Backpacking Around the World:
Travel More for Less

Well, you know what? You can!

This is me, on the right. I've been living and travelling around the world for years, most of the time
on my own and on a super-tight budget.

Some 68 countries, 7 continents and nearly as many jobs later, I've got some pretty useful shoestring travel tricks up my sleeve.

And that's why I started
ShoestringBackpacking.com.

Here you'll find my best travel tips as well as info, insights and advice from other seasoned backpackers
to help you travel the world — on the cheap!

Let's Get This Show on the Road!

No experience? No problem.

I get into all the essential nitty-gritty, from packing lists, vaccinations, visas and guide books to travel advisories, cheap travel insurance and how to save money for travel.

Of course, traipsing about with a designer suitcase won't earn you much credibility as a backpacker — you'll need a proper travel backpack and some decent backpacking gear.

Don't worry. The practical advice and gear reviews here cover everything you need to know.

Looking for cheap air travel?

You can score some of the best travel deals on low cost airlines and round the world tickets,
but I'll show you lots more ways to dig up dirt cheap international flights and last minute airfare bargains.

After that, cheap local travel is the way to go.

So get the lowdown on travel by train, tram, bus, minivan, ferry, funicular, monorail, moped, motorbike, metro, shared taxi, pickup truck, rickshaw, raft and camel!

. . . Did I forget anything?

From backpackers hostels to couch surfing to homestays, the cheap rooms and free accommodation pages have the inside scoop. Prefer a bit more comfort? Learn how to snag amazing hotel deals at hugely discounted rates!

Oh, and check out the cheap eats section while you're here, too — you won't believe some of the delicacies that get served up at simple street food stalls, hawker bazaars and in no-name backstreet cafés.

Not even sure where to go?

For ideas, inspiration and itineraries, head over to Around the World Travel and Top 10 Lists. That's also where you'll find some incredible travel photos and fun travel blogs by fellow backpackers.

And don't forget to share your travel adventures with others! It's super easy to add your own personal page to this site.

Concerned about travelling alone?

Relax.

Your biggest challenge by far is making the decision to go in the first place. Here's how to enjoy solo travel and stay safe on the road.

Travel money running low?

Trust me on this one — working holidays are way more fun than packing up and flying home!

Read all about volunteering and getting jobs abroad.

Now, you asked for it . . . you got it!

An interactive world time zone map, world currency converter with live foreign exchange rates, real-time world clock, international flight tracker, mobile phone apps, desktop wallpaper, links to my favourite travel resources and plenty of other goodies.

And There's Lots More to Come

Actually, I'm probably adding info to this site as we speak. So after you've had a little nosey around, bookmark this page and come back often to see what's new.

Okay. And now for the best part.

Ready to start planning your dream trip around the world?

Thought you might be. See you inside!

Your Trip of a Lifetime Starts Here!

Around the World Blog
All the latest info, important updates and special pages I've recently added to this site. You can also subscribe to my blog (it's totally painless . . . honest ) and get the news direct.

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Cheap Travel Insurance – What You Need to Know
Looking to buy some cheap travel insurance for a budget holiday, around the world trip or adventure vacation? Read this twice before you pay!

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Compare International Travel Health Insurance
Get the best cheap travel insurance on any budget. Compare travel insurance quotes for low cost holidays and intrepid world adventures.

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Budget Travel Insurance – Have You Read the Fine Print?
Tips on what to look out for and how to compare policies to get the best international budget travel insurance and cheap holiday insurance worldwide.

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Budget Backpacking Gear, Equipment and Packing Guide
Useful tips, reviews and advice on how to choose your travel gear, get the best prices, pack smart, travel light and keep your stuff safe.

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Backpacks for Around the World Travel
Not all packs are created equal. Before you commit, read up on how to choose, fit, adjust and care for your pack. Then find out where the deals are! (big hint coming up)

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Top Brand Discount Backpacks and Travel Gear
Bid or buy, sell or swap. Where to snap up discount backpacks from the world's best brands and bag a bargain on top quality adventure and travel gear.

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Cheap Air Travel – Don't Let the Best Deals Slip Away!
Secrets to cheap air travel unravelled. The scoop on where, when, how to find bargain flights and nab the lowest airfares — before someone else does!

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Cheap International Flights and Discount Plane Tickets
Trick-of-the-trade tips for digging up dirt cheap international flights and scoring the best discount air travel deals on the planet!

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Round the World Tickets – Complete Guide to RTW Flights
A-Z guide to the cheapest round the world tickets. Top tips on where to go, when to go and how to plan your RTW route to get the best value for money.

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Cheap Rooms and Budget Accommodation
Cheap rooms for budget travellers. From youth hostels, homestays and student accommodation to bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and discount hotels.

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Free Accommodation Anywhere in the World
Travelling on a shoestring budget? Backpacking and broke? Get the skinny on free accommodation and never pay for (even cheap) rooms or hostels again!

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Shoestring Backpacking Around the World – Travel Ideas
Itinerary ideas and inspiration for around the world travel. Check out travel photos, travel videos and travel blogs or share your own adventures!

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Solo Travel – Yes, You Can Have Fun and Stay Safe
Treasure trove of solo travel tips and advice for independent backpackers. But also, hints on how to hitch up with other travellers and vital safety info.

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Safe Travel – Essential Travel Safety Tips
Safe travel is paramount when you're on the road. Avoid danger, scams and rip-offs with the latest travel advisories, safety tips and security advice.

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Top 10 Lists – Insider RTW Tips and Budget Travel Info
Travellers' top 10 lists from around the world. Discover the best beaches, cheapest hostels, coolest festivals, hippest bars, oddest attractions and more!

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