5 Ways To Get To Machu Picchu Depending On Your Travel Style

Machu Picchu sits high on top of the Andes Mountains just above the Urubamba River valley. It was believed to have been a religious site or a royal estate for Incan leaders. It's made up of about 150 different types of impressive stone buildings, but its mystery makes it about its purpose makes it even more attractive. The Incan citadel went pretty much unnoticed for hundreds of years until American archaeologist Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911. And since that discovery, Machu Picchu became Peru's most visited attraction.

Although it's tricky to get to (the Incans knew how to make you work for it!), it's an incredible place to experience. Here are five adventurous and budget-friendly ways to get to Machu Picchu, depending on your travel style.

Inca Jungle Trek

The Inca Jungle Trek is one of the most adventurous ways to get to Macchu Picchu. It involves rafting, mountain biking, ziplining, white water rafting, and hiking your way to the Incan citadel. Nope, we're not joking! This action-packed guided tour takes you into the Peruvian jungle, along a beautiful section of the original Inca Trail to end in Machu Picchu. It takes four days and three nights of camping. Along the way, you'll get to witness a variety of stunning landscapes including the Andean mountain range, the cloud forest, the Urubamba River and the lush green jungle!

Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is an intense multi-day hiking adventure to Machu Picchu. Depending on how much you love to walk and camp, you can choose between a four day or five day tour. Both tours guide you through breathtaking snowcapped mountains, picturesque valleys, beautiful lakes, and rushing waterfalls. The biggest challenge during the trek is hiking to the top of the glacier-capped, 20,574-foot Mount Salcantay (aka Savage Mountain), which is considered a sacred spot by locals. As a final treat, you get to walk along the Inca Trail for a short section before arriving at Machu Picchu.

Lares Trek

The Lares Trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail (which gets booked out months in advance). This guided tour is great for those who want to meet and interact with local Andean communities. On this four day trek, you'll learn about life in these isolated villages, become familiar with their culture and traditions, and visit a local school. The Lares Trek is stunning as you'll experience the majestic Andean mountains with piercingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, and, of course, countless cute llamas and alpacas. The tour finishes on a literal high, with an unforgettable day exploring and learning about Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail

If you're crunched on time, but still want to experience a historical way to visit Machu Picchu, consider a two day Inca Trail Trek. It begins with a traditional Andean Blessing, then continues along the winding stone Inca trail to the archeological site of Wiñaywayna. Then you'll enter the sacred site through the edges of the highland jungle cliffs to the Intipunku (Sun Gate) a ceremonial gateway into Machu Picchu. During the trek, your guides share stories on Inca traditions and secrets of Pachamama (the Earth Mother) for a more culturally informative experience.

2 Day Train Tour

Not a big hiker or don't feel like roughin' it? Not a problem. You can take a train and bus all the way to Machu Picchu! Oh yeah. This option is great for travellers who are short on time or need a little luxury in their life. A two day train tour takes care of everything for you, including accommodation in Aguas Calientes, train tickets, transfers, and informative guides. You'll get a local perspective of Machu Picchu and have time to enjoy all of its archeology, culture, and mysticism. The best part? After exploring the Incan citadel, you can jump on a train then a bus that will take you all the way back to your hotel in Cusco. Too easy!

All The Stupid Ways I've Wasted Money Overseas

Travelling isn't exactly the cheapest activity, but once you get bit by the travel bug, it's hard to look back.

I don't want to know how much I've spent on travelling in the past seven years. I say seven because that's how long I've been taking holidays on my own, separate from my family. But spending money overseas doesn't really bother me because I'm paying for an experience that I'm excited about! I usually set myself a budget (I can't be left with nothing when I get home!), and if there's something I reallyyyy want to do that seems a little pricey, I usually just go for it. When else will I be able to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?

Of course, there are times (many times) when I'm just plain stupid about spending overseas. And I'm not talking about getting that extra drink at the bar or dessert from a restaurant. I'm talking about things that actually do put a dent in your budget. Here are all the stupid ways I've wasted money overseas.

I paid 30 Swiss Franc ($45 AUD) for a salad in Switzerland

I'm still salty about this one and it happened in 2016. I just arrived in Switzerland and was super confused about the currency. I went to a pub in Interlaken on my first night in the country and scanned the menu for a salad. I craved something green after spending a week in Italy. I ordered a Cesar salad without looking at the price (a very unusual thing to do), and when it was time to pay, it came out to 30 Swiss Franc. I felt the wind knock out of me. Then I converted it to AUD... $45!! I nearly fainted. Always research the local exchange rate before arriving. And check the dang prices on the menu! Ugh.

I had a bank card that was charged enormous ATM fees

In my early days of travelling, I had a bank card that did nothing to help my budget or reward my travels. It charged foreign transaction fees and ATM fees. Oof. After doing some research, I found a card that charges zero ATM and foreign transaction fees. It's been a lifesaver. Look into Charles Schwab, ING, Chase, or Barclays Arrival Plus World Mastercard to avoid paying your bank extra money that could be spent on travel. Bonus points if you get a travel rewards credit card.

I failed to figure out how to get from the airport to the hostel before I arrived

It's so easy to arrive in a place and be overwhelmed by a new environment and hurried travellers. It usually leads to saying, "Screw it, I'm calling an Uber!" But that's not helpful to a budget traveller like me. This used to happen quite often until I finally incorporated arrival airport research into finding things to do in a foreign city. This totally helped cut back my spending! If I simply researched that I can take a $17 Skybus ride from Melbourne Airport to the CBD, then I save about $20 on an Uber or taxi ride! That's the kind of travel budget content I like to know about. So now I always research the cheapest way to get from the airport to my accommodation before I arrive.

I dined near major tourist sites

This is a rookie move. Have you ever tried dining at a cafe near the Eiffel Tower? Or a pizza joint next to the Colosseum? Or pub next to Buckingham Palace? Well, don't. It's insanely more expensive than if you wait to eat at a local, non-touristy restaurant a few blocks down the road. Don't fall into the trap of buying a $7 small cup of gelato just because it's next to the Trevi Fountain. Tourist traps like that know people aren't coming back, so they don't have to worry about consistent quality. However, if you see locals buzzing around a restaurant, it's probably going to be good or they wouldn't be there.

I used taxies

Taxis are one of the worst ways that you can spend money overseas. It's common to get ripped off by the driver because you're a tourist. Skip taxis and use public transportation whenever possible. If you have to hail a taxi, make sure there's a running meter and keep your maps open so the driver knows you're tracking his directions.

I tipped a terrible tour operator because I felt like I had too

It's not very often that I have a terrible tour guide because I always do my research before booking. But on a four-day trek through the Andes mountains in Peru, I had a guide who was awful. Just awful. He didn't teach us anything, he told us random (inappropriate) stories about his personal life, and he didn't practice any safety measures when someone on my tour got injured. I hate to admit that he kind of ruined my entire experience. By the end of the trip, I was struggling with how much to tip because I didn't think he deserved one. I ended up giving him some cash, which he counted it in front of me and said, "This will buy me a few beers." I instantly regretted giving him anything at all. If you're not happy with your guide, don't feel obligated or pressured to tip. You're already paying for the experience, a tip is just a nice thank you.

7 Ways You Can Participate In Sustainable Travel

Travelling is in our human nature. Witnessing Uluru at sunrise, white water rafting in Queenstown, or participating a food tour of Cancun is how we get to experience our beautiful planet. And while we're all about exploring the world, an increase in the amount of travellers has taken its toll on the environment. Experts say that at least 10% of the 100 million tonnes of plastic we use every year ends up in the oceans. That is not okay!

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries, so now more than ever, it's important to be a sustainable traveller. According to National Geographic, that means engaging in environmentally friendly practises, providing tangible social and economic benefits for local communities, and protecting cultural and natural heritage.

Not sure where to start? Don't fret. Here are 7 ways you can participate in sustainable travel.

Buy local and use local

Supporting the local economy is a big aspect of sustainable travel. That means eating at local restaurants, buying crafts and souvenirs from a market, or using public transport whenever possible. This ensures that your contribution to the economy has a direct and positive impact on the community. When buying souvenirs, specifically, make sure you're buying from an artisan who makes the crafts, rather than a gift shop who imports products from China. If you're worried about the language barrier, a guided tour can help you navigate street food and local markets.

Avoid taking a plane if it's not absolutely necessary

Avoiding air travel is tricky. We know. But let's say you're backpacking Southeast Asia and not entirely strapped for time then taking a bus or train between cities is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. It's also way better for your budget. And hey, you haven't had a true backpacking experience if you've never taken a 15 hour + bus ride. That's just the facts.

Cut back on plastic

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Did you know that about 4.8-12.7 million tonnes of plastic pollute the world's oceans each year? EACH YEAR! That's terrible. Avoid using disposable plastic water bottles or grocery bags when you can. Instead, pack your own reusable container or tote bags to help cut back on plastic waste. This will help you and those you travel with take steps toward being a sustainable traveller.

Choose a reputable tour company

One of the best ways to see and learn about a place is on a guided tour. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones participate in sustainable travel? Backpacker Deals only works with tour companies who are aware of their impact on the environment. That means they might participate in environmental conservation, employ local guides, protect wildlife, or support cultural heritage. Never be shy to ask the company how they engage in sustainable practices. Check out Backpacker Deals to find hundreds of eco-certified tours around the world.

Prioritize animal welfare

Make sure your travels remain ethical when it comes to interacting with local wildlife. There are plenty of tour operators who take advantage of animals for the sake of tourism. For instance, elephant riding, wildlife selfies, or dancing monkeys is not recommend as the operator may participate in abusive behaviours that cause the animal harm. Practice sustainable travel by not participating in attractions that capture animals from the wild. And when you're visiting coral reefs, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen in order to avoid coral bleaching.

Stay in an eco-lodge

Have you ever tried staying in an eco-lodge? It's a great way to practice sustainable travel! They're usually designed to have the minimum possible impact on the natural environment in which it is situated. That may mean it uses renewable energy technology, it has access to nature guides, it employs locals at fair wages, or handles waste properly. They're usually small and in an natural areas but provides an educational and immersive way of interacting with the local environment.

Give back

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Giving back to the local community comes in many variations, but it's important to know that you're giving back the right way. Rather than directly give money to a beggar on the street, donate clothes or non-perishable items to a reputable organization or global non-profits. If you don't have much to donate, lend your time volunteering. As with all of these tips, be sure to do your research before joining a volunteer group. Beach clean-ups are a great way to give back and meet other travellers! For instance, use the hashtag #AdventureBagCrew to join a collective of other world travellers who are cleaning up mountains, jungles, and beaches.

6 Things I Always Regret Packing

Raise your hand if you like packing...

I'm going to assume that not many people raised their hands. Let's just be honest packing sucks! If you're like me, I usually leave it until the night before the flight leaves. I'm usually spending longer than necessary trying to figure out what to bring, looking at the weather app 10 times in one minute, and then getting distracted on social media. It's a process.

But after taking my fair share holidays, backpacking trips, or visits to grandma and grandpa's, I think I've got this whole packing thing down. At least, I know what not to pack. Here are six items I always regret packing because it's just not worth it.

That extra pair of shoes "just in case"

There are plentyyy of "just in case" items that run through my head when I'm packing. Some of them include a belt, a hat, an extra bathing suit, a bulky jumper you know, the things that you might need. But what I've learned from packing these "just in case" items is that I absolutely do not need that extra pair of shoes.

When I travel, I'm happy with taking a pair of sandals/thongs, a pair of walking shoes (my Converse have been around the world and back), and a pair of sneakers (if I think I'll be exercising or doing a hike). That's it! I know that's all I'll need. In the past, I've regretted packing a pair of heels "just in case" I go clubbing or an extra pair of sandals to match a dress I didn't end up wearing. If you're joining a group tour, make sure to read through the suggested packing list so that you have the appropriate items.

Hardcover books

Ahh, this was a tough one for me to come to terms with. Yes, I'm one of those people who loves physically flipping a page when I read. But taking a heavy book on a holiday is not ideal. Most of the time, I don't even open it.

I recently made the long-overdue switch to reading off a Kindle and I hate to admit that it's WAY better for a frequent traveller. And TBH, I've found that I actually read more with the E-reader than with a physical book! So it's a win-win for me and my backpack.

Valuable sunglasses

I know there are some peeps out there who love their designer brand sunglasses! I love them too! They're stylish and trendy, but not usually durable... which makes packing them a nightmare. After losing or crushing three pairs of Ray-Bans on a holiday, I've decided that I am no longer allowed to bring valuable sunglasses with me on vacation. Instead, I'll buy a cheap pair of sunglasses from a vendor or convenience store to use during my travels. That way I'm less worried about them and I can come home to my nice $250 pair of sunnies.

Laptop

Unless you absolutely know that you'll need it for work, don't pack your laptop! It's not only a burden to carry around with you, but also a valuable item that's at high risk of being stolen. At the end of the day, it's not worth it to worry about its safety in your dorm or hotel room while you're out exploring a foreign destination. Leave it at home for peace of mind.

Anything irreplacable

When I pack for a holiday or backpacking trip, I need to remind myself that I'm coming home. I don't need to take any irreplaceable items and I'm not talking electronics, but rather nice jewellery/heirlooms, artwork, or custom made treasures. It's totally unnecessary and not worth the looming worry in the back of your head. When you travel, you just have to assume that anything can happen to you or your belongings. It's best not to pack any valuable items.

Anything that I can share with my travel buddy

If you're travelling with a group of friends or a travel partner, link up on sharing certain items such as a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, soap, toothpaste, or other toiletries. I've found that it's not necessary to both bring these items when you can simply share and save space in your suitcase. Come on now, no one has cooties. If you're travelling solo, invest in travel-size containers that you can refill, instead of buying new ones for every trip. When it comes to toiletries and cosmetics, keep the mind-frame that less is more.

Where To Travel In Australia Based On Your Personality

Welcome to Straya! It's a huge country to conquer with heaps of wildlife, food, and adventure to experience. If you don't know where to start, don't worry! We narrowed it down for you based on if you're into tasting the cuisine, relaxing on a beach, or skydiving over the ocean.

Here's where to travel in Australia, based on your personality.

Food & Festival Lovers: Melbourne

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If you're a big foodie, Melbourne will steal your heart. The city is a melting pot of culture, you'll find everything from Asian to Mexican, or French African fare. Melbourne's food scene can be totally overwhelming if you don't know where to start! Hop on a food tour to uncover Melbourne's secret bars and restaurants. A guide can help you navigate your way through all of the dumplings, coffee, and sweet treats that this city has to offer! Plus, there's usually a different food festival happening each week!

Sun & Ocean Lovers: Airlie Beach

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Searching for sun, sand, and ocean? Look no further than Airlie Beach! This is where you'll encounter that beautiful, teal blue ocean swirl of Whitehaven Beach. Have no idea what we're talking about? A scenic flight and rafting experience will do all the explaining...and leave you speechless. Don't leave Airlie Beach without seeing Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. You'll get a killer tan and an unforgettable experience.

Bohemian & Hippie Lifestyle Lovers: Byron Bay

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Embrace your relaxed and laidback personality in Byron Bay. This is the perfect spot to chill and meet a few locals. Here you can go shopping at boutique stores and markets, learn how to surf, or discover a hidden waterfall. Byron Bay is the perfect place to just...go with the flow. You don't need a plan or an agenda because you're in paradise and life's good, mate.

Hike & Trail Seekers: Tasmania

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Break-in those hiking boots and set off on an adventure around Tasmania. There are plenty of trails for the ultimate hiking experience! Venture to Wineglass Bay on a 1.4 km Great Short Walk, or go big with a 47 km journey along Tasmania's rugged coastline on the Three Capes Track. You could spend weeks hiking different trails around Tasmania, and when you need to soothe sore muscles, take a dip in thermal springs in the Huon Valley.

Culture Seekers: Northern Territory

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Northern Territory is a huge area full of culture and history. Take Darwin, for instanceyou can visit Arnhem Land to learn stories of the past, see ancient rock art, and meet local Aboriginal people. (Psst, access to this area is restricted to a select group of tour operators, so book ahead of time!) Don't forget Uluru while you're in the Northern Territory! The region is famous for its cultural connection, native vegetation, and stunning landscape. This is a great place to learn about the spiritual significance of the land.

Nature Lovers: Perth

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The West Coast of Australia is where you'll find some of the most beautiful natural wonders of the country. Here you can visit the gorgeous Yanchep National Park, look for wild kangaroos, view koalas from the boardwalk, and stroll through the Pinnacles Desert at sunset. For a little adventure, try sandboarding on the massive sand dunes of Lancelin. When it's time to get on the water, snorkelling, kayaking, and whale watching off the coast are all super fun nature activities!

Adventure Addicts: Sydney

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While Sydney offers heaps of food, shopping, and music experiences, it's also a great place to have an extreme adventure! Jetboat in Sydney Harbour, skydive from 15,000 feet over Wollongong Beach, or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at twilight. Shall we go on? Sydney is the Australian city that has it all, but when it comes to those thrill-seeking experiences, it totally comes through as an adventure destination.

Wine Lovers: Adelaide

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South Australia is where you'll find some of the best wine regions in the world. With Adelaide as your base, take a tour of the Barossa Valley. Here you can sip on award-winning Shiraz or float in a hot air balloon over the vineyards. McLaren Vale offers more of a boutique experience when it comes to wine tasting, which might give you the chance to learn from winemakers themselves!

10 Iconic Australian Foods You Need To Try

If you're travelling around Australia, you need to know what to eat. Do locals really eat kangaroo? Is Fosters really a thing? What's goon and why do people associate it with their grandparents?

You know the essential questions every backpacker has.

So we've rounded up the most iconic Australian foods you need to try. Stretchy pants on? Great, let's get into it.

1. Tim Tams

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If you've never had a Tim Tam, you've never lived. The chocolate biscuit rivals the classic Oreo in shape, taste, and size. You can find them in over 10 flavours, but we'll let you in on a little secret: double-coated is the best. Pick up a few boxes from a grocery store and stuff them in your backpack during your travels around Australia.

2. Fairy Floss

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Have you ever been to a carnival or festival and devoured a big thing of cotton candy? Oh yeah, that's the good stuff. Australians call cotton candy fairy floss. It's just as sugary and just as satisfying. You'll find this at places like Luna Park in Sydney or Melbourne or local food festivals.

3. Chicken Parmy

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You'll find a classic chicken parmy at any Aussie pub. For some reason, breaded chicken, layered in ham, dressed in tomato sauce, and sprinkled with mozerella cheese became an iconic food of Australia. And hey, we're not mad about it! Be sure to have an appetite when you devour this monster meal.

4. Golden Gaytime

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When it's a hot day in Australia, you'll want to walk into the nearest convenience store, reach your hand into the freezer and pick up an orange wrapped Golden Gaytime. It's toffee and vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and slathered with honeycomb breadcrumbs. As they say, its hard to have a Gaytime on your own. *shrug* Best enjoyed on the beach or near the ocean, preferably on a Whitsunday Islands tour.

5. Snags

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If someone walked up to you right now and said, "Oi, mate! Grab some snags from Wollys this arvo!" Would you know what the heck they're talking about?? Props if you do. Snags are sausages. Plain and simple. You can grab a classic "snag" or sausage sizzle at Bunnings Wearhouse on weekend mornings. Yes, that's a hardware store. Yes, it's a thing.

6. Cherry Ripe

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While you're in a 7-Eleven filling up on petrol before a road trip to the Great Ocean Road, pop inside and buy a few Cherry Ripes. Fun fact: it's Australias oldest chocolate bar! It's a coconut and cherry filling dipped in dark chocolate and it's totally yum.

7. Lamingtons

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If you can't tell by now, Aussies love their sweets and lamingtons are no exception. It's a square sponge cake coated in chocolate sauce and shaved coconut. Try a slice the next time you order coffee at one of Melbourne's many (many) cafes.

8. Meat Pies

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You're either going to love or love a meat pie. Catch that? Ha. A meat pie is exactly how it sounds and you can find them at any bakery. A typical filling is beef mince, sauce, and onion, but you'll find a range of flavours from steak and cheese to pork and pepper. FYI: devouring a meat pie is a common hangover cure.

9. Vegemite

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You probably already know that vegemite is an ICONIC Australian food, but do you know what it is? Neither do we. Kidding! It's a thick spread made from yeast extract and spice additives. Sounds good, right? Aussies say it's an acquired taste. Others never quite aquire said taste. You'll probably get a chance to try it at a hostel's free breakfast. Put a fingernail size amount on a knife and spread it over buttered toast. That's the real Australian experience.

10. Fairy Bread

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Three words: bread, butter, sprinkles. If you enjoy those three ingredients separately, you'll love them together. It's vegemite on toast's princess cousin. Fairy bread is an iconic Australian food that you'll find at kids birthday parties or bakeries. Pick some up and to enjoy on your next tour in Australia.