Good choice! You’re about to join a uniquely beautiful community of intrepid adventurers from all corners of the globe. Our community will connect you to the rest of the world in the most amazing of ways, and your new nomadic brothers and sisters will welcome you, embrace you, and direct you to the places you’ve always dreamed of…

Welcome to our tribe.

But who are we? What is a backpacker? What are we all about? What’s the difference between a backpacker and, say, a tourist?

Great question! What is the difference?

Who could possibly answer this question better than the founders of our community…?

Elliot Caddy,

Reading, England

‘The simplest way to describe a backpacker? Well, a backpacker is an individual who travels independently in order to experience different cultures and lead a way of life that is completely removed from his or her own. Tourists, on the other hand, travel purely for relaxation and pleasure; they book months in advance and usually opt for the luxury and familiarity of a resort or overpriced hotel that has all the comforts of their own home – complete with familiar western food buffets, a free bar, room service and guided tours. There’s nothing much wrong with being a tourist; some people just want to see the world in a pre-planned, safe and supervised environment, never straying too far from their safety zone, and that’s ok!

Backpackers, however, prefer to go it alone. We reject the idea of luxury silk linen in favour of a rickety 10 bed dormitory, we choose memories over materialism, and we’re more likely to be spotted riding a moped at dangerous speeds through narrow streets without a helmet than in the back of an air-conditioned tour bus. We’re naturally curious, open-minded, and we never shy away from new, unfamiliar or even potentially hazardous experiences.

Hopefully you’re starting to get the picture. This is NOT merely an alternative way to travel – It’s our way of life, it’s our passion.’

Derek Schimmel

Denver, Colorado

A backpacker is a learner, a discoverer. We use travel not as an escape, but rather as a vehicle for discovery. Sure, we often stay in hostels, choose street food over Michelin Star rated restaurants, and look for those off-the-beaten path, unexplored areas. But a backpacker is much more than the gallivanting, budget-minded, pack-hauling traveller. We are a community of wonderers, searching for answers while understanding that enlightenment comes from the journey. The more we see, the less we know.

A backpacker is the 20-something university graduate from England taking a leap of faith to volunteer in Nicaragua for a year before entering the workforce back home. It’s the 35-year-old investment banker from New York who quit her job to spend three months in South America in order to achieve her dream of learning Spanish. It’s the mother and father of two young children from an affluent suburb in Sweden who opt for a family vacation on the beach Cambodia rather than an all-inclusive resort in Ibiza.  Or the retired widow from Japan who travels without purpose to a faraway land to rekindle his independence while keeping their life-partner close to their heart.

And our community? It’s this coming together of these unique souls, from dozens of different nations, aged 8 to 80, and the experiences, dialogues, bonds and relationships that form between us — perhaps during a short 30 second conversation in an airport, or a one-month travel stint together through Thailand.

A backpacker recognizes that the sensations of travel will warm their hearts to the world…and that the people we meet along the way will illuminate our questioning souls’

But I have no idea where to begin!

This site can offer you a tonne of useful information about everything you need to know to get started; From popular backpacking routes, information about individual countries and visa guides right down to essential packing lists, survival tips, itinerary guides and travel hacks – it’s all here! But, the most valuable information by far will always come directly from the mouth of your fellow backpackers. They can be found all around in rooftop bars and hostel dormitories all around the world, or, if you’re not quite there yet, you can also visit The Dorm – our online backpackers forum – and be instantly connected with other members of this community. Impart your wisdom, ask questions, exchange stories, find your ideal travel buddy, or just simply search for inspiration! Please note that our forums are moderated, so keep it clean, and be respectful at all times!

Great! What else can I do while I’m here?

Planning a trip is hard work! Treat yourself to regular breaks by reading our weekly Blog. Too lazy too read? We hear ya! Check out our epic monthly Podcast episodes, where we talk about anything and everything related to travel and adventure in the modern world.

Most of all though, just enjoy being part of this beautiful community of free spirited people from all across the world! Plan your next adventure wisely and have fun out there…

Safe travels!

Derek and Elliot

(Founders of Atlas Footprint)