Mainly to settle an argument: what is your best estimate on what it would cost for 2 North American adults in their 30s to spend about 6 - 8 weeks traveling through Eastern Europe? They say $10,000. I say - that's ridiculous. [more inside]
posted by kitcat on Dec 25, 2009 - 10 answers

[TravelFilter] I'm leaving the country next week, with no return ticket. I'll be starting off in Thailand (Bangkok), with a basic itinerary including other countries in Southeast Asia, Australia, and (eventually) Europe. I feel mostly prepared. But I'm curious as to what I'm forgetting? Your help is appreciated. [more inside]
posted by sacrifix on Dec 10, 2009 - 45 answers

Where should my wife and I go traveling in January and February on less than $10,000 CDN? [more inside]
posted by hamandcheese on Nov 23, 2009 - 10 answers

Are the blue Camping Gaz cartridges still commonly available in the US? [more inside]
posted by zombiedance on Oct 22, 2009 - 4 answers

We want to do a 100 mile backpack trip over a week next spring. What do we need to know? [more inside]
posted by MorningPerson on Sep 8, 2009 - 11 answers

Backpacking from Mexico to Colombia! More inside [more inside]
posted by freddymetz on Sep 4, 2009 - 5 answers

I'm going to try doing GLASTONBURY 2010. Difficulty: Never been to Europe, have no idea where to begin, kind of dumb. Help me make this beautiful dream a reality. [more inside]
posted by Senor Cardgage on Aug 18, 2009 - 17 answers

I'm going backpacking through South America and Southeast Asia for a few months, but I need to work from the road. What's the easiest way to carry my (relatively large) laptop without destroying it? Can I do it without a separate bag? Bonus points for dSLR tips, too. [more inside]
posted by borkingchikapa on Aug 11, 2009 - 14 answers

I am looking for suggestions for a 3-4 day backpacking trail loop in the northeast. [more inside]
posted by wigner3j on Aug 6, 2009 - 14 answers

Are there any websites that pair up lone backpackers/travellers with others who are also looking for companion(s) to travel with? [more inside]
posted by pixxie on Jul 30, 2009 - 9 answers

Single female traveling alone and staying in a youth hostel in Shanghai: fun adventure or catastrophically bad idea? [more inside]
posted by aquafortis on Jul 29, 2009 - 14 answers

What are your recommendations for a good water filter for backpacking trips? [more inside]
posted by fdhidalgo on Jul 28, 2009 - 13 answers

My wife and I are planning a backpacking trip to Colorado for the end of August. Where should we go? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane on Jul 26, 2009 - 15 answers

Boyfriend and I decided to go to Alaska in August. We'd like to hike or backpack: where should we go? [more inside]
posted by halogen on Jul 5, 2009 - 16 answers

I have a 20-something friend who's leaving on the 22nd of this month, he plans on traveling for a whole year throughout Europe and South America. I want to get him something that is useful/meaningful for the journey, any ideas? For example: A watch? A Compass? (good or bad?)
posted by pixxie on Jul 5, 2009 - 33 answers

Looking for an east coast backpacking trip this fall. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard on Jun 17, 2009 - 2 answers

Great backpacking tent for two people and a large dog? [more inside]
posted by ph00dz on Jun 14, 2009 - 5 answers

So I'm going to Italy for a class and then I'm planing on traveling around for a little while afterwords in the month of August. I'll probably stay mainly in Italy, but I would like to go to Greece and maybe visit my cousins in France. I've never done something like this so I really could use some help with my trip. Is there some guide for people for backpacking in Europe? What are just some overall recommendations on traveling like this? [more inside]
posted by Rustbeard on Jun 10, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm a female in my early 20s and am going on a company hike to to the juan de fuca marine trail in a few weeks. We're hiking like 23 miles in two days and carrying 20-30lb packs. The trail has been described as "moderate to difficult." I am not overweight but I am NOT in shape. I do not work out. I am afraid this ordeal might just kill me. I am an indoor girl. I'm seriously regretting my decision to do this. But it's too late to go back now. [more inside]
posted by anthropomorphic on Jun 7, 2009 - 40 answers

What's the cheapest or best way to get from Santiago de Compostela, Spain, to Croatia/Serbia/Slovenia? Optional: a detour through the Netherlands. [more inside]
posted by acidic on May 18, 2009 - 7 answers

My backpack is crushing my sciatic nerve. I'd like that to stop. [more inside]
posted by a robot made out of meat on Apr 11, 2009 - 3 answers

I'm in Lima, Peru for three whole weeks. Where do you suggest are the best places to go in the day and night for young (under 30) travellers and sightseers? I've looked in a few travel guides, and done the mandatory research online (yes, here too) but don't want to miss out on any local secrets whilst in Lima. [more inside]
posted by ashaw on Apr 4, 2009 - 6 answers

[BackpackingFilter] Dear Mefi, My brother and I our planning a week long backpacking trip for the end of the summer (August/September), but do not know where to go. Help! [more inside]
posted by phrakture on Mar 11, 2009 - 17 answers

I'm in the market for a backpack. A backpacking backpack, that is. Uses will generally be 3 season backpacking for anywhere from a weekend to a week, at the most. My budget is 200-225. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Autarky on Mar 5, 2009 - 22 answers

Solo tent-less camping - safety tips? [more inside]
posted by crazy finger on Feb 23, 2009 - 19 answers

Summer isn't THAT far off . . . already trying to come up with camping/hiking spots in the Midwest for once it gets warm. Help! Looking for specific recommendations for spots in the IL/IA/WI area, plus whatever other random camping and backpacking tips you want to throw my way. Bonus points for places I can bring my dog, although I don't mind leaving her with my parents for a week either. [more inside]
posted by lblair on Feb 12, 2009 - 18 answers

Sometime from March to early summertime several of us would like to go on a backpacking trip from NYC. I need to hear about nice hikes in the Catskills. [more inside]
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim on Jan 23, 2009 - 1 answer

Wheres somewhere great and cheap to stay for a couple of days at the beginning and ending of ten days in Bangkok, Thailand? [more inside]
posted by Neonshock on Jan 5, 2009 - 7 answers

So I'm going to be going over to SE Asia for the first time in a couple weeks and I'd love some advice on where to go and what to do... [more inside]
posted by saul wright on Dec 15, 2008 - 11 answers

Is there a place like Philmont for non-Scouts? [more inside]
posted by perrce on Nov 15, 2008 - 4 answers

I will be going dogsledding with Outward Bound this January. What sort of camera should I bring? [more inside]
posted by Commander Rachek on Oct 29, 2008 - 5 answers

I'm going to Europe in December/January. How do I make hostel reservations? I'll be traveling with one friend for about a week, and then by myself for another week and a half. My ideal hostel is warm, safe, and my stuff won't get stolen. We're not too afraid of roughing it, but we're going in the winter. So how (much) should we plan? [more inside]
posted by theiconoclast31 on Oct 19, 2008 - 16 answers

Outdoor tech: GPS units - for backpacking, not for a car? Looking for something best suited to solo already-know-waypoint 2-3 day fastpacks. [more inside]
posted by penciltopper on Oct 8, 2008 - 6 answers

This is a gear nerd thread soliciting your ideas and favorite equipment, related to hiking/trekking and traveling in third world nations. Here's a list with URLs of stuff I currently use, any ideas are welcome! [more inside]
posted by thewalrus on Aug 10, 2008 - 9 answers

Hiking and chafing: make the pain stop! [more inside]
posted by nursegracer on Aug 7, 2008 - 19 answers

Where should we backpack in Olympic National Park? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane on Aug 4, 2008 - 13 answers

Questions about Aqua Mira chlorine water treatment drops, the kind that comes in two different droppers: I notice it is now marketed to say: "Kills Odor Causing Bacteria and Enhances the Taste..." etc. Not to kill giardia and make water actually safe to drink. Which is what backpackers actually use it for. Anyone know the inside legal story on this? Second question: Why do I always run out of "Part A" way before I run out of "Part B"? Does anyone out there work for Aqua Mira and know why they give you different amounts? It's annoying because now I have all these Part B (the Activator) droppers lying around. [more inside]
posted by wavejumper on Jul 19, 2008 - 3 answers

First time backpacker heading to the pictured rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this August. Help me have fun on my birthday without...you know, dying. [more inside]
posted by janelikes on Jul 7, 2008 - 13 answers

When backpacking around tropical climates where most budget hostels seem to only provide cold showers or bucket showers, how do people go about shaving? [more inside]
posted by paulfreeman on Jun 23, 2008 - 13 answers

Going backpacking in northern Vermont soon - any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy on Jun 10, 2008 - 13 answers

What are some great backpacking trips (2-4 days, up to say 30 miles) with a 5-hour drive of Portland, OR? Loops preferred, but out-and-back is OK.
posted by gottabefunky on Jun 9, 2008 - 7 answers

Does anyone know of a super lightweight (i.e. backpackable) solar still that could be used to purify sea water on a long trip? [more inside]
posted by Dr. Send on May 26, 2008 - 7 answers

Four part backpacking question: backpacks, international shipping, shoes, and more travel orientated places to ask such questions. [more inside]
posted by atmosphere on May 13, 2008 - 10 answers

BackpackingFilter: Travelling around Europe from mid October to mid Janruary - help me pick the right gear to take. [more inside]
posted by atmosphere on Apr 20, 2008 - 16 answers

Backpacking through Europe: Help me find places other than big cities to explore using my Eurail pass. [more inside]
posted by ontic on Apr 17, 2008 - 18 answers

5-day spring backpacking recommendations in the western US. [more inside]
posted by itsamonkeytree on Apr 17, 2008 - 10 answers

US backpacker bored with the Southern Deciduous Forest ecosystem. Any suggestions in the Southeast? [more inside]
posted by dondiego87 on Apr 14, 2008 - 11 answers

Help me to figure out a budget for some fairly extravagant backpacking travel. [more inside]
posted by Planet F on Apr 6, 2008 - 8 answers

I have decided to spend my (non-hypothetical) vacation backpacking alone for the week, in the mid-atlantic or northeastern US. However, I am not sure where is best for me to do this, as I have a number of minor concerns and have not done extended backpack travel on a schedule like this -- at least not as a civilian. Specific concerns follow, and overlap somewhat, so apologies for that. [more inside]
posted by John Kenneth Fisher on Apr 3, 2008 - 12 answers

Recommend a backpack for a big guy... [more inside]
posted by iamabot on Mar 20, 2008 - 16 answers