How To Choose The Best Backpack For Travel
These days, there are so many backpacks out there that it can be confusing knowing how to pick the right one.
December 1, 2024
From Routine to Adventure
How We Changed Our Lifestyle to Explore more of the World
Hello! We’re Nikki & Nick
We are chasing freedom, sunshine, and a life less ordinary.
We swapped the 9–5 for new adventures, unforgettable memories, and stories worth sharing — one trip at a time.
Back in August 2021, we realised that we would never win the lottery (I suppose it does help if you buy a ticket!). So, if we wanted to see more of this incredible planet before we got too old, we had to get creative.
That’s when we made a big decision: we quit our jobs, sold (almost) all of our worldly possessions, rented out the house, and hit the road. The plan? To travel as far and as long as we could — on a budget.
HAHAHA… budget?
After 30 years together, we really should’ve known better. Turns out, we’re terrible at sticking to one.
After seven months of travelling around Southeast Asia, reality hit. We had to rethink the plan if we wanted to keep the adventure going.
This is how we’ve ended up working in the UK during the summer — soaking up the best of South Devon and spending time with our friends and family. Then, when the grey skies roll in, we chase the sun and explore the world during the winter. So far, it’s taken us to some pretty amazing places.
It’s not traditional, but it works for us. Most importantly, it’s given us more freedom, more flexibility, and way more adventure than we ever expected.
Breaking free from the everyday grind has been a rollercoaster ride — and we’re still learning as we go.
I started this blog to share the real stuff: the highs, the hiccups, the dodgy spending decisions, and the moments that made it all worth it — every single bit.
So, whether you’re dreaming of your own escape, planning a trip, or just here for the travel inspo, we’re so glad you found us.
Here, you’ll find travel tales, destination guides, cost breakdowns, practical tips, and honest advice on how we made this lifestyle shift possible. No filters, no fluff — just real stories from two people figuring it out, one trip at a time.
It’s been a rollercoaster already — and we’re only just getting started.
Come and join us for the ride.
Let’s go, Nick…
wHERE NEXT FOR lET’S GO nICK…
We will be strapping on our backpacks in December and gearing up for our South American adventure. We have four months to explore a small part of this exciting continent.
South America has 12 countries among them there is the 2nd largest mountain range in the world, the largest rainforest and the world’s driest desert.
We have whittled down our list of countries to visit to just four! I think that is more than enough for Nick n me to cope with. Not only do we have a different culture to get used to, but there is also the language. There are 450 languages spoken in South America. Spanish is the most spoken language, with Portuguese a very close 2nd. And we speak neither of these! Not even the basics, and I’m gonna be honest, I’ve tried to learn, but the words don’t stay in my head. So, fingers crossed with Google Translate by our side, we should be A-OK!!
I have read and researched about so many amazing things to do and see in South America: Iguazu Falls, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile wine region, Argentina wine region, Patagonia, Amazon Rainforest, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu ….. Oh my god, the list goes on… We cannot see everything, but we are excited to cross some destinations off our bucket list and create unforgettable memories.
We had very little planned when we travelled to Southeast Asia for six months. We were seeing where life took us…. Looking back, it was amazing “BUT” I feel we wasted a lot of time and money doing nothing…. Not this time. Oh No! We are going to be more organised and intentional when planning our trip. I think it’ll make our time together even more enjoyable and memorable!
How Exciting!!
Now, this trip has been inspired by our brother-in-law, Will, who hails from Argentina and is married to my sister, Jo. For years, we have promised to visit Argentina with them both for a couple of weeks, staying with Will’s family in Buenos Aires. Living and experiencing life like locals.
Before we meet them in Buenos Aires, ready for New Year’s Eve, we will fly from London into Chile, where we will stay in Santiago and the surrounding area for a week, onto Easter Island and then into Mendoza, Argentina, where we will spend Christmas.
We will then travel down to Buenos Aires to meet the lovebirds Jo n Will, where we will have to make sure we have our best party pants on!!! Ready for the New Year.
We will be heading to Buenos Aires to celebrate the New Year with the lovebirds Jo and Will, where we will have to make sure we have our best party pants on!!!
From Buenos Aires, we will travel down to the End of the World – Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina. Then, zig-zag across Chile – Argentina through Patagonia onto El Calafate, where a flight is booked to take us to Florianopolis, Brazil. Phew!!
We then have 5 weeks in Brazil. Who knows where we are going? All we can be sure of is we have to make it to Rio De Janeiro for our flight back to the UK in March.
So, C’mon, Let’s Go… come and join us on our adventure to South America.
– the numbers –
– start reading –
These days, there are so many backpacks out there that it can be confusing knowing how to pick the right one.
There’s no shortage of travel apps cluttering up the Android and Apple marketplaces these days — and that’s a problem, as most of them are terrible. Sorting out useless ones from those worth installing is not the most fun you’ll ever have with your smartphone, but no one wants to pay for a worthless app.
Argentina is a country that has everything you could wish for, from its famous Tango, delicious steak, and fantastic wine to its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Argentina has much to offer for those who love exploring and seeking adventure.
We had to be realistic with our time and money whilst in Argentina cause we were on a budget, after all!!
Thailand is a vibrant and friendly country famous for its stunning beaches, majestic temples, and delicious cuisine. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking adventure or relaxation. Let’s go and experience the magic of the Land of Smiles!
Why not check out our travel resources pages and our ultimate travel tips.
Let’s Go Nick. All rights reserved 2023. Designed By Nikki.