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My Step-By-Step guide To Backpacking Europe

The Eiffel Tower in Paris
Updated: 1/19/19 | January 19th, 2019

Backpacking Europe is still one of my favorite things to as a traveler. There isn’t a year I don’t criss-cross the continent.

I’ve been doing it for over close to thirteen years and it never gets old.

During the summer, hostels brim with life, the Mediterranean sparkles, streets brim with people slowly drinking wine, and the late night setting suns leads to long wonderous days. During the winter, winter brings Christmas markets, skiing, fewer crowds, and lower prices! (Note: May and October are really the best months to backpack Europe in my opinion.)

Over the decade I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve written a lot of posts on Europe. I visit Europe multiple times a year, have been all over the continent, and even run tours there.

Everything you could ever want to know about backpacking Europe.

I wanted to create an awesome resource page that will help you plan your backpacking trip to Europe where all my best stuff on planning a backpacking or budget trip to Europe could be found in one place.

Without further ado, here’s everything:

Step 1: Plan Your Backpacking EuropeT rip

A person planning a Backpacking Trip to Europe with a map

  • How Not to Feel Overwhelmed While Planning – Planning the perfect trip to Europe can be daunting and overwhelming. I’ve been there and I understand, but I can tell you from years of experience that the more you plan your trip, the more anxiety you will face.
  • How to Save for Your Trip – Is money stopping you from taking the trip of your dreams? Here are 22 easy ways to cut down on your daily expenses so you can save money to backpack Europe.
  • How to Find a Cheap Flight – Getting to Europe can be half the challenge. Luckily, there are a ton of flight deals to the continent now if you know when and how to look for them. This article will show you how to always get a cheap flight to Europe and avoid being the person that paid the most for their ticket!
  • How to Earn Points for Free Flights and Hotel Stays – Free travel is my favorite kind of travel! This post shows you eight strategies I use to get over a million frequent flier points. These will get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort!
  • How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days – Every year, thousands of travelers wonder how they can stay in Europe for more than 90 days, which is the limit in the Schengen Zone. The good news is that there are a few different ways to stay (especially because not all of Europe is in the Schengen Zone). In this post, I share what you can do to stay legally beyond 90 days and on the continent in general.
  • How to Avoid Paying ATM Fees (FOREVER) – You should never have to pay any bank fees while you are accessing your money in Europe! Here is my advice on how to avoid bank fees as your backpacking Europe.
  • Is Europe Safe to Visit? – After a few high-profile terrorist attacks (as well as various protests), many people think that Europe isn’t safe to visit. Fortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Step 2: Get Your Gear for Backpacking EuropeA bunch of hiking gear in an empty field

  • How to Pick the Best Backpack – It’s important to pick a quality backpack for your trip since it’s going to get beaten up as you travel! This guide to choosing the right travel backpack will help you determine the best pack for your trip.
  • What to Pack for Your Trip – What should you pack on your trip? Well, there is no one right answer, but this list will give you a good place to start. It’s what I take on my trips with me (though you’ll need to make some seasonal variations, I’m sure!).
  • The Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers – In this post, Kristin Addis shares her packing insights for women, so that you can travel just about anywhere without spending a fortune on gear.
  • How to Buy Good Travel Insurance – Travel insurance is one of the most important things you’ll need for your trip. You wouldn’t have a car without car insurance ora home without home insurance, and you can’t have a trip without travel insurance!
  • Smartphones, Tablets, or Laptops: What’s Best for Travelers? – Not sure what tech gear to bring on your next trip? Our resident tech expert Dave Dean will walk you through the pros and cons of each device and help you get the most out of your travel tech.
  • Why T-Mobile is the Best Phone Carrier for US Travelers – Looking for a reliable carrier for your next trip? Consider making the switch to T-Mobile.
  • The Best Travel Cameras – Wondering what kind of camera you should get for your trip? This post will show you exactly what you need — no matter your budget!

Step 3: How to Get Amazing Accommodation in Europe

A set of bunk beds in a hostel dorm room

  • How to Find Cheap Accommodation – If you are looking to stay somewhere besides a hotel or a hostel, this article lists all the types of places where you can rest your head in Europe — from couches to farms and even monasteries!
  • How to Find a Good Hostel – This article features my best tips on how to find an affordable, clean, and fun hostel where you can meet a lot of amazing people.
  • The Best Hostels in Europe – This is a list of European hostels that I would definitely use again if I have the chance. Hope this helps with your next European backpacking adventure!
  • How to Find a Couchsurfing Host – Couchsurfing is a great way to save money (it’s free!), and it offers a peek into local life and a way to meet locals. It’s one of my favorite resources when I travel. Plus, Europe has a ton of hosts! If you want to stand out from the crowd and stay with amazing hosts, follow these seven steps, my tried-and-true Couchsurfing advice.
  • How to Become a House Sitter – This is a how-to guide to house-sitting, a wonderful opportunity that allows you to stay in a location rent free in exchange for watching someone’s house.

Step 4: Get Around Europe on the Cheap

A man in a grey shirt hitchhiking

  • 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe – Even with the falling euro, traveling around Europe can still be fairly expensive. Here are seven ways to backpack Europe without breaking the bank.
  • Are Eurail Passes Worth It? – Everyone traveling to Europe wonders if they will save money by buying a rail pass or if it’s cheaper to buy tickets as they go. This detailed post will give you the pros and cons of buying a rail pass!
  • Would You Contiki? – Is a Contiki tour cheaper than backpacking Europe solo? Are the tours worth doing? Find out more about the costs of solo vs group travel and whether a Contiki tour is right for you.
  • Sailing Around Croatia with Busabout – Busabout is a hugely popular tour company for those backpacking Europe. They are especially famous for their Croatia sailing trips. Here’s a review of my experience I took with them.

Step 5: Save Money While Backpacking Europe

a bunch of colorful Euro bills

  • How to Save Money on Food – While traveling Europe, food often becomes a major expense. Here are some tips for saving money on food so you still can afford a nice meal out every now and then.
  • How to Use the Sharing Economy to Save Money – The rise of the sharing economy has made backpacking Europe so much easier and cheaper. This post lists all my favorite ridesharing, house sharing local meeting websites so you can get off the tourist trail and experience day-to-day life with locals!
  • 61 Tips to Make You the Savviest Traveler – These 61 travel tips will help you become an expert traveler who gets around Europe cheaper, better, longer, and smarter!
  • My 18 Current Favorite Restaurants in Europe – After exploring Europe quite a bit last year and gorging on food, these are my new favorite 18 restaurants around the continent. They are definitely places you don’t want to miss the next time you travel Europe.
  • How I spent $100 in 5 days in Stockholm – Here’s how I did Stockholm on an ultra-tight budget so you can use my tips and tricks throughout the continent.
  • How I spent 10 days in London for $700 USD – Here’s a detailed post about how I managed to travel around London for less than $70 a day. The methods I used will help you throughout the continent.
  • 14 Major Travel Scams to Avoid – Losing money to a preventable travel scam sucks. Learn what scams to look out for in Europe and save yourself a potential headache!

Step 6: Find Out What to do and See in Europe

a travel map for planning a trip to Europe
What do you do while backpacking Europe? LOTS! Here are all my comprehensive budget travel guides for destinations around Europe with tips and advice on things to do and see, ways to save money, and typical costs for each of them. You’ll find country specific tips as well as a host of cities listed as well. I have over 100 guides to places in Europe! Everything you ever need to know about where you are going can be found in these articles!

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic
Denmark England Finland France Germany
Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy
Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal
Romania Russia Scotland Spain Sweden
Switzerland Ukraine

In addition to the free city and country guides above, here are some insightful travel itineraries to help you make the most out of your trip to some of Europe’s most popular cities:

***

This massive resource list will help you plan your trip to backpacking Europe in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step pattern so you won’t get lost, overspend, or stress out about your upcoming dream trip. Europe is one of my favorite regions of the world (which is why I spend so much time there). There’s so much variety in food, culture, language, as well as so much history. I love the continent and hope you use these tips to plan your ultimate backpacking adventure in Europe!

Want All My Money-Saving Tips? Get My Guide to Europe

Nomadic Matt’s Backpacking Europe
My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!!

Also look at my other Europe guides:

View all my guides —>

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Pin for later!

Photo credit: 1, 3

The post My Step-By-Step guide To Backpacking Europe appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Why You Should Get Travel Insurance When You Travel

a man swinging in a jungle swing
Posted: 1/17/2019 | January 17th, 2019

I’ve written about buying travel insurance a lot. I’ve talked about how to find the right policy, discussed why World Nomads is my favorite company, and answered a few of the most common questions on the subject.

But while I’ve talked about the practical “how-to” part of getting insurance, I’ve never really focused on the why of travel insurance.

So let’s talk about that today.

Why should you buy travel insurance?

Why is it important?

What’s in it for you?

Peace of mind.

And the potential not to go broke.

And the ability to get care when you need it.

Many of us believe we’re invincible: we think we’ll never get sick on the road, robbed, or be involved in an accident. As someone tweeted to me “I’ve traveled extensively for more than a decade and never once ever *considered* buying travel insurance. Still no issues.”

But the past is not prologue.

I never thought I’d break my camera or pop an eardrum while scuba diving. My friend never thought he’d break his back. My other friends didn’t plan on bike and car accidents, or getting their stuff stolen, or their dad dying and having to suddenly fly home.

But all those things did happen.

And travel insurance was there for each of them.

You’re not Superman or Wonder Woman. You can’t fight off criminals, bend steel, or fly. You can’t fall from the sky and walk away.

When you’re a budget traveler, spending a few hundred extra dollars on something that only might be used can be a hard pill to swallow. When every penny counts, the temptation is to just roll the dice and hope nothing happens.

I can give you thousands of examples of people who bought travel insurance and were thankful they did.

I can also give you thousands of examples of people who didn’t buy it and regretted it when something went wrong.

a man wearing a cast gives the thumbs up

Travel is all about the unknown — and that unknown is a double edge sword bringing exciting adventures or disaster.

Don’t fall for the logical fallacy that because something hasn’t happened before, it’s not likely to happen in the future.

The past is NOT prologue.

Just because you haven’t gotten sick on the road doesn’t mean you won’t get sick in the future. If you’ve never had something stolen from you, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future.

Getting sick happens all the time.

Getting robbed happens all the time.

Getting injured happens all the time.

Getting delayed in transit happens all the time.

Breaking something happens all the time.

Travel insurance will be there in all those situations. It is comprehensive coverage that will protect you when you get sick or robbed or hurt, suffer an accident, have your flight delayed or canceled, or need to cancel your trip because of an emergency.

Travelers also often think, “Well, insurance is cheaper in other parts of the world, so I can just pay for it out of pocket. It’s all socialized health care, right?”

Wrong.

U.S. health insurance doesn’t cover you overseas. Neither do all those socialized medical programs in other countries.

When you travel, you’re not covered. You’re still going to have to pay out of pocket, and if you’re seriously ill or have to go home, those costs will add up!

When you need casts and airlifts and serious medical attention, it’s not cheap. I mean, here are just emergency medical evacuation costs in some popular destinations around the world:

  • Mexico: $15,000-$20,000
  • South America: $100,000
  • Germany, France, or other developed European nations: $50,000-$100,000
  • Russia: $90,000-$150,000 (weather conditions can dramatically increase costs)
  • Asia, Australia, and the Middle East: $220,000

That’s a ton of money! Who can pay that?

Travel insurance, that’s who!

While many credit cards offer insurance on things you buy with those cards (like flights and hotels), their service and coverage is very limited.

For example, if you used the Chase Sapphire Reserve, they will reimburse up to $10,000 per trip (for nonrefundable expenses like passenger fares, tours, and hotels) if it’s canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, or certain other situations. They’ll also cover up to $3,000 for checked or carry-on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, and they’ll cover up to $500 for delayed flights (for things like lodging and meals). If you are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.

But most cards will not pay out if you get sick while on the road. The less premium Chase Sapphire Preferred card has the same delay and cancellation reimbursements as well as coverage for lost or damaged luggage but there’s no reimbursement for medical treatment or an emergency.

Not everyone has premium credit cards and, even then, most are stingy about paying out medical claims.

Contrast that with World Nomads Travel Insurance (my favorite company), which covers everything that happens while you’re on the road. You get $100,000 for emergency accident or medical treatment, $750 for emergency dental treatment, and $300,000 for emergency evacuation. Luggage loss and trip delays are also included, with up to $3,000 reimbursed for lost personal effects, $2,500-10,000 for trip cancellation, $2,500-10,000 for trip interruption, and $250/day for trip delay.

Additionally, travel insurance covers trip delays caused by and nonrefundable tickets that you can’t use because of a death in the family, a strike, or a natural disaster. Nearly 162,000 flights were delayed and around 15,000 flights were canceled last year. That’s a lot of chances to get stuck.

In short, travel insurance is far more generous and comprehensive than your credit card’s insurance.

***

When we travel, we embrace the unknown.

But with that unknown comes the increased likelihood that something could go wrong.

Travel insurance is your hedge against that.

At just a few dollars a day, it’s the peace of mind you need to know that if something does go wrong, you won’t be out of pocket even more money and that you can get the help you need.

Get covered!

Because you don’t want to end up like my friend who broke her arm after deciding that, since she never got hurt on the road, it was pointless to renew her insurance plan….and then immediately regretted.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post Why You Should Get Travel Insurance When You Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Surprise! I’m Moving to Paris

sunset over the Eiffel Tower and the rooftops of Paris
Posted: 1/14/19 | January 14th, 2019

Ever since I first set eyes upon it, I’ve wanted to move to Paris. It was everything I’ve imagined it to be. A city that oozed sophistication and history from its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, cafes, restaurants, and Parisians strolling down the street.

I loved the lights, the food, the music, the people, that special je ne sais quoi.

I know I idealize Paris.

I know living somewhere is a lot different than dropping in for a few weeks at a time.

But I’ve always wanted to be the clichéd American travel writer who wakes up, has his coffee, and writes on his balcony or in some café while lingering over wine for hours.

I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in Paris. To learn the language and everything one could possibly know about the city.

And so, since there is no time like the present, it’s time to finally do it.

I’m moving to Paris!

Not forever. Just until June.

Maybe “moving” is a strong word. Maybe an “extended stay” might be a better term.

I don’t care.

I feel that is long enough to say I’m (temporarily) “moving” to Paris.

It will be my base of operations. My sole domicile. My home.

Next month, I’ll return from Colombia, pack my things, and by the end of the month, be ensconced in the City of Lights.

The Arc de Triomphe lit up in the evening, in Paris

I know my time there will fly by. I remember the summer I spent in Stockholm and how quickly that came to an end. Right as I started meeting people, it was time to go.

Luckily, Americans get to stay six months in France, so I’ll have a longer time to play with.

I have a lot of plans for that time:

I am going to write — a lot!

I’m going to find a ’20s swing dance group.

I’m going to seek out all the best jazz the city has to offer.

I’m going to visit every tourist attraction in town. Just because.

I plan to learn French.

My 2019 mantra is “do less but better.” I plan to cut down the number of things I do — but go deeper into them.

I’m going to focus on living. I plan to work in the mornings, sightsee in the afternoon, check in with the team, and have long dinners.

Nomadic Matt posing in front of the Eiffel Tower

Paris is the first step in making that happen.

I’m not over New York. Just over living there.

New York City will always be a part of me, and I’m glad I was here so much this year, but I don’t have good habits in the city: I’m out too often and too late, and I don’t find myself sleeping a lot. I don’t have a productive workspace or a kitchen. Many of my friends have started to move away or are planning to have kids.

The life I want to lead is not found there any longer.

My time there has come to an end.

And I’m OK with it. Since I decided to do this, I haven’t had one moment of regret.

So before June brings TravelCon and July brings my next book and book tour (more on that later), I feel like this is the perfect window to live out all my Paris writer dreams.

Opportunity is knocking.

If you don’t answer the door, it will move on to the next person.

So I’m doing it.

I’m finally going to live in Paris!

And I’m pretty damn excited about it!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to ParisFor more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. Some of my favorite places to stay in Paris are:

  • St. Christopher’s Canal – Comfy spot on the canal. During the summer months, the terrace is hopping!
  • 3 Ducks Hostel – This hostel has one of the cheapest bars in the city, and it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.
  • Les Piaules – Fantastic chimney lounge, a cool bar, and a rooftop space. It’s a great place to meet people!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Paris?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Paris with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

The post Surprise! I’m Moving to Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

My 12 Favorite Hostels in Bangkok in 2019

Bangkok at night
Posted: 1/10/2019 | January 10th, 2019

Bangkok is a wonderful city full of history, gorgeous temples, and excitement. It’s an excellent place for travelers, as there is a lot to do and see here. It is one of my favorite cities in the entire world, and I can never get enough of it! Stick me in a Thai market surrounded by food stalls and I’m a happy man!

Bangkok is the hub for travel in Southeast Asia, and chances are you’re likely to pass through it on your travels around the region.

The city has thousands of guesthouses and hostels. There are so many that it can take hours to narrow down your choices when looking online.

Luckily, as I’ve been visiting since 2005, I’ve stayed all over town and know the best hostels and guesthouses in Bangkok. Rather than waste hours searching online or reading tons of reviews, I’ve created this list so you can save time and just stay at an awesome place without having to worry if you made the right decision!

Just stay at one of these places on your next visit!

The 12 Best Hostels in Bangkok

1. Bella Bella House

Bella Bella House
This multistory guesthouse is centrally located, close to the river and Khao San Road, and attracts a calmer crowd. The rooms are super basic (they only have beds in them), but they’re cheap, clean, and quiet. For rooms with shared bathrooms, you only have cold-water showers; the air-conditioned private rooms have hot showers. The beds are pretty comfy, but the pillows are hard as a rock. The staff is friendly and helpful. There are tons of rooms, so walk-ins aren’t normally an issue.

Single rooms from 220 THB/$7 USD (fan, shared bathroom), double rooms from 320 THB/$9.75 USD (fan, shared bathroom)

2. Lub d Bangkok Silom

Lub d Bangkok Silom
Lub d Silom is a very popular spot for backpackers looking to stay somewhere other than Khao San Road. The hostel is kept in good condition, the rooms are spacious and have electronic key locks, the staff speaks fluent English, and there are plenty of group activities. It’s a more European-style hostel than traditional Asian guesthouse.

Beds from 305 THB/$9.30 USD (discounts for booking ahead and longer stays)

—-> Book your stay at Lub d Bangkok Silom

3. Golden Mountain Hostel

Golden Mountain Hostel
About a mile away from crazy Khao San Road and near the famous Golden Mountain Temple is this small, family-run hostel. It’s one of the newest and nicest hostels in the city. The dorm beds are actually cubbies built into the wall for added privacy, and each room sleeps eight people. The décor is super beautiful and well thought out. The mattresses are soft, the pillows and comforters are cozy, and the bathrooms are beautiful and clean (two showers, toilets, and sinks for each eight-person room!). This is a great hostel if you want some peace and quiet. It’s one of the best in Bangkok.

Beds from 350 THB/$10.60 USD

—-> Book your stay at Golden Mountain Hostel!

4. Khaosan Immjai Hostel

Khaosan Immjai Hostel
This hostel has air-conditioned dorm rooms and a lovely staff and is a good choice for solo travelers looking to meet other people and get fairly cheap beds. It’s only a 10-minute walk to Khao San Road, so you’re close enough to the action without being kept up all night by it. The staff is friendly, the beds are cheap, and the place is kept clean. There’s also a women-only floor. Overall, it’s a solid guesthouse. You can’t go wrong.

Beds from 350 THB/$10.60 USD

—-> Book your stay at Khaosan Immjai Hostel!

5. HQ Hostel

HQ Hostel
Another European-style hostel, HQ has amazing beds with reading lamps, electrical outlets, and digital lockboxes. The facilities are clean and modern. The staff is incredibly helpful, and there’s also exercise equipment to work off all those Chang beers! Located in Silom, it’s also one of the best hostels in the city, even if it’s slightly more expensive than the rest.

Beds from 360 THB/$11 USD (discounts for groups and longer stays)

—-> Book your stay at HQ Hostel!

6. Mad Monkey Hostel

Mad Monkey Hostel
Another backpacker institution near Khao San Road, this is probably the best hostel in Bangkok if you want to party. It has a restaurant, pool, and tour desk with some of the cheapest and most competitive prices in town. Additionally, you’ll get comfy beds, a cozy blanket, and your own outlets and lamps! All the rooms have air-conditioning. Even though it’s slightly more expensive than other places in the area, you’re making up for it with one of the best social scenes! If you’re looking to meet backpackers, it’s easy to do here!

Beds from 410 THB/$12.45 USD, rooms from 1,000 THB/$30.40 USD (book through their own website for the cheapest rates)

—-> Book your stay at Mad Monkey Hostel!

7. Green House Hostel

Green House Hostel
This large hostel is a backpacker institution, with large rooms, tour services, a bar, a pool table, and a decent restaurant. It’s the best overall hostel in Bangkok! As an added bonus, you can negotiate your room price if you walk in. The rooms are really basic (as you can see from the photo of my room above), and while the beds are hard, the pillows are pretty soft. There’s a nice desk, and the bathrooms are cleaned every day — they are simple but the water pressure is great! Tip: Avoid rooms in the front of the building, as the noise from the streets blasts up and you won’t get any sleep.

Beds from 410 THB/$12.45 USD, double rooms from 620 THB/$18.86 USD. There’s a 3% credit card fee, so pay in cash.

—-> Book your stay at Green House Hostel!

8. @Hua Lamphong Hostel

@Hua Lamphong Hostel
This hostel is pretty straightforward, with six-bed mixed-gender dorms, huge lockers, and en suite bathrooms. It’s slightly more expensive than others in the area, but the private rooms are hotel quality. This is the best hostel for travelers taking the train, as Bangkok’s train station is right across the street.

Beds from 420 THB/$12.75 USD

—-> Book your stay at @Hua Lamphong Hostel!

9. New Siam Guesthouse III

New Siam Guesthouse III
This place isn’t great. The beds are kind of hard, and the rooms a bit dull under the fluorescent lights, so why is it on a list of the best hostels in Bangkok? Because it offers some of the cheapest private rooms in the Khoa San/Rambuttri area. The rooms come with water, a desk, A/C, and hot water. Most of the rooms in the area with those kinds of amenities cost over 1,000 baht! If you’re looking to save money on a private room, you should stay here!

Double rooms from 840 THB/25.55 USD.

—-> Book your stay at New Siam Guesthouse III!

10. D&D Inn

D&D Inn
D&D Inn is an institution on Khao San Road (it’s been around for decades) and perfect for those with last-minute travel plans. There are always rooms available, and reception is open 24 hours. There’s a bar and a pool on the rooftop that gets packed with travelers. They also upgraded the facilities and rooms in recent years. The rooms are cleaned often, some have fridges and hairdryers, the water pressure is great, the beds are soft, and there are a lot of beautiful wood finishings around.

Double rooms from 920 THB/$30 USD.

—-> Book your stay at D&D Inn!

11. Baan Kachitpan

D&D Inn
This home-turned-guesthouse makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. There are fresh flowers all over, and the light switches look like they’re from the 1920s. The owner, Jam, and her mother (who grew up in this house) live right next door. You can tell that Jam put her heart into making this guesthouse feel like a home, too. The beds are not the softest, but the water is hot, and the place is pristinely decorated and very clean. It is only a six-minute walk to Victory Monument and a 20-minute walk to the Grand Palace.

Single rooms from 950 THB/$28.89 USD, double rooms from 1,590 THB/$48.36 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Baan Kachitpan!

12. Bangkok Tree House

Tree House
Located just south of town along the river, this eco-friendly guesthouse is a wonderful place to get away from the concrete jungle of Bangkok. The floors, walls, and ceilings are all made of reclaimed wood and local bamboo, juice cartons provide the insulation, and renewable energy provides electricity. The accommodations are basic, but you get to wander one of the more pristine parts of town. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, it’s probably the most unique accommodation in Bangkok. They have lots of land to ride bikes on too!

Rooms from 4,590 THB/$139.60 USD (15% discount for buying online, bringing a bike, being an expat, and staying more than four nights)

—-> Book your stay at the Bangkok Tree House!

****
Bangkok is a huge city with a lot of accommodation options, but if you stay in one of these amazing and unique hostels, you’re going to be centrally located, comfortable, and able to save money and meet people! Win-win!

These are the hostels I return to time and time again. I hope you do too!

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Bangkok!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to BangkokMy detailed, 80-page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while in Bangkok, a city I used to call home (so I know it really well!). You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!

Book Your Trip to Bangkok: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Get Your Guide
Check out my detailed guide to planning a visit to Bangkok with suggested itineraries and information on places to stay, things to do, where to eat, and how to get around. Just click here to get the guide and continue planning today!

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13

The post My 12 Favorite Hostels in Bangkok in 2019 appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

UPDATES: New and EXPANDED Editions of Our Guidebooks!

a man and woman looking out at a lake in Canmore, Alberta
Posted: 1/9/2019 | January 9th, 2019

Happy 2019, my fellow travelers!

This is going to be a big year at Nomadic Matt HQ. I have some big personal news I’ll be sharing next week (no, I’m not getting married. Yet.) and big news about the direction of this website (I used the holidays to map out my vision for 2019) that I’ll also be sharing soon (hint: we’re going back to basics).

But, right now, I want to talk about our books.

As you all know, we offer detailed how-to guides to destinations around the world to help you plan your trip better.

They’re like a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide…but way better!

My guides are for those of you who want to break the mold and get off the well-trodden tourist path. They take what you love about this site and supercharge it. They include my favorite hostels, restaurants, and bars — spots you probably won’t find listed elsewhere!

We’re constantly expanding and improving the books so that you, the reader, can have the most up-to-date and robust information possible!

Last year, we put all our books on Kindle, solved our map issue, and added more family-friendly activities.

At the beginning of every year, we do a massive overhaul! Over the last couple of months, we have been updating these guides based on your feedback to our previous editions.

In addition to the normal updates of prices, practicalities, etc., we have also greatly expanded our books. These new editions include a bunch of new sections:

  • Interesting facts about each destination
  • Information about local cuisine (so you know what to try!)
  • Expanded transportation sections
  • A chart with the distances to/from nearby destinations
  • Tips on traveling as a senior
  • Tips on traveling if you’re disabled
  • Ways to stay safe and scams to look out for
  • Month-by-month guide listing great festivals and events to attend
  • Price guide so you get an idea of how much everything should cost

Additionally, you’ll find all sorts of other good stuff in each book:

  • Suggested budgets
  • In-depth ways to save money
  • Suggested itineraries (with maps)
  • What to do and see (with a focus on free, cheap, and off-beat attractions)
  • My favorite places to eat
  • My favorite places to sleep
  • Nightlife suggestions
  • Practicalities (business hours, tourist information centers, public holiday info, electricity, phones abroad, emergency and legal information, visa guidelines, LGBTQ travel tips, best times to visit, etc.)
  • Transportation maps
  • A history section
  • Book and movie suggestions related to the destination
  • Language sections

Below is a list of all our destination guidebooks (if you purchase a book as a PDF, you get the second one for an additional 50% off too):

nomadic matt's guide to parisLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to nycLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to amsterdamLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to bangkokLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to icelandLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to stockholmLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to hong kongLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to the virgin islandsLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to thailandLearn More | Get Kindle
nomadic matt's guide to europeLearn More | Get Kindle

NOTE: PDFs can be read on iPads and iPhones via the iBooks app if you get the PDF version.

Additionally, we’re now offering bundles of our books too:

  • The Asia Bundle – Get all our Asia guides PLUS our travel hacking guide for one low price! This bundle is only $50 $24.99!! That’s 50% off the original price!
  • The Europe Bundle – Get all our Europe guides PLUS our travel hacking guide for one low price! This bundle is only $60 $24.99!! That’s 60% off the original price!
  • Our Complete Collection – Get EVERY guide we sell for one low price! This bundle is only $120 $39.99!! That’s 66% off the original price!

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Hacking

Lastly, we just updated our book on travel hacking. If you’re looking to learn how to master points and miles in the new year and not pay for flights or accommodation, pick up our new edition. The price is $9.99 (regularly $29.99), and the new update includes:

  • New award charts (and other charts throughout the book)
  • Best new cards to get
  • Completely updated information on credit and credit scores
  • More tips on how to manufacture spending in 2019
  • Everything in the book has been updated (as you know this information changes quickly, so be sure to get this version to make sure you know how to travel hack the right way for 2019)

You can pick up this book and save money on flying for just $9.99!

(Note: If you already own a copy of this book, a new version is on its way to you! After all, you get updates for life when you purchase this book!)

So that’s it for today!

I’ll have more news and regular stories coming next but we worked hard on these books and I want to share our new beautiful babies with you!

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments!

– Matt

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post UPDATES: New and EXPANDED Editions of Our Guidebooks! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.