Backpacker Tourism

To many not in the know, New Zealand calls to mind kiwi fruit and sheep. Perhaps its the location, perhaps its because New Zealand rarely finds its way into the international media but with its green lands, blue seas, snow capped mountains, pristine lakes and singing birds it remains an idyllic holiday destination. There are few places in the world which can offer so much variety within such a short distance. This is a country, where in the space of a week, you can snowboard or ski in the Southern Alps, horse trek along the beach, swim with dolphins, watch whales, climb a volcano, hike through a rainforest, sail the high seas and savour a lamb rack like no other. To anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, it's simply paradise.

BackpackingEurope.com was started in a small backpacker hostel in the heart of the Swiss Alps, after many years of receiving positive comments about other great hostels and backpacker hostels throughout Europe. While recording more than 150 hostels, contacting them and keeping in regular touch, Robyn and Bertrand Kohli, owners of the Swiss Alps Retreat in Gryon, decided in the spring of 1998 to launch an automated website containing a comprehensive list of backpacker-recommended hostels. They also visited about 40 of those hostels in 9 different countries of the same year, and by May 2001, as part of their direct marketing strategy, sent out 7 travelers as representatives to 12 countries and covered over 120 hostels. Since then, the website has rapidly grown into one of the most popular and trusted websites for travelers on a budget heading for Europe. BackpackingEurope.com is also a comprehensive database, hostel address listing and graphic poster, all created by the traveler for the traveler.

Hiking and Backpacking.com is your quick and easy way to find info on hiking and backpacking activities. It’s also a fast way to find out who has the best deals on outdoor gear, including backpacks, hiking boots and shoes, clothing and accessories. We’re constantly searching the Web for best buys and good deals on outdoor gear, but we only recommend these deals if they are being offered by a well-known and trusted site. So look around, browse the hiking clubs, locate a link to a manufacturer, find a promising trail to try someday, or look for a bargain on that special gear item you need.

This site has been set up as a comprehensive resource for intrepid travellers everywhere. Within the site, you'll find information on every aspect of backpacking and low cost travel, ideally suited to gap year students or those who simply wish to see the world and experience everything while they have the chance. There is information to help you before you embark, from advice on passports and visas, travel insurance through to what to pack. You can read up on specific gap year advice, find out about working abroad and get tips on transport too.

thebackpacker.com is a website dedicated to the backpacking and hiking community. It is intended as a place for beginners to learn about backpacking and also as a gathering place for more experienced backpackers. Many people have used thebackpacker.com to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts in their area. All the backpacking gear reviews and hiking trail reviews are submitted by the people just like you. Some reviews are positive and some reviews are negative. There are no "professional experts" here. Everyone is welcome to voice their opinion, that includes occasional day hikers, weekend backpackers, thru-hikers and those just dreaming about starting to backpack.

The Lightweight Backpacker began in relative simplicity in late 1995, inspired by my own experiences of eschewing the traditional (heavyweight) methods of backcountry travel in preference to more streamlined (lightweight) methods. During the past ten years, The Lightweight Backpacker has grown significantly as has the recognition of lightweight equipment and techniques among backcountry enthusiasts as well as with the outdoor gear industry as a whole. The lightweight/ultralight theme in outdoor gear will continue to increase and The Lightweight Backpacker is commited to remain at the forefront related to lightweight backcountry travel & equipment