Backpacking Programs | GoAbroad.com

The very premise of a backpacking trip implies freedom and movement. You won’t be staying in one place for too long, but there are some decisions to make before stepping onto the plane.

Want to backpack through Europe? This allows you to visit many different countries in a short period of time, gaining insight on a variety of cultures, languages, and cuisines. Check out backpacking opportunities in Italy or other nearby countries, such as France or Switzerland. A continent of gelato, castles, and half-naked sculptures awaits your arrival!

If you’re more inspired by tropical beaches, consider a backpacking adventure in Thailand. Many backpacking programs in Southeast Asia include visits to temples, surf lessons, and learning about traditional arts while traveling around. Thailand is also the jumping off point for many regional tours, which can allow you to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos as well.

For travelers looking to go off the beaten track, Ecuador can be an exciting location for a backpacking adventure abroad. You’ll get your fill of outdoor adventure as you visit beaches and mountains, ancient ruins, and thriving seaports, and you can practice your Spanish skills with locals along the way too. If one South American country isn’t enough for you, many backpacking trips incorporate travel to nearby countries, such as Peru, as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Search through online platforms like GoAbroad.com, travel forums, social media groups, and local tour operators. Asking experienced travelers for recommendations and checking regional travel blogs can also uncover unique routes and tips.

Backpacking is flexible, budget-friendly travel focused on exploring multiple places with minimal gear. You plan routes, stay in affordable accommodations, and often rely on public transport to move between destinations.

Packages often cover accommodation, some transport, guided activities, and basic support like maps or itineraries. Meals and flights are usually extra, keeping the experience flexible for independent travel styles.

Backpacking tours offer built-in logistics, safety, and local insights, while still allowing freedom to explore. They’re great for meeting fellow travelers, accessing remote areas, and reducing the stress of solo trip planning.

Top choices include Europe, Central and South America, and Asia. These routes offer scenic routes, welcoming hostels, affordable costs, and well-traveled paths that make navigating easy for both new and experienced backpackers.

Latest Program Reviews

Best experience EVER!

December 03, 2025by: Talley Desparrois - United StatesProgram: Australia Adventure with Gapforce

10

The program has been absolutely amazing! I have loved everything about Australia, formed a lot of new friends/relationships, and made so many great memories so far. I would 100% recommend it to others, I think everyone should get to experience this beautiful place. My favorite part was the camping trip on Frasier Island, but I have also loved sky diving, snorkeling, and all of the nights out have been a blast. Overall, this has been the best experience I’ve ever had and I’m so glad I got out of my shell and booked it.

Where Healing Met the Highlands – My Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Experience with IMA

November 25, 2025by: Emily Teixeira - United StatesProgram: Group & Student Travel Opportunities | IMA Safaris Africa

10

In addition to my Midwifery Internship Program with IMA, I also went on the Machu Picchu and Inca Trail hike. It was a beautiful end to the trip. Other interns and I hiked the six-hour Inca Trail to the Sun Gate and down to Machu Picchu. It was no easy feat, but one I am extremely proud to have taken on. Not only were the views and flora astonishing, but learning about Incan culture and history reignited the same sense of wonder I felt reading picture books about Machu Picchu when I was younger. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always be grateful for.

Best experience EVER!

December 03, 2025by: Talley Desparrois - United StatesProgram: Australia Adventure with Gapforce

10

The program has been absolutely amazing! I have loved everything about Australia, formed a lot of new friends/relationships, and made so many great memories so far. I would 100% recommend it to others, I think everyone should get to experience this beautiful place. My favorite part was the camping trip on Frasier Island, but I have also loved sky diving, snorkeling, and all of the nights out have been a blast. Overall, this has been the best experience I’ve ever had and I’m so glad I got out of my shell and booked it.

Where Healing Met the Highlands – My Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Experience with IMA

November 25, 2025by: Emily Teixeira - United StatesProgram: Group & Student Travel Opportunities | IMA Safaris Africa

10

In addition to my Midwifery Internship Program with IMA, I also went on the Machu Picchu and Inca Trail hike. It was a beautiful end to the trip. Other interns and I hiked the six-hour Inca Trail to the Sun Gate and down to Machu Picchu. It was no easy feat, but one I am extremely proud to have taken on. Not only were the views and flora astonishing, but learning about Incan culture and history reignited the same sense of wonder I felt reading picture books about Machu Picchu when I was younger. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always be grateful for.