I’m guessing if you’ve hit the “Start Here” tab on the menu you’re new here?!
Well first off – welcome to Backpacker Banter.
My name is Chris and this is my site!
I’m a mid twenties solo backpacker who has been on the road since 2009, surfing, photographing and generally enjoying life in the backpacker bubble!
This page is to help you get started on the site a showcase what kind of banter you’ll find across it – but if you’d like to know more about me and my story head on over to the About Me page and you can have fun stalking me!
Basically Backpacker Banter is a way of me sharing my travel experiences – whether it’s reviewing tours or accomodation, passing on the lessons I’ve learnt or simply sharing some stories on the road to inspire you to quit your day job and go explore yourself!
Here’s some of the main parts of the site though – simply click on the links or photos and go get lost in a mash of travel goodness!
Destinations;
If you’re looking for a specific destination this is the place to head straight to, it list all the places I’ve blogged about and clicking on the image will take you straight to all the posts on that part of the world.
Bucket List;
I think everyone should have a bucket list – it’s a great way to keep track of what you’ve done in life and what goals you have. This is my personal travel bucket list which gives an insight into what I have in the pipeline for my adventures but also everything I’ve already done. And of course if you want to learn more you can simply click on the links and read the articles!
Travel Photo of the Week;
I’m a photographer by trade so at the start of each week I showcase one of my favourite images from the road as a quick slice of travel inspiration – whether it’s beautiful sunset or a photo essay on a specific country hopefully it’ll brighten up your Monday morning.
Try Reading; Only A Backpacker Knows The Feeling or 12 Photos To Inspire You To Travel New Zealand
Monthly Summaries;
When I first started travelling I had no idea how much I’d be spending, what I’d be doing and where I’d be going. My monthly summaries give a break down of each month of my travel – covering everything from my personal highlights through to the distances I covered and most importantly a break down of my budget – country by country and an average cost per day.
If you haven’t visited the blog in a few weeks it’s a great way to quickly catch up on what I’m doing and where I’m heading to next.
Surfing
Surfing drives pretty much all of my travels so I never stray to far from the ocean and the waves. In fact I break up my travel alot by surf coaching to drum up some extra dollar and as a great excuse to sit on the beach all day! Needless to say the site has a good lashing of surf related posts scattered amongst it!
Try Reading; Sun, Sea, Surf and Sex – My Dream Travel Job, Why Byron Bay Is My Favourite Backpacker Surf Spot or Surfboard vs Face – The Final Score.
Reviews;
As a traveler I know how hard it can be to part with your hard earned cash and decide where it’s best to spend it. That’s why I’ve started reviewing alot of experiences – from tours to accommodation.
Most importantly I’m reviewing them as a backpacker, for backpackers – honest and to the point.
Tips and Advice;
Along with my reviews my long term travel has seen me learn quite a few lessons along the way – which I’m more than happy to pass on and share with those looking to head out and explore. Whether it’s how to plan your RTW trip, tips for saving or an amazing place to eat you’ll find them all here.
Try Reading; Save, Plan, Book, Quit, Travel – It Really Is That Easy or How I Overlanded Through South East Asia (Inc Costs)
General Banter;
Occasionally I just want to ramble about life, share some personal travel chaos or simply have a moan about something – so this part of the site is a whole mash of stories and randomness!
Try Reading; How The Hell Do I Afford All This Travel?! or Backpacker Buddies – Where Are My Travel Friends Now?
And if you like what you see on the site head on over to the Facebook Fanpage and hit “like” or follow me on twitter (@bckpackerbanter) and instagram (backpackerbanter).
Take it easy
Chris
Hey Chris
I really love your site. I’m also a photographer and travel writer and love surfing so much ( I live in Cape Town by the ocean, it’s hard not to) but have never learnt how to- my first lesson was cancelled because of a shark attack which kinda freaked me out.
I’m thinking of doing a trip to south east Asia- but don’t feel like doing it alone (although I have travelled a lot on my own) do you have advice on how to meet a good traveling partner?
Thx!
Sam
Hey Sam – stoked you like the site and it’s always good to meet a fellow artistic surfer bum!
Awww don’t let the sharks put you off…more people are killed each year in America by vending machines than are killed by sharks in the entire world!hahaha!
South East Asia is such an easy place to travel and it’s super easy to meet loads of fellow backpackers – just stay in hostel dorms and be open to meeting new people! I can honestly say you won’t be a solo backpacker for long!
This will give you and idea of costs too;
https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/how-to-overland-singapore-bangkok-inc-costs
Let me know how you get on!
Hi chris, it’s great coming across your website! I have just quit my day job (a career of more than 8 yrs) to go out there and really experience life and to try and get a balance between pure travel adventure and opening up a new path in life for myself. One that involves working closely with nature. Thank you for all your efforts in creating and updating such a great site! I am 31 and have a one year WHV for OZ and a 23 month WHV for Nz. I fly to Oz in the first week of feb :)
hey Laura – high five on taking the step into travel, I know how nervous you must be feeling but I’m sure it’ll be amazing! I loved my year in OZ and visiting new zealand early last year was nothing short of epic, can’t wait to get back there and start my WHV!
Well safe travels – let me know how you get on or if you need any help!
Hey Chris your site is awesome really opened up my eyes and put traveling in perspective, in October I will be backpacking solo around America ( NY,LA,CALI,DC,NEV) i’m 21 years old from Australia, I’ve never been backpacking before and never traveled solo before, so I am excited and a little nervous, just wondering if you have any tips when staying in hostels and also have your found it better to plan the trip to a schedule or to just roam around freely.
cheers – from Dean
Hey Dean – stoked the site has been helping you out!
To be honest I don’t have a vast array of knowledge in travelling the USA personally, but when it comes to hostels shared dorms are the way forward. You’ll meet more people that way and will fully embrace the backpacking life style!
When it comes to planning v winging it I like to find a happy medium. Book key things and maybe even some transport but also leave yourself enough flexibility to go with the flow.
Have a great trip – safe travels!
Chris, sick blog..love it!!
I’m about to begin my Asia/ Ozzy travels and have been doing my research & your site is by far the most informative and fun.
Keep up the good work, love from Ireland
Hola Ciara,
Hahahaha stoked you’re enjoying the site so much!
Have an amazing time in Asia and Oz – drop me an email if you need any help!
Hey man! I’m really inspired by your stories and pictures. Im from the Philippines and in my early 20’s. Been planning to go solo backpack across southeast Asia. Can you give me advice causre I dont really have experience traveling alone. Cheers!
Hey Bro, hope your travels are treating you well.
So me and my girlfriend have used up our WHV for Oz and were rapidly getting to the end of a WHV in New Zealand (well, we still have 6 months, but you know the feeling, its going too quick!!) ahaha.
In between Oz and New Zealand we spent 4 months in Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia. LOVED IT!
When our visa is up here, in December time, were going to fly to Indonesia, then onto Malaysia, then bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, then fly onto Phillippines.
Can you give us any info on this trip? How similar to the places we’ve already travelled are these new places?
Any help would be great, shot me an email if you have time. Awesome blog!!!
Josh
Hey bro,
Stoked to hear you’re having an epic adventure – sounds like you’re in it for the long haul! Enjoy the rest of your time in NZ (have you used your second year there too?!)
Indo, Singapore and Malaysia are all really good fun – if you enjoyed your other Asian stop off it’s along the same lines. Philippines aren’t somewhere I’ve been yet but hoping to squeeze it in this year so keep an eye out on the blog!
In the meantime check out this post on over landing from Singapore – Bangok…covers all the places Is topped, costs and what to do, should give you a good start!
https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/how-to-overland-singapore-bangkok-inc-costs
No mate we haven’t used our second year, I doubt we will, I’m a firm believer that there’s too many places to see and visit to spend more than a year in each!
I’m really excited man I can’t wait to get back onto the travelling road with no work and no worries, we’re just saving really hard at the minute so we have as much money as possible to enjoy ourselves! Might be heading to Nepal as well!
Can I email you to your personal email, would love any recommendations on places to go in indo and Malaysia!?
Thanks heaps!!
Hey Chris, your blog is awesome! I’m from the UK but I’m currently on a semester abroad in Australia :) I’ve done a bit of travelling in New South Wales so far but unfortunately due to uni work I haven’t really had much time to go any further. Everyone I have met so far will still have exams over the time that I am able to travel so it looks like i’ll be flying solo for a few weeks. Your post about travelling alone has totally inspired me though, and I’m so excited to get on the road! I was just wondering if there is any particular place on the east coast that is a must see?
Thanks!
Hey Amy – stoked you’re enjoying the site! Wow sounds like an amazing way to break up your studied a bit – good work! Glad I’ve inspired you to go solo for a bit. On the east coast I highly recommend Byron Bay (my favourite place on the planet!), Yamba and of course Fraser Island, Whitsundays and Cairns – depends on your time and budget though – but Byron is a must!
Chuck me an email if you need any other help!
Hi Chris,
I’ve been waiting to go travelling for years and been following your site for a while to get tips and advice! Having now finished Uni Ive booked my flights (Thailand- NZ to Oz so far) and starting to get everything together for leaving in November, one thing I am really struggling with is travel insurance, I was wondering if you have travel insurance or could recommend any reliable companies to consider?
Hope you’re staying safe and having fun!
Ashleigh
Hey Ashleigh – glad you’re enjoying the site!
Personally I use STA Travel as it covers everything I personally need and I haven’t had any issues with them – just have a good read through the inclusions and what not to make sure you get whats best for you.
Hey man,
Currently thinking about/beginning to plan an open ended overseas backpack adventure starting in the south east. Quick question, i noticed you said you were working and travelling? What kind of work do you do? I really want to do a working holiday so i can leave like, NOW!
Hey Katie – glad to hear you’re heading off to explore the world!
I actually juggle a few different incomes to keep myself going – I wrote a post a while back about it all;
https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/how-the-hell-do-i-afford-all-this-travel
Hope that helps!
Hi Chris!
I find your site very informative, refreshing and wonderful. I came across your site and I must say, that your insights are very well written as the traveler himself. Your site gave me lots of ideas and advices specially traveling to SEA. I am from the Philippines myself but this is my very first travel abroad and I will backpacking my way to Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and maybe Vietnam. As a newbie, I find all your tips very useful and will soon be applying them on my adventure. Although I am set for next year, my flight has already been booked ahead.
Keep up the awesome job and stay safe!
All the best,
Gail
Glad to hear it Gail – I hope you have an amazing trip, let me know how you get on!
Hi Chris. I’m hoping to solo travel to Oz. Can you give advice on decent lightweight rucksacks, travel equipment and security tips for belongings – on the road and in hostels. Can I pack heels? :) :)
Hi Sarah,
Rucksack wise I recommend either the SMASHii or the Berghaus Jalan – try them both on and see which suits you better. Kit wise it depends what you’re looking at doing really, the best advice I can give is to travel light!
If you’re Oz bound a pair of heels won’t go a miss…just don’t overdo it!haha!
Hey
Im enjoying your site, it seems like an honest account of what you have experienced and what to expect. I just paid for my flights today and handing in my notice tomorrow morning, Im S*****g it lol but you have to go with your heart ay! going to read more of your site on my lunch breaks! 10 weeks to go and I will be in Thaiand for my first stop! Carly x
hahahaha that would’ve been awesome Carly! Stoked you’re heading out to Thailand though, I’m out here now and love it! What’s the plan?
Hi Chris, just stumbled across your site and I’m so glad I did.
I took the plunge after reading some of your blogs and quit my day job to go travelling the east cost of Australia for 12 months on a WHV.
Thanks for your reviews on loads of activities you’ve definitely given me some ideas on what I’m going to do there and hope I’ll enjoy Byron Bay as much as you did, definitely wanting to try out the white water rafting and I’ll be also taking the extreme option.
Everything is all booked and my flight is in just over 2 weeks, excited isn’t the word, thanks for taking the time in making this site so good.
James.
Hey James,
Stoked that you’re heading out to Oz – you’ll love it there! I’m actually heading there myself again in the next few months so if we cross paths we’ll have to grab a beer!
Yeeewwww….enjoy! Let me know how you get on!
Hey Chris. Me and my mate (20 & 21) are gonna do some backpacking around Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Bali etc. I’m only gonna be there for around 3 or 4 weeks but he’ll continue onwards. Basically we kinda wanna book a flight in (from Australia) and maybe a hotel for a few nights and then just completely wing it from there. My question is, to what extent do you recommend just winging it. Do you think we should look at a lot of places we want to go in advance (we have about a month till we leave), or do you think we can just go there and literally see what happens?
Cheers and thanks for all the budget tips!! :D
Hey Athan,
To be honest I always recommend making a rough plan of attack – even if it goes out the window the second you land at least you have something to fall back on! If you’re already in the mindset of winging it you’ll have no worries about throwing it out the window if something cool presents itself! If you’ve only got 4 weeks I’d have a rough idea of where you want to go and what you want to do simply to help you make the most of your time and hopefully you won’t miss anything out!
Let me know how you get on!
Hi, Chris!
Your blog is great! We’d love to do a mention of it on our twitter account. We just started a few days ago but we are steadily gaining followers. May we ask for your permission to tweet about your blog, and if it isn’t too much to ask, may we lift one photo to go along with the post?
Please check out our twitter account @OhLovelyWorld
Thanks!
OhLovelyWorld