Foodie itineraries

This self-launched itinerary replicates Gap360's "Best of Central America" 30-day group tour across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica — at a fraction of the price. Swap the group tour leader for local guided day trips booked via GetYourGuide or Klook, twin-share hostel dorms or budget guesthouses for the tour accommodation, and local buses/shuttles/ferries for private group transport. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,050

Trip inspired by One Life Adventures's "Bali Classic" route, generated independently with the operator margin removed — not booked with or affiliated with One Life Adventures. Setting my own date, looking for trip mates to join. Experience the very best of Bali independently — without the group tour price tag. This self-launched 12-day itinerary covers all the classic highlights: the cultural heart of Ubud, the volcanic landscapes of Kintamani, the surf beaches of Seminyak and Canggu, the sacred sea temple of Tanah Lot, and the laid-back island vibes of Nusa Lembongan. By booking your own accommodation, transport, and activities, you can replicate the full group tour experience for a fraction of the cost. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£460

Ditch the group tour premium and do South America on your own terms. This self-launched equivalent follows the same epic route — Buenos Aires → Uruguay (Colonia, Montevideo, estancia) → Puerto Iguazú → Brazil's Green Coast (Paraty, Ilha Grande) → Rio de Janeiro — using local buses, ferries, budget hostels and self-bookable activities. Expect the same jaw-dropping waterfalls, gaucho culture, tropical beaches and Rio nightlife at a fraction of the operator price. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,090

This self-launched version of INTRO Travel's popular 15-day Bali Experience takes you island-hopping across Bali's most iconic destinations — Seminyak, Uluwatu, Lovina, Gili Trawangan, Ubud, and Nusa Lembongan — at a fraction of the group tour price. Replace the guided minibus with local bemos, shared shuttles, and fast boats; swap the tour leader for GetYourGuide-bookable day trips and cooking classes; and bunk in quality hostels and guesthouses throughout. All the same sunrises, surf lessons, snorkelling with turtles, and volcano treks — just on your own schedule. Costs below are approximate estimates per person based on budget/backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£600

Follow the same incredible route from Chiang Mai to Vientiane — through Nan, Pua, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng — without the group tour price tag. You'll swap the guided leader for local buses, shared songthaews and a high-speed train, stay in well-reviewed guesthouses and hostels, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. From sunset hikes at Wat Phu Si and Mekong river cruises to waterfall swims at Kuang Si and a sobering visit to COPE in Vientiane, every highlight is absolutely doable independently. Budget roughly £550–£620 all-in for the 10 days — less than half the Intrepid price. All costs are approximate estimates.

Travel Crew

~£590

A self-launched 21-day adventure through New Zealand's North and South Islands — covering geothermal Rotorua, Māori culture, the volcanic plateau, Wellington, the Cook Strait ferry, Kaikōura wildlife, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown thrills, Milford Sound, and the Dark Sky reserve at Lake Tekapo. All the same iconic stops as the Gap 360 group tour, done independently using intercity buses (InterCity/FlixBus NZ), the Interislander ferry, budget hostels, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and direct operators. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,390

Follow the same incredible route through northern Thailand and Laos — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nan, Pua, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane — without the group tour price tag. Swap the guided leader for local buses, sleeper trains, the Laos high-speed rail and public boats. All the same bucket-list experiences — Kuang Si waterfalls, Wat Phu Si sunsets, alms-giving ceremonies and Mekong cruises — self-booked at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates (early 2025).

Travel Crew

~£545

Follow the same incredible route from Chiang Mai to Vientiane — through Nan, Pua, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng — without the group tour price tag. You'll swap the guided leader for local buses, shared songthaews and a high-speed train, stay in well-reviewed guesthouses and hostels, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. From sunset hikes at Wat Phu Si and Mekong river cruises to waterfall swims at Kuang Si and a sobering visit to COPE in Vientiane, every highlight is absolutely doable independently. Budget roughly £550–£620 all-in for the 10 days — less than half the Intrepid price. All costs are approximate estimates.

Travel Crew

~£590

Follow the same route as Intrepid Travel's popular 18-35s Turkey tour — from Antalya through Konya and Cappadocia to Istanbul — entirely under your own steam. Swap the group leader for local buses, self-booked activities on GetYourGuide, and cosy guesthouses in Göreme. You'll hit every iconic stop (fairy chimneys, underground cities, hot air balloons, Istanbul's Fener-Balat district) at a fraction of the guided price. Note: all costs are estimates based on current budget-traveller rates and may vary by season.

Travel Crew

~£470

This self-launched equivalent of Gap360's South America Journey takes you through 7 countries over 65 days — from Quito, Ecuador to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You'll trek the Inca Trail, sleep in the Amazon, marvel at the Bolivian Salt Flats and Iguazu Falls, and party on Copacabana Beach. By swapping group tour markups for hostels, public buses, overnight coaches and self-booked activities, you can do the entire route for a fraction of the operator price. Costs below are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£2,800

This self-launched version of Gap360's Guatemala to Costa Rica Adventure takes you through the same five stunning Central American countries — Antigua's volcanic skyline, Mayan ruins at Copán, El Salvador's surf coast, Nicaragua's colonial cities and volcanic islands, and Costa Rica's cloud forests and adventure hotspots — at a fraction of the guided tour price. Swap the private group vehicle for chicken buses, shared shuttles and public ferries; replace the tour guide with local booking platforms and hostel noticeboards; and enjoy the same experiences with far more flexibility. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£560

Follow the classic Quito-to-Lima route through Ecuador and Peru entirely independently — no group tour markup required. You'll ride local buses between cities, stay in well-rated budget hostels, book jungle homestays directly with community operators, and use overnight buses (just like the tour does) to save on accommodation costs. The experiences are identical: Amazon rainforest homestay, Baños thermal springs, colonial Cuenca, Mancora beach, Trujillo ceviche, and lively Lima. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£620

This self-launched version of Intrepid Travel's popular Bangkok to Singapore route covers the same incredible destinations — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Ao Nang, Penang and Singapore — at a fraction of the cost. Swap the group leader for your own curiosity, replace private transfers with overnight trains and local ferries, and stay in well-reviewed hostels and guesthouses instead of tour-contracted hotels. All the experiences are self-bookable via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct. Estimated cost is approximately £850–£1,000 per person, compared to ~£1,270 with Intrepid. All costs are approximate and based on mid-2025 backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£950

Experience the very best of Seoul — K-pop culture, royal palaces, the DMZ, street food markets, and a night in a Buddhist mountain temple — all on your own terms and at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched itinerary follows the same route as One Life Adventures' popular Seoul Snapshot tour, swapping guided group transport for Seoul's world-class metro system and replacing operator mark-ups with direct bookings. Expect brilliant budget hostels in Myeongdong, self-bookable DMZ tours, a K-pop dance class via GetYourGuide, and an authentic templestay at Geumsunsa. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£355

Experience the best of southern Thailand independently — from Bangkok's temples and street food to the jungle rafts of Khao Sok and the beaches of Ko Samui and Phuket. This self-guided route follows the same destinations and highlights as Intrepid's group tour, swapping guided transport and pre-booked packages for public overnight trains, local ferries, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and Klook. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on budget/backpacker rates as of 2025.

Travel Crew

~£380

Follow the same incredible route through northern Thailand and Laos — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nan, Pua, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane — without the group tour price tag. Swap the guided leader for local buses, sleeper trains, the Laos high-speed rail and public boats. All the same bucket-list experiences — Kuang Si waterfalls, Wat Phu Si sunsets, alms-giving ceremonies and Mekong cruises — self-booked at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates (early 2025).

Travel Crew

~£545

Explore the very best of Portugal independently — from Lisbon's tiled streets and trams, through medieval towns, wine country, and the Algarve coast, to the volcanic island of Madeira. This self-launched version follows the same 15-day route as Globus's escorted tour but replaces the coach and guide fees with local buses, trains, budget accommodation, and self-bookable activities. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,340

Explore the best of New Zealand's South and North Islands independently — from the glaciers and fjords of the south to the geothermal wonders and Maori culture of the north. This self-launched equivalent of Intrepid Travel's Epic New Zealand tour follows the same iconic route (Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Queenstown → Franz Josef → Westport → Abel Tasman → Wellington → Taihape → Rotorua → Tauranga → Auckland) using InterCity coaches, the Interislander ferry, and a mix of budget hostels and guesthouses. All key activities — gondola rides, zorbing, Maori village tours, glacier walks — are bookable directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. Estimated cost is approximately £1,450–£1,650 per person, saving you over £700 versus the Intrepid group tour. All costs are approximate estimates.

Travel Crew

~£1,480

This self-launched version of Vietnam Tour Fun's classic 13-day itinerary takes you on the same epic north-to-south journey — from the chaotic charm of Hanoi and the mountain villages of Sapa, to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and the buzzing energy of Ho Chi Minh City — at a fraction of the group tour price. You'll swap guided coaches for sleeper trains, local buses and budget flights, and trade tour-included hotels for well-reviewed hostels and guesthouses. All the headline experiences — Tam Coc boat trips, Sapa treks, Halong Bay cruises, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta day trips — are fully bookable independently via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct. Estimated costs below are approximate per-person figures for a solo budget traveller.

Travel Crew

~£560

This self-launched version of G Adventures' classic Hong Kong to Beijing route lets you explore China's most iconic cities and out-of-the-way gems on your own terms — for a fraction of the group tour price. From the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong to the karst peaks of Yangshuo, panda encounters in Chengdu, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, and the Great Wall in Beijing, you'll hit every highlight independently using local buses, trains, hostels, and self-bookable tours. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£790

Follow the same incredible route as Intrepid's Epic India to Nepal tour — from the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of the Annapurna foothills — but do it entirely independently at a fraction of the cost. You'll visit the Taj Mahal, cruise the Ganges at sunrise in Varanasi, cross into Nepal to see Buddha's birthplace, go on safari in Chitwan National Park, raft the Trisuli River, and trek through Annapurna villages — all using local transport, self-bookable activities, and budget accommodation. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£680

From the medieval half-timbered streets of Troyes to the fairy-tale wine villages of Alsace, this self-launched version of Exodus's premium Burgundy & Alsace tour lets you follow the same iconic route — cheesemakers, grand châteaux, canal boat rides and celebrated vineyards — at a fraction of the price. Swap the private minibus for trains and local buses, boutique group-tour hotels for well-reviewed budget hotels and guesthouses, and guided tastings for self-bookable experiences via GetYourGuide and direct winery reservations. France's greatest wine and food region has never been more accessible.

Travel Crew

~£980

A self-launched 15-day adventure across China's most iconic cities and hidden gems — from hiking the Great Wall and marvelling at the Terracotta Army to cycling through Yangshuo's karst countryside and sleeping inside a Hakka Tulou fortress. This itinerary replicates Gap 360's China Discovery group tour using budget accommodation, self-bookable tours and China's excellent public transport network, saving you hundreds of pounds while giving you full flexibility. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£560

Skip the river cruise ship and explore the same stunning route through Porto, the Douro Valley, and Salamanca on your own terms. You'll stay in characterful guesthouses and boutique hostels, travel by train and local bus through some of Iberia's most breathtaking scenery, sip port wine in Pinhão, wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Salamanca, and soak up Fado culture in Porto — all at a fraction of the cruise price. Costs below are approximate estimates per person based on budget/mid-range independent travel.

Travel Crew

~£675

This self-launched version of Aborigen Tours' Southern Portugal itinerary covers all the same highlights — Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods, the dramatic cliffs of Cape St. Vincent, the Algarve coastline, and the Roman city of Évora — at a fraction of the price. Swap 4-star hotels for well-located boutique guesthouses and hostels, travel by intercity bus and local trains instead of a private coach, and book guided experiences independently through GetYourGuide or direct. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£460

Explore the very best of Cambodia independently — from Phnom Penh's sobering history to the pepper fields of Kampot, the white sands of Koh Rong Sanloem, and the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat. This self-launched itinerary mirrors the Gap360 Cambodia Intro group tour, swapping the guided group experience for budget-friendly hostels, self-booked activities, and local transport. Estimated cost is approximately £380–£420 per person, saving you around £480 compared to the original operator price of £899.

Travel Crew

~£410

Experience the very best of Central America — from Mexico City's vibrant streets and ancient Mayan ruins to Belize's coral reefs, Guatemala's volcanic highlands, and Costa Rica's jungle wildlife — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched itinerary follows the same 40-day route as Gap360's Epic Central America programme, swapping guided group transport for local buses, shuttles and budget flights, and replacing included accommodation with top-rated hostels and guesthouses. The result? The same unforgettable adventure at a fraction of the price. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,620

This self-launched itinerary covers all the iconic highlights of Gap360's 27-day China Adventure group tour — from camping on the Great Wall to meeting pandas in Chengdu, marvelling at the Terracotta Army and cycling through Fujian's tulou villages — all bookable independently using public transport, budget hostels, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide, Klook, and direct booking. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget/backpacker rates. You'll save a significant chunk versus the guided tour price while enjoying the same incredible experiences on your own schedule.

Travel Crew

~£650

Experience the best of northern Thailand independently — from Bangkok's street food chaos to Chiang Mai's misty hilltribe villages, river kayaking on the Mae Taeng, and jungle trekking — all without the group tour premium. Travel on the same overnight sleeper trains, stay in equivalent guesthouses and budget hotels, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. This self-guided version covers all the same highlights at a fraction of the cost. All prices are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£283

Explore the very best of North India independently — from the chaos and colour of Delhi to the golden deserts of Rajasthan, the romantic lakes of Udaipur, the Pink City of Jaipur, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal in Agra, and the sacred ghats of Varanasi. This self-launched itinerary follows the same route as the Gap360 group tour but replaces guided group transport and included services with local trains, state buses, and self-bookable activities — saving you hundreds of pounds. India's extensive rail network and cheap local buses make it one of the best countries in the world to travel independently on a shoestring. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£380

Experience the best of northern Thailand independently — from Bangkok's chaotic street food scene to Chiang Mai's misty mountain villages — at a fraction of the cost of a group tour. You'll ride the same overnight train, trek the same hilltribe trails, and paddle the same rivers, but book everything yourself and pocket the savings. This self-guided version follows the Intrepid Travel TTYP itinerary route but replaces guided group accommodation and mark-ups with hostels, guesthouses, direct bookings and local transport. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£283

This self-launched itinerary covers the same epic sweep of Portugal as Europamundo's Complete Portugal ROT — from Lisbon's tiled neighbourhoods and Belém's monuments, down through the Algarve's dramatic coastline, across the golden plains of Alentejo, up through the pilgrimage towns of the interior, and north into Porto, Braga, Aveiro and Coimbra before looping back to Lisbon via Batalha and Nazaré. Swap the group coach and 4-star hotel package for intercity buses and trains, budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, and self-bookable versions of every activity — all at a fraction of the cost. All prices are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£635

Same incredible Peru adventure — Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Inca Trail, Cusco's markets and the Maras Salt Mines — but booked independently and at a fraction of the group-tour price. You'll stay in well-rated budget hotels and hostels, travel by local trains, shared buses and taxis, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. All costs are approximate per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£630

This self-guided itinerary mirrors Intrepid Travel's popular Real Thailand (Basix) tour — covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, a hilltribe trek, Ko Samui, Khao Sok National Park and Phuket — at a fraction of the cost. You'll swap the group leader for local knowledge, booking apps and fellow hostel travellers. Transport is handled via Thailand's excellent overnight train network, public buses and ferries. Activities are self-booked via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct with local operators. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£635

This self-guided 11-day Sri Lanka itinerary mirrors Intrepid Travel's popular 'Essential Sri Lanka' Basix tour — covering Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe and Hiriketiya, before finishing in Colombo. You'll swap group tour markups for locally booked guesthouses, public trains and buses, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide or direct. Expect the same iconic highlights — Lion Rock Fortress, the Kandy–Ella scenic train, Pekoe Trail hike, Udawalawe safari and Hiriketiya beach — at a fraction of the cost. All prices are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£395

Follow the same incredible route as Gap360's Mexico Adventure — from the buzzing streets of Mexico City to the jungle-fringed Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and the Caribbean shores of Playa del Carmen — entirely on your own terms. By swapping guided group transport for ADO buses and budget flights, and group-tour hotels for well-rated hostels and guesthouses, you can cover all the same highlights for a fraction of the price. Expect colonial cities, mezcal distilleries, cenotes, canyon boat trips, flamingo-dotted islands and world-class beaches. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£780

This self-launched equivalent of Gap360's India Adventure covers the same spectacular Golden Triangle route — Delhi, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Agra — but independently, saving you over £700 per person. You'll swap group tour logistics for well-connected local trains, budget airlines and shared taxis, and stay in highly-rated budget hotels and guesthouses that mirror the original's rooftop pools and heritage charm. Activities from Taj Mahal sunrise tours to tiger safaris are all self-bookable via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct with local operators. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current backpacker rates (2025/26).

Travel Crew

~£610

An epic 51-day self-launched adventure through six South American countries — from Lima's buzzing streets to Rio's iconic beaches. Hit all the major highlights: the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Uyuni Salt Flats, Atacama Desert, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Iguassu Falls and more. By swapping the guided group tour for independent travel — local buses, hostels, and self-booked activities — you can have the same incredible experience for a fraction of the price. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£2,150

Experience the very best of Sri Lanka independently — from sunrise elephant safaris in Udawalawe to the world's most scenic train ride into Ella, iconic hikes, tea plantations, and turquoise southern beaches. This self-launched equivalent follows the same 12-day route as Gap360's Sri Lanka Intro tour but replaces the group package with budget-friendly hostel stays, self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide/Klook, and local buses and trains. All estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£542

Experience the best of the Philippines independently — island-hopping across Palawan, Coron, Cebu and Boracay at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched itinerary follows the same stunning route as Gap360's Philippines Paradise Islands trip, swapping guided group transport for public ferries, shared vans and budget flights, and replacing included group accommodation with comparable beach guesthouses, hostels and budget hotels. You'll hit every highlight: the sardine run at Moalboal, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, overnight castaway on Daracotan Island, shipwreck snorkelling in Coron, and sunsets on Boracay's White Beach — all bookable yourself via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct with local operators. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£720

This self-launched version of Gap360's 'Pure Philippines' tour takes you on the same spectacular island-hopping route — from Manila to Cebu, Coron, El Nido, Port Barton and Puerto Princesa — without the group tour price tag. You'll canyoneer Kawasan Falls, snorkel with sardines, sail to secret islands, and cruise the Underground River entirely on your own terms. By booking transport, accommodation and activities independently (via local operators, GetYourGuide, and Klook), you can recreate every highlight for a fraction of the cost. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates as of mid-2025.

Travel Crew

~£825

Experience the very best of Bali independently — from surf lessons in Canggu and sunrise hikes on Mount Batur, to island-hopping around the Gilis and exploring the dramatic cliffs of Nusa Penida. This self-launched itinerary replicates the Gap360 Bali Adventure tour stop-for-stop, swapping group tour mark-ups for locally booked activities, shared transport, and excellent budget-friendly hotels. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£530

This self-guided 9-day adventure takes you from the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City through Cambodia's most iconic and moving destinations — Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island, the rural homestay community of Sambor Prei Kuk, and the ancient temples of Siem Reap. You'll cross the border independently by public bus, travel between islands by shared speedboat, and book your own Angkor tuk-tuk tour directly with a local social enterprise — all at a fraction of the cost of a guided group tour. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£353

Explore the best of New Zealand's North Island independently — from Wellington's café culture and Taihape's adventure trails to Rotorua's geothermal wonders, Maori culture, Mount Maunganui's surf beaches and Auckland's vibrant city life. This self-launched route follows the same northbound journey as Intrepid's group tour, swapping private transport for intercity buses and shuttles, and guided group inclusions for self-bookable experiences. All estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£535

Experience the best of South America independently — from Peru's sand dunes, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu to Bolivia's salt flats, Chile's Atacama Desert and Argentina's Buenos Aires. This self-launched equivalent swaps guided group travel for local buses, shared transfers, self-bookable tours and budget-friendly hostels, saving you over £1,500 compared to the commercial operator price. All the same bucket-list moments, at a fraction of the cost.

Travel Crew

~£2,050

Experience the magic of India's Golden Triangle — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — plus a rural Rajasthani village stay, entirely on your own terms. This self-launched route follows the same iconic highlights as Gap360's group tour: sunrise at the Taj Mahal, the forts and palaces of Jaipur, Old Delhi's sensory overload, and a night glamping under the stars in Dhula Village. By booking accommodation, transport, and activities independently, you can recreate the full experience for a fraction of the price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£288

This self-launched version of Gap360's Ultimate Mexico tour covers all the same legendary stops — Isla Holbox, Chichen Itza, Merida, Bacalar, Tulum and Playa del Carmen — without the group tour price tag. You'll swap the operator's markup for local buses, shared shuttles and self-booked activities on GetYourGuide and Klook, while staying in well-rated hostels and budget guesthouses along the route. All the beaches, cenotes, ruins and nightlife; none of the premium. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£610

Ditch the group tour price tag and explore the best of Rajasthan independently — same iconic destinations, same unforgettable experiences, a fraction of the cost. From the chaos of Old Delhi to camel camps in the Thar Desert, blue-washed Jodhpur, romantic Udaipur, the Pink City of Jaipur, and the unmissable Taj Mahal in Agra, this 16-day self-guided adventure packs in everything. Travel by overnight train, local buses and shared taxis; stay in heritage guesthouses and characterful hostels; book activities directly or via GetYourGuide. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£625

Same three-country Central American adventure — beaches, ruins and jungle — done independently at a fraction of the cost. You'll island-hop to Caye Caulker, explore Tikal and the Belizean interior, homestay on Lake Atitlán and salsa your way through Antigua. All transport is local bus, water taxi or shared shuttle; accommodation is hand-picked hostels and guesthouses. These costs are approximate estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£480

Follow the same epic route from Lima to La Paz — Amazon jungle lodges, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca homestays and Bolivia's altiplano — all independently booked at a fraction of the group tour price. Swap the guided group for local buses, self-booked tours and hostel common rooms full of like-minded travellers. This is one of South America's greatest adventure routes and it's very well-trodden by independent backpackers. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£760

Experience the very best of China independently — from the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, to giant pandas in Chengdu, the jaw-dropping Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie, and the electric streets of Shanghai. This self-launched route follows the same iconic path as the Gap360 group tour but replaces guided group transport with trains (including China's lightning-fast high-speed rail), swaps group accommodation for well-rated budget hotels and hostels, and books all activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook — saving you hundreds of pounds. China is one of the most rewarding countries in the world for independent travel: cheap food, reliable trains, and bucket-list sights at every turn. Costs below are estimated per person and assume solo travel with occasional shared dorms or twin-share budget hotels. Note: a Chinese tourist visa is required for most nationalities (~£150–£185); factor this in before you book.

Travel Crew

~£653

Explore the best of the Philippines independently — from the buzzing streets of Manila to the jaw-dropping limestone karsts of El Nido via the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River and the secluded beaches of Port Barton. This self-launched itinerary replicates the Gap360 Philippines Adventure at a fraction of the cost by swapping group-tour pricing for direct bookings, local transport, and budget-friendly accommodation. Costs below are per person estimates for the 10-day route; budget an extra ~£150–200 if extending to 14 days to include Coron. All costs are approximate.

Travel Crew

~£550

Follow the same incredible route as Intrepid's Essential Japan tour — Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka — but do it entirely on your own terms. Japan is one of the most solo-travel-friendly countries in the world: trains run like clockwork, signage is bilingual, and budget accommodation is excellent. You'll visit the same temples, shrines, gardens and neighbourhoods, book the same style of workshops and day trips independently via GetYourGuide or direct, and use the same bullet trains and local buses. The result? A nearly identical experience for a fraction of the price. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£690

Trip inspired by Intrepid Travel's "Real Cambodia" route, generated independently with the operator margin removed — not booked with or affiliated with Intrepid Travel. Setting my own date, looking for trip mates to join. A self-launched 10-day budget adventure through the heart of Southeast Asia — from the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City, across the Cambodian border to the temples of Angkor Wat, through the riverside charm of Phnom Penh, and on to Bangkok's chaotic brilliance. Ditch the group tour markup and do it yourself: the same iconic experiences, local transport, and hostel beds for a fraction of the price. All routes are well-trodden backpacker trails with plentiful transport links and budget accommodation. Cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£280

Three countries, one epic self-launched adventure — no group tour required. This 22-day independent route takes you from the buzzing streets of Hanoi south to the beach city of Nha Trang, across the Mekong into laid-back Laos, and finally overland into northern Thailand. You'll travel by overnight trains, local buses, and slow boats — soaking up the same riversides and railways as the commercial tour at a fraction of the price. Estimated cost is approximately £550–£620 per person, saving you over £650 compared to the operator price. All costs are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£590

Everything INTRO Travel's Bali Experience covers — Seminyak sunsets, Gili islands, Ubud cooking classes, volcano treks, and Nusa Lembongan snorkelling — planned independently and at a fraction of the price. You'll swap the group leader for your own sense of adventure, book the same activities via GetYourGuide and Klook, and stay in well-reviewed hostels and guesthouses throughout. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates in Bali.

Travel Crew

~£620

Trip inspired by Gap 360's "Thai Adventure - 25 days" route, generated independently with the operator margin removed — not booked with or affiliated with Gap 360. Setting my own date, looking for trip mates to join. Experience the full Thailand loop independently — from the buzzing streets of Bangkok and the cultural heart of Chiang Mai, through the jungle of Khao Sok, and out to the legendary island paradise trail of Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. This self-launched itinerary replaces group tour mark-ups with local transport, self-bookable activities, and handpicked budget accommodation — delivering the same adventure for a fraction of the price. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£620

This self-guided equivalent of Intrepid Travel's Epic South East Asia tour covers the same iconic destinations — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nan, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Ba Island, Siem Reap, Koh Rong and Sambor Prei Kuk — at a fraction of the cost. Swap group tour mark-ups for local buses, trains, ferries, hostels and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and Klook. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,095

This self-guided version of Intrepid's popular 21-day Vietnam to Cambodia route (ending in Bangkok) lets you hit every highlight — Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Koh Rong Island and Bangkok — at a fraction of the group tour price. You'll swap guided group transport for overnight trains, public buses and shared ferries, and trade group-rate hotels for well-reviewed hostels and guesthouses. Every included activity has a self-bookable equivalent via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct booking. Costs below are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£856

This self-guided equivalent of Intrepid's popular Essential Vietnam tour takes you from the buzzing streets of Hanoi all the way south to Ho Chi Minh City — hitting Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An and Quy Nhon along the way. You'll swap group minibuses for local buses and overnight trains, replace guided inclusions with self-bookable tours via GetYourGuide and Klook, and stay in well-rated budget hotels and guesthouses. Same iconic destinations, same incredible food and culture — just a fraction of the price. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£530