After looking into creating my own ideal back packing holiday around Europe the first things I considered were the destinations and the most logical direction and order in which to travel through them. After building a personal map with a solid route through four countries I felt like the hard part was over, but after considering all aspects of the trip I realised there was far more than what I had yet to taken into account.

Since my backpack was already a little bigger than average I knew that booking with ‘low fare for low baggage space’ companies such as Ryan air would currently be out of the question. So after looking into potential price savers I put into practise a number of methods for reducing simple travel costs.

Firstly I reassessed what I had previously considered to be necessary travel items and reduced the size of my pack considerably. This meant that I could go ahead and book an incredibly cheap flight with Ryan air based on the size of my singular piece of luggage. I also found when I finally got on the road that the reduced size of my pack helped with the daily act of walking and generally made the travellers life easier.

My next piece of money and time saving research was based on getting to the airport. Instead of paying for a train into Liverpool from my home town, and then for a taxi out from the train station to the airport I simply booked a two week stay with a Liverpool Airport parking company and drove myself to the airport. Not only did this save me money in the long run but it also meant getting back home upon my arrival in the UK cost me next to nothing in comparison with a very early and expensive taxi trip.

Finally, my most productive research was into the prices and potentials for public transport. In some places the prices I found for trains and trams were very high where as in others the chance for free public transport was sometimes available. For example cross country travelling by train in most European countries is ridiculously expensive where as hitchhiking is far more likely to be a genuinely productive, cheaper method of travel. But within city limits there are very few real opportunities for hitching, whereas public transport especially trams and ‘bendy’ buses are easily jumped for a single trip across town.

These are just three basic methods for reducing the overall price of a backpacking trip. None of them are particularly difficult and all of them can save money in a number of different ways depending on the length of your trip, location and distance being travelled etc. In any case looking at ways of cutting corners on prices, and preventing the loss of money on needless expenses should be an integral part of any back packer’s holiday.

So where are the places and things that really are worth putting on your bucket list?

History
When it comes to seeing one of the world’s great historical sites, Pompeii, near Naples in Italy, is hard to beat. It’s an ancient Roman town which was frozen in time by the eruption of the nearby volcano Vesuvius almost 2000 years ago. Visitors who walk around its excavated streets really are stepping back in time.

Another of the world’s most iconic travel sites is the Great Wall of China. Although much more commercialised nowadays than in the past, there are still sections which can be walked in relative peace and quiet. As one of the few man-made monuments to be clearly visible from space, this really is one of the most moving testimonies to people’s ability to shape their environment.

Easter Island also has huge monuments that are as enigmatic as they are wonderful. The giant statues of ancient Rapanui faces have been pondered over by scholars for years. This does not diminish their strange beauty, though.

Naturally Beautiful
Visitors to England’s northern reaches and Scotland can see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, in the sky at certain times of year. This natural phenomenon should certainly be on anyone’s bucket list.

Some of the finest sights in the natural world are in Africa. The Serengeti region in Kenya is a paradise for wildlife and the great migrations of wildebeest and zebra which mark this region of East Africa are simply indescribable in scale.

Another of East Africa’s iconic locations is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Despite being the highest mountain in Africa, it is relatively easy to climb as long as you are reasonably fit. The challenge is well worth the feeling of exultation and triumph you will get at the summit.

Visiting places which may be in decline is always something which adds urgency to things to do on a bucket list. If you have been able to compare savings accounts and put away enough money, a trip to the Galapagos Islands is surely top of any wildlife enthusiast’s list, especially as it is the place where Charles Darwin began to formulate his ground-breaking ideas on evolution,

The Arts
Some people are more impressed by the great art that mankind has produced over the years. A visit to the Louvre in Paris is a must for this type of person. Seeing the Mona Lisa in ‘the flesh’ is something no one should miss so that they can try to guess what her enigmatic smile really means.

Italy has long been a favoured destination for art lovers and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence comes top of the list of Italian art attractions. Home of Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’, as well as a host of other sculptures and paintings, this is a slice of heaven on earth for anyone who loves art.

If you have a bucket list, it really is worth making the effort to compare savings accounts and then using the best one to build up your travel money.

1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park may be found in central California and draws backpackers from every part of the globe who wish to experience its natural grandeur. There are more than 800 miles of trails and no shortage of amazing lakes. There are plenty of climbing opportunities, breathtaking views, and terrain at all levels of difficulty. The picturesque views of Yosemite National Park are sure to inspire backpackers of all backgrounds and levels of experience, which is why it deserves to be first on this list.

2. The Appalachian Trail

Backpackers, tourists, and lovers of nature will agree that The Appalachian Trail is an excellent location for exploring the great outdoors. It is possible to hike the more than 2000 miles of the trail that stretch from Maine to the northern stretches of Georgia. More than 2000 different kinds of plants and animals call the trail home, including the Black Bear. As the trail was created to foster hiking and exploration, it is truly fit for backpackers who want to get closer to nature while exploring the eastern seaboard of the United States.

3. Alaska
Alaska is the most geographically diverse state in the United States as well as the largest, and its pristine and untouched nature make it one of the most inspirational places a backpacker can hope to visit. There are thousands of people who come to the state each year to rediscover what life used to be like before the trappings of modernity, such as cell phones and instant access to hot coffee. Backpackers will enjoy the myriad of sights present in the state, from vast mountains and plains to piping hot volcanoes to green forests and crystal clear lakes.

4. Yellowstone National Park
Last but not least, Yellowstone National Park should be visited by every backpacker seeking inspiration at least once in their lives. It is found in the state of Wyoming, and the park spans close to 3500 square miles. The ecosystem in the park is rich and full of varied flora, fauna, and geological features. Some of these features include turbulent geysers and hot springs with unique colors. The challenging terrain draws thousands of backpackers each year from all over the world, and it is well worth visiting no matter what one’s level of experience backpacking.

Cuba
Cuba may not be the first must see destination on everyone’s lips but let’s not forget that it was once the playground of the rich and famous. Before 1959, Havana (the nation’s capital) used to be a party paradise. Once communism took hold, the US slapped a trade embargo and travelling to the country was difficult. However in the mid 1990′s Cuba began to open it’s doors to tourist and now places like Varadero boast sprawling swathes of hotels that nestle the stunning white sands and crystal blue waters of the Hicacos Peninsular. For a change of scenery, the hustle and bustle of Havana has to be seen. It is without doubt one of the Carribean’s most vivacious cities. Where else can you find Classic American Motors which run of Russian Lada engines, stunning colonial palaces juxtaposed with ration shops and crumbling tenements. Habaneros love their city and this is where the charm lies. Experience the glitz and glamour of a late night cabaret show, then take a walk along the Avenida de Malecon where the waves crash over the pavement. If you’re thinking of a Cuba holiday 2012 is the perfect time.

Morocco
Although only 19kms from the European mainland as the crow flies, Morocco is a world away. A holiday to Morocco will show you the vivid and vibrant sights, sounds, smells and tastes that this country has to offer. From the glorious beaches in the south of the country such as Essaouira, or the awe inspiring Atlas Mountains, to the hustle and bustle of Fez and Marrakesh. Get lost in the Souks or take a trip to the main market square in Marrakesh known as Jemaa el Fnaa. Here you can find snake charmers, jugglers and a plethora of people going about their daily business. Every evening the massive food market sets up on the square and here you can sample some of the most amazing (and in some cases strangest) delights that Moroccan cuisine has to offer. When your head is spinning with the intoxicating charm of Morocco and its people, then head back your lovingly restored Riyadh, close the door and experience your own peace of tranquillity. Morocco is a fabulous place with friendly people and one which you simply have to visit.

South Africa
Although South Africa has had its troubles in the past, the arrival of the 2010 football world cup showed the world just how far the country has come. The country offers superb scenery, from the awe inspiring Table Mountains to vast swathes of forests, coasts and deserts. If it’s adventure and sport you’re into then South Africa boast over 130 different activities, including mountain walks, shark cage diving, or if it’s thrill seeking you’re after, why not try bungee jumping. You can also do volunteer work with monkeys and other wildlife. For those who come specifically for the wildlife, you won’t be disappointed and world class facilities such as great hotels and restaurants, vibrant cities and great weather, complete the mix. South Africa has something for everyone and as a result once you visit, you’ll want to return…Guaranteed!

There are several mountains that retain a sort of legendary air about them, either due to their sheer height or the stories of difficulty in surmounting to the tops of their peaks. Everest is one, as it is the highest mountain in the world. However, it has become so popular that by now, people must line up to take turns to climb its peak.

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, near the border of Kenya, is the African continents highest mountain peak with an altitude of 19,340 feet above sea level. It also happens to be the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, unlike other mountain peaks which are part of a mountain chain. It is famous for its rare surroundings, and the unique presence it has as Africa’s tallest mountain, with a snow capped peak looking out over hot African savanna. However, due to climate change, the snow on the peak is rapidly disappearing; therefore it would be best and more picturesque for your adventure to visit Kilimanjaro sooner rather than later. It also enjoys much popularity thanks to its relatively easy climb, and is therefore an excellent choice for those looking to try out mountaineering and/or trekking on their adventure travel holiday.

The mountain, thanks to its location, is rich in wildlife and plant life. There is a high diversity of wildlife thanks to the latitudinal gradients, and at each different level of the mountain you are bound to come across different kinds of plants and animals. It is a wonderful trek for naturalists and adrenaline-seekers.

Located near the Tanzania/Kenya border, Mount Kilimanjaro is popular with tourists and locals alike. Thanks to its enjoyable popularity, there are many different adventure tours that organise treks up the mountain. There are a myriad of different options when it comes to climbing Mount Kilimajaro. However, one rule stands above all others: you must have a licensed guide to climb the mountain. Many times, porters or sherpas, as well as cooks and camp attendants also attend the trips to help carry gear. The average cost for a climb can range anywhere from £500 to £4000. It is customary to carry some cash to tip the native camp helpers and porters. They often also lack adequate outdoor gear (mostly clothing) so if you have any to spare that would also make an excellent tip.

The Kilimanjaro climb itself is relatively easy as the path is well traversed and marked, and you usually are climbing in a group of people and you have your guide who is well experienced. There are six official routes sanctioned for climbing the mountain as well as well-established camps along the way. The typical trek may last anywhere from 2 to 6 days, depending on what altitude you begin your climb.

Orlando first came into prominence as a tourist destination in the early 1970s when the Walt Disney World resort first opened. At this time, Walt Disney World consisted of the Magic Kingdom as well  as two resorts, a campground, and golf courses, all of which are still in operation today.

In the 40-plus years since Walt Disney World has been open, the word Orlando has become synonymous with family-friendly holidays. Numerous theme parks have sprung up around the area, offering  something for every taste, every age, and every budget and the easiest way to get a slice of the fun is to book your Orlando theme park tickets in advance before you go.

SeaWorld Orlando opened in 1973 and is now often named as one of the top ten most visited theme  parks in the United States. Visitors to the park can purchase single Seaworld tickets, good for two days of park admittance, which give them access to the vast number of aquatic attractions, live  shows, and thrilling rides. Guests can also save time and money by purchasing multipark tickets.

Along with admission to SeaWorld, guests can visit the water park Aquatica, as well as Busch  Gardens in nearby Tampa Bay.

Universal Orlando Resort opened in 1990 and has since experienced great success as a competitor to  Walt Disney World. Those who choose to purchase Orlando theme park tickets for Universal can  experience some of their favourite films in an up close and personal manner. Universal Orlando is  comprised of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure as well as a number of resort  hotels and restaurants. Universal Studios Florida is home to features based on such popular films as Jaws, Ghostbusters, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, The Terminator, and the works of Alfred  Hitchcock. Islands of Adventure’s attractions are based largely on Marvel comic heroes, Jurassic  Park, and Harry Potter.

The longest continually running theme park in the Orlando is Gatorland. Founded in 1949, Gatorland  is a wildlife preserve that introduces visitors to alligators and other reptiles. Visitors can purchase tickets to spend the day, an evening, or an hour with the animals. The truly adventurous  can choose to wrestle alligators or can take a ziplining tour.

Of course, the most famous theme park complex in Orlando is Walt Disney World. The four theme parks that comprise Walt Disney World are the Magic Kingdom, which focuses on family focused rides and  events; Animal Kingdom, Disney’s animal-centric theme park; Epcot, which allows visitors to explore the world in one convenient location; and Hollywood Studios, the spot where visitors can have their  own experiences with favourite films, including Star Wars, Toy Story, and Indiana Jones. Disney  World theme park tickets can be purchased in multiple forms. Visitors can choose tickets that are for single-day admission for one park only, they can receive a discount by purchasing multiple day  tickets, or can choose the “Park-Hopper” option, which allows visitors to explore more than one  park during each day of the holiday.

Either way, you probably haven’t considered the wonderful opportunities for wildlife spotting in the nation and there’s no better place to this than Dalyan. This is a sleepy town on the south-west coast of Turkey, in the Mugla province. It’s relatively close to one of the region’s main airports – Dalaman – making it easy to reach.

Unlike at the nearby beach resorts of Marmaris and Fethiye, you won’t be surrounded by other holidaymakers, all jostling for a spot on the sand. In Dalyan, you can expect peace, quiet and plenty of opportunities to go walking and exploring.

Here are just a few of the highlights you can enjoy on cheap holidays to Turkey:

The river delta
Rather than strapping on your hiking boots straight away and striding out to explore some of the forest-covered hills that surround the town, climb into one of the small boats that ferry people up and down the river.

This is a great way to explore the Dalyan River delta, which is a protected area thanks to the wealth of wildlife it supports. In amongst the reed beds you can spot all manner of birds, from storks and little egrets to corn buntings and kingfishers. Look up to the sky and you may catch sight of a white-tailed eagle or black kite soaring overhead.

One of the main attractions for visitors to Dalyan lies at the top of the river estuary, though – a sand spit called Iztuzu Beach. This 7.5 km stretch of sand is a nesting ground for loggerhead and green turtles, which means it’s totally untouched by development.

Hop out of your river taxi and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach. Keep an eye out for the wooden stakes in the sand that denote nesting areas. The breeding season usually begins in May and continues into June, with the young hatching approximately two months later. To protect the turtles, you’re not allowed on the beach after 8pm in the evening, but you may be able to spot one or two of these amazing creatures in the water if you go snorkelling around this time of the year.

Ancient ruins
Turkey is home to numerous archaeological sites, each offering you the chance to get a glimpse into its long and varied history. Near Dalyan is the ancient city of Caunos, now largely in ruins. It covers an extensive area and much of it has yet to be excavated, so it’s a great place for a gentle stroll.
Take your time to explore the many structures that have been uncovered, including a theatre, Roman baths, a marketplace and a temple. The buildings here are thought to date back to 2 BC, so it’s probably one of the oldest settlements you’re ever likely to visit!
In the cliffs on the opposite side of the river to Dalyan there are some more ancient ruins – this time in the form of Lycian tombs, constructed as resting places for the kings of Caunos. The best way to view these is from the river and you’re bound to wonder how they managed to carve these chambers out of the rock face all those centuries ago.

Mud baths
After spending an active break in Dalyan, you can soothe your muscles by paying a visit to the thermal springs and mud baths in nearby Sultaniye. The mineral-rich waters here are said to have a range of healing qualities, while taking a mud bath is believed to be great for your skin, thanks to the minerals it contains. Let’s be honest, wallowing in mud and then relaxing in warm springs is loads of fun, too.

Egrets are among Dalyan’s birdlife

Diwali lasts for five days and is a festival which celebrates the Hindu New Year. This event is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’, due to the many candles, clay lamps and fireworks which are used to illuminate the celebrations.

The lights are used as a symbol for good triumphing over evil. This event is held in honour of the Hindu Lord Rama and Sita, his wife and the occasion when they defeated the evil King Ravana.

Diwali is held in either October or November – the exact month chosen for the celebrations each year is dependent on the cycle of the moon. The festivities take place in most places in India, aside from Kerala. However, it is said that Jaipur is one of the best cities in which to experience this exciting event.

The festival of Navaratri, Dussehra and Durga Puja is divided into two separate parts. The first section, Nayaratri, lasts for a total of nine days. During this time, people perform dances on the streets, in order to celebrate the Mother Goddess.

On the tenth day of the celebrations, the festival reaches the Dussehra section, where people honour Lord Rama and his defeat of King Ravana.

As well as this, Dussehra also celebrates the victory of the Goddess Durga, a warrior, over a demon buffalo named Mahishasura. In the east of India, this festival is known as Durga Puja and beautiful statues of the Mother Goddess are built and then submerged in the waters of the River Ganges. This festival begins in mid-October of each year.

Holi is an Indian festival which is held over a period of two days. This event is based on the idea of good conquering evil, as well as the fruitful abundance of the harvest season in spring. Those living in India often call this event the ‘Festival of Colours’, as it is common for people to throw colourful powdered water all over each other as they dance on the streets. The festival is held as the winter season comes to a close, usually on the day of the final full moon of a lunar month.

Ganesh Chaturthi is another spectacular festival and goes on for eleven days. This event is held in honour of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu Elephant God’s birthday. On the first day of the celebrations, elaborate, enormous statues of Lord Ganesh are installed on specially constructed podiums.

One the last day, these beautiful statues are paraded around the streets of the cities, after which they are submerged into the sea. This event is usually held in mid-August, from the 19th onwards.

Although this event is celebrated all across the country, the most lavish of celebrations can be found in Goa, Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra.

Krishna Janmashtami, a festival sometimes also called Govinda, is held to commemorate Lord Krishna’s birthday. This lively, fun event includes peoples forming a human pyramid, climbing on one another in order to reach the clay pots which have been hung with string from tall buildings in the cities and towns.

The festival is held between the middle of August and the middle of September. Although widely celebrated in India, the most extravagant ceremonies are found in Maharashtra and Manipur.

Onam is a ten-day-long festival during the harvest season, which celebrates the return of the mythological king called Magabali. During the festivities, locals decorate the area outside their front houses with beautiful arranged flowers in order to welcome their king back home.

People also celebrate by having elaborate feasts, dancing on the streets, having races on snake boats and buying new clothing. This festival is only held in Kerala.

The time that it is held is based on the Malayalam Calendar and it falls somewhere between August and September, depending on the year.

If you want to attend any of these events, then start looking for cheap flights to India now to try and keep your cost of travel down.

Sampling the local spirits, frequenting truly ‘local’ bars, and getting drunk like the townsfolk do is key to discovering the beating heart of any location, and Greece is a country where the nightlife is a tale of two halves. On the one hand, it’s renowned as the home of notorious ‘lads-on-tour’ party spots such as Faliraki and Malia. Here’s where you’ll find the footy teams on stag weekends, the hen nights with L-plates and devil-horns, and the matching printed ‘MALIA 2012’ t-shirts on display.

Yet beneath the obvious ‘Brits Abroad’ nightlife lies the authentic and original ‘Greek’ way to party, and they definitely know how to have a good time. From major cities such as Athens right down to the smaller islands such as Rhodes, Kos and Skopelos, if you know where to go, your backpacking holiday across Greece and her islands can be about so much more than just dodging the club reps on the Faliraki strip.

The rowdy scene inside a typical ‘bouzoukia’

Image credit: liako via Flickr

One of the most obvious ways to get up close and personal with the local drinking habits is by skipping the larger clubs and heading straight to the smaller and more authentic ‘bouzoukias’. These are lively and crowded places where the local young people come to meet and mix, and the atmosphere progresses from sedate village pub to rowdy speakeasy fairly quickly.

Although you don’t see too much plate-smashing these days, the Greeks still love a spot of dancing on tables before the night’s through. ‘Bouzoukias’ are located in almost every Greek town, so ask behind the front desk at your Rhodes hotels and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Heading to Greece’s capital of Athens, one would think that it would be even harder to avoid tourists and fellow backpackers, but there are just as many authentic Greek boozers here in the big city. Suggested venues include Stoa Athanaton in the Central Market, a great venue for live Greek music, and from there you can progress on to Lido Palace for some hot and frenzied dancing. As with the rest of the country, Athens has plenty of accommodation options and you’ll have no trouble finding hotels in Greece to stagger back to when the night’s through. But beware, this may not be until 4 or 5 in the morning, as the parties often last long into the night.

The Great Wall of China is one of the most well known landmarks of all time and is one of the most spectacular man-made attractions ever. In Xian you will find the tomb of the Terracotta Warriors which was discovered by chance in the 1970s and is home to over 8,000 each of which has a different face. This is a very interesting destination and another amazing location is Tiananmen Square which has to be seen to be understood in its full glory. You will be able to visit the Forbidden city from there too which is absolutely beautiful.

If you fancy a chance of scene you can visit the Li River for a cruise along its gentle waters to take in some of the most spiritual places in all of China. There are beautiful caves along the way just waiting to be discovered and explored as well as some stunning mountain waterfalls that look just like those on famous Chinese photographs. Upon viewing you will see why artists are so inspired by these waterfalls and so likely to paint them.

China is home to some historical tombs and palaces as well as lots of amazing new locations and this is most visible in Shanghai. Known as the ‘Paris of the East’ Shanghai is home to some amazing futuristic looking skyscrapers as well as a wonderful heritage that is just waiting to be learned about and Shanghai holidays are a once in a lifetime experience.

The Huangpu River is an amazing mix of splendorous sights and sounds which will get your heart and mind racing. The Bund of Shanghai is definitely the most famous sight here and this is home to an array of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques.

photo from globalphotos.co.uk

You will find the main shopping area on Nanjing Road although Huaihai Road is full of upscale boutiques for those visitors and locals who have a little bit more money to spend.

The Shanghai museum is one of the most interesting museums in China and it is home to many amazing centuries old treasures, trinkets and much more.

China is home to such a diverse amount of culture and architecture. A holiday here will be one will spent with the plethora of places just waiting to be explored. There is so much to see and do here and some of the lesser known excursions include a visit to the Karst Mountains in Yangshuo, a trip to the nature reserve Jiuzhaigou Valley in the Sichuan province and a trip to the Potala Palace which is now a Chinese Museum.

photo from globalphotos.co.uk

There is much to see and do in China and whether you are travelling with friends, family or with young children you will find plenty to do and see here and be sure to go away with memories that will last a lifetime.