Travel By Design: Backpacking & Camping
“There is pleasure in the pathless woods. There is rapture on the lonely shore. There is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea and music in its roar. I love not man the less, but Nature more.”
–Lord Byron
An immersion in nature is a gift to the soul. Enjoy the outdoors with a backpacking or camping trip and allow nature to be your teacher. But embark on your journey a prepared adventurer.Whether a first time or seasoned backpacker or camper, it is important to know about the best destinations, gear, hiking trails and travel tips. What should you pack? What are the best weigh limits for your gear? What equipment has received the best reviews? What do you need for mountain trails vs beach trails vs forest trails?Find some of the best practices, equipment reviews and tips here for backpacking and camping.
How Spending Time Alone on the Pacific Crest Trail Changed My Life
By Derek CullenI recently spent five months hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. It was an incredible backpacking trip through stunning deserts, mountains, and forests but also a journey of self-discovery. At the same time, my trips were now motivated by self-growth rather than deficiency. Read more
North America Backpacking & Camping Off the Beaten Path
El Paredon: A Safety Guide to Guatemala’s Premier Beach Town
By Thomas SpäterAmong the picturesque beach towns in Guatemala, El Paredon Buena Vista, situated on the southern Pacific coast within the Escuintla municipality, stands out as the ultimate destination for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts alike. Read more
Central and South America Backpacking & Camping Safety
Canoe Camping: Tips to Survive The Ultimate Physically-Distanced Adventure
By Nikki GillinghamIf you haven’t tried canoe camping yet and are on the hunt for new physically-distanced activities, you may want to find a spot for it on your list of things to try before winter officially arrives. Read more
The World Backpacking & Camping Insights
Discovering My Home State Treasures
By Terri MarshallHaving lived in New York City for the past 13 years, I’ve fallen in love with my new city. The bright lights of Broadway, innumerable restaurants, museums of every variety, my favorite Irish pub, and the gym where I work off my indulgences are all just a subway ride away. Read more
United States Backpacking & Camping
Exploring Acadia National Park
By JenLyn FitzAcadia National Park is one of the fifty-eight National Parks in the United States and it is in the state of Maine. The park’s original Read more
United States Backpacking & Camping Family Travel History
Why Do You Need A Portable Generator For Your Next Trip?
Going on an off-grid trip, such as camping, can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Among other things, you must consider food, safety, and entertainment. Another stressful aspect of such trips is the power supply, as you must keep your devices and appliances running. It’s where a portable generator … Read more Read more
Backpacking & Camping Health & Wellness Safety
A First-Timer’s Guide To Winter Camping
Winter is a great time to get out of the city and into the wilderness. If you’ve never been on a winter camping trip before, this guide will help you prepare for your first one so that you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Follow these basic tips to … Read more Read more
Backpacking & Camping
What to do about Racism and Bigotry as Travelers of Conscience and Culture
By Ian FitzpatrickWith everything taking place in the world from the coronavirus pandemic, global recession, and America’s racial reckoning, even a brief escape from these problems can be an elixir for the body, mind, spirit, and soul. Read more
United States Backpacking & Camping Insights Social Responsibility
Best Backpacking Trails with Amazing Sceneries
From narrow canyons to rocky mountains, the Earth is a wonderful place to live on. Travelers enjoy being connected with nature while witnessing unique flora and fauna along the way. Mesmerizing waterfalls and movie-like ice fields add value to any trip inside our beautiful planet. Below, we have a list … Read more Read more
The World Backpacking & Camping Nature & Outdoors
An Adventurous Backpacking Route Through Southeast Asia
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.The Southeast Asian region, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos has become increasingly popular among adventure backpackers. Travelers visiting the region, however, are frequently faced with a dilemma: which path to take. Read more
Asia Adventure Backpacking & Camping
Ellijay, Georgia: Extraordinarily out of the Ordinary
By Kathleen WallsSet in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Ellijay, a city in Gilmer County Georgia, is very different from the urbanized America that most visitors picture. Read more
United States Backpacking & Camping History
Don’t Let a Socially-Distanced Winter Keep You Inside: Camping at Dee Lake Wilderness Resort
By Nikki GillinghamWinter camping, even in relatively mild temperatures, isn’t something to take lightly. It requires planning, preparation, and a bit of spirit to get you through the evening! Read more
Canada Backpacking & Camping Nature & Outdoors
Go With the Flow: Life Lessons From Backpacking to the Pandemic
By Natasha TuckerSome of you may ask why I chose Guatemala — especially if you’re like my parents whose idea of adventure is an all-inclusive trip to Cuba. Read more
Central and South America Backpacking & Camping Experiences
Top Tips for Campervan Travel (AKA #Vanlife)
By Tara TadlockAs country borders remain closed and travel restrictions show very few signs of lifting, many people are turning to domestic travel alternatives. Instead of flying to far-flung places, tourists are taking to campervan travel. While campervanning is nothing new to tourists in destinations like New Zealand or Australia, there has … Read more Read more
The World Backpacking & Camping Budget Travel
Backpacking Through India
By Brita PenfoldA few years back, I had the opportunity to travel to India to go to my good friend’s wedding. It was a chance to get a glimpse of the culture that I just couldn’t pass up. Read more
India Backpacking & Camping