Start here
If you are new here, start with these guides. They cover the basics, help you avoid common mistakes, and make the rest of your planning much easier.
Choose a topic
Whether you are choosing a destination, sorting out the basics, or comparing longer-stay options, these are the best places to start.
Where are you going?
Start with the main regions and countries below to find the guides most relevant to your trip.
Latest Guides
The latest transport guides, route breakdowns, and trip-planning articles from Backpacking Is Life.
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Seoul to Busan in 2026: KTX vs Bus vs Flight
A practical Seoul to Busan transport guide for 2026 covering when KTX wins, when the bus is good enough, and the rare cases where a flight makes sense.
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Where to Stay in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors (2026): Best Areas for Budget, Mid-Range & Higher-End Trips
The best areas to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in 2026, including Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station/Ginza, plus which neighbourhood fits budget, mid-range, and higher-end trips best.
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T-money Card Guide for Tourists in South Korea (2026): How to Buy, Top Up & Use It
A practical T-money guide for South Korea covering where to buy it, how to top it up, where it works, whether you still need one, and the easiest setup for…
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Best Travel Card for Japan in 2026: The Easiest Setup for International Travelers
The best travel card setup for Japan in 2026 if you are not specifically travelling from Australia, including Wise, cash withdrawals, IC cards, and where most people overcomplicate the whole…
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Suica vs Pasmo vs ICOCA in 2026: Which Japan IC Card Should You Use?
A practical guide to Suica vs Pasmo vs ICOCA in 2026, including where each one works, tourist options, mobile wallets, and which IC card is easiest for first-time Japan trips.
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Is the JR Pass Worth It in 2026? Japan Rail Pass Prices, Math & Best Alternatives
A practical 2026 guide to whether the JR Pass is actually worth it, including current prices, when it beats individual tickets, when to skip it, and the routes where it…