been avoided for just a few bucks a day.

Make sure your policy has the following:

Medical Benefits

Travel Benefits

Help and Support

Optional Benefits

How to Buy Travel Insurance Coverage

Buying travel insurance is incredibly easy. But you need to be careful of the shady ones. Follow the above criteria and you should be OK. There are numerous insurance companies to choose from, and even travel agencies will often sell it as an additional service. Be wary when purchasing directly from travel agencies though, as they are working on commission, and you may end up paying for more than you actually need. Whenever possible, speak to the travel insurance agent directly and ask the hard questions until satisfied.  With some policies you can purchase a la carte, paying for only what you need.  So for instance, if you don’t require cancellation and interruption coverage, you can request only medical and evacuation insurance.

A credible travel insurance company will offer a satisfaction guarantee allowing you to cancel the policy for a full refund within 7-10 days of purchase, assuming no claim has been made.  If they don’t offer this, keep on looking.

Always compare policies and be sure to read the limitations and restrictions of each.  A great site to compare and find insurance companies is Insure my Trip.  They aggregate competitor prices for easy viewing, and also provide results for seniors 70+.

When in doubt, call and ask questions.

When To Buy Travel Insurance

Some travel insurance companies allow you to purchase coverage at least 24 hours prior to trip departure whereas others require you to buy travel insurance within10-14 days of your first trip deposit date. Trip deposit date is defined as the date that you make an initial payment against any upcoming trip.

Another reason why I stand behind World Nomads is the flexibility to buy travel insurance even after you’ve already left on your trip.

General rule of thumb that I follow is to buy travel insurance at least 2 weeks prior to my departure so that I still have a cancellation window.  However, if you’re planning your trip far in advance, you may want to purchase on or around the same time you make your first initial trip deposit.  This way, you’ll be covered by the cancellation and interruption insurance if your plans change.

Stay away from travel insurance companies that have absurdly restrictive requirements. They’re just creating loopholes for themselves.

Making a claim

It’s important to consider the claims process when choosing and comparing travel insurance companies.  The last thing you want to deal with are further complications in the midst of an emergency or having to wait months for reimbursement on a legitimate claim.  Making a claim should be as simple as making a call, filing through an online system or even contacting them through social channels like the company Facebook page.

In serious emergencies requiring excess amounts, a good travel insurer will cover the cost upfront.  Only for non-critical emergencies that are not excessive in costs will you have to pay out of pocket first and be reimbursed later.  Either way, during any occurrence, make sure to call your travel insurance company and let them know what is happening and how best to proceed. Most importantly keep all receipts, documentation and anything else that can help you substantiate the claim to make the reimbursement process easier.

Know the fine print and recognize what is not covered

I know this probably goes without saying, but because of its importance, I’m going to say it anyways: always read the fine print!  Knowing what isn’t covered is equally as important as knowing what is covered.  Before committing to any policy the company should allow you to read through the agreement so you may identify details not included in its summary. This is where you’ll discover what is not covered, and what can disqualify your travel insurance coverage. Transparency is very important, and it’s your responsibility to be aware of the limitations in coverage.

For instance, any accident or event caused while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not covered, or going to “at-risk countries” listed by the U.S. State Department may also disqualify coverage.  Activities like bungee jumping may also disqualify you unless added to the policy. Bottom line, exercise good sense and do not take unnecessary risks.  Keep in mind that travel Insurance companies are a business and will do their best to avoid having to pay out. Be diligent and know the limitations of your policy.

Other points to consider

There are a few other important points to consider that didn’t quite fit into the sections above. The more information you have, the more prepared you will be for any contingency. You’ll know who is responsible for what, who to call, and what your rights are.

If there is a specific take away from all this, it’s buy travel insurance.  For the cost of a cup of coffee a day you are protected against any eventuality and can enjoy the freedom that comes with peace of mind.  Consider it as an essential part of your travel gear and something that you wouldn’t hit the road without.  Ensure that you can keep on adventuring – Buy travel insurance!

For more guides and travel recommendations see our Travel Resources

The post Should I Buy Travel Insurance? Yes and Here’s Why appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Traveling to new places can be both exhilarating an unbelievably rewarding. Conversely, without proper preparation, traveling to a new country or unfamiliar place can also be a source of great anxiety and in the worst case, dangerous. A tiny incident can easily snowball into a disaster. Preparation and research will make all the difference between a mediocre trip to a great one. As well, as much as we would like to bring with us all the conceivable comforts of home, a great trip is one where you’re not bogged down by over-packing.  Freeing clutter, is freeing your mind. One of the tenets of traveling-pack light!

I’ve compiled a list of resources that we feel will help you pick your next dream destination, mitigate the unforeseen, assist in preparations and planning, find the coolest traveling gear, and most importantly, save money. Travel cheap, travel smart, and travel safe.

Many of these sites, I’ve had phenomenal experiences with. Worthy of mention are the sharing recommendations. Not only do they lessen the financial impact of traveling, they also provides fantastic opportunities to meet like minded adventurers facilitating experiences otherwise not found in guidebooks.

Tech/AppsTraveling GuidesTravel BookingAirfare & Transportation

Travel GearAccommodationsVoluntourismCamping & Backpacking

Pet FriendlyTravel InsuranceGreat Blogs

Travel Gear

Part of the preparation process that I thoroughly enjoy is the gearing up. Being a bit of a gear junkie myself, I’m always in search of the most awesome light-weight gadgets and clothing. What’s needed is always determined by destination, activity and desire. You can find anything you need at these sites:

REI Gear

Brick and mortar stores throughout the US with great membership benefits and points program. Great selection of everything you need, and even their in-house brand is high quality. Awesome return policy.

Backcountry

A huge reputable online emporium of gear. . Decent and reasonable return policy on used and unused equipment. Truly a site for the avid adventurer.

Sierra Trading Post

Tons of products at good prices. They primarily sell sports and outdoor gear, but oddly have a section for home goods as well. I’m not complaining.  After 3 months beating down mountains and eating dry food, returning to a decked out home, sounds pretty good to me.

Sim Cards: Roam for Less

As much as we try, it’s hard to completely disconnect from the grid at times. Roam4less has affordable World SIM Cards, and World phones to keep you connected when traveling the wide wide world. You can monitor usage onsite, as well as recharge when necessary. They aren’t the cheapest, but after traveling through SE Asia and Europe using their service, they are certainly the most dependable.

Accommodations

I love hostels and community sharing services. Both are fantastic opportunities to meet new people, and really be part of the vibe that makes travel so fun. For a fraction of the cost of hotels, hostels now offer clean private rooms, food, and free wifi. Although the price range of hostels have slowly begun to creep north, they are still a fraction of what you would pay at hotels. Here are some of my favorite services:

CouchSurfing

An amazing community of people all over the world willing to open their home’s to like minded travelers. Couchsurfing.com is a great way to travel on the cheap while meeting locals and making new friends. They do take safety seriously, so stay informed, but don’t be afraid to use them.

Wwoof (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Technically this could be considered more voluntourism then it does accommodations, as you do offer part of your day to help around the farm. In exchange though, you are provided food and accommodations. Experiences do differ depending on the host, but personally I had an amazing host that made my Italian immersion complete.

Hostel bookers

Like the name suggests, you can find customer reviewed quality hostels in thousands of destinations worldwide. A very good resource for anyone looking for budget accommodations. They have no booking fees and they take their “lowest price guarantee” quite seriously. I used them religiously while traveling through SE Asia without any hiccups.

Hotels.com

A very dependable hotel booking site. They don’t offer the cheapest results, but their customer service does make up for the price at times, making quite the difference when traveling overseas or when you’re in a pinch. I use them on occasion to supplement my choices.

Home Exchange

I haven’t used this site personally, but I really like the concept. Basically the company helps facilitate a “home swap” with other travelers. There is a monthly fee to be a member. Again, I’ve never used them personally, so I can’t honestly share any relevant experience.

Hostelling International

A membership based hostelling group with destinations worldwide. Hostels in this group do need to meet minimum standards of safety, quality and location. Not absolutely necessary, but certainly doesn’t hurt to have additional budget options especially when traveling with family.

Airfare/Transportation

This resource is certainly subjective. Wherever you may go, there is no limit on how to travel or how to get from point A to point B. Within each country, options abound. I’ve listed the main resources for macro planning.

Kayak

A meta search engine for flights, cars, hotels and even vacation packages on trips originating from the US. Great service for quick comparison shopping across multiple companies.

Momondo

Another great search engine to include when planning your travels. Use in conjunction with other search engines to increase your choices and chance to find the best price.

Skyscanner

One of the cheaper flight, cars and hotel search engines I’ve used. Results are noticeably cheaper, providing options across major carriers and budget carriers.

Vayama

An international fare specialists. Like all, travel sites, you can search for every facet of travel you need, but Vayama touts themselves as being uniquely focused on international travel. I have seen significantly cheaper fares when compared to other search engines.

Airfare Watchdog

Like the name suggests, this site monitors US airlines for changes in ticket price and deals. Be sure to sign up for their fare alerts and newsletter. You can never get enough information.

Skiplagged

This site has a very interesting business model, and really worth watching. With some clever planning and flexibility you can definitely find significantly cheaper flights. The service takes advantage of “hidden city ticketing” whereby your target destination is enroute to the final destination. Since ticket prices are based on market forces and not necessarily distance traveled, skiplagged takes this under consideration and finds the best prices. There are risks though.  So read through their policies and stay informed.

Rail Europe

Europe is best traveled by train. With tracks crisscrossing all across the continent, you’re almost certainly going to find yourself on a train more than once. With a rail pass, your life not only gets easier, but you’ll save tons of money for your beer budget. On my 4 month trip through Europe, I saved easily hundreds of dollar; and you will too!

Man in seat 61

For those who love traveling via train and ferry, this website by Mark Smith is the definitive site for all things rail. An incredible resource to find routes, ticket prices, times, and status anywhere in the world. A must for the overland traveler.

Travel Insurance

World nomads

Covers probably any destination and activity you can think of. Policies are exceptionally accommodating, allowing claims while still traveling. Company also has worldwide service for emergencies, and also covers your gear! Also did I mention the traveling community loves them? Read the fine print though. No two policies are ever the same.

Traveling Guides

Guidebooks (Lonely Planet)

Personally I use Lonely Planet. However, there are literally hundreds of guide books to choose from, and I can’t honestly say one is better than the other. Preference would be wholly dependent on your style of travel, the writing style of the guide book itself, and cost.

Reason I do like the Lonely Planet series: they have a very casual and easy to follow style of writing; they offer great suggestions for the backpacker; they include cultural expectations such as tipping etiquette; and they have individual destinations or compilations of regions in digital format. Their city guides also have detailed maps, including suggestions on modes of travels to the most far reaching places.

But as with all guidebooks take it merely as a loose framework and find your adventure outside of it.

Vayable

What better way to learn about a destination than from a friendly local? With Vayable you can request a trip from a local “Vayable insider” to cultivate an experience of a lifetime. All guides are non-commercial and range from writers, historians students to farmers, dancers and more. Best of all, you’ll make new friends in the process.

Voluntourism

Wwoof (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

From their website: WWOOF organizations link people who want to volunteer on organic farms or smallholdings with people who are looking for volunteer help. WWOOF aims to provide volunteers with first-hand experience in organic and ecologically sound growing methods, to help the organic movement, and to let volunteers experience life in a rural setting or a different country. WWOOF volunteers (‘WWOOFers’) generally do not receive financial payment. The host provides food, accommodation, and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities.

http://grassrootsvolunteering.org/

Vacation Booking companies

Intrepid travels

STA travels

AirTreks

Camping Resources

Finding campgrounds

Unless you’re one of the fortunate few who already have their favorite “secret” campsite hideaway, finding the perfect campsite can be tantamount to mission impossible. Lucky for you, I’ve put together a guide “camping preparedness, along with the below resources:

National Park Service

Great site providing a broad overview of all National Parks managed by the Federal National Park Service. Regular updates on weather and park conditions are also included.

State Park Websites

Each state manages their own parks and accordingly have their own websites and policies. I’ve prepared the page, “state parks” consolidating all their websites by regions. Go here for detailed information on fees and regulations.

Campsitephotos.com

One of the biggest problems of choosing a campsite is trying to pick one based on a campsite number. Campsitephotos.com combats this problem through their huge library of actual campsite photos. Organized by park and site number, you can easily reference the precise site on campsite reservation portals. Public and RV campgrounds also included.

Reservations

Reservations are highly recommended during high season at most National and State parks, and can be made at either of these 2 sites:

Reserve America
Recreation.gov

Hiking Trails

Backpacking is quickly becoming one of the most popular styles of camping. Offering unparalleled scenic vistas and solitude, the journey is sometimes more rewarding than the destinations. Finding the perfect trail that satisfies all your objectives can be very daunting. With hundreds of crisscrossing paths throughout the US, knowing trail information in advance is worth it’s weight in gear.

Everytrail.com

Day hikes and overnight hikes galore! From national parks to city hikes, this site has it all. Great functionality including offline TOPO maps for smartphone users. You can also create and share your own hiking experience with the community.

Videowaypoint.com

This site is an awesome idea that incorporates our love for watching and sharing videos! Videos are of great quality and provide visual answers to the questions we’re all asking. Somewhat limited in their inventory of available trails, what they do offer is still top notch! I’m going to enjoy watching these guys expand their offerings.

Trails.com

A bit more commercial than the previous recommendation, this site is very sleek and provides ample information and detailed guides. You do have to sign up for a free account to view the guides.

14ers.com

Literally a ton of information, with a forum to boot. Site navigation can be a little overwhelming, but information provided is exceptionally valuable. Make sure to add this site as part of your planning repertoire.

Trailjournals.com

I like this site because It’s real people sharing real trips. Although some of the entries are not as detailed as some of the other sites, they offer a practical, and often entertaining overview on what can be expected in the wild. Every experience is beautiful and unique, and it’s spirit is captured in these personal entries.

Americanhiking.org

Dog Friendly destinations/Dog Friendly guides

Some trips by their nature are not conducive to bringing along fido. However, there are times when fido needs a vacation just as much as you do, and bringing them along becomes a requirement, not an option. Here are some links that aggregate dog friendly destinations and facilities:

Dogfriendly.com

Fantastic resource that functions better than it looks. Don’t get thrown off by the “directory” feel of the site as it offers valuable information for dog friendly hotels, dog city guides, parks, attractions and more across the US and the world.

Bringfido.com

Another awesome resource site for all-things-pets incorporated in a familiar interface. Bringfido providers an additional service where you can speak to a Pet expert who will assist in planning Rover’s ultimate getaway. Services are worldwide, with an existing community to bounce questions and ideas off of.

Hikewithyourdog.com

For the wilderness aficionado, hikewithyourdog.com compiles a list of pet friendly trails across the State and National parks in the US. The site is very bare bones, but a good place to start in your research.

Pettravel.com

Need more information? Want to do some comparison shopping? Pettravel.com, providers yet even more info to ensure your pets are happy and well cared for. They also have a Pet travel store to gear out your pup.

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There are over 6000 state parks across the U.S., with differing policies, regulations and fee structures.  In order to make it a bit easier to research your ideal wilderness trek,  I’ve compiled a list of websites by US regions followed by states.   Keep in mind State Parks are not under the same jurisdiction as National Parks,  which are managed federally by the National Parks Service.

Use the interactive map to find your park, if that doesn’t work, the complete list of websites by U.S. States are listed below the map.

 U.S State Parks

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