chetangb

I've been on fancy vacations and I now feel that they're repetitive. I have been speaking with friends and organizations that "arrange" backpacking trips. This got me wondering why forums are a better space to get information about these things? Why is it better here?

suze

The best backpacker forum I know of is on Lonely Planet's website, called The Thorn Tree.

mlgb

Advice on particular destinations is better found under specific regional or country forums. There are lots of people on Fodors who hike, amp, travel independently off the beaten path. But not too many visit Tips and Ideas regularly.

If you have specific questions on gear you might get answers here, but better to get a book or check with a camping/outdoor store. Some of them also have online info and classes. E.g.,

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advi...beginners.html

thursdaysd

Define "backpacking trip".

Are you heading out on a hike in the wilderness?

Do you just want to carry your luggage instead of wheelimg it?

What kind of backpacking trip needs to be "arranged" by some organization?

sparkchaser

<i>The best backpacker forum I know of is on Lonely Planet's website, called The Thorn Tree.</i>

Accurate.

Also, 4chan /trv/ can be surprisingly helpful.



<i>What kind of backpacking trip needs to be "arranged" by some organization?</i>

The structured, insulated kind.

Unboundly

It's usually better because you get a variety of answers which can give you a full perspective on the trip (with pros and cons). Another advantage is that, unlike agencies, forums are usually run and contributed to by people who like to help and whose paycheck doesn't depend on whether you take their advice or not.

The others have already pointed out some good examples of forums which can help you learn more about planning your own backpacking trip. You'll have to make more decisions and draw up a sketch of a plan yourself, but you can find advice on pretty much any destination. All you have to do is ask