2020-12-28 06:17
How travel has changed this year! Since March regular international flights to India have been banned. The only way to get to India is on what they call repatriation flights. Since these are… Read More
Blog Directory > Travel Blogs > Backpack ME travel Blog >
Backpack Me Blog
bkpk.me
Travel around the world with A&Z. Come on an adventure with Ashray and Zara as they capture the world through beautiful photos, videos, and more!
2019-05-25 13:30
It has been over 2 years since I’ve been living in Lisbon. This period has coincided pretty well with Lisbon’s tourism boom and the good and bad that come with it. Although touri… Read More
2019-04-01 16:00
We live in an age of hyper comparison. By spending time on social media as we invariably do, our subconscious is constantly comparing our talents, looks, achievements, and even our happiness… Read More
2019-01-09 20:37
Airline pricing systems are pretty strange. Compared to other means of transport where tickets are priced by distance and class, airline tickets are often priced based on competition. This m… Read More
2019-01-02 16:03
Anguilla is a tiny island nation in the Caribbean and it’s part of the British West Indies (BWI). A lot of Indians are familiar with the West Indies mostly because of cricket. Although… Read More
2018-12-31 20:07
Even though these two territories are on a single island in the Caribbean, St Maarten and St Martin belong to Holland and France respectively. Perhaps belong is not the most politically corr… Read More
2018-10-01 15:31
On several occasions during our travels we found ourselves in busy touristic cities. Places like Rome, Paris, and Barcelona that are known to have opportunistic pick pockets. We’ve hea… Read More
2018-09-25 10:45
Heralded as the World’s Leading Culinary Destination, not once, but six times, Peru has become the top country to visit for its gastronomy. Peruvian food is a beautiful confluence of c… Read More
2018-09-20 18:54
A question we get asked a lot when people travel internationally is whether they need a return flight or a flight out of the country that they’re visiting. There’s not really one… Read More
2018-09-18 23:49
Our blog turns seven today. When Zara and I started this site, we never imagined that we would make it to seven years. Our plan was to travel for up to one year and write about our adventure… Read More
2018-08-07 19:22
Identity is an abstract idea that people use to categorize each other. We look at a face and immediately a thousand neurons fire to tell us more about this person based on our preconceived i… Read More
2018-05-18 10:56
When we rented a car to explore Iceland, the folks from the rental car company told us that we could also book activities in the country via their sister company Iceland On The Web. We didn… Read More
2018-05-14 17:05
Iceland was on our travel wish list for a long, long time. A couple of summers ago, we thought of traveling to this country to explore all around, but that trip never ended up happening. We… Read More
2018-05-09 11:02
Even though winter is not the high season in Iceland, there are several advantages of visiting the country during the colder months. One of them is that the impressive ice tunnels and crysta… Read More
2018-05-03 11:20
Every now and then we crave traveling to a place that feels completely different than where we happen to be. After spending a solid amount of time in Europe, we decided to take advantage of… Read More
2018-04-24 18:01
Penang is the most food-obsessed place I have ever been too! Folks eat out all the time. Food is ubiquitous, quick, convenient and affordable. Most of the meals served around Penang are prep… Read More
2018-04-22 16:14
Growing up in India, I didn’t get to see a lot of snow. While snowfall is common high up in the mountains during winter, you still need to take a trip for several hours to get above th… Read More
2018-04-18 10:01
With the purchase of a new Desktop machine, I came upon a problem that many photographers have already experienced in the past. I want my Adobe Lightroom catalog on my desktop to be in sync… Read More
2018-04-15 08:50
We traveled to Iceland during winter, and we didn’t get to go all over the island. As I know even people from tiny countries (I’m from Portugal!) get pretty specific about the th… Read More
2018-04-11 18:27
We recently took a trip around the Central Region of Portugal. The places we visited were charming. The people were kind. But the food, oh the food, that was the absolute highlight of it all… Read More
2018-04-08 13:10
I was recently talking with a foreign friend here in Portugal and she mentioned something that I had never actually thought about. In Portugal, people tend to be proud of their job. It doesn… Read More
2018-04-06 15:16
Lok Lok is not exclusively sold in the late hours of the night. But it is certainly after dark, following the closing hours of most other restaurants and street stalls, that this specialty o… Read More
2018-03-31 11:29
Among its many charms, Lisbon is a perfect city canvas for street art. If the cobblestone paths beneath your feet and the typical tiles decorating buildings’ facades weren’t enou… Read More
2018-03-13 12:54
Just like a good book has the capacity of transporting you into a different world, a beautiful postcard can potentially make you feel like you are in a destination far, far away. It’s… Read More
2018-02-27 17:24
Nowadays, almost anything can be turned into a touristic experience. Traveling around the world, I’ve come across some pretty silly examples of this. Folks from rich countries paying t… Read More
2018-02-13 18:26
When I was in China working as an English teacher, I decided to cycle around Iran. I finished my contract at the end of November, so I thought I might as well travel to Iran by land. The pro… Read More
2018-01-05 11:58
Visiting the Demilitarized Zone (aka DMZ) between North and South Korea was quite a bizarre experience. Yet it was one of those bizarre experiences that I would certainly recommend to anyone… Read More
2017-12-15 15:30
As the year draws to an end, we like looking back at what were the articles that you found more inspiring and useful here on Backpack ME. We did the same last year, back in 2015 or even befo… Read More
2017-12-13 15:52
We like using Instagram to share snippets from our travels as they happen. This year, we’ve embraced the platform even further and started sharing Insta Stories. If you’re not fo… Read More
2017-12-09 23:51
Last year, we started the tradition of doing a Christmas giveaway here on Backpack ME. It was a fairly simple affair and our reader Mara, from Texas, took home some cool gifts. This year, we… Read More
2017-12-08 10:29
If it’s true that first impressions tend to last, my idea of Seoul would be one of futuristic looking cityscapes, locals adorned with modern accessories and an efficiency that only wel… Read More
2017-12-06 16:53
It’s only been a few weeks since our trip to Korea came to an end, and we’ve already cooked bibimbap (비빔밥) at home at least 5 times! If exploring the food cu… Read More
2017-11-18 17:44
One of the biggest issues while traveling internationally is that you end up paying around 3-5% extra for every transaction due to currency exchange charges. Whether you exchange cash at an… Read More
2017-10-30 09:24
We live a fairly minimalist lifestyle. When it comes to owning stuff, we truly believe that less is more. The fewer things we own, the less we have to tie us down and, as such, the more flex… Read More
2017-10-27 14:54
Weddings in India are a HUGE deal! Unlike many other parts of the world these days, it is a given that you will eventually get married when you are from India. It’s not compulsory to d… Read More
2017-10-22 10:26
Indian passport holders ordinarily need a visa to visit South Korea (except Jeju island). You can apply for a visa at the nearest South Korean consulate and receive a 90 day visa fairly quic… Read More
2017-10-14 06:58
For Indians, the most painful part of international travel is usually the dreaded visa. If you haven’t yet applied for a visa and need to show a tentative itinerary, we have an article… Read More
2017-10-09 06:53
Dubai has recently eased up visa rules for Indian citizens! If you hold a US green card or valid US visa you can visit Dubai for up to 14 days without any additional paperwork. This facility… Read More
2017-10-03 12:30
On a fine day back in 2011 I thought my life was coming to an end. That was the day when I almost shat myself to death in Doha’s airport. Back then, we were living in Dubai and had dec… Read More
2017-09-14 16:12
When I decided to cycle alone across Iran I was not an experienced cyclist. I still am not. I’m not particularly fit, I struggle to go up hills, and I’m known for my appalling se… Read More
2017-08-29 17:39
There are only a few earthly things that can be seen from outer space. The Great Wall of China is a well known example, as are the man-made islands of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, and the Pyramid… Read More
2017-08-09 23:11
If India and Mexico made love, they could give birth to something beautiful! No doubt the newborn would dress colorfully and adorn its everyday things with vibrant tones. It would be saucy… Read More
2017-07-31 18:42
Hot. Dry. Intense. This is summer in El Paso, Texas! There’s a reason why this Texan city, located right on the border with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, is called The Sun City. There are man… Read More
2017-07-06 08:45
Thanks to the fine weather of the hill station of Lonavala that this place has become one of the most popular tourist places in Maharashtra. With the luxurious 5-star hotels in Lonavala gain… Read More
2017-06-30 11:17
Thinking about California brings to mind Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Disneyland, road trips down Highway 101, and so much more. Even if you haven’t been to California before, chances ar… Read More
2017-06-23 11:12
Top tips and advice for packing the ultimate travel backpack, shared by Agness and Cez – eTramping duo. So you’re off on your first around the world adventure – but what do… Read More
2017-06-15 19:18
As we travel around the world, we are often asked if we ever get into trouble or if we feel unsafe in some of the places we go to. Our answer tends to be the same: most people in the world a… Read More
2017-06-12 05:47
If there is one thing we love it’s last minute trips and one way tickets. OK, that’s two things! I guess what we really like is to be able to be spontaneous and make the most of… Read More
2017-05-14 19:05
On a random late winter day, we were strolling around in Lisbon. We were walking down one of those typical cobblestone stairways when Ashray pointed out to me “watch out!”, givin… Read More
2017-05-11 14:04
No matter how many countries we keep on visiting, rare are the places that can manage to have the same impact on me as India does. On the same day, or even in the same hour or at the exact v… Read More
2017-05-10 17:28
After the success of the 1st edition of Lisbon in 100 Bites, the Ultimate Lisbon Food Guide is now back with a new look! The 2nd edition of Lisbon in 100 Bites has a totally new design, impr… Read More
2017-04-12 08:40
There are many cool things you can do in and around Lisbon all year long. But going underground, as in literally underground, only happens twice a year! Chances are you do not know this but… Read More
2017-04-07 14:13
I love traveling to places I know nothing about. From walking down the streets people watching, to entering a random restaurant for a local meal, everything is a learning experience. You cou… Read More
2017-03-31 16:07
Travel is as much about logistics and hitting all the popular spots as it is about absorbing that indescribable vibe of a place. The way that a certain new location sounds, the ambient noise… Read More
2017-03-09 13:28
Menorca is the most relaxing island of the Spanish Balearics. Compared to its big sister Mallorca, Minorca (how it is actually known in English) receives less influx of tourists. As a direct… Read More
2017-02-24 10:01
Driving Southern Chile and Argentina along the Carretera Austral and Ruta 40 was the most ambitious road-trip we’ve done until today! Reading Ashray’s article about this adventur… Read More
2017-02-07 14:38
If you’ve read Backpack ME before, you know that Ashray is Indian and that I am Portuguese. But there is at least one thing in which I am [stereotypically] more Indian than him: I love… Read More
2017-02-01 19:44
The Carretera Austral, also known as Chile’s Southern Highway is a 1240km long route that winds along through virgin prehistoric forests, torrential rivers, glaciers, and snow capped p… Read More
2017-01-23 15:35
Cluj is one of the most visited cities in Transylvania. Even though an increasing number of tourists make their way to this region of Romania every year, I still feel like the area is someho… Read More
2017-01-19 20:03
Chances are Cluj (full name: Cluj-Napoca), doesn’t promptly come to mind when one thinks about good places for digital nomads in Europe. Maybe this Romanian city is not a hotspot for r… Read More
2017-01-18 11:54
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city. This vast metropolis is known to be quite commercially oriented. Traditionally, locals even used to greet each other using the word “mōk… Read More
2017-01-17 23:07
I am not the greatest fan of guided tours. Not only do I think that there is very little room for spontaneity when you are exploring a new place with a group, I also feel like you invariably… Read More
2017-01-17 13:39
The city of Anaheim in California is well known as the place where the original Disneyland Resort was created. Right next to Mickey’s first home is now the spectacular Disney Californi… Read More
2016-12-29 17:13
Every year, we like looking back at some of the most popular travel articles we’d shared here on Backpack ME. It’s not because these are necessary our favorites, but we enjoy see… Read More
2016-12-24 16:39
We don’t always post travel stories on real time here on Backpack ME. Sometimes, we may be at a beach shack, writing about that wonderful time when we chased the Northern Lights at -20… Read More
2016-12-20 15:34
When December arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, our imagination tends to be filled with images of snow, evenings by the fire-place and hot drinks in our hands. A rather stereotypical Chris… Read More
2016-12-19 09:47
After spending a couple of days in Penang, I couldn’t help but think: what took us so long to come here? For most of our traveling years, Penang wasn’t even on our radar. And, no… Read More
2016-12-08 11:42
As rather minimalistic travelers, we always say that “less is more”. Carrying around less things indeed gives you more flexibility of movement, and more power to improvise. Still… Read More
2016-12-06 17:21
Lately, we’ve been visiting places we can travel to either without a visa or with a visa on arrival. But there are many more countries we’d like to explore, paperwork considerati… Read More
2016-12-05 13:32
As a digital nomad and internet entrepreneur I love talking about the intersection of location independence, taxes, residence status, visas, and more. One thing that often comes up in these… Read More
2016-11-27 20:23
Paris syndrome is a transient psychological disorder exhibited by some individuals when visiting or vacationing to Paris, as a result of extreme shock resulting from their finding out that P… Read More
2016-11-17 14:45
Bangkok is perceived by many travelers as a chaotic city. It’s funny, but I do not feel that way. Maybe it has to do with the fact that we normally travel to Thailand after spending so… Read More
2016-11-13 10:28
There aren’t many places in the world where mass tourism and beauty blend, in the way they do in Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam is incredibly popular with visitors… Read More
2016-11-09 14:34
We traveled to Italy in the summer of 2016. Today we take you with us on a day trip through the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. This is the place where many of Italy’s famous culinary… Read More
2016-11-02 14:53
Romanian cuisine is quite meat oriented. Yet, surprisingly, it is fairly easy for vegetarians and even vegans to eat local food all over the country. Sounds contradictory, right? Allow me to… Read More
2016-10-29 17:14
Kuta is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Bali. It is known for its Indian Ocean beaches, resorts where you can unwind, and also as a good stepping point to visit the rest of t… Read More
2016-10-28 16:28
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine posted about a crowdfunding campaign on Facebook. As someone who’s been active on the internet since the days before Google existed, I’m quite s… Read More
2016-10-25 10:45
Looking back at my days working in an office, I realize how much random stuff I used to browse on the internet. One of the things that I remember used to keep me particularly entertained wer… Read More
2016-10-13 16:01
Our short trip to Bologna was inspired by the desire to eat and learn a little more about the gastronomy of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. Even though Bologna is not in the same overly… Read More
2016-10-09 05:26
Europe might not sound like the most affordable destination, but Portugal proves surprisingly affordable. Historically, travelers have overlooked Portugal. However, I am happy to notice… Read More
2016-10-01 05:27
The best way to travel around New Zealand (NZ) is undoubtedly by embarking on a road trip. But an even better way to discover NZ is by traveling around the country slowly at your own relaxed… Read More
2016-09-20 06:18
It’s great to see that more and more countries are jumping on the opportunity to welcome legitimate Indian tourists. Malaysia used to offer visa on arrival to Indians in 2010 but after… Read More
2016-09-17 16:17
Over the years, we’ve traveled far and wide. At this point, we’ve visited over 50 countries! Of course, Zara carries a Portuguese passport and this is not big deal for an EU… Read More
2016-09-12 11:05
There are many things you can do to save money while traveling abroad. How you get local currency to begin with is actually one of the main things to keep in mind! We’re often asked if… Read More
2016-09-07 11:42
Taxes are complicated. Digital Nomad taxes are even more complicated. The first question that a lot of people ask is “Where am I supposed to pay taxes?”. If you’re lucky, t… Read More
2016-09-05 11:55
When I landed in Indonesia, I was amazed by its culture and impatient to discover. That being said, if I had snorkeling on my list, I sure didn’t have diving. Indeed, I am that kind of… Read More
2016-09-01 12:32
Two months living in a new city may not suffice to feel like a local. But it sure is enough time to start understanding what makes a place and its people unique. Spending several weeks in St… Read More
2016-08-28 07:38
I remember my first time at the airport in Dubai. I was roaming around the duty free shops, some of which happen to display the largest amount of luxury goods I have ever seen in any airport… Read More
2016-08-24 16:02
Finding free WIFI in Stockholm is certainly not a hard task. This is the Capital of Scandinavia, for Christ’s sake! So finding a good place to work from in Sweden’s main city is… Read More
2016-08-21 13:56
Those who wish to sing, always find a song. Swedish Proverb Just like movies wouldn’t be able to convey the same range of emotions without a proper soundtrack, travel wouldn&rsq&hell…Read More
2016-08-14 10:48
Mexican cuisine has got to be one of the most misrepresented when it comes to the international dining scene. So much that, for years, and until we actually traveled to Mexico, Ashray was co… Read More
2016-08-10 11:39
Before we landed in Helsinki, the view from the plane made me feel like this was going to be quite an idyllic place. From up above, the sky was bright blue, the greenery was vast and the wat… Read More
2016-07-24 09:56
Finland is the 50th country that we have visited in our travels. When we arrived in Helsinki, I thought it’d be an interesting exercise to choose one photo from each country and say so… Read More
2016-07-18 15:17
Visas are one of the major considerations when you travel internationally. Particularly if you hold a passport that doesn’t allow you to enjoy visa on arrival to many countries. That&r&hell…Read More
2016-07-06 07:58
Traveling from Helsinki to Stockholm was way more tiring than expected. Even though flights between the capitals of Finland and Sweden take less than one hour, we arrived in Stockholm to (ye… Read More
2016-07-04 11:18
Helsinki might not be an obvious destination for those who work online. It’s not as affordable as other digital nomad hot spots in Vietnam or Thailand. It doesn’t have the exotic… Read More
2016-06-26 21:21
As the number of tourists coming to Portugal increases, I have been able to observe certain tendencies. Lisbon, like a good representation of Portugal as a whole, is a city known for its imm… Read More
2016-06-24 17:20
As an EU and non-EU couple, the UK referendum was a huge source of stress for us. The UK government, in exchange for a remain vote had negotiated a watering down of family rights across the… Read More
2016-06-12 14:47
I didn’t know much about Myanmar prior to landing in Yangon. That was deliberate; I thought it would be great to spend a month there discovering it fully. I now know that Myanmar is in… Read More
2016-05-27 18:43
We’ve been using AirBNB for almost 5 years now. In these five years, we’ve had some good experiences and some bad. However, every good experience we’ve had has been because… Read More
Subscribe to Backpack Me
Get updates delivered right to your inbox!