Hangry Backpacker

Pizza in the Columbia River Gorge

March 27, 2022 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Pizza in the Columbia River Gorge is a fun, unique Pacific Northwest dining experience. The Gorge is primarily known for its remarkable landscapes and as a haven for outdoors fun. Aside from hiking, mountain biking, fishing and the like, the Gorge has a limited amount of notoriety regarding food. – [UPDATED 5/2023]

Food-related notoriety in the Gorge largely concerns grapes and fungus. The area is popular with mushroom-lovers for foraging and is also home to dozens of wineries. The unique climate, ideal for viticulture and a utopia for mycophiles, occurs where the soggy Pacific Northwest climate clashes with the dry, inland continental climate at the Cascade Mountains.

For those who aren’t enthralled by geography, it means this: the Columbia River Gorge has a very unique climate; stuff grows here.

What does agriculture and geography have to do with pizza? Absolutely everything!

Pizza in the Columbia River Gorge is a direct reflection of the surrounding environment. Ingredients are largely locally-sourced, and menus are a reflection of local gardens and farms.

Oregon and Washington lack a discernible, distinct cuisine, and this is evident in the Gorge as much or more than anywhere else. Pizza is different. Best of all – let’s be clear, most importantly of all – the pizza is good. As we also show in our Portland Pizza Guide, this area of the country has good pie despite the ongoing culinary identity crisis.

Menus tend to vary seasonally (depending on what’s available) but always include traditional pizzas. Even the classic pies employ local or regional ingredients.

Wild mushrooms are a common, popular staple. If there are greens on the pie, you can bet they are in-season, fresh and local. Pears, cherries, plums – yes, it’s okay, fruit can go on pizza – that’s local, too. When the season arrives, the heirloom tomatoes provide a taste of local that is unmatched and unforgettable.

A “Next Day” rating, from 1 to 5 (bad to good), is also given to each pizza, along with comments on whether the pizza is best reheated in the oven, microwave or eaten cold.

At the end of the list is a brief mention of my favorite neighborhood slice shops.

More travel info for what to do, where to eat and more in the Columbia River Gorge is coming soon!

**The Hangry Backpacker is not an influencer. All pizzaventures are funded by the Hangry Backpacker. None of these reviews or ratings have been affected by such means, deals or handouts.

***This list is updated periodically, with new Columbia River Gorge pizza reviews added accordingly. If there is pizza in the Columbia River Gorge that needs our attention, let us know in the comments or via email.

Hood River

Hood River is the epicenter of food in the Columbia River Gorge. Owing to its position as the tourist center and home to a more affluent community, there is a greater range of restaurants in Hood River.

There are also more choices for pizza in Hood River. These options range from regular pizzas to artisan, crafty and trendy pies. Not lost in the fold is plenty of what makes pizza in the Columbia River Gorge notable: an impressive use of local ingredients.

Double Mountain

Double Mountain Brewery likely holds the title of most popular eatery in Hood River for tourists. I’ll be the first to admit that, prior to relocating to Hood River, Double Mountain was my go-to stop whenever I was in town or passing through.

Don’t let Double Mountain’s popularity with tourists scare you away. Yes, the line can be off-putting. This is especially true during Summer, weekends and holidays, but this is a clear case of “there’s a reason the line is long.”

It’s really good.

Double Mountain serves New Haven-style pizza from a brick oven. The thin crust pies vary from traditional options to seasonal and specialty pizzas with plenty of local flair.

The brewery’s version of a sausage and peppers pizza, the Jersey Pie, is a can’t-miss. It’s absolutely fantastic. From a seasonal look, late Summer/early Fall brings the Heirloom Tomato, a pizza with local heirloom tomatoes that are, unequivocally, the best tomatoes I’ve ever eaten.

I haven’t had a bad pizza at Double Mountain. Having dined there at least a dozen times over the last several years, I have never been disappointed by any the food. Beer at Double Mountain is consistent, too. You won’t get a bad pint.

The atmosphere at Double Mountain is a busy one on weekends. My preference for a more relaxed vibe is better suited to weekdays. The service reflects the atmosphere. With a lot of tourist traffic to make things stressful, the staff, on occasion, leaves something to be desired.

Though prices have increased significantly over the last few years, Double Mountain has the fairest prices for pizza in Hood River when accounting for quality, size and taste. A small pie can feed two people. A large can handle 3-4.

Next Day (4): Day-old, thin crust pizza generally requires a little more time to enjoy. In other words, it’s not best eaten cold or quickly reheated in the microwave. Double Mountain pizza is best eaten fresh but reheats well stove-top in a pan or in the oven.

My go-to reheating method for Double Mountain pizza is stove-top in a nonstick pan, covered, on medium-high heat. This usually takes a few minutes.

Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, Cafe & Bar

Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, Cafe & Bar sits on the Hood River Waterfront. Across the street from the park and Columbia River, Solstice has the coolest location of all pizza in the Columbia River Gorge. It is in an area of newer, higher-end establishments along the river.

The pizza is fantastic. It is absolutely incredible. The ingredients utilized by Solstice are second to none. It is certainly the kind of place where they make no secret of how fresh and awesome the ingredients are, but I have to give it to the Solstice kitchen. They know how to use them.

Variety of pizza at Solstice is also impressive. They range from traditional options like a carnivore or veggie to house specialties that are wonderfully creative.

The eponymous Solstice pie is far from traditional – Canadian bacon, pineapple chutney, jalapeno crema – but it may be the single best pizza in the Columbia River Gorge. Other options heavily feature local ingredients of the Hood River Valley. Cherries, pears and mushrooms are far from unusual toppings at Solstice.

Before you scoff at eating these on a pizza, think twice. The chef at Solstice clearly knows better. The ingredients are top notch, and the flavors work well.

The creativity at Solstice extends to their inventive cocktails that also employ plenty of local style. However, the beer list is baffling. Hood River is very much a beer-loving town, and the restaurant sits BETWEEN two breweries. Yet the choice of beer is slim.

Menu prices also leave something to be desired. Small pies are essentially personal pizzas and come in around $15. Large pies that can feed 2-3 people are less than $30. Get the large. The only drawback is you cannot get a half-and-half pizza.

My primary issue with Solstice pizza is the pricing, specifically the cost of additional toppings. On one of my visits, I chose to add an additional topping to my pizza for two. When the bill came, the charge for adding a few slivers of red onion was $4. It is clearly marked on the menu, so that’s on me. But $4 for a few pieces of onion? That is excessive.

The atmosphere at Solstice pizza is okay. The restaurant stays fairly busy due to the location (which is probably a factor in the pricing) and attracts a mix of locals and tourists.

The quality of service is consistently inconsistent. Single or couple diners are less important. Staff may be short and curt or genuinely friendly. They tend to treat guests like tourists, and that is not a good thing. And whatever you do, do not linger.

Overall, Solstice is worth a visit. The incredible pizza makes up for the shortcomings. The main purpose here is to judge the pizza, and Solstice makes some of the best pizza in Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge.

Next Day (4): Avoid eating day-old Solstice pizza cold. Keep it out of the microwave unless you intend to use a spoon to eat your sloppy mess. However, reheating this pizza in the oven or in a skillet on the stove is a decision that will transport you back to the moment you took the first bite – it’s great.

Pietro’s Pizza

Pietro’s Pizza is the most kid-friendly pizza joint in Hood River. One of the first places in town to greet visitors, Pietro’s is located Downtown, right off Interstate 84. It is a small chain with 4 locations around Oregon, the others being in the Portland area and Salem.

The pizza at Pietro’s is hit-or-miss. My first visit to Pietro’s was a delightful surprise. The pizza was great. The second trip yielded stale food, despite witnessing my fresh pizza come out of the oven.

Pizzas fall along the traditional lines here, with staples like a Hawaiian, veggie, BBQ chicken, supreme and all-meat.

The ingredients at Pietro’s are fine. They are not as fanciful and farm-to-pie (and bragging about that, of course) as other restaurants in Hood River. The toppings are fine and plentiful, resulting in pizza that is more filling. Pietro’s prices are a little on the high side, but the heartier nature of the pizza makes up for it.

The layout in Pietro’s Hood River is an open one. There is plenty of seating, and the atmosphere is calm most nights. Pietro’s is pretty lively during weekends and tourist season. The staff is friendly and stays fairly busy.

The arcade makes it an easy choice for those with kids. Though kid-friendly restaurants aren’t the first choice for everyone, it’s nice to find a pizza place that is simple and less pretentious.

Next Day (1): This pizza should be eaten fresh. It goes stale rather quickly. When eaten cold or nuked in the microwave, it’s closer to eating beef jerky. Reheating a Pietro’s slice in the oven or skillet is better, but it remains on the stale side.

Andrew’s Pizza

Andrew’s Pizza is another option for pizza in Downtown Hood River. On Oak Street, Andrew’s is a few steps from the “main” downtown intersection. It is a popular spot with tourists due to the prime location, and locals love it, too. It is larger than it looks, with a movie theater and a small arcade hiding behind the restaurant.

The pizza at Andrew’s is good, East Coast American style pizza. It is thin but not “New York thin.” The menu consists of a few traditional pizza options and many house specialties. These include their own rendition of classic pies and several unique options.

For instance, the Thai Peanut is a pizza with a peanut sauce base that tastes like a sweeter version of a Thai chicken peanut dish. It may sound unusual, and, well, it certainly is different. But it works. It’s good. Other unique pizzas such as the Viento or Celilo are great options in a noticeably local “Gorge-style.”

The ingredients are good quality, and there is a healthy balance of local. The crust is good, especially when fresh. Though the pizzas can do with a little more sauce, Andrew’s pizza is good.

The atmosphere at Andrew’s Pizza in Hood River is fine. Winter tends to be sleepy, but that is the case across Hood River. Summer brings a lively vibe. The Skylight Theater and arcade makes this pizza joint a great place to spend an evening.

The staff at Andrew’s is excellent. They are the friendliest of any staff I have come across in Hood River.

Prices at Andrew’s are on the high end for pizza in Hood River. However, the pizzas are big, the toppings are plentiful and the thin crust isn’t paper thin. Large pizzas come in around $25, and extra large (Family) are a little over $30. Don’t let this dissuade you. A family pie can easily feed four people. It’s a lot of pizza, and it’s good.

Andrew’s may be the most locally popular pizza in Hood River. The family-owned restaurant has been around for over 20 years. The flavors represent the area well, and, this may be cheesy (pun intended), but it has a friendly sense of being part of Hood River.

Andrew’s also serves pizza by the slice.

Next Day (4): Andrew’s Pizza makes for a good day-old slice. It’s alright cold pizza, but best to avoid the microwave. It is good reheated in the oven and even better stove-top in a pan.

Cascade Locks

Cascade Locks is a tiny town of about a thousand people set right along the Columbia River. For most visitors, Cascade Locks is simply a reference point in the Gorge, approximately halfway between Hood River and Multnomah Falls and home to the picturesque and curiously-named Bridge of the Gods.

Sandwiched between the mountains and the Columbia River, there’s not a lot of room for much of anything, but Cascade Locks is seeing new growth. This is puzzling due to the fact that it’s one of the rainiest places in Oregon (and that is saying something!) but visible with the two shining, new breweries in town.

Cascade Locks Ale House

By far the best pizza in Cascade Locks – nevermind that it’s the only pizza in Cascade Locks – Cascade Locks Ale House is the go-to spot for a pie. Should you find yourself in Cascade Locks or passing by and in desperate need of pizza, rest assured, you can find a decent pie.

The only pizza place in the small town in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Locks Ale House is in the middle of town. Right on the main drag – also the only drag, because it’s a tiny town – Cascade Locks Ale House serves regular, American-style pizzas. It’s not thin crust, nor is it thick crust.

The pizza is pretty good. A heavy hand of toppings is wonderfully appreciated, with plenty of cheese and quality meat. The whole pie is cooked well. The crust is just right – fluffy, crispy and flavorful. Cascade Locks Ale House pies are significantly better than the typical lone pizza joint found in towns this small.

Aside from pizza, the menu includes daily specials, housemade soups (including a housemade salmon chowder), salads and a host of tempting sandwiches. There is a full bar, with 10 taps pouring craft beer plus one pouring water – pardon me, Budweiser. The atmosphere screams Old Oregon, small town in the West. It’s great.

There are a few minor negatives to the pizza at Cascade Locks Ale House. Most notably, the pizza is a bit on the greasy side. The sauce is hard to judge, as there isn’t much there. Also, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so that’s something to note. My only honest complaint is that they don’t take all major credit cards. It’s not that big of a deal, but I’ve become a SkyMiles junkie.

Overall, Cascade Locks Ale House is a good representation of pizza in the Gorge. Even if it wasn’t the only pizza in town, it would be worth a visit.

Next Day (5): Cascade Locks Ale House pizzas hold up extremely well as leftovers. Reheated in the oven, the pizza comes out great. Maybe even better than fresh. In a skillet, it is fantastic! The crust is on the chewy side when eaten cold or nuked in the microwave, but the rest of the pizza is delicious.

The Dalles

The Dalles is located on the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge. The quick, 20-minute drive east of Hood River leads to a town with an entirely different geography. The largest city in the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles is wide open, with fewer trees and noticeably more sunshine.

Lacking the influx of tourist dollars in other areas of the Gorge, The Dalles appears rough around the edges next to the likes of Hood River or White Salmon. That is changing, though. The cost of living in the Gorge can be shockingly high, causing the population to seek more affordable places to live (a controversial topic for another time).

The positive of this shift is that Downtown The Dalles is revitalizing. It is noticeably more attractive than my first visit several years ago, and it has a lot more to offer locals and visitors.

Freebridge Brewing

One of the places marking the comeback in Downtown The Dalles is Freebridge Brewing. Freebridge is tied to local history, named for an historic bridge and located inside a former U.S. Mint building.

The bulk of the Freebridge Brewing premises is occupied by vats, tanks and other beer production necessities. The pub sits inside, overlooking the warehouse for an up-close-and-personal experience for your pint and pie.

Freebridge Brewing pizza is good. Not great, but good. House options for pizza are creative, with fewer traditional options than one might expect.

The flavors are pretty good, but they fall just short in matching the creativity of ingredients and appearance. However, any place that can put apples or potatoes on a pizza and make it work – and, ultimately, they do make it work – is on the right track. Oh, and the apples and potatoes are local products, too.

The crust is the weak link. Good pizza depends on sauce and crust, and the thin crust at Freebridge is neither crispy nor soft. It’s in an awkward gray area. The sauce options are inventive and fantastic.

One Freebridge pizza can feed 3-4 people, and the prices are alright. Large pies come in around $26-28.

The beer that accompanies your pizza at Freebridge Brewing is good, and it stands out from the crowded landscape of IPAs. The Pacific Northwest loves IPAs. They are everywhere. The bite of a strong, hoppy and well-crafted IPA is great. In a sea of IPAs, though, it is refreshing to find a brewery that offers variety.

More on Freebridge Brewing’s beer coming soon in a Guide to Beer in the Columbia River Gorge.

Freebridge Brewing’s atmosphere is pleasant. The staff is wonderful. They are friendly and accommodating. In the best way possible, it feels like a close-knit community where everybody knows everybody.

Overall, Freebridge Brewing has good pizza in a nice environment. It is the Hangry Backpacker’s go-to spot for a pizza in The Dalles.

Next Day (2): Freebridge Brewing pizza does not hold up well. A little chewy but edible, it reheats okay in the microwave. It is mediocre (that’s a stretch) reheated in the oven. Reheating this pizza is best stove-top in a skillet/pan. Avoid eating this pizza cold.

Pizza in the Columbia River Gorge (Washington side)

Backwoods Brewing – Carson, WA

Carson is a small town on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. It is about 20-30 minutes west of White Salmon (20 miles from Hood River). Carson officially has almost 3000 people. Surely, this must include a larger area, because the town of Carson is tiny and sleepy. It is, however, surrounded by a lot of beautiful nature and is a nice, quiet community.

Options for food in Carson are limited. Thankfully, it has some good beer and pizza!

Backwoods Brewing is home to the best pizza in Carson, Washington. Is it the only pizza place in Carson? Well, yes, but that’s not important.

Carson is a tiny town in the Columbia River Gorge, and Backwoods is, by far, the most popular spot in town. Aside from the obvious, the brewery specializes in pizza and barbecue. And this is one of the reasons that Backwoods makes some of the best pizza in the Gorge.

Imagine a place that makes good pizza and good barbecue in the same kitchen. A lot of the meaty toppings are going to be better and more unique. How about a pizza with brisket, pulled pork or sausage that is cooked on-site? Add that to daily, fresh-made dough and good beer, and Backwoods has a perfect recipe for some of the best pizza in the Gorge.

In full transparency, this was not my first visit to the Carson brewery to test the pie. My initial visit left me considerably disappointed. The pizza wasn’t bad, but it did not live up to the hype.

This most recent visit completely changed my opinion. I confidently say that Backwoods Brewing makes excellent pizza. And the beer has been consistently good on each visit.

The pizzas are a little on the expensive side, about $28-30 for most large pies. To be fair, expensive food has become the norm, especially in the Columbia River Gorge. The good news about Backwoods, though, is their pizzas are hefty. You (and a couple of friends) won’t leave hungry, so at least it’s worth the price more than other pizza joints in the Gorge.

The atmosphere here is what I refer to as a ‘lively family’ feel. This is the most popular spot in town for locals and tourists alike. When the weather is nice, the place is full inside and out.

The service at Backwoods is excellent. You get a feeling of friendly and local with the staff that is generally far more pleasant than most restaurants in Hood River.

Next Day (5): Backwoods Brewing has excellent day-old pizza. It’s pretty good for cold pizza and decent in the microwave, too. An oven reheat is okay, but the best way to eat your Backwoods pie the next day is reheating in a skillet/pan on the stove.

Walking Man Brewing – Stevenson, WA

Stevenson is another small town in the Columbia River Gorge. It is across the river from Cascade Locks and home to a little less than 2000 people. Situated near the Bridge of the Gods (and closer to some of the main attractions of the area), Stevenson has developed into a tourist hub for the Washington Side of the Columbia River Gorge. There are a few shops, several restaurants and the town is an attractive one with great surrounding scenery.

Walking Man is another pizza-focused brewery on the Washington side of the Gorge. In Stevenson, it’s popular with hikers and other tourists in the area, but there were also a few locals here during my visit.

The pizza at Walking Man is pretty good. They don’t lean on the basics and get creative with their pies. I chose the Spicy Hawaiian. It has excellent flavors. The pork is good, and the teriyaki drizzle is a great touch.

Prices are fair. Pizzas generally range from $15-20. They aren’t very big (12” pies), but two people can share one pie if neither is super hungry.

The atmosphere at Walking Man is okay. I definitely recommend enjoying the outdoor area in nice weather for a post-hike reward.

The staff is friendly, and the service is fast. Overall, Walking Man is a solid choice is you need a pizza fix in Stevenson.

Next Day (3): This pizza is best eaten fresh. It’s not bad leftover pizza, but this is the kind of pie where the flavors are more pronounced when it’s fresh. It’s mediocre cold pizza, and I don’t recommend the chewy result from reheating it in the microwave. The oven is a decent way to eat these leftovers, but stovetop reheating is the best method – it’s almost as good as fresh!

Coming Soon!

More Pizza in The Dalles & Hood River
More Pizza on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge

Pizza by the Slice in the Columbia River Gorge

Downtown Hood River

Andrew’s Pizza – Your go-to spot for a quick slice in Downtown Hood River or near the riverfront

The Hood River Heights

Solstice Pizza Truck – The slice option in town for the Heights (up the hill)

West Hood River

Pellinti’s – Great lunch specials like two big slices, a drink and a cookie for $10

Finding good pizza in a small town can be a challenge. Maybe Italy provides an exception to that sentiment. New Yorkers will surely argue that attitude as well.

Small town USA, especially in the West – now there’s an area where you don’t have high expectations of finding quality pie. The Columbia River Gorge, a geographical phenomenon of beauty unequaled – and a place known for scenery, not food – may be another exception.

The Gorge is an outdoorsman’s paradise. It’s not a place of high culinary repute. Perhaps food in this part of the United States deserves a little more attention. After all, it’s a sort of regional bread basket, legally protected for its historic agricultural importance and production.

People come to the Gorge to experience nature in the physical sense. Hiking, fishing, kite surfing, skiing and other snow sports. That’s the claim to fame, but maybe it’s time to recognize and experience the Gorge for the magnificent flavors, too. Pizza in the Columbia River Gorge is a great place to start.

10 Easy Day Trips from Madrid

January 26, 2021 By Hangry Backpacker 2 Comments

The abundance of easy day trips from Madrid adds to the attraction of the city as a travel destination. Spain is not an exceptionally large country, and every inch seems to hold a point of interest or place of distinction, especially the area around Madrid.

Madrid has enough attractions, landmarks and culture to occupy a visitor for days, if not weeks. The city is full of history, unbelievably delicious food and a lively atmosphere, but these qualities spill over into the cities and towns around Madrid as well.

Whether you’re looking for a day away from the city enjoying the outdoors, exploring Spain’s storied history or tasting incredible local delicacies, there are several easy day trips from Madrid to enhance any visit. The transportation network in and around Madrid makes these day trips an even simpler undertaking for travelers.

Madrid is an great tourist destination made better by the surrounding area. When in Spain, make sure to allot extra time to explore beyond the most famous sites. Using the capital city as your base, here are ten easy and worthwhile day trips from Madrid:

Segovia

The small city of Segovia is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid. Segovia is steeped in thousands of years of history that is generously on display.

Segovia has three principal landmarks which garner a significant amount of attention. These landmarks tell the tale of Segovia and, to a greater extent, Spain, from Roman times through the Renaissance to today.

The 16th-century Cathedral of Segovia is a beautiful masterpiece that dauntingly sits atop the city. The medieval Alcazar of Segovia, nearly a thousand years old, has excellent views, stories and local history within its walls. Though less visible from afar, the Roman aqueduct of Segovia is truly a spectacular, jaw-dropping remnant of the ancient world.

All of these historic sites have stood the test of time. Each is unique and plays an important part of the history of this city and Spain. Also, each of these can be easily (and affordably) explored in a day trip from Madrid. Entrance to the Alcazar tops out at €8, while visiting the cathedral peaks at €7. The aqueduct is free to visit.

Segovia isn’t entirely ancient. Today, the attractive city center is perfect for further wandering, and the city is even better for eating. From famous lamb and suckling pig to sweet local delicacies, Segovia has it all.

Located about 40 miles (25 km) northwest of the capital, Segovia is an easy choice among day trips from Madrid. The journey takes 30 minutes by high speed train (about €26) and a little under two hours by normal train (€12-14 round trip) from Madrid Chamartin train station.

Consuegra

By Emily from Wander-Lush

For one of the more unconventional day trips from Madrid, follow in the footsteps of one of Spain’s greatest literary legends, Don Quixote, to the beautiful landscapes around Consuegra. The small municipality in Castile-La Mancha’s Toledo, roughly 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of Madrid, is known for one thing: It’s majestic windmills, which Cervantes’ protagonist famously ‘tilted at’ in the novel.

The set of 12 whitewashed windmills known as the Molinos de Viento de Consuegra were originally built in the 19th century for grinding flour. They’ve since been decommissioned and now serve as exhibition spaces, while one has been transformed into a tourist office and gift shop. Located on a narrow ridge on the edge of town, the windmills cut a striking figure. The view of the windmills silhouetted against the sky and endless plains beyond is awe-inspiring.

Other things to do in Consuegra include visiting the Castillo de Consuegra, an old fortress that affords more views of the windmills, and the Municipal Museum in town. Restaurante El Retorno Consuegra serves up regional specialties and is an ideal place to break for lunch. Don’t miss Mazapanes Peces, a family run bakery that’s been making traditional Toledo marzipan since 1915.

The town and windmills can be reached by local bus in a little over two hours, but it’s preferable to hire a car or join a day excursion to make the most of your time. It’s a good idea to combine your visit with a stop in Toledo, which lies roughly halfway between Consuegra and Madrid.

Aranjuez

By Eva from Elevate Calm

The town of Aranjuez was a beloved destination for the Spanish royals. As soon as you set foot here, you can sense it was once fully planned and developed as an area for nobility.

Aranjuez is located south of Madrid, just 35-45 minutes away by train. To encourage tourism, and making this one of the most affordable day trips from Madrid, the Spanish railway service offers economic round trip tickets for just €5 versus €6.25 for a single ticket.

Despite the original plans, Madrid’s first railway finished at Aranjuez. It was used by the royal family for a safe and convenient trip to their spring residence. Since 1984, the so-called Strawberry train has gone from the Madrid Railway Museum to Aranjuez, paying tribute to the industrialization of Spain.

If you enjoy history and fancy a strawberry degustation, you might enjoy taking this antique train with wooden seats and hostesses dressed in 19th-century attire. The chief sight in Aranjuez is the fascinating Royal Palace, which is best visited with a guide to inform you about the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have gone into its decoration.

Aranjuez’s relaxed atmosphere is aided by the marvelous parks and royal gardens (Jardín de la Isla, Jardín del Parterre, Jardín del Príncipe), which instantly take you back in time. The stroll through a variety of flowers, trees, fountains and pavilions is enchanting and unforgettable.

Valley of the Fallen

By Izzy from 24 Hour City Guides

One of the more somber day trips from Madrid is just 45 minutes from the city center. The Valley of the Fallen, or Valle de los Caídos, is a place that holds a unique and, at times, controversial position in Spain’s heart.

The resting place of tens of thousands of victims from both sides of the Spanish Civil War, the Basilica of the Holy Cross was also the burial place of General Franco, the architect of that war and the following dictatorship, during which he ruled the country with an iron fist until his death in 1975. Such was the controversy surrounding Franco’s resting place here. Tributes to him were banned in the Basilica.

In 2019, after a long court battle, his remains were finally exhumed and moved to his family mausoleum. Whether this has the desired effect of “symbolically closing the circle of Spanish democracy” remains to be seen.

The Valley of the Fallen is a beautiful (though haunting) place on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, where the final push of the war took place. The 152-meter-high cross that dominates the Basilica and surrounding buildings is easy to spot from miles away. Finished in 1959 and hewn from local granite, the scale of the buildings and cross against the mountain backdrop is breathtaking. The views are equally spectacular.

Take the 664 bus from the Moncloa Interchange in Madrid to the entrance of the valley. From here, you can walk the remaining three miles. The memorial is open every day except Mondays, from 10 AM to 6 PM from October to March and to 7 PM from April to September. Entry costs €9.

Alcala

By Tom from Travel Past 50

Alcalá de Henares was once a Roman city, but the reason it’s famous today is for its university, the second oldest in Spain (after the University of Salamanca). The University of Alcala was founded by Cardinal Ximénez de Cisneros in the early 16th Century. Alcalá is also noted for the most famous native of the city and alumnus of said university, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of Don Quixote.

The entire old part of Alcalá that surrounds the campus is one of the most incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain. You can admire the medieval columns which line a walk in front of the old buildings. You can visit numerous churches, the archbishop’s palace, the cathedral, Cervantes’ birthplace and more.

Be sure to see the University’s “Room of the Nymphs,” a small auditorium where students take their final oral exams and where the Cervantes Prize for Spanish Language Literature is awarded.

As you look at Cervantes’s statue in the main square, ask yourself why is this fellow who wrote a hilarious and scathing satire of Spain – and, in the process, adding the phrase “tilting at windmills” to a language not even his own – the most revered figure in Spanish literary history?

Also ask yourself why every tower in the city is home to a family of storks. It’s an odd scene, to be sure, that there are literally hundreds of massive nests and ungainly birds wherever you look.

Alcalá is one of the easy and cheap day trips from Madrid Atocha station on the Cercanias train system. The train takes about 40 minutes and costs a few euros.

Toledo

By Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

One of the best day trips from Madrid is, without a doubt, the medieval town of Toledo. The historic center has nearly as many historical sites per square meter as Rome. That should say it all.

Make sure you at least visit the cathedral and the Jewish quarter on a day trip to Toledo, but there are also a whole lot of interesting museums highlighting the city’s dramatic history and famous artists. And when in Toledo, you also want to try the marzipan for which the city is especially famous.

To save money on entry tickets, you can get a tourist bracelet. Prices start at €9 and get you into most of the highlights. The center of Toledo is car free (except for residents), so make sure you wear good walking shoes to cross kilometers of cobblestone streets.

Toledo is also a highly touristy town, so make sure you practice responsible tourism and respect the locals during your day trip. Less than an hour away from Madrid, Toledo is easily reached by train, bus, and car. Public transport is only a few euros.

Rascafria

By Brittany from Travel X Britt

For outdoors lovers, Rascafria is the perfect city escape within arms reach for Madrilenos to visit. There are tons of hikes in the area along with Rascafria’s nearby city center. If you’re looking for nature-themed day trips from Madrid, start here.

Let the senderismo (‘hiking’ in Spanish) begin! One of the most famous hikes outside of the national park is Cascada de Purgatorio. There is parking available at the monastery. If going by bus, it’s about a 25-minute walk from the bus station.

The route starts at the beautiful Monastery of El Pilar and takes about 8 km of hiking (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes) to reach the waterfall. The entire route takes a bit under 4 hours. It is moderately easy so it’s a great route for anyone. Along the way, you’ll find picturesque rocks and mountains, with a 10 meter high waterfall waiting at the end. You can bring lunch, eat at the waterfall and then go for a swim.

If you are not into the outdoors, the city of Rascafria also holds up well for visitors from Madrid. In the city center, there is the Plaza de los Trastámaras, tons of restaurants and a neo-Mudejar style town hall.

For festival lovers, Rascafria also has a Natural Folk festival in June. And the Mushroom, Game and Wine Food Festival is in October-November.

Rascafria is about an hour to two hours from Madrid. Car is an easy way to get there. Public transportation includes bus 194 or 194A from Plaza Castilla for about €15.

Avila

By Nicole from Go Far Grow Close

Avila is specially designated among day trips from Madrid. It is a World Heritage City, and the fortified walls that surround the old city of Avila are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The walls were built between the 12th and 13th centuries and are considered among the finest city defenses in the world. They are two and a half kilometres long and, at least, three metres thick. To this day, you are able to walk on top of certain portions and learn about the fascinating history. The views atop the wall are amazing.

Throughout its early medieval history, Avila alternated between Christian and Moorish rule and attracted noble families. Accordingly, with these influences, there is a vast array of medieval architecture found throughout the city. This includes the palaces of those nobles.

For those who love churches, cathedrals and religious history, Avila has a lot to offer. From the 12th-century Romanesque church, the Basilica de San Vincente, to the oldest Gothic cathedral in Spain, Catedral de San Salvador, and the Convento de Santa Teresa, built in 16th century to celebrate the Saint Teresa, this city will keep you enthralled for days.

Avila is 109 km from Madrid or approximately one and half hours by car, depending on traffic. By train, it can take one and a half to two+ hours depending on your starting point in Madrid. Trains depart for Avila from multiple Madrid stations, and tickets cost €10-15 each way.

Salamanca

By Ucman from Brown Boy Travels

Salamanca makes for a perfect day trip from Madrid for many reasons. It is easily reachable by bus or train, and a round trip ticket costs less than €30 for the high speed train. It takes less than an hour and a half to reach Salamanca from Madrid.

Salamanca is famous for its beautiful architecture, university and the beautiful Plaza Mayor, the most beautiful plaza in Spain. It’s a significant distinction for a country in which every city, big or small, has a plaza that serves as the heart of the city.

The University of Salamanca has the honor of being the third oldest university in Europe. It was chosen well, and, through centuries, it has produced many notable figures in Spanish history. The building alone with its intricate facade will make you wonder if this really is just a university building.

The cathedrals, old and new, small gardens, Roman bridge – there’s so much to see and do which can be comfortably covered in an easy day trip from Madrid. When you need a break, try some Hornazo from any bakery or restaurant. This regional delicacy may be worth the trip by itself.

Salamanca is very walkable, and the beautiful, aristocratic houses surrounding the city keep the walk interesting. Next time you’re in Madrid, say goodbye to the Spanish capital for a day and immerse yourself in the culture of Salamanca. You will not be disappointed.

El Escorial

El Escorial is an historically important structure closely tied to Spanish monarchy. The complex, which predominantly functions as a museum and monument today, has served as a center of education, religion and government. And, of course, El Escorial was the home of the Spanish monarchs for centuries.

Today, the enormous complex at El Escorial is famous for its art, stately rooms, basilica and tombs. In particular, the royal crypt, the final resting place of many Spanish kings and queens, is a subterranean sight to behold. The ornate detail in the crypt is only matched by the powerful stillness in the room.

Aside from the deceased, El Escorial offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like for royalty in centuries past. The outside of the building, menacing in size but somewhat dull in appearance, conceals the splendor that lies within the powerful walls. Frescoed ceilings, murals hundreds of feet long, stately libraries and so on. The halls and room inside El Escorial are far more interesting than the exterior is imposing.

El Escorial is one of the quickest to reach of these day trips from Madrid. Only 25 miles to the northwest of the city, It can be reached in less than an hour from Madrid Chamartin or Puerta de Atocha for about €7 each way.

Madrid is an excellent base to explore the central region of Spain. Whether you’re traveling with friends, traveling with a significant other or landing in Madrid as a solo traveler, spending time outside of the destination is key to thoroughly experiencing the culture and history.

Each of these day trips from Madrid provides an easy boost to your trip. The city has a lot to offer that attracts millions of visitors each year, and the attractions of the surrounding region only heightens the allure of Madrid.

Traveling with a Food Allergy

December 30, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker 2 Comments

Traveling with a food allergy requires extra care for those tormented by certain dietary dangers. On the surface, food allergies are a minor inconvenience. To those of us who can be vanquished by something as small as a pistachio, food allergies dictate significant portions of our lives.

Having a serious food allergy is a malady that afflicted individuals must constantly consider in their daily lives. I can personally attest to this. Food allergies suck. Traveling with food allergies requires extra care, but it doesn’t have to be a deterrent to seeing (and tasting) the world.

There is no cure for food allergies, and thousands of people die each year from allergic reactions to food (about 200 in the USA alone). Traveling with food allergies changes things.

How a Food Allergy Can Change Travel

Food allergies are annoying. Traveling makes having food allergies even more aggravating. Whether that food allergy is to peanuts, gluten, fish or shellfish, eggs, dairy, soy or something else, ignoring it is not an option when traveling.

For me, traveling to countries/regions where tree nuts are prevalent in the cuisine is a headache. Well, to be clear, eating in these countries is a headache. And a possible death sentence.

Missing Out

Eating and enjoying local food is one of the best experiences of traveling abroad. For those with food allergies, sometimes this equates to missing out on that portion of local culture.

Personally, my allergy to tree nuts, described by my doctor as “deathly” in some cases, frustrates the hell out of me. First and foremost, the Hangry Backpacker is a food-focused travel blog. My love of eating cheap, local mystery food is not always wise with the risk of severe reaction.

Make no mistake. There are always tree nut-free options. No one needs to worry about my going hungry. When in doubt, there’s always shawarma and pizza. Plus, beer brewed with tree nuts is exceedingly rare. So, I manage just fine with a pint and pie.

However, that is not to say there is always an adequate nut-free alternative when traveling with food allergies. Often, there is not. You simply miss out on a local specialty.

I cannot eat Baklava in Greece (or other Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern countries). There will be no macadamia nuts for me in Hawaii. In New Orleans, no pralines. Those heavenly-smelling roasted nuts in Christmas markets – nope, I’m running the other way. Pecan pie, pesto, biscotti – nope.

I can attest to the annoyances of traveling with a food allergy. When my stomach leads the way, disappointment occasionally lies ahead.

Don’t feel bad for me, though. I’ll happily raise a pint to your turkish delight! I’m used to it. I’ve conditioned myself to be cautious in spite of my curious taste buds, and there’s less to mourn when you don’t really know what you’re missing.

That’s how I choose to handle missing out on certain foods when I travel. Finding a suitable alternative (if possible) and accepting the situation is the only way. “Risking it” is not a viable course of action, so the best solution is to accept it and focus elsewhere.

Eating at Restaurants

Eating at restaurants brings a greater risk for those with food allergies. It’s difficult enough trying to determine the ingredients of most food in a foreign country, but that challenge is amplified in restaurants.

Restaurants are not required to list every ingredient in the same way as pre-packaged foods. Restaurant kitchens are also a prime spot for cross contamination, meaning that the nature of work in a restaurant kitchen is simply not as reliable to keep surfaces constantly cleaned and potentially deadly ingredients separated from other foodstuffs.

Finally, restaurant standards vary greatly around the world. Not only does food safety vary by region and country, so do the rules and laws requiring restaurants to list all ingredients, warn at-risk customers or employ methods to avoid cross contamination.

Travelers with food allergies should absolutely NOT skip out on restaurants abroad. They should, however, exercise caution when there is any uncertainty or questions around potentially harmful ingredients in their food.

Language Barriers

Language barriers are the most challenging part of traveling with a food allergy. When I’m in an English-speaking destination, there’s no issue. It’s easy to determine whether or not a dish is safe to consume. When English is not the predominant language, it gets tricky.

When I was in Spain for a few weeks, I was never able to determine the actual Spanish word(s) for “tree nuts.” It sounds absurd, but I had a hell of a time trying to find that (seemingly) simple translation.

I was told one translation for tree nuts by a friend, a Spaniard. When I repeated that later in a shop, the attendant looked at me completely befuddled. So, I went to Google for an answer. Again, the expressions I received were pure, sincere, absolute confusion. No one had any idea what I was asking.

In instances like this, language barriers are frustrating and even a health hazard. My solution, if unable to ascertain a confident answer, is to play it safe. When I travel with my girlfriend, she’s my own personal cupbearer. But with food.

Even a personal food tester is not foolproof, and I usually travel alone without that benefit. The wise course of action for traveling solo with a food allergy is to be cautious, do your own research and be prepared.

Do NOT let a language barrier scare you and your food allergies away from traveling. There are resources worth your investment, so you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy the local food, too.

Tips for Traveling with Food Allergies

My tendency to eat like a starving barbarian comes with risks. Through the haze of shoveling who-knows-what down my gullet, I manage to take precautions.

At this point, I think it is largely something I do subconsciously. Thus far, after eating strange foods on a whim across dozens of countries and five continents, I haven’t had a single allergic reaction abroad. Though rare, it tends to happen at home when I’ve let down my guard.

To ensure safety – by the way, that also results in saving time and cheaper travel in the long run – I follow a few simple rules and tips:

Cuisine Research

Before I go anywhere new – particularly, when I travel where English is not the local language – I research the local cuisine. My motivation for research is to eat good, cheap and local food, but the benefits of cuisine research go beyond what’s for lunch and dinner.

Knowing a little about food before reaching a travel destination makes it easier to delve into local eats and start my search for those elusive delicacies. It also helps in understanding a little more about local culture.

The most important part of travel cuisine research has to do with food allergies. It’s not so fun as figuring out what I want/hope to eat, but it’s necessary. Learning what ingredients are popular in local food is the first step in safely traveling with a food allergy.

Cuisine research is as simple as a quick web search to determine what ingredients are prevalent in any local/regional cuisine. From there, you can look further into specific dishes to determine what ingredients may or may not be a risk to you.

Excessive research prior to a trip is good and bad. For many travelers, it’s also not fun. On one hand, too much research can diminish the excitement and the feeling that you’re discovering a new land. On the other hand, it’s good to be prepared to avoid wasting time figuring out minor details on the ground. Additionally, for those traveling with a food allergy, prior research is not a matter of fun or discovery. It’s a matter of safety and necessity.

The Local Language

The best way to ensure you travel safely with a food allergy is to attain fluency in the local language of your destination. If you are able to seamlessly communicate with your cook or server, it will be easy to avoid ingesting harmful ingredients.

Unfortunately, the reality is that most of us are not polyglot savants. Personally, I am attempting to learn other languages, but that is typically a long, slow process. Thankfully, there are other ways to navigate the language barrier of food allergies.

If languages aren’t your thing or you want to be more comfortable, invest in your health and well being. You can never be too certain about the ingredients in your food, especially when you have a serious allergy.

Food allergy cards designed specifically for travel are the answer. These cards have pictures of the food or ingredients in question, along with words in the local language of that food and your allergy.

For example, let’s say you have a gluten allergy and are in Japan. You can purchase a card with pictures of gluten/gluten-containing food and the words describing your condition in Japanese. The same can be applied to a variety of allergies, such as dairy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, soy, tree nuts and so on.

These cards are available in dozens of languages from Arabic and Mandarin to French, Spanish and even Zulu. Travel food allergy cards are an affordable, one-time cost that could save you a lot more money by preventing a reaction.

Obviously, this simple, small, pocket-sized card can save a lot more than money. When you’re traveling abroad, there is no price too high for your safety and peace of mind. Whether you’re traveling to Hong Kong, Paris or Rio, this is the easiest preventative measure for those of us traveling with a food allergy.

I’ve had numerous instances traveling where I chose not to eat something based on what I assumed might be among the ingredients. Safety first, of course, but why not make sure. I would hate to find out later that I missed out on a spectacular local delicacy that was actually nut-free.

Naturally, I would also hate to find out the wrong way that an inadequate attempt at navigating the language barrier resulted in an emergency room visit, a costly trip to the hospital trip that could have easily been avoided with travel food cards.

Consult a Physician

This is potentially the most important part of traveling with a food allergy. Prior to setting off to faraway lands, talk to your doctor.

It is important for people with a food allergy to consult with a doctor, take the proper measures to determine precisely what they are allergic to and also understand the seriousness of that allergy. For instance, on a personal note, while I am allergic to tree nuts, allergy testing showed that I am more allergic to pecans (and others) than almonds.

After determining your precise allergies, get a fresh prescription for your epipen or other necessary aid. Most medication has a shelf life, so you’ll want to be sure you’re traveling with a new prescription.

epipen for traveling with a food allergy — *don’t forget the epipen!*

This is especially true in foreign countries. Local laws, availability of medication and language barriers can make procuring the right medication tedious, if not altogether impossible.

Consider costs as well. Even if you are able to find the correct medication abroad, it may be prohibitively expensive. Without good insurance or deep pockets, you really don’t want to foot the bill for an epipen in the United States.

Assess Your Risk

Be honest with yourself. How serious is the allergy?

For example, if you have a peanut allergy, maybe think twice before flying to Thailand in hopes of exploring the country through food. People with a rice allergy – yes, though less common, this is a real thing – might want to reconsider a culinary adventure in rice-heavy Asia – from bread to liquor, rice is in pretty much everything in East Asia. Someone with a deadly fish allergy might want to reconsider traveling to a place with seafood-dominant cuisine.

I don’t want to discourage anyone from traveling to somewhere new, and there are almost always safe alternatives for food allergies. Rather, if you’re traveling with a food allergy, and that allergy truly has deadly effects, consider the dominant cuisine in a destination before visiting.

If you feel you can safely navigate the cuisine, by all means, pack that epipen and go! I certainly never let it stop me. However, if you’re doubtful or uncertain about comfortably monitoring your diet, perhaps it may be best to consider another destination.

To be clear, the perfect destination for traveling with a food allergy does not currently, nor will it ever, exist. Every cuisine, every destination, will have an unexpected dietary roadblock.

Assess your comfort. Assess the seriousness of your allergy. After thoroughly covering the bases and talking to professionals, decide the best course of travel for you.

Note Medical Facilities

For travelers who want a little peace of mind, take the time to note where medical facilities in your destination are located. Just in case of a worst case scenario – this logic can also apply to all travelers – bookmark medical clinics, hospitals and pharmacies in the area.

Hopefully it does not come to the point where seeking medical attention is necessary. However, should an emergency arise, not having to waste precious time doing research figuring out where to go can be a literal lifesaver.

There is one problem that often arises when seeking medical attention in foreign countries: the language barrier. Trying to explain symptoms and causes to someone when you don’t share a common tongue, especially when you may be frantic or feeling unwell, can be maddening.

Seriously, purchase and pack food allergy safety cards. Translation apps are unreliable, and language barriers don’t expire. This is equally as important as travel insurance.

Travel Insurance

Speaking of travel insurance, it is always important to purchase travel insurance before an international trip. Some health insurances may include coverage abroad, but that is likely limited. Especially with the the uncertainties in travel and around the world, travel insurance is a must.

Travel-specific insurance will provide peace of mind. If someone traveling with a food allergy has a severe reaction, it will be nice to be reimbursed for medical costs. I travel with World Nomads coverage for their clear, straightforward language and top-notch customer service. An added bonus is World Nomads covers a lot more than a potential medical emergency.

Traveling with a food allergy is a pain. It’s annoying, frustrating and occasionally puts a damper on the exciting and tasty parts of travel.

While food allergies can change the way we travel, they don’t have to limit or prohibit travel. We can take measures and prepare accordingly to ensure safety and peace of mind when exploring the world.

Hangry Backpacker traveling with a food allergy and fearlessly eating a frog in SE Asia — *tiny roasted frogs? down the hatch!*

Travel insurance, proper packing and thorough research will help you minimize the risk of, and prepare for, a possible reaction. Above all, travel allergy food cards are a simple, tangible way to ease the burden of a food allergy on travel each day. There’s no reason to let a few bad fish or nuts get in the way of enjoying your travels to the fullest extent possible.

The Importance of Backpacking After COVID-19

December 15, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

The world needs backpacking after COVID-19. The travel industry needs backpackers, and getting backpackers back on the road is vital to the recovery of the global tourist industry.

Backpackers are an overlooked segment of tourism. And stereotypical backpacker stories involving ignorance or debauchery – offending local customs, wild parties, drugs, etc – seem to be the only attention levied upon this segment of travel.

In reality, this is the great exception. An overwhelming majority of backpackers are simply budget travelers. These aren’t people traveling to satiate a need for depravity or seeking illicit fun at any turn – they’re just cheap! And though they may be stingy, backpackers are the backbone of global tourism. When tourism resumes after COVID-19, backpacking needs to be at the forefront of travel recovery.

The Importance of Backpacking

Backpacking is serious business. Quietly, the backpacking sector of the travel industry has grown to massive revenues supporting millions of jobs and families around the world. Backpacking is important to the global tourist economy and should not be left out when travel resumes on a global scale. Here’s why:

The Economics of Backpacking

Backpackers are a significantly larger part of the travel industry than one might presume. The United States alone caters to around 10 million backpackers each year. Worldwide, the number of backpacker trips taken is nearly 45 million per year, with the average amount of money spent per trip approximately $4000 USD in 2017.

These are statistics from WYSE Travel Confederation, from younger travelers who identified as backpackers. Depending on your definition of “backpacker,” those numbers (people and revenues) are likely to be significantly greater.

This means that backpackers are spending HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of dollars globally each year. That estimation is further supported in a Forbes article from 2013.

Maybe backpackers don’t drop the same levels of cash as a family at Disney World or a couple honeymooning in paradise. And a backpacker’s budget is also typically spread out over a longer period of time than a traveler on a more traditional vacation.

But hundreds of billions of dollars is serious cash, serious economic impact. By these measures, the backpacking travel industry is greater than the GDP of most nations in the world.

Backpacking Benefits are Far-Reaching

Though backpackers may not spend as much money as other types of travelers, the economic impact of backpacking is (literally) more far-reaching than that of other travel sectors.

Let’s look at Southeast Asia, for example. It’s fairly easy to guess the destinations or general itinerary of the typical tourist in the region: Bangkok, the Thai Islands, Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Bali, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City – that’s fairly comprehensive, right?

These are all fascinating places to travel, but the economic impact of tourism in these countries is wildly polarizing. It’s obvious when you travel almost anywhere else in these countries. For instance, Siem Reap is full of fancy hotels, trendy shops and nicer restaurants, but a vast majority of Cambodia looks much different. With a majority of tourists in Cambodia coming to see Angkor Wat, a large chunk of the economic benefits stay in that area.

Angkor Wat crowds at sunrise before COVID-19 — *pre-COVID Angkor Wat*

That’s only natural, and it’s perfectly reasonable. Tourists are drawn to major tourist attractions.

Backpackers, on the other hand, are likely to see more destinations in Cambodia. A traveler backpacking in Cambodia for 2-4 weeks may not spend the same amount of money as the tourist who spends a few days at a resort in Siem Reap, but who benefits?

Resort guests are less likely to support independent shops and restaurants in town, opting instead for the high-end amenities on the resort property. That resort is probably not even owned by a local Cambodian anyway. Sure, a few people gain employment, but the bulk of profits are going overseas or greasing palms.

Backpackers’ spending supports hostels, small guesthouses and local transportation companies as they travel through Cambodia. They’ll spend money eating and drinking at local bars and restaurants from Phnom Penh to Battambang to Kep and Koh Rong. Backpackers tend not to drop large sums of money, but the money they do spend supports a wider array of local people.

Cambodia is only one example. Similar cases can be made for travel throughout the world. Backpackers are some of the first tourists to “discover” a travel destination. When travel as we once knew it resumes, backpackers will be the first tourists back and spending money in the lesser-visited places of the world.

The economic impact of backpacking reaches far beyond the major tourist attractions and big cities. Backpackers visit these major tourist destinations, too, but they are also the ones more keen to visit remote destinations. They spend money in places many tourists don’t even know exist.

Unfortunately, the return of travel after COVID-19 has complicated things. The importance of backpacking is being overlooked.

Big Travel

The economic effect of COVID-19 has been detrimental to the travel industry. It’s noticeable when we see large hotels empty. It’s obvious when every big business to which we’ve ever naively given our email address blasts out email after email telling us “these times are tough” and that we’re “all in this together.” Ya know, so we don’t forget about giving them our money when the time comes.

The negative impact of COVID-19 on travel is clearly evident when it comes to Big Travel. All you have to do is turn on the news, drive by an airport or look at the stock prices over the last year of airlines, large hotel chains and cruise lines.

But what about everyone else? What about the small businesses?

For every Marriott and InterContinental that is temporarily closing its doors and “looking out for the safety of their valued customers,” there are dozens of small, family-owned hotels, guesthouses and hostels on the verge of collapse. For every canceled Delta, British Airways or Singapore Airlines flight, there are independent tourist transportation companies that are closing their doors forever.

Small businesses in the travel industry don’t have billions of dollars in cash reserves. They can’t “weather the storm” by selling more stock or airline miles. Furloughing employees is a moot point when the employees are your own family members. And government relief is – well, government relief is an oxymoron.

Big Travel will be fine. Like the politicians around the globe that haven’t missed a paycheck while forcing individuals and businesses into bankruptcy, Big Travel will be fine.

It has the cash reserves and infrastructure to survive the economic devastation of this pandemic. Even for the larger companies that don’t have heaps of cash stowed away, governments and banks are eager to get them up and running soon.

fancy hotel Marrakech Morocco — *big hotel, owned by billionaire political family*

After all, a big hotel brings in a lot of local tax revenue (even if the profits probably wind up halfway around the world). Why would a government or financial entity worry about supporting hundreds of local business owners who, in turn, support local communities? It’s easier to support a billion-dollar company that employs local people as housekeepers, cooks, janitors, bellhops and other low-paying jobs? That makes sense! Good thing it has nothing to do with lobbyists or corruption! (*note sarcasm.)

The point is, Big Travel is going to make it through. The rest of the travel industry, much of which quietly depends on backpackers, may not be so lucky.

Backpackers support small businesses. For every tourist that spends a week at an all-inclusive resort, there are backpackers who stay in locally-owned hostels, guest houses or homestays. For every tourist who flies directly into Siem Reap, visits Angkor Wat and flies out a few days later, there is a backpacker who spends another week or two in Cambodia spending money and supporting locally-owned small businesses.

When hordes of tourists give thousands of dollars to a hotel that has corporate headquarters thousands of miles away, the profits from that tourism has a significantly limited impact on the local economy. When you stay at the JW in Bangkok, the InterContinental in Santiago de Chile or the Novotel in Marrakech, that boosts the profits and bottom lines of companies in Maryland, London and Paris, respectively.

Before anyone starts to wonder, let me make something clear: I am not an anti-capitalist, and I neither support nor sympathize with socialist ideologies. I have no issue with hardworking people who grow their businesses into mountains of success and unfathomable revenues. And I will not deny there is an economic benefit of these successful brands.

In fact, the last thing the Hangry Backpacker is supposed to be about is politics. That is a topic I prefer to leave for others. Travel and politics are always intertwined, but that relationship has grown more complicated of late.

What I cannot stand for is the preferential treatment these massive corporations receive over smaller, independent competitors. When it comes to economic relief, the travel industry, the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of tourism thereafter, nepotism is alive and well within Big Travel.

Despite possessing billions of dollars in assets and large cash reserves in their deep pockets, many large travel companies have received enormous amounts of government stimulus to stay afloat or (supposedly) stave off mass layoffs. Smaller travel-related businesses, from family-run hostels to tour operators and restaurants, are not as fortunate.

Economic stimulus during the COVID-19 pandemic has been rife with controversy from the beginning. Despite some of the questionable payouts, that’s not where I take issue.

The problem is the resumption of travel and the preferential treatment being given to Big Travel and wealthy tourists. Again, I’m not an anti-capitalist, just an advocate for the importance of backpacking and independent travel.

Hangry Backpacker in front of a valley in the Atlas Mountains — *not a socialist, just a backpacker*

Governments around the world are enacting measures in the name of safety to see some return of travel-related revenues:

Mandatory quarantines upon arrival (even if you test negative)
Iceland is allowing tourists who meet income requirements
Resorts are opening because they can “control” and “monitor” the immediate environment
Fiji is open… to yachts!
Thailand originally imposed an income requirement for tourists, though later rescinded

These are a few of the examples of travel after COVID-19 reverting to its old ways. Travel has become more affordable and more accessible to greater numbers of people with each passing year. These restrictive measures for tourist entry, all in the name of “safety,” do little to stimulate the local economy, benefit few locals and serve only the elite of travelers.

A few wealthy tourists might inject some quick revenue into an area. Reopening an all-inclusive resort might bring a few, low-paying jobs back into the fold. But what about the small businesses that depend on tourism? How do yachts with a few people and resorts at half-capacity help struggling restaurant owners and tour operators?

Thailand’s reopening plan received a lot of attention in the travel world, but it has proven to be a huge failure, this far. I can only imagine this is due to the insane plan to lure someone halfway around the world, only to then force this person to isolate in a room for 10-14 days. Yeah, no thanks.

While travel options are more reasonable for wealthy individuals, backpackers, budget travelers and poorer individuals trying to travel in the age of COVID are ignored. Even large bus companies are struggling, though their budget-conscious customers are the real losers, unable to affordably travel for any reason.

Conscientious Travel

Conscientious buying – that is, buying from a company that has a good reputation for treatment of its employees or purchasing a product that supports a good cause – is trending upward in recent years. This is a good thing (and, by the way, pretty much the epitome of Capitalism 101).

Conscientious travel is, from an economic standpoint, making an effort to support local business and the local population when traveling. Whether that is done by choosing to stay in a hostel, eating at local cafes or shopping at local stores, there are a variety of ways to travel conscientiously.

Backpacking at its most basic level means traveling on a budget, and large, recognizable brands are typically out of the price range of backpackers. This leads to a huge segment of travelers seeking more affordable options. The result is a large contingent of hostels, small hotels and guesthouses catering to budget travelers.

Backpacking largely, by default, has a similar impact as conscientious travel. Whether or not a backpacker travels with the intention of saving the world, the effects of this kind of travel are more likely to benefit local citizenry.

In recent years, as consumer habits trend towards more conscientious buying, travelers have also become more aware of where their money goes. Backpacking has been a more conscientious method of travel for decades, and, when travel really, fully reopens after COVID-19, backpacking should be at the forefront.

Backpacking is an easy way to travel conscientiously, but it’s not the only way. And my goal here (in this post) is not to convince people to start backpacking. I do that on a regular basis anyway.

Rather, when the time comes that travel resumes after COVID-19, instead of hopping on a plane to the nearest all-inclusive piece of paradise that benefits Big Travel thousands of miles away, maybe find a local hotel or even an Airbnb in that destination. Or, if you really want to experience the backpacker vibe, there are plenty of reasons to stay at a hostel.

The Current State of Travel

As previously mentioned, travel has become more accessible and affordable than ever. Whether this is due to relaxing visa policies/entrance requirements, the rise of the Airbnb-type of accommodation, improved fuel efficiency (and, thus, lower prices) of air travel, more people are able to travel. Prior to COVID-19 slipping out of China and crushing economies and livelihoods around the world, more people were traveling than ever.

Draft Beer in a glass at Barley Brown's taproom in Baker City Oregon — *the (honest) current state of travel*

Obviously, at the time of this writing (end of 2020), there isn’t much travel of any kind happening around the world. Most people who are traveling now, though few in number, are traveling slowly, locally or staying put in one area.

The digital nomad contingent, along with the lockdown-fatigued, is finding (primarily warm) places accepting outsiders and settling in to pass the Winter months or wait out the rest of the pandemic. Mexico, in particular, is crawling with tourists seeking an affordable, warm and open place to travel. Mexico has provided exactly that.

Turkey and several countries in the Balkans have largely remained open and capitalized on the fledgling tourist market. With pre-travel testing requirements and constantly-changing rules, travel in these areas has been, at best, unpredictable.

Aside from digital nomads and a few destinations catering to yacht-goers, the current state of travel is virtually nonexistent. However, even if more countries were open to tourism, there are a lot of curiosities and uncertainties regarding the state of travel.

Several countries that permit tourists entry are requiring said tourists to quarantine for up to 14 days upon arrival. For the average tourist, that means they cannot go. It simply isn’t worth taking a trip if they have to spend two weeks stuck in a hotel room. In some cases, even a fresh negative COVID test is insufficient to exit this quarantine. So, why even bother?

For backpackers and budget travelers, budgets are not designed for two weeks of thumb-twiddling in a (likely-overpriced) pre-approved hotel quarantine. These measures eliminate a majority of prospective travelers from the start.

To make matters worse, there are some countries blatantly tracking tourists by requiring them to install tracking apps on their phones. I mean, we all know governments and tech companies can and will track us if they so choose, but to blatantly, openly require tracking does not sit well with a lot of people.

Travel & COVID Vaccines

Then there’s the vaccine. By all accounts, the COVID vaccines could be the saving grace for travel, tourism, restaurants, sports and so on. But it’s a little more complicated than that. Some countries are floating the idea of requiring vaccines in order to enter.

On the business side, some travel companies are considering requiring customers to be vaccinated in the future. Specifically, Qantas, an Australian airline, was one of the first to make such an announcement.

As I am NOT an epidemiologist or virologist or whatever expert who knows about vaccines, I’m not going to argue for or against the safety and efficacy of a vaccine. I am not the expert, and I am not going to pretend to be an expert.

What I can understand, though, is the anger and outrage over the prospect of a COVID-vaccine passport in order to travel. I can understand the frustration with being denied service for not being vaccinated when you are healthy and can prove it. Thus, I am not surprised by the reactions to this news or the backlash against Qantas.

I’m all for travel. As one who has been personally crushed by the collapse of the travel industry, I’m not particularly opposed to being vaccinated myself (whether or not I think it’s necessary as a healthy, active 30-year-old). In fact, if the vaccines are deemed safe, and getting injected means I will soon be allowed to travel freely, I’ll get one as soon as possible.

What I’m not thrilled about is the possibility of being tracked (more than usual) when I travel. I’m not naive. No one lives a wholly unsurveilled life in the 21st century, but the idea – at least some semblance – of privacy is appreciated.

My American spirit is also resistant to being forced to do just about anything. And I’m really not so happy with the idea of a COVID passport.

My personal feelings aside, I am reluctant to believe that any of these proposed measures will succeed, much less receive widespread support. And this may further complicate the state of travel in the coming months.

If these requirements are not embraced by the public, a resumption of travel after COVID-19 will be moot. In other words, it doesn’t matter if a country reopens its borders to tourists if people aren’t willing to be vaccinated, tracked and acquire a special COVID passport.

In other words, the current state of travel is complicated, controversial and grim. And while I am trying to remain optimistic, the future of travel is uncertain.

What’s Happening With Backpacking Now?

At the moment, backpacking is almost nonexistent. The infrastructure of backpacking is almost entirely shut down.

Hostels

Hostels are largely closed. The nature of shared spaces and dorm rooms is not exactly in line with COVID-related safety protocols.

There are tens of thousands of hostels around the world, and a majority of backpackers stay in hostels. These hostels are primarily independently owned and operated as small businesses.

The widespread closure of hostels adds another challenge for backpackers and other budget travelers. While there are still affordable options out there, some of the countries currently open for travel are not allowing hostels to operate dorms. Hostel prices are inflated in other places.

Hostels are part of the fabric of backpacking. At the moment, however, hostels are in a grey area of operation that tends to vary significantly by region.

Tour Groups

Tour groups, those that take backpackers and budget travelers on day trips and short excursions, are shut down. Many of these attractions which draw tourists are closed anyway. Even in the few places that are open, tour groups for day trips are limiting capacity. That is unsustainable.

I personally know an individual in Laos who operates a hostel/guesthouse and small tour company. By Lao standards, he does pretty well. However, he is on the verge of bankruptcy as he hasn’t had a single tourist or guest in months.

I doubt the Lao government has been sending out tremendous amounts of economic relief. In fact, “relief” in Laos is predominantly in the form of tax exemptions for low income earners, however, that doesn’t really matter for those in the tourism industry who have no income to tax anyway.

That’s not a jab at Laos. The country (and many, many others) simply cannot afford to hand out billions of dollars on a whim, and this man I know cannot depend on domestic tourism in a very, very poor country.

Personally, I hate hate organized tours and tour groups, but they have their place and purpose. For backpackers traveling now, don’t expect much from tour groups. Those that are somehow still in operation have limited services.

Transportation

Small, independent transportation operations which tourists support are largely shut down and out of business. This applies to the tourist-dependent transportation operations, though, so backpackers aren’t entirely stuck with hitchhiking.

Unlike other aspects of backpacking, the transportation situation is not as dire. Tourist transportation companies are in a bind, but backpackers often take local transportation. Local transportation companies may be feeling the effects from a lack of tourists but are generally still in operation as they exist to primarily serve local residents.

Restaurants & Food Service

The food service sector is getting destroyed by a lack of tourism. In the United States, 1 out of 6 restaurants (over 100,000) has closed permanently. That’s a national average in the wealthiest country in the world. In areas reliant on tourism, that number is probably higher. Internationally, the outlook for restaurants is more bleak.

Backpackers traveling now will find a lot of typical backpacker haunts closed. The backpacking community is a major supporter of thousands of cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. This industry is not doing very well at the moment.

Perhaps the most notable change in backpacker eating habits will be street food. Street food is the best. It’s provides a fun, cheap, authentic and delicious way to enjoy our travels even more. Backpackers are big supporters of street food in tourist destinations, and that market has all but vanished.

In Thailand, one of the great street food countries of the world, vendors have disappeared. This extends to food halls and night markets around the world.

Like all travel at the moment, backpacking looks a lot different across the world. It hasn’t completely disappeared, but it’s not the same.

The Future of Backpacking After COVID-19?

The near future of travel in general is fairly clear, even if the specifics remain uncertain. Eventually, probably sooner than later, more and more countries will open their borders to tourists. This trend will continue in the coming months as vaccines roll out and economies can no longer withstand the travel shutdown.

We’re already seeing airlines slowly increase available flights and destinations. Cruise lines are preparing a return to the seas. Resorts are beginning to reopen, and large hotel chains are ready to welcome guests.

The future of backpacking, on the other hand, is unclear. Sure, eventually, backpacking will return to normal. Due to the financial abilities of (and preferences given to) Big Travel, how long the resurgence of backpacking will take is anybody’s guess.

The Negative

The unfortunate truth is backpacking will probably be slower to return than other, more lucrative sectors of the travel industry. Despite the fact that the economic impact of backpackers is far-reaching beyond major cities and resorts, priority will be given to the larger tax generators.

When it comes to tourism, most governments prioritize a faster, larger overall revenue above a larger number of individuals benefiting from said revenue.

Hostels, bars, cheap tourist transport and attractions – essentially the entire landscape that makes backpacking what it is (and, in turn, that backpackers support) – will see a slower return to normal than larger competitors. I don’t want to be a pessimist, and I hope I’m (quickly!) proven wrong, but all signs point to priorities given to Big Travel.

I anticipate the emphasis of initial tourism reopenings will fall on high-volume, big-spending ventures. These places make it easier for governments to point to higher revenues (even though they’re concentrated in smaller areas and fewer hands), monitor reopenings, cheer “economic recovery!” and promote the idea of “safely” returning to travel.

The Positive

In Western countries, we all clamor about the importance of small business. We brag about “buying local” and supporting the little guy at farmers markets. Why does that go right out the door when we travel?

Of course, for obvious reasons, I’m not talking about airlines. Once on the ground, too many tourists suddenly don’t care about supporting local businesses anymore. Small business is the backbone of economies all around the world, not just your hometown and mine.

Backpacking should be the first kind of tourism in the post-COVID world of travel. I highly doubt this will come to fruition, but it would be an excellent way for countries to ease back into tourism and see the impact of travel expand beyond big cities and Big Travel.

When travel resumes, backpacking after COVID-19 will be more important than ever. Those of us who choose to travel beyond the big cities and all-inclusive resorts will be helping the economic recovery process spread to small and independent businesses.

Backpacking after COVID-19 will be an opportunity to travel and make a difference with our spending. It’s not all charity, though, and the first backpackers on the road after COVID-19 will enjoy some special experiences.

Imagine traveling to one of your bucket list destinations – one of those famous and always-crowded places. Only when travel resumes after COVID-19, backpackers will have the chance to truly beat the crowds.

A lot of people will be hesitant to travel, and the first wave of travelers going back out into the world probably will be so happy to be somewhere different that the focus won’t be on going somewhere unusual or too far off the beaten path. Hordes of tourists that have driven so many travelers away from some of the world’s spectacular attractions may be few for a brief time.

Chances like this rarely come around. Overtourism is real. If you want to see some of the world’s amazing sights with fewer people, be ready to pack your bags. And, maybe, wait for others to join you. Perhaps they’ll eventually decide to tag along. Of course, if you’re serious about going sooner than ~~later~~ never, you can always set off by yourself.

Backpacking after COVID-19 may also be cheaper, too. Ultimately, this remains to be seen, but simple economics would suggest prices will be competitive to attract the business of the few travelers in the first waves.

Not a Backpacker? What Can You Do?

As travelers, we are consumers. We can control (to an extent) where our money goes.

When the time comes that you decide to travel again, whether that is halfway around the world or a brief weekend away, spend wisely and thoughtfully. Support small business as much as possible.

You can stay at an independent hotel. Eat at a local cafe. Shop somewhere that isn’t a mall or big box store.

You don’t have to undertake an enormous backpacking adventure to save the world when you travel. Though I highly recommend doing so if you are able, there are plenty of ways to travel independently, travel cheaper and support the forgotten sectors of the global travel industry.

Local and independent tourist services provide the experiences that make our travels unique and memorable. Now, more than ever, this part of the travel industry needs our support.

COVID-19 has nearly killed travel. Tourism of any kind is on life support. Measures have been taken by governments and businesses in an attempt to alleviate the pain, but these measures are not feasible on a long-term basis.

Whatever happens in the next few months, the demand for travel – truly, the intensely growing desire to travel – is increasing by the day. We’re all sick of this mess, especially those of us afflicted with severe wanderlust. (And that’s nothing compared to the COVID effects no one likes to talk about or the thousands of additional cancer deaths caused by COVID lockdowns.)

Backpacking is one of the most enjoyable, educational and enlightening ways to travel. It’s cheap, exciting and, best of all, so much fun. Unfortunately, the conversation surrounding travel after COVID-19 largely forgets to mention backpacking.

Backpackers are the foundation of small, independent travel. When the time comes, traveling on the cheap, with little more than a backpack and a desire to experience the world, will be better and more important than ever. Don’t miss out.

Is Solo Travel Right For You?

October 26, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker 1 Comment

Solo travel for extended periods of time is not appealing to everyone, and it can be an intimidating prospect for travelers new to the idea of wandering the world alone. When navigating through the hurdles and frustrations of planning a trip, it’s reasonable to wonder if, perhaps, solo travel is right for you.

To be clear, solo travel is not for everyone. It has plenty of advantages over other types of travel, but there are also a few drawbacks.

However, there a loads of resources – such as hostels and the connections made therein – for travelers thinking about seeing the world on their own. If you’re uncertain, consider the following benefits and obstacles to decide if solo travel is right for you.

Benefits of Solo Travel

There are a lot of benefits to solo travel. I could ramble on for a long time about the specifics and minute details where solo travel has advantages versus traveling with others. To save us all some time, I’ll focus on some of the major benefits of solo travel. These are some of the primary perks of going alone:

Flexibility – Go when and where you want.
Eat What You Want – Want spicy local food? No problem. Street food? Go for it. Tired of local food and want a burger or pizza? No one is stopping you.
Travel Cheaper – Solo travel isn’t always cheaper, but it tends to be more budget-friendly for most travelers when you can afford to be a little selfish.

Old Portuguese coins Lisbon Flea Market — *the spoils of solo travel*

Considerations

Before you decide if or when to set off on your solo travel adventure, there are a few considerations one must give attention. I encourage all who are able to experience solo travel at some point in their life, even a short weekend away.

Make sure you’re up for solo travel before taking an extended trip abroad. Ask yourself a few important questions:

Where are You Going?

This is an important (and obvious) question. The first step of travel is to figure out where to go.

Some places might not be ideal for solo travel. Cities known to attract couples might not be the best place to spend a week alone. A rugged, rarely-traveled country might not be the best choice for a first-time solo traveler.

Choosing a country/region that aligns with your travel experience is key. Europe and Southeast Asia are hugely popular solo travel destinations for a reason. Don’t drop into the Himalayas or Central Africa alone if you’ve never done any backpacking in comparable locales. Common sense goes a long, long way in solo travel.

On the other hand, some destinations are exceedingly expensive for solo travel. In general, it’s easy to travel cheaper by yourself. There are always exceptions, though, and it would be wise to choose a destination that is reasonable on a solo travel budget.

Make a list of places you want to go. Choose destinations that make sense for solo travel. Save the adventurous backpacking trips until you’re practiced and ready.

For solo travelers, you need to decide how comfortable you are with a particular destination. Getting lost in the sense of aimlessly wandering is great, but being lost and overwhelmed is not fun.

What Kind of Travel Do You Like?

Solo travel and backpacking can be done just about anywhere. Some types of travel are better suited alone, while others are less so.

I like to wander the streets of cities and villages. I take pictures, search for restaurants and explore backstreets. This is usually, to me, best by myself. The same goes for hiking or museums. My preference is to go on my own. I cannot stand being rushed through a museum. And when I’m hiking, as long as it’s safe to do so, I want to go alone and at my own pace.

For the traveler who wants to go shopping, my guess is this person prefers to shop with others. The same is probably true for stereotypical backpackers who want nothing more than to spend their travels partying the days (and nights) away. Sports, especially foreign sports, are better with others. Some things are better with friends.

Consider what types of activities you like to do before deciding on a solo trip. This is a good indicator of whether or not solo travel is right for you.

Do you enjoy doing things and exploring new places on your own? If so, solo travel might be right for you.

Can you handle the potential of essentially being alone for days at a time? Solo travelers aren’t completely devoid of human contact, but there is a reasonable chance that you won’t have any deep, personal connections with other people for extended periods. In my experiences, this rarely lasts long, but it does happen. It’s just too easy to meet nice people in hostels for it to linger too long.

If the idea of hardly having any genuine human connection for a few days scares you, then maybe don’t plan a long solo backpacking trip. Try something shorter first. Give hostels a chance. Ease into solo travel to see if it’s right for you, to see if you can handle the alone time.

Is it Safe?

Is your travel destination safe? How about safety for solo travelers in that locale? These are the most common concerns for travelers prior to going on their first solo adventure.

Most places in the world are safe, often safer than the media portrays (because only the negative stories get attention, especially negative travel stories). For Americans, almost anywhere in the world is statistically safer than Chicago, New Orleans, Baltimore, Detroit – you get the idea.

To be fair, like many places in the world, the unsafe part of these “dangerous” cities is usually nowhere near the tourist areas. More often than not, it’s easy to tell when a neighborhood is sketchy or unsafe. If you feel uncomfortable, that’s okay. Just leave.

As long as you remain aware of your surroundings, mind your pockets, avoid drawing attention to yourself and don’t do something stupid – common sense is especially important for solo travel – safety won’t be an issue.

Crazy things happen. That’s life. And that’s also why travel insurance is important, but employing sound, sensible judgement is the key to travel safety.

When is the Right Time for Solo Travel?

After considering whether or not you should travel solo, the next question is when. For the typical traveler, picking the right time and place to wander alone might not be the easiest decision.

When is the right time for solo travel? Well, that depends. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to travel of any kind.

It’s simpler for younger people to hop on any random flight, such as students on a gap year or in between semesters of school. It is also a lot easier for a young person to justify quitting their job or taking a sabbatical to go and wander the world.

Single travelers – that is, travelers without a significant other – have the freedom to travel without the worry of leaving someone behind. The only feelings to consider are their own. The only schedule to consider is their own.

But young people often cannot afford to travel. And the average single person might not fancy the idea of backpacking for weeks/months all alone. Every traveler has to clear a hurdle or two of some kind before they can hit the road.

Traveling solo usually entails a few additional complications, but there has to be some point that is better to travel. Right? So, when?!

Probably Never

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to go gallivanting around the world by yourself, get comfortable. Because you’re not going anywhere anytime soon. No, you’re probably not going anywhere ever.

There isn’t a perfect time for solo travel. Something will always come up and spoil the fun.

Waiting for the perfect time to set off on that long-awaited solo travel adventure is just waiting for something else to come up and ruin your plans. Natural disasters, labor disputes, political unrest. These things happen.

Oh, and what about those who waited for 2020 to be the perfect year to travel? Hello pandemic and the largest travel shutdown in history!

These are global interrupters, things out of your control and outside your personal life. But events in your own life can affect travel plans, too. Family emergencies, health issues, unexpected opportunities – events out of your control are, well, out of your control.

Waiting for the perfect time to travel is nothing more than waiting for further disappointment. The way I see it, especially as 2020 mocks travelers incessantly, the worst time to travel is “later” or “when life settles down.”

How Important is Travel to You?

If you’re like me, travel is an important part of your life. Even if I wasn’t the Hangry Backpacker, I have no doubt that travel, the next trip and my travel bucket list would still consume a significant amount of my life.

If you’re like that – if travel drives and motivates your daily routine, spending habits, etc – find someone who’s cool with that. Your life will be a lot easier. Whether that person has similar travel desires or is agreeable to your solo travel wanderings, a significant other who accepts your passion to travel is important.

Or, of course, you can stay single. That’s always an effective method to steer clear of conflict and inconvenience, though I’ll be the first to say that some destinations are more enjoyable with someone special.

Big life changes like careers, marriages and children put a damper on loads of travel plans. Some of us want those things and to wander about the world for long periods of time. Big life events make solo travel a tricky proposition.

Finding the right balance – honestly, finding the right person – will make life easier as a solo traveler. If traveling the world is on your bucket list, make sure to consider that before you start climbing the corporate ladder or settling down in suburbia.

How About Now?

If you can’t make the time, take the time. There’s no time like the present. It may be trite, but it’s true. The best time to travel is now.

Obviously, global events like the 2020 pandemic require prospective travelers to heed caution. And, to which I can personally attest, the idea of traveling now, ASAP or on a moment’s notice in 2020 was squashed over and over and over again.

The point is that the world is changing rapidly. When the world finally opens back up to travelers – and it will! – don’t hesitate to take the solo travel adventure of your dreams. Don’t waste time with all that silly planning. Who knows what global crisis will pop up next and ruin another set of plans.

Solo travel isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t require months of delicate planning. Maybe some destinations are better during certain seasons, but those are minor considerations. Waiting for the stars to align, hoping for something to magically make solo travel easier – you’ll never leave your couch. The time to travel is now.

The easiest way to determine whether or not solo travel is right for you is pretty straightforward. Go for a trip. Something short, a few days or a week away by yourself. You’ll find out quickly if you like the idea of solo backpacking or long-term wandering around the world.

new travel hostel friends drinking wine in Porto Portugal — *hostels means new friends*

Hostels are a savior to ease the minds of first-time solo travelers. Of any age! Solo travel doesn’t have to mean being alone.

Even if that isn’t feasible or doesn’t yield a clear answer, it’s still fairly simple. People who want to travel independently, on their own schedule and do what they want to do are ideal candidates for solo travel. Maybe that’s a little selfish, but who cares.

Waiting for others to get their shit together and join you on the road is the epitome of waiting in vain. The best time to travel is now, and solo travel is an excellent way to see and experience the world.

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Vietnam Travel Itinerary & Guide

October 15, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

A travel itinerary for one month in Vietnam can generally go in two directions: north-to-south or vice-versa. Backpackers have a little more flexibility in their Vietnam travel itinerary, and the options for visiting alternative destinations are endless.

One month of travel in Vietnam is not nearly long enough to thoroughly explore the country. Vietnam is not an especially large country, but it is very long with tedious travel required between cities. First-time visitors, backpackers, solo travelers and those looking for a thorough experience in Vietnam should plan ahead and use this itinerary to maximize time in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

Why One Month?

The reason this Vietnam travel itinerary is for one month is because that is the most common length of e-visa granted to tourists. Be practical and check the dates on your documents. Depending on how immigration officials mark your visa, the length of stay can be less than 30 days. Mine was actually 31 days.

Citizens of some countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for 15 days, but this isn’t enough time to see more than two or three places. Were I able to enter without a visa, I would still opt to pay for the longer duration. At $25 USD (you have to pay cash in USD, euros or Vietnamese dong), it’s cheap.

One month, or 4 weeks, whatever the length of your stay in Vietnam, check your documents and eligibility. Make sure to apply for the e-visa before you travel to the country.

Travelers arriving at certain international airports can also choose a 90-day visa option. Though more expensive ($70), it allows travelers the multiple-entry option over that 3-month period. Of course, three full months in Vietnam would be an unforgettable travel experience.

This post contains affiliate links that help support the Hangry Backpacker. I may receive a small commission from purchases made through these links AT NO ADDITIONAL COST to you.

Should You Travel Vietnam North-to-South or South-to-North?

As noted in this comparison of Hanoi versus Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam differs significantly from north to south. Some of the differences are due to climate, while others are due to politics and history.

The decision of whether to set your Vietnam travel itinerary in a north-to-south or south-to-north direction depends where you arrive and where you’re going next. If the idea is to return home after the trip, the start/end point doesn’t really matter. If you’re hopping around Southeast Asia via airplanes, again, it doesn’t matter which direction you travel.

For most travelers, and certainly for backpackers in Vietnam, there will likely be further travel after visiting the country. Whether to start your Vietnam travels in Hanoi (north) or Ho Chi Minh City (south) depends on your plans after Vietnam. Overland travel means the next destination can be Laos, Cambodia or China.

Vietnam to China:

Crossing from Vietnam into China is not a common travel route. Lukewarm relations between the countries and more stringent visa policies for entrance into China mean this is not common or practical (if even possible) for most tourists.

Vietnam to Laos:

The Vietnamese border with Laos is the country’s longest international border. However, due to the rugged terrain of Vietnam, crossing the border to Laos is, at the very least, a laborious ordeal.

It is not uncommon to travel overland from Vietnam to Laos, but it is less common. The most popular route would be from Hanoi to Luang Prabang or Phonsavan. Either journey is exhausting and will essentially take an entire day on a bus. Car/motorbike will be faster, but there are vehicle restrictions at some Vietnam-Laos border crossings.

Vietnam to Cambodia:

The most popular overland, international travel route from (or to) Vietnam is to Cambodia. In southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is about 130 miles (about 210 km) from Phnom Penh. The terrain is also pretty flat in this part of Vietnam and Cambodia. Flat land means a decent road, and a decent road (by Southeast Asian standards) between the two cities means that travel from one to the other is relatively painless.

Travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh takes about three to four hours. The border crossing, though not especially annoying or frustrating, adds at least an hour to that time. It’s a fairly easy trip that costs around 200,000 VND (about $10 USD).

The north-to-south travel itinerary in Vietnam provides the easiest route of onward travel. The opposite direction, finishing in the north, is equally tiresome and more commonly undertaken by backpackers in Vietnam than other types of travelers. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider traveling south-to-north and crossing from Vietnam to Laos. It’s just a different journey, and that border-crossing takes a lot longer. Personally, I think these experiences are often more memorable and fun.

The Easiest One-Month Vietnam Travel Itinerary

This route will give you a thorough taste of Vietnam. It’s the ideal itinerary for the person who wants to see as much of Vietnam as possible without going too fast and missing things. This Itinerary is also perfect for travelers who want to delve into Vietnam for a month to figure out where in the country they may want to return and spend more time in the future.

This is a north-to-south Vietnam travel itinerary. It can be flipped around to go south-to-north should you wish to end your Vietnam travels in Hanoi.

Hanoi – 4-5 days

Hanoi is the political and cultural capital of Vietnam. The city of 8 million people and almost as many motorbikes is really old, with sites over a thousand years old. There are many points of interest in Hanoi, ranging from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) and ancient temples.

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is the center of tourism and history in the city. Despite being the tourist center, it is very much a local area. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a chaotic, beautiful, busy, mind-boggling labyrinth of business, history, motorbikes, culture and food. Seriously, the food is incredible, and this place is wild.

During my first trip to Hanoi, I planned to stay for 3 days. After my first day, I wanted to leave. It was overwhelming. After reaching my third day in Hanoi and exploring further, I was hooked. I wound up staying for six days, and I didn’t want to leave then.

It would be easy to spend a few days only in the Old Quarter. Four days is adequate for a taste of Hanoi’s historic center and the surrounding newer parts of the city. A fifth day will be easy to do. Personally, on my next trip to Vietnam, I’ll be spending at least a week in Hanoi.

Cat Ba Island/Ha Long Bay – 3 days

About two hours east of Hanoi, along the only decent highway in Vietnam (between Hanoi and Haiphong), is Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. Ha Long Bay, a seascape of limestone karst formations towering above the water, is the most famous natural tourist attraction in Vietnam. For clarification, “Ha Long Bay” is used in reference to the entire archipelago – Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, etc.

The city of Ha Long is on the north side of this natural phenomenon, and Cat Ba Island sits to the south. Most tourists decide to visit Ha Long Bay from the eponymous city, but Cat Ba offers the same tours and beautiful scenery on an island with far fewer tourists. The island is still popular and developed, but it’s simply not nearly as crowded as Ha Long.

I spent three days on Cat Ba Island. One of those days was spent on a large boat with four other tourists exploring Ha Long Bay and the surrounding area. The rest of the time I used to explore Cat Ba Town.

Two days is long enough to reach Cat Ba Island, explore Cat Ba Town and spend a day sightseeing in the archipelago. If possible, I recommend a third day for extra time sailing through the islands or to visit the national park on the island.

Tam Coc/Ninh Binh – 2 days

Tam Coc is sort of like Ha Long Bay but on land. Instead of karst formations rising above the sea, there are rice fields, villages, rivers and wilderness between the towering rocks. Tam Coc is a small town where most tourists set off to tour the landscape via small boats on the rivers or by hiking.

Ninh Binh is the larger city a few miles away. There is little in Ninh Binh that will interest most travelers. Tam Coc, on the other hand, is a wonderful little town surrounded by natural beauty.

I spent a couple of days in Ninh Binh. As noted, most tourists won’t find much of interest here, and most tourists are simply here to see the countryside. Personally, I found Ninh Binh to be a cool city with excellent food and relatively few tourists. I spent a further three days in Tam Coc hiking, relaxing and enjoying a quieter setting.

Two days is plenty for the average traveler to see Tam Coc. The small town is nice, but there isn’t much to it. The surrounding landscape is the primary tourist draw, and that can be reasonably covered in a couple of days.

Hue – 2 days

Hue (pronounced: hway) is the former royal capital of Vietnam. The city is located about halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and home to about 500,000 people.

Hue is a popular stop on backpacker itineraries for Vietnam largely due to its location. Whether you’re traveling north to south in Vietnam, or vice-versa, you pretty much have to go through Hue. Thanks to the aforementioned historic status as a royal city, Hue also has a few notable points of interest. The Imperial City and Citadel are each popular attractions.

I spent three days in Hue, and this was more than enough time. Aside from the historical points of interest, there isn’t much to it. In fact, I found it to be a somewhat unpleasant place with a lot of sketchy people who all wanted to rip off tourists. Aside from great food – it is Vietnam, after all – Hue is probably the only place I truly disliked in Vietnam. The Imperial City has an annoying, extra-high price just for foreigners.

Two days is adequate time in Hue. The Imperial City, though overpriced, is cool if you’re not on a backpacker budget. There are a few other minor things to see, and the food is good, but Hue is mostly a necessary stopping point in Vietnam (because transportation in the country sucks).

Hoi An – 4-5 days

Hoi An is super touristic, but it is also one of the most beautiful, fun cities in Vietnam. The Old Town of Hoi An is picturesque, charming and all of those things. Essentially, it has a well-preserved colonial old town and is the perfect place to wander and get lost.

In addition to the Old Town, Hoi An is known for its tailors and night market. It is an excellent place to cheaply get high-quality, custom-made clothes. After fittings and measurements are complete, the night market has cheap goods and stall-after-stall of tremendous fresh food.

I spent a week in Hoi An. My initial plans did not even include Hoi An in my Vietnam itinerary, but other backpackers convinced me it was worth it. I then planned for two to three days, but backpacking is best with loose travel plans. I was in Vietnam in the middle of Tet (Chinese New Year). Travel in Vietnam during Tet comes with serious challenges. I sort of got stuck in Hoi An for longer than planned due to Tet, but I was happy to linger.

Four to five days is easy to do in Hoi An. Longer is understandable. Hoi An is touristy for a reason – it’s beautiful, interesting, historic and easy for tourists. The city is also a short bike ride (or a long walk) from beaches.

Da Lat – 3 days

Da Lat is unique in Vietnam. The former French colonial resort town is different in so many ways. The geographical position of Da Lat, about 5000 feet above sea-level, makes it cooler (relatively speaking) than other places on this Vietnam itinerary.

Da Lat is cleaner than most cities in Vietnam. It has a lot of flowers and a relaxed vibe, not something for which Vietnam is particular famous. Even the architecture in Da Lat is different, with super-modern structures in the middle of the city, the Crazy House and regular homes that have a strange Western-Asian fusion look.

I spent three days in Da Lat. Most of that time was spent eating and resting. At some point, I didn’t follow my own rules of food safety and was sick in Vietnam. Despite that, I still enjoyed wandering around and eating in Da Lat.

Three days is an ideal time for backpackers to stay in Da Lat. The unique city, despite having a population of nearly 500,000, is a nice break from the sweltering heat and nonstop commotion that is much of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – 5-6 days

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city and economic center of Vietnam. Formerly Saigon, the southern counterpart to Hanoi is enormous, busy, loud and thriving. The city of nearly ten million people and somehow more motorbikes than Hanoi is significantly different than the nation’s capital.

Ho Chi Minh City is not only bigger and busier than Hanoi, the city is more modern and has a greater Western influence. It is home to some of Vietnam’s most famous museums, beautifully-preserved remnants of French colonial days and some of the best food in the world. Ho Chi Minh City is also a backpacker haven. Pham Ngu Lao Street is the backpacker center of Vietnam, though I’m not a big fan of the area due to the prices.

I spent 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City, and this was not enough time. The city itself deserves at least that much time to modestly sample the great food. Most of my time was spent wandering around surprised by the differences from Hanoi, sweating profusely and ticking a few major tourist sites off of my list.

Five days is a good amount of time in Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi Tunnels (Vietnam War remnants) and the Mekong River Delta are popular day trips. The Mekong River Delta is especially worth a day outside of the city. The War Remnants Museum is an interesting look into the Vietnam War from the victor’s perspective. And the food in Ho Chi Minh City is worth a serious chunk of time. There is a lot more to do in Saigon, and five days is only a starting point.

Additional & Alternative Destinations

Obviously, the above travel itinerary through Vietnam does not quite add up to 30 days. Travel time between these places will likely take up a chunk of that time (more on transportation below), and many travelers may decide to linger somewhere they particularly enjoy.

The following are other popular (and worthwhile) places to visit in Vietnam. These can be substituted for above destinations or squeezed in if time permits. From top to bottom, the following is organized north-to-south.

Sapa (3 Days) – mountainous region known for terraced rice fields, national park and motorbike rides
Phong Nha (1-2 Days) – famous cave (only accessible by boat) and national park
Da Nang (1-2 Days) – large city north of Hoi An famous for Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge and Golden Bridge (giant hands)
Nha Trang (2-3 Days) – beach city with a pretty bay, resorts, amusement parks and scuba diving on offshore islands
Mui Ne (2-3 Days) – small coastal town notable for beaches, watersports and huge sand dunes
Phu Quoc (3 Days) – largest island in Vietnam home to beautiful beaches and famous fish sauce

Backpacking, Solo Travel, Groups Tours & More

Backpacking is the ideal way to travel in Vietnam. Travel in the country is especially tedious. Clinging to timetables and plans is a great way to induce stress, anxiety and frustration. Backpacking provides the necessary wiggle room to keep your cool. Flexibility is key in your Vietnam travel itinerary, and patience is equally important.

Solo travel is a fun way to tour Southeast Asia, especially if you’re staying in hostels. The backpacker trail in Southeast Asia is made for solo travel. In Vietnam, though I arrived by myself, I ran into the same travelers in city after city. Most people are going one of two directions, so you’ll see familiar faces again and again. This makes Vietnam incredibly adept to solo travel.

Group tours are a waste of money in Vietnam. The country is so cheap (see below), and most group tours in the country are grossly overpriced. The rigid nature of group tours in a place like Vietnam will be another drawback of traveling in a structured setting. The one advantage I can think of for group tours in Vietnam would be more comfortable transportation.

Transportation

The biggest impact on any Vietnam travel itinerary is transportation, particularly transportation between cities. No matter which way you look at it, transportation in Vietnam is a headache. I used 12Go for a lot of transportation in Asia, and it is a tremendous help.

Vietnam’s larger cities are heavily congested with motorbikes, and the noise is constant throughout the day and night. Fortunately, most of the big cities are fairly easy to get around on foot.

Travel by Bus

The most common method of travel around Vietnam is via bus. The highway system in the country is barely existent. Buses in Vietnam are a painfully slow method of transport, but they go pretty much everywhere. And they’re pretty cheap, too.

A majority of tourists opt for “tourist” buses in Vietnam. There isn’t a clear distinction between these and local buses, but the tourist buses will cost more and should be more comfortable. Local buses are a fraction of the price but are known to pack the vehicle to the brim. You might even wind up with a stranger’s child in your lap.

Tourist buses aren’t specifically for tourists. These are just more expensive options, though still cheap for most tourists. For example, I took a “sleeper” night bus from Hoi An to Da Lat. The trip took about 14 hours and cost about $15 USD (300,000 VND).

For a large person like myself (6’3”/250lbs), it was hell trying to sleep in the tiny cubby-bed. The capsule-beds are too short to extend my legs and too small to bend them normally. By the time I reached Da Lat, I felt like a stiff pretzel.

That being said, it is the more comfortable option compared to the cramped, slow(er) “local” bus. And for backpackers trying to keep their Vietnam travel itinerary budget-friendly, it makes sense. Buses are cheap, and saving money by not paying for a room/bed for a night means more cheap Vietnamese beer the next day.

Train Travel

To the surprise of many, Vietnam has an extensive rail network. It might be antiquated, uncomfortable and super slow – yep, slower than buses – but the country has trains! Travelers who enjoy trains will be in for an interesting rail travel experience in Vietnam.

Train travel in Vietnam is not that expensive. The route all the way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City ranges from $40-65 USD. For the distance, that’s not a bad price. The downside is that the trip takes about 30 hours.

Train travel is an option in Vietnam, but it’s not fast or comfortable. Personally, a Vietnamese rail journey from top to bottom is on my bucket list, and I look forward to it. For more info on prices and times, check out what Seat 61 has on train travel in Vietnam.

Air Travel

The fastest way to get around Vietnam is via airplane. The country has major airports in Hanoi (north), Ho Chi Minh City (south), Da Nang (central) and Nha Trang (south-central). Tourists flying into or out of Vietnam primarily land in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying between cities in Vietnam is not practical if you want to see much aside from the major cities. The only reason to fly between cities in Vietnam is for travelers with time constraints. For instance, travelers may have a flight out of Hanoi but are traveling north-to-south. Rather than spending 1-2 days on buses/trains getting back up north, a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City saves significant time.

Motorbikes in Vietnam

Vietnam has a ridiculous amount of motorbikes. They’re loud. They’re everywhere. Literally, tens of millions of motorbikes. And a lot tourists decide to get in on the action.

From an individual standpoint, it makes transportation easier. You have freedom to travel wherever on a motorbike, and you’ll get to see parts of the country few tourists ever do. Buying a bike in Hanoi/Saigon, riding from one end of the country to the other and then selling it to another backpacker is a popular way to travel Vietnam. The Ha Giang Loop (north of Hanoi) is a shorter trip that is also popular.

Honestly, it all sounds pretty fun. And, full disclosure here, I’ll probably partake in some motorbike adventuring on my next visit to Vietnam.

However, from a safety standpoint, I cannot recommend riding a motorbike for most travelers. I’ve stayed at several hostels throughout Vietnam, and I’ve met at least one traveler in every single hostel that had been in a motorbike accident. Several had the scars, scrapes and casts to prove it.

Motorcycles are obviously dangerous (if you get in an accident). In Southeast Asia, poor road conditions and drivers who barely follow traffic laws make the accidents and injuries worse. Inexperienced riders and tourists not accustomed to riding in Vietnam are at greater risk. There are short, single-day to multi-day motorbike tours ideal for those with less experience who can’t resist the temptation but still want the adventure.

In addition to the inherent danger of riding a motorbike in Vietnam, it is technically illegal for many foreigners. On top of that, if you are in an accident, a lot of travel insurance companies have out-clauses where they don’t have to cover your injuries if you’re doing something illegal or especially dangerous.

A majority of motorbike-riding backpackers (BIKEpackers? Is that a thing?) never have any issues, but be aware that there are serious risks with motorbikes in Vietnam. And you may have to pay a “fine” to a cop to keep riding. Have fun, but be safe and ride at your own risk.

Vietnam Travel Costs

Vietnam is notable as a cheap travel destination. In my experience, Vietnam is actually the cheapest country in Southeast Asia.

The most obvious cost-saving measure in Vietnam is food. Local food is not only delicious, it’s cheap. A meal in a local restaurant/cafe will typically cost $2-3 USD. Street food in Vietnam is especially cheap, often 20,000 VND (about $1 USD) or less. Food in Hanoi is excellent and slightly cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City, though cheap eats can be found anywhere in Vietnam with a little patience and persistence.

A simple hotel in Vietnam (a family-run, local hotel) will cost $10-20 USD/night for a room with basic amenities. Large, international hotel chains are certainly nicer, but prices are high and beyond any backpacker budget.

Hostels are the way to go to save money. Of all the reasons to stay in a hostel, those in Vietnam are super cheap and often have much better locations than more expensive hotels. $10 USD/night is typical for a nice hostel with free breakfast and air conditioning. Rates can be cheaper depending on the city/location/amenities. Some examples of what I have paid:

Hanoi – $7/night (hostel, free breakfast, no A/C needed)
Cat Ba Island – $12/night (private hotel room, very basic)
Hoi An – $10/night (mediocre hostel, more expensive during Tet)
Ho Chi Minh City – $11/night (no A/C in backpacker district, not my favorite hostel)

Transportation is cheap. Souvenirs are cheap. Food, activities and most attractions are cheap. Pretty much everything about Vietnam is budget-friendly.

My travel costs in Vietnam, on a backpacker budget, were about $25/day. I ate local food, drank plenty of local beer and did just about everything I wanted to. My Vietnam travel itinerary was designed to be backpacker and budget-friendly. My costs could have easily been higher, but I also could have traveled even cheaper.

Like most places in the world, your desired level of comfort will dictate costs of travel. Also, your Vietnam travel itinerary can influence travel costs. Essentially, backpacking is cheaper, and a one-way travel route in Vietnam also bodes well for travel budgets.

When – The Best Time to Travel to Vietnam

Vietnam is generally a hot, humid place. Surrounded by water, the warm weather is amplified by the heavy air. Mostly.

Vietnam is really long, over 1000 miles in a direct north-south measurement. Naturally, weather differs in a range this large. The southern three-quarters of Vietnam are pretty much always hot and humid. Seasons in the northern part of the country are slightly more pronounced.

Saigon is always hot. Winter typically has fewer rainy days, but the weather is still warm. I can personally attest to being in Saigon in the middle of Winter – no rain, still felt like a sauna.

Up north, the weather in Hanoi is somewhat seasonal. Most of the year is predictably hot and humid. However, temperatures in Winter are cooler, sometimes cool enough for a jacket and pants. The mountains north of Hanoi occasionally receive small amounts of snowfall.

I wouldn’t suggest packing your puffy coat in Vietnam. That’s a serious packing commitment, and unless you’re camping in the mountains mid-Winter, there’s no need for a heavy coat. I survived cool nights in Hanoi with a long-sleeve shirt and a rain jacket.

So, when is the best time of year to travel to Vietnam? There are two ways to answer this question, and neither is wrong.

First, Winter (December-March) is the most pleasant time of year. It is cool in the north and dry in the south. Of course, better weather means more tourists.

Second, Summer (June-August) is the hottest and wettest time of year. The dead of Summer wouldn’t be my first choice, but there are advantages to traveling in Southeast Asia during the rainy season. As a trade-off for the weather, there are fewer tourists.

The ideal time to spend one month of travel in Vietnam would be late-Fall or early-Spring, basically December to April. As a general guideline, the rains tend to start in April.

Traveling on either end of that time frame will likely mean fewer tourists and better weather. Keep in mind that the climate is different in the north and south, and the weather also varies slightly from other countries in the region.

Safety in Vietnam

The most common questions I get about Vietnam are regarding travel safety. Specifically, more than anything else, I hear, “Is Vietnam safe for Americans?”

Given that the United States and Vietnam were in the midst of a bloody war not so long ago, it’s a reasonable question. The answer is a resounding “yes.” I have never encountered a local in Vietnam with any animosity towards Americans. If anything, I have heard several Vietnamese people comment that what happened is in the past and between governments, not people.

In general, Vietnam is a very safe country for tourists. There are reports of scams and street thefts, such as pickpocketing and snatch-and-go theft.

Always mind your pockets in Vietnam, especially in big cities and crowded areas. Personally, I never had any issues, but, then again, I’m always looking over my shoulder and I wear smart travel clothing to prevent pickpockets.

Snatch-and-grab theft is reported by tourists on occasion. This happens when a tourist is carelessly walking or on a street corner, usually loosely holding onto their cell phone, purse, bag etc. Someone will come by on a motorbike or on foot, grab the item and flee before the tourist realized what happened. The trick is to hold on (tightly) to your stuff and pay attention.

Violence against tourists is extremely rare. Most tourist injuries are from accidents involving motorbikes or alcohol. In rural areas, be cautious. In big cities, avoid bad neighborhoods. If you feel uncomfortable somewhere, just leave.

The “tourist tax” is the most common scam in Vietnam. This is simply the act of charging tourists more than locals. The amount is usually minimal, and there is little that you can do (unless you speak Vietnamese, perhaps). If the tourist tax levied upon you is egregious, stand up for yourself. Know and confirm prices before handing over money or getting your food. The tourist tax is one of the frustrating parts about travel in Vietnam, but smart travelers can work around it.

Taxi scams, especially motorbike taxi scams, are the worst scams that get tourists. Exercise caution before you hire a cab. Your hotel/hostel can help with a taxi if need be. Do not take a random motorbike taxi.

Common sense is the most valuable travel safety tool in Vietnam and everywhere else. No matter where you are, be aware and watch your back. Don’t do stupid things like stumble around drunk alone at night. Drugs are illegal, so maybe don’t be an idiot. Common sense, though shockingly uncommon, goes a long way.

Vietnam is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. The chaotic country will test the patience of many travelers. Whether backpacking, traveling solo, traveling with a significant other or even an organized group tour (but yeah, don’t do the group tour), those who wisely plan their Vietnam travel itinerary will find a country full of beautiful scenery, kind people, incredible food and culture.

First-time visitors to Vietnam are warned of crazy scams and stereotypes based on ignorance or the misfortunes of the very few. Travel in Vietnam for a few days, a month or several months is all about patience and common sense. No matter when or where you go, a stop in Vietnam is a must when traveling in Southeast Asia.

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