I flew into Guatemala City groggy and frustrated. My flight had been delayed over and over and over again, and slowly, my hopes of spending the night planning and preparing for Guatemala disintegrated. Instead of arriving early with plenty of time to sort out an agenda of sorts for the following days, the plane landed… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Antigua, Guatemala | 2026
A few hours away from the more bustling hubs of Quintana Roo lies a secluded paradise island home to stunning beaches, colorful wildlife, and a much sparser tourist crowd than other Mexican beach destinations. I first visited Isla Holbox back in 2017, and felt conflicted writing anything about because I wanted it to remain as… Read More The Ultimate Isla Holbox Travel Guide | Mexico 2026
I’ll admit, I was a bit shocked at just how expensive Dubrovnik was. I loved every second of my time there, but as a budget traveler, I had to be more careful to make sure my money didn’t vanish into thin air. After leaving Greece, I was enjoying a more budget-friendly galavant around the Balkans.… Read More Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Complete 2026 Travel Guide
Oozing with culturally-rich destinations and breathtaking natural beauty, Morocco is a can’t-miss destination for any backpacker. I spent over a month backpacking through Morocco, visiting many of this North African country’s most iconic destinations as well as delving deep to find its hidden gems. With no shortage of unique destinations, budget-friendly prices, and diverse cultures,… Read More One Month in Morocco: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary | 2026
As a backpacker, Cusco is a city we could only dream of. An affordable city with adventure, culture, and history? You really can’t ask for much more.… Read More The Backpacker’s Complete Travel Guide to Cusco, Peru
15. Bogota, Colombia The bustling capital of Colombia is a city full of excitement and wonder. The city has many diverse neighborhoods, many of which feel like entirely new cities in themselves. The ubiquitous street art adds some spice to the already colorful city, especially in the stunning hillside barrio of Comuna Paraiso. There aren’t… Read More My Top 15 Favorite Cities In South America
The city of Shkoder, often known as the gateway to the Albanian Alps, is an essential stop on any Balkan travel itinerary. To reach the mountainous national parks of northern Albania, one must pass through the charming city of Shkoder. Backpackers tend to skip big cities, but thankfully, Shkoder is much more than just a… Read More The Backpacker’s Complete Guide to Shkoder, Albania
Ahh, Santorini — does it really need an introduction? Greece’s most famous island gets a lot of hype. Honestly, rightfully so. I truly had my doubts before I visited Santorini, even considering skipping over the island entirely. In my budget-backpacker mind, I envisioned honeymooners, infinity pools, tourist crowds, and prices I could never hope to… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Santorini, Greece | 2026
Last updated: 2026 | For first-timers, weekend warriors, and anyone who’s been on the fence My first solo trip was to Colombia. I wasn’t a backpacker, then. I lugged around a carry-on sized suitcase, followed a rigid two-week itinerary, and had approximately zero flexibility. Then, I met a trio of British female travelers, was introduced… Read More Is Backpacking Right For You? An Honest Beginner’s Guide
Uzbekistan was my introduction to Central Asia and boy, what an introduction it was. Growing up, I adored ancient civilizations. The legendary tales of Marco Polo, Kublai Khan, the Seljuks, the Khwarezmians, etc, were among my favorite rabbit holes to fall into. In short, the Mongol Empire was my Roman Empire. En route to Uzbekistan,… Read More The Backpacker’s Crash Course Travel Guide to Uzbekistan | 2026