Natural Beauty

Like many of its neighboring countries, Nicaragua offers many pristine natural landscapes and beauty that are a marvel to behold. From rugged coastal views to mountains, and volcanos, there is no shortage of tranquility and beauty.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GirlsTopTravel (GTT) (@girlstraveler)

History

Nicaragua also offers an abundance of history and fascinating architecture to satisfy the history lover in you. Granada, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, boasts historical structures and Spanish architecture as well as a vibrant city life. The colorful markets of Masaya, traditional music, and dance festivals, also make this hidden gem a place for an immersive cultural experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maria Medrano (@mariamedrano5)

Affordability

Lastly, Nicaragua is a backpacking enthusiasts’ paradise, offering budget-friendly accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. With no shortage of activities, hikes, and cultural experiences, there are many reasons why you should add this hidden gem to your bucket list. Grab your passport and a backpack and dive in!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VeganWelcome® vegan hotels (@veganwelcome)

The post 3 Reasons Why You Should Add Nicaragua to Your Bucket List appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Gheralta Mountains, Ethiopia, 6 – 9 miles

This trek will take your breath away for more reasons than one. The 1,000-year-old churches carved right into the cliffs and the stunning views will make you gasp, while the difficult free-form rock climbing it requires to see them will raise your heart rate. This is a challenging one, but it’s well worth it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moderatorin Katie Gallus (@katie_gallus)

Lost City Trek, Colombia, 28 miles

This trek will take you through the Sierra Nevada jungles to Teyuna, the capital of the ancient Tayrona civilization, so lost that most people have never heard of it. If you go with an indigenous guide, you’ll also learn quite a bit of culture and history that you probably would never discover otherwise.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harris Dro (@harrisdrophotography)

Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Peru, 70 miles

If you want to be moved by mother nature’s most dramatic display of beauty, check out the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range in central Peru. This hike will take you about ten days, covering 5,000-meter peaks and stunning turquoise alpine lakes. This is the kind of natural beauty that inspires people to paint and write poetry.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Enrique Trek Climb Tour Huaraz (@enriqueexpedition)

The post Treks You May Not Know About, But Should Definitely Try appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Have a Dry Stock

You should definitely have a basic set of clothes and sleeping bag stored deep within your backpack, even when it’s pouring rain. That way, no matter how wet you get, you can at least breath easy knowing that you’ll have something warm to snuggle up in later.

Layer Up

As simple as it sounds, it works like a charm. Even though it might be annoying, especially in tropical areas where it’s rainy but also hot, you’ll stay dryer by wearing fewer layers.

Pick Good Tent Spots

Here’s where it’s important to do a bit of research while you’re traveling. If you’re out in the woods, or off in some mountain, ask a local where the best place to put your tent should be. If you’re still in doubt, use some common sense and find a makeshift shelter.

The post Here Are Some Tips For Backpacking in the Rain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Be Conscious of Fabrics

Some of the heaviest items you bring with you will probably be clothes, so you’ll want to be conscious of the weight of the clothing you’re bringing. While fabrics like wool and fleece can keep you warm, they’re also heavy and take up space. Try to lean more on lightweight fabrics like silk, nylon, and polyester.

Go for Multi-Use

The more purposes a single item can serve, the better for your pack weight. Try using something like Bronner’s, which can act as a face wash, body wash, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, and hand soap all in one—among other things.

Cut it Out

The reality is that traveling light just means leaving some things behind. Think really deeply about every item you bring. Do you really need that pair of heels or that blow dryer? Really? Think carefully now. That’s right, probably not.

The post Tips on Keeping Your Backpack Light appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

But backpacking can be dangerous at times. When going out into nature, you should be prepared for any trouble—and prepare a first aid kit in advance.

To do so, make sure you have all the medications you are taking routinely. Make sure they are well-packed and protected from the weather or moisture.

The contents of a basic first aid kit contain various dressings, disinfectants, and basic medication—including gauze bandages of various sizes, tourniquet, plasters, gauze pad, pocket masks for respiration, scissors, antiseptic solution, painkillers, and disposable gloves. The amount of contents inside a first aid kit varies depending on the location and the number of people going on the trip.

It is best to do online research regarding the area you will be traveling to, and the dangers that can occur in it. If it is a particularly hot area—pack water containing electrolytes. If it is a trip in difficult terrain conditions—pack dressing equipment and disinfectants.

The post Backpackers’ First Aid Kit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The town of Kasol is located in the Parvati Valley. The town serves as a central destination for trackers, and as an exit point to visit one of the dozens of small villages scattered around.

Staying in Kasol is very cheap, but not luxurious; those coming to Kasol can choose to stay in simple rooms in one of the local guesthouses.

The food in North India is excellent, and the restaurants in the town offer delicious Indian food alongside western food like pasta and pizza for those who miss home.

Parvati Valley is not dangerous, but it is not as safe as other places in India. Travelers are required to keep precautionary rules, mainly since some of the areas around the villages are controlled by illegal businesses including drug trafficking, and since the tracks in the area can be challenging and dangerous in themselves.

Kasol is reached by a local bus only, and the journey can be difficult and long, so you should prepare well for it. The recommended season to visit Kasol is from June to September.

The post The Magic Of North India appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Here is a guide to choosing the best backpack for your trip.

Contoured Straps

Contoured (or S-shape) straps are contoured to the shape of your body. This ergonomic design is far more comfortable than your standard vertical straps. If the straps are padded, that’s even better.

Additional Sternum or Hip Straps

Backpacks with hip straps redistribute the weight from your shoulders to your hips. This makes the weight of your bag easier to carry and saves you from back pain.

Waterproof Material

If you are trekking in wet climates, investing in a waterproof backpack is essential. The last thing you want on your trip is your belongings getting damp on the walk.

Plenty of Pockets

Rucksacks with plenty of pockets not only help you organize your belongings better, they also help with weight distribution. Keeping your belongings in separate compartments makes the weight easier to bear. Having a padded compartment for your laptop is also a plus.

Durability

Before you purchase a backpack, read the reviews. It is important to invest in a backpack that will see you through your whole journey, so make sure you choose something sturdy and durable.

The post A Guide To Choosing Your Backpacking Backpack appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

One of the best books to read on a trip is The Life of Pi by Jan Martel. Many travelers cling to their copy and find it difficult to let it go even at the end of the trip.

The book tells the fascinating story of five survivors of a sunken ship—an orangutan, a zebra, a hyena, a Bengali tiger, and Pi Patel, a 16-year-old Indian boy—huddled together in a small lifeboat.

This is a wonderful journey novel that describes a rare story of heroism and faith, full of inspiration, and also deals with coping with fear wherever it is.

The book contains many insights into the human soul, survival in difficult conditions, family, loneliness, and hope.

The book Life of Pi, which has also become a motion picture, is a favorite book by many young people during a journey.

The post The Perfect Book To Read On A Journey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The Bulgarian language is very similar to Russian, meaning Russian speakers will be able to speak and understand quite freely. Most of the signs are not in English, but you can get by with a good language translation app.

Bulgaria is a relatively safe country, but of course it is recommended to wear a money belt (especially on bus trips and crowded places).

In the big cities, you can find places in hostels relatively cheaply, and in the summer you can stay in a tent in designated camping sites.

In Bulgaria, there is a convenient bus network. In more remote places you might have to hitchhike. Trains are much slower than buses in Bulgaria and are not recommended.

The best time to travel Bulgarian mountains is between the end of May and the end of October. September is considered the driest month of the summer months and October is already starting to get very cold in the high places and most places are already at end-of-season prices.

The post Useful Information For A Backpacking Trip In Bulgaria appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Bruges, Belgium

Medieval buildings, colorful scenery and Chocolate Museum are only a few of many reasons why Bruges is one of the top European destinations among tourists. Luckily, Bruges was named one of the cheapest cities in Europe, which makes it a must-visit place for travelers on a budget.

Berlin, Germany

The capital of Germany is the creative, financial and artistic center of Europe, and it’s also surprisingly cheap compared to other European capitals. You can easily find plenty of cheap hostels that offer comfortable accommodation at affordable prices.

Thessaloniki, Greece

The second largest city in Greece is a lively and vibrant place, perfect for lovers of the arts, history and culture. Thessaloniki is an affordable destination, where you can explore ancient monuments and enjoy beautiful beaches, all in one place.

Budapest, Hungary

With its vibrant streets, breathtaking architecture and numerous historical sites, Budapest is by far the most charming city in Eastern Europe. It offers a wide range of cheap hostels and affordable Airbnbs, where you can spend a few nights while exploring the city.

The post Europe’s Cheapest Cities For Backpackers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Natural Beauty

Like many of its neighboring countries, Nicaragua offers many pristine natural landscapes and beauty that are a marvel to behold. From rugged coastal views to mountains, and volcanos, there is no shortage of tranquility and beauty.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GirlsTopTravel (GTT) (@girlstraveler)

History

Nicaragua also offers an abundance of history and fascinating architecture to satisfy the history lover in you. Granada, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, boasts historical structures and Spanish architecture as well as a vibrant city life. The colorful markets of Masaya, traditional music, and dance festivals, also make this hidden gem a place for an immersive cultural experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maria Medrano (@mariamedrano5)

Affordability

Lastly, Nicaragua is a backpacking enthusiasts’ paradise, offering budget-friendly accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. With no shortage of activities, hikes, and cultural experiences, there are many reasons why you should add this hidden gem to your bucket list. Grab your passport and a backpack and dive in!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VeganWelcome® vegan hotels (@veganwelcome)

The post 3 Reasons Why You Should Add Nicaragua to Your Bucket List appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Gheralta Mountains, Ethiopia, 6 – 9 miles

This trek will take your breath away for more reasons than one. The 1,000-year-old churches carved right into the cliffs and the stunning views will make you gasp, while the difficult free-form rock climbing it requires to see them will raise your heart rate. This is a challenging one, but it’s well worth it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moderatorin Katie Gallus (@katie_gallus)

Lost City Trek, Colombia, 28 miles

This trek will take you through the Sierra Nevada jungles to Teyuna, the capital of the ancient Tayrona civilization, so lost that most people have never heard of it. If you go with an indigenous guide, you’ll also learn quite a bit of culture and history that you probably would never discover otherwise.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harris Dro (@harrisdrophotography)

Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Peru, 70 miles

If you want to be moved by mother nature’s most dramatic display of beauty, check out the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range in central Peru. This hike will take you about ten days, covering 5,000-meter peaks and stunning turquoise alpine lakes. This is the kind of natural beauty that inspires people to paint and write poetry.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Enrique Trek Climb Tour Huaraz (@enriqueexpedition)

The post Treks You May Not Know About, But Should Definitely Try appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Have a Dry Stock

You should definitely have a basic set of clothes and sleeping bag stored deep within your backpack, even when it’s pouring rain. That way, no matter how wet you get, you can at least breath easy knowing that you’ll have something warm to snuggle up in later.

Layer Up

As simple as it sounds, it works like a charm. Even though it might be annoying, especially in tropical areas where it’s rainy but also hot, you’ll stay dryer by wearing fewer layers.

Pick Good Tent Spots

Here’s where it’s important to do a bit of research while you’re traveling. If you’re out in the woods, or off in some mountain, ask a local where the best place to put your tent should be. If you’re still in doubt, use some common sense and find a makeshift shelter.

The post Here Are Some Tips For Backpacking in the Rain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Be Conscious of Fabrics

Some of the heaviest items you bring with you will probably be clothes, so you’ll want to be conscious of the weight of the clothing you’re bringing. While fabrics like wool and fleece can keep you warm, they’re also heavy and take up space. Try to lean more on lightweight fabrics like silk, nylon, and polyester.

Go for Multi-Use

The more purposes a single item can serve, the better for your pack weight. Try using something like Bronner’s, which can act as a face wash, body wash, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, and hand soap all in one—among other things.

Cut it Out

The reality is that traveling light just means leaving some things behind. Think really deeply about every item you bring. Do you really need that pair of heels or that blow dryer? Really? Think carefully now. That’s right, probably not.

The post Tips on Keeping Your Backpack Light appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

But backpacking can be dangerous at times. When going out into nature, you should be prepared for any trouble—and prepare a first aid kit in advance.

To do so, make sure you have all the medications you are taking routinely. Make sure they are well-packed and protected from the weather or moisture.

The contents of a basic first aid kit contain various dressings, disinfectants, and basic medication—including gauze bandages of various sizes, tourniquet, plasters, gauze pad, pocket masks for respiration, scissors, antiseptic solution, painkillers, and disposable gloves. The amount of contents inside a first aid kit varies depending on the location and the number of people going on the trip.

It is best to do online research regarding the area you will be traveling to, and the dangers that can occur in it. If it is a particularly hot area—pack water containing electrolytes. If it is a trip in difficult terrain conditions—pack dressing equipment and disinfectants.

The post Backpackers’ First Aid Kit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The town of Kasol is located in the Parvati Valley. The town serves as a central destination for trackers, and as an exit point to visit one of the dozens of small villages scattered around.

Staying in Kasol is very cheap, but not luxurious; those coming to Kasol can choose to stay in simple rooms in one of the local guesthouses.

The food in North India is excellent, and the restaurants in the town offer delicious Indian food alongside western food like pasta and pizza for those who miss home.

Parvati Valley is not dangerous, but it is not as safe as other places in India. Travelers are required to keep precautionary rules, mainly since some of the areas around the villages are controlled by illegal businesses including drug trafficking, and since the tracks in the area can be challenging and dangerous in themselves.

Kasol is reached by a local bus only, and the journey can be difficult and long, so you should prepare well for it. The recommended season to visit Kasol is from June to September.

The post The Magic Of North India appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Here is a guide to choosing the best backpack for your trip.

Contoured Straps

Contoured (or S-shape) straps are contoured to the shape of your body. This ergonomic design is far more comfortable than your standard vertical straps. If the straps are padded, that’s even better.

Additional Sternum or Hip Straps

Backpacks with hip straps redistribute the weight from your shoulders to your hips. This makes the weight of your bag easier to carry and saves you from back pain.

Waterproof Material

If you are trekking in wet climates, investing in a waterproof backpack is essential. The last thing you want on your trip is your belongings getting damp on the walk.

Plenty of Pockets

Rucksacks with plenty of pockets not only help you organize your belongings better, they also help with weight distribution. Keeping your belongings in separate compartments makes the weight easier to bear. Having a padded compartment for your laptop is also a plus.

Durability

Before you purchase a backpack, read the reviews. It is important to invest in a backpack that will see you through your whole journey, so make sure you choose something sturdy and durable.

The post A Guide To Choosing Your Backpacking Backpack appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

One of the best books to read on a trip is The Life of Pi by Jan Martel. Many travelers cling to their copy and find it difficult to let it go even at the end of the trip.

The book tells the fascinating story of five survivors of a sunken ship—an orangutan, a zebra, a hyena, a Bengali tiger, and Pi Patel, a 16-year-old Indian boy—huddled together in a small lifeboat.

This is a wonderful journey novel that describes a rare story of heroism and faith, full of inspiration, and also deals with coping with fear wherever it is.

The book contains many insights into the human soul, survival in difficult conditions, family, loneliness, and hope.

The book Life of Pi, which has also become a motion picture, is a favorite book by many young people during a journey.

The post The Perfect Book To Read On A Journey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

The Bulgarian language is very similar to Russian, meaning Russian speakers will be able to speak and understand quite freely. Most of the signs are not in English, but you can get by with a good language translation app.

Bulgaria is a relatively safe country, but of course it is recommended to wear a money belt (especially on bus trips and crowded places).

In the big cities, you can find places in hostels relatively cheaply, and in the summer you can stay in a tent in designated camping sites.

In Bulgaria, there is a convenient bus network. In more remote places you might have to hitchhike. Trains are much slower than buses in Bulgaria and are not recommended.

The best time to travel Bulgarian mountains is between the end of May and the end of October. September is considered the driest month of the summer months and October is already starting to get very cold in the high places and most places are already at end-of-season prices.

The post Useful Information For A Backpacking Trip In Bulgaria appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Bruges, Belgium

Medieval buildings, colorful scenery and Chocolate Museum are only a few of many reasons why Bruges is one of the top European destinations among tourists. Luckily, Bruges was named one of the cheapest cities in Europe, which makes it a must-visit place for travelers on a budget.

Berlin, Germany

The capital of Germany is the creative, financial and artistic center of Europe, and it’s also surprisingly cheap compared to other European capitals. You can easily find plenty of cheap hostels that offer comfortable accommodation at affordable prices.

Thessaloniki, Greece

The second largest city in Greece is a lively and vibrant place, perfect for lovers of the arts, history and culture. Thessaloniki is an affordable destination, where you can explore ancient monuments and enjoy beautiful beaches, all in one place.

Budapest, Hungary

With its vibrant streets, breathtaking architecture and numerous historical sites, Budapest is by far the most charming city in Eastern Europe. It offers a wide range of cheap hostels and affordable Airbnbs, where you can spend a few nights while exploring the city.

The post Europe’s Cheapest Cities For Backpackers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.