I live outside Madison, WI and am looking for places that allow primitive camping/ backpacking. I don’t want the Campgrounds with picnic areas, pools and game rooms. I want to take my backpack and be in the wilderness. Places near lakes or rivers would be nice, but anywhere is okay. I am looking to do this for about a week. Any ideas?

It seems to be huge in Australia, and from what I heard, Europe.

Why don’t people do that in America? I could’ve sworn I’ve seen two filthy dudes with huge backpacks come into my local grocery store in Michigan, but other than that, it doesn’t seem like people backpack here.

In Australia, you can sleep at hostels, work at rural Outback farms/ranches, and have every one of your backpacking whims taken care of.

Quite odd.

I want to do some traveling this summer and I’m on a budget so I’m looking into backpacking trips. I’ve always wanted to travel through Mexico. Is it possible and advisable to backpack through Mexico? I found this website called Bamba Experience that has Hop On/Off travel passes on a bus network for travelers.

I need something for my 6-week trip to Japan (both rural and city areas), as well as for a six-day backpacking trip in New England. Can I find something ideal for both those?

I am interested in taking a 2-3 month backpacking trip this summer. I intend to live frugally and buy only essentials, but money will still be a factor.

Are certain continents much more expensive to backpack than others? For example, how much cost variance is there between Africa, South America, and Europe?

I’m an American, in case the USD conversion to the different currencies makes a significant difference.

Any information or comparisons are much appreciated! Thanks!