Best Ways to Go Backpacking Without Hitting the Over-crowded Tourist Spots

Backpacking can be a lot of fun and this is a great way to see the world even if you are on a tight budget. There are lots of hostels to choose from in Europe and the rest of the world where you can grab a bed very cheaply. However, the main drawback with choosing to stay in cheap and cheerful hostels aimed at backpackers is that they tend to be very crowded and are located in major tourist hotspots. Here are some great ways to travel for backpackers who are planning to go off the beaten path a little. 

Find a Travel Buddy



Travelling with someone is a great way to keep costs low as you will be able to share the cost of accommodation, travel and food and will be able to afford to branch out a little bit and get out of the main tourist zones. If you don’t have a friend or family member at home who wants to go travelling, you can always look out for ads on popular traveller and social media sites and find a travel buddy who shares the same interests as you. 

Make Friends with Local People



Local people are an excellent source of information on the best places to go to avoid the crowds and they are likely to know about places that the not mentioned in guidebooks. Taking the time to make friends with local people in cafes and bars will give you access to these great places and if you are lucky your new friend may even decide to pay tour guide for the day and take you to these places themselves.

Choose Homestay Accommodation



A large number of local people choose to rent out a room in their home and provide meals for a small fee. This type of homestay accommodation is often located off the beaten track and will give you the opportunity to explore a different place. This is also a great way to meet local people and gain an insight into their lives. You will also be able to find out first hand about the best things to see and do in the area and this is a great way to escape from the crowds and do something a bit different. 

Take your Own Tent



Bringing a tent with you means that you will have the freedom to sleep underneath the stars and get back to nature. A large number of national parks and other areas allow people to pitch their tents for the night either free of charge or for a small fee and many of the latest tents that are available to buy are very light weight and fold up small enough so that they can be stored easily in a backpack and carried with you wherever you go. Of course, it is a good idea to arrange backpacker travel insurance before leaving home to protect yourself and your belongings and give yourself pure peace of mind while you explore.