Wildlife 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

Tackle one of the world's greatest jungle treks independently — the legendary Lost City of Teyuna (La Ciudad Perdida) — starting and finishing in Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast. By booking the 4-day/5-day Lost City Trek directly with a licensed local agency (required by Colombian law — all treks must be done with an authorised operator), and sorting your own accommodation in Santa Marta, you can replicate this incredible adventure for a fraction of the Gap360 price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£340

This self-launched version of Intrepid Travel's "Tasmania Adventure" swaps their private vehicle for your own hire car, covering the same Freycinet, Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires, and Tarkine rainforest route at your own pace. Cost estimate includes a 6-day economy car rental and fuel split between 2 travellers, budget motel/hostel stays in place of the operator's hotel, a Tasmania Parks holiday pass, and self-catered meals. All costs below are approximate per person, assuming 2 people sharing the rental car.

Travel Crew

~£720

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

This self-launched itinerary follows the classic Australia East Coast route from Sydney (or Melbourne) to Cairns — taking in Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, K'gari (Fraser Island), the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach and Cairns. By booking transport on Greyhound or the Oz Experience hop-on hop-off pass independently, staying in budget hostel dorms (many of the same hostel chains used by Gap 360), and booking activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook, you can replicate virtually every experience on this itinerary for roughly half the price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on 2024 backpacker rates in GBP.

Travel Crew

~£1,530

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

This self-launched 30-day Australia East Coast adventure mirrors Gap 360's popular group tour — Melbourne's laneways and the Great Ocean Road, flying up to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, sailing the Whitsundays, watching wallabies at sunrise in Cape Hillsborough, a 4x4 day on K'gari (Fraser Island), Byron Bay yoga and lighthouse hikes, and finishing in Sydney with a Blue Mountains day trip. You'll book your own hostel beds, local buses, trains and direct activity tickets via GetYourGuide, Klook or operators directly — saving over £1,400 compared to the Gap 360 price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates (2024/25).

Travel Crew

~£1,980

Skip the £1,299 Gap 360 group tour and do the same iconic North Island route independently — Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington — for a fraction of the cost. All the headline attractions are self-bookable via GetYourGuide or direct, transport is covered by InterCity coaches and the Overlander bus network, and the working-holiday admin (IRD number, Kiwi bank account, NZ SIM) is completely free to sort yourself. This itinerary covers the same 9-day sightseeing arc, then leaves you ready to find work on your own terms. Costs are estimated per person and are approximate.

Travel Crew

~£685

An epic 18-day self-launched adventure along Australia's east coast from Sydney to Cairns. This itinerary mirrors Intrepid Travel's 'Real Australia' tour — hitting all the same highlights including Crowdy Bay, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Brisbane, Noosa, the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island and Cairns — but using public transport, self-booked activities and hostel accommodation to save you a substantial sum. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,335

Explore the stunning Australian east coast from Sydney to Brisbane entirely on your own terms — same beaches, rainforests, wildlife encounters and cultural experiences as the Intrepid tour, but without the group price tag. You'll travel by public coach and local transport, stay in the same style of hostels and holiday parks, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. This route takes in Crowdy Bay National Park, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Red Rock, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Lamington National Park before finishing in Brisbane. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£640

This self-launched 12-day South Island adventure follows the same incredible route as Intrepid's group tour — from Christchurch to Wellington via Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, Punakaiki, and Abel Tasman — at a fraction of the cost. You'll swap the private tour vehicle for InterCity coaches and shuttles, book hostels directly, and self-arrange all the same iconic experiences. New Zealand rewards independent travellers brilliantly: public transport connections are solid, hostels are world-class, and most activities can be booked directly or via GetYourGuide and Klook. All costs are approximate estimates per person in GBP and assume a budget-conscious but comfortable travel style.

Travel Crew

~£905

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

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

Experience the very best of Sri Lanka — misty highlands, iconic train rides, wildlife safaris, temple hikes, surf lessons and sunset kayaking — on your own terms and at a fraction of the premium tour price. This self-launched itinerary follows the same route from Negombo through Kandy, Ella and Yala to the southern coast at Tangalle, swapping boutique 4–5 star hotels for well-reviewed guesthouses and budget retreats, and replacing guided group activities with self-bookable equivalents via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct booking. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£850

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-guided version of Intrepid's popular 'Real Cambodia' route takes you from Ho Chi Minh City through Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island, the rural homestay community of Sambor Prei Kuk, Siem Reap's Angkor complex, and on to Bangkok — all independently, using public buses, shared speedboats and budget flights. You'll swap the group leader for your own curiosity, and the group-tour markup for direct bookings and local prices. All the same iconic experiences, all bookable yourself, at a fraction of the cost. Costs are approximate estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£445

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

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

The classic East Coast Australia adventure — Sydney to Cairns via Byron Bay, Brisbane, K'gari (Fraser Island), the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef — done entirely independently. You'll hit every iconic stop, sleep in the same style of accommodation (backpacker hostels, camping, sailing boats), and book the same key experiences directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook — without paying for a group leader or operator markup. Estimated saving: over £900 per person vs the Gap 360 group tour price.

Travel Crew

~£1,490

Experience the best of Queensland's coast at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched adventure follows the same iconic route from Brisbane to Cairns — Noosa's coastal walks, a Whitsundays boat day, koala-spotting on Magnetic Island, a First Nations cultural experience at Mungalla Station and a laid-back finish in Mission Beach and Cairns. You'll book your own transport (buses, trains, ferries), stay in the same style of hostels, and self-book all activities via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct with local operators. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£830

This self-launched version of Acacia Adventure Holidays' classic 22-day overland journey takes you from Zanzibar's spice-scented alleyways and white-sand beaches, through rural Tanzania and Malawi's lake shores, on to the thundering Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe's ancient Matobo Hills, and finally into the big-five wilderness of South Africa's Kruger National Park — ending in Pretoria. Instead of a guided overland truck, you'll string this route together using local buses, shared minibuses (dala-dalas), and budget shuttles, staying in well-rated hostels and budget guesthouses along the way. All major activities — game drives, national park entries, Victoria Falls — are bookable independently via GetYourGuide, Klook, or direct with local operators. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,409

Explore the best of New Zealand's North and South Islands independently — from Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Waitomo's glowworm caves to Queenstown's adrenaline, Milford Sound's fiords, and Tekapo's dark skies. This self-launched version follows the same iconic route as Gap 360's 21-day group tour but replaces guided group transport with buses and shuttles, swaps lodge packages for quality hostels, and lets you book activities directly — saving you over £1,300 per person. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,450

Explore southern Tunisia's jaw-dropping landscapes independently — from ancient Berber troglodyte villages and sandstone canyons in the Dahar mountains to camel treks through the Grand Erg Oriental's soaring dunes and a finish on the Mediterranean coast at Hergla. This self-launched version follows the same route as Much Better Adventures' guided tour, swapping group transfers and included meals for local shared transport, budget guesthouses, and self-booked activities — saving you hundreds of pounds while keeping every highlight intact. All costs are approximate estimates.

Travel Crew

~£480

This self-launched equivalent replicates the Gap360 Sri Lanka Turtle & Environmental Conservation programme — but instead of paying a commercial operator over £850, you organise the key elements yourself and keep far more money in your pocket. The core of this trip is a direct-apply volunteer placement at a turtle conservation centre near Unawatuna Beach, Galle. Several reputable organisations (e.g. Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, EARTHWATCH partners, or locally-run projects such as Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project and the Galle-based Turtle Watch) accept independent volunteer applications at little to no placement fee. You fund your own budget accommodation — ideally a guesthouse or hostel in Unawatuna within walking distance of the beach — and cover your own meals, which are exceptionally cheap in southern Sri Lanka. Weekends are completely free, exactly as in the commercial programme, allowing you to explore Mirissa, Jungle Beach, Ella, and beyond. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£310

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 CIE Tours' popular Taste of Iceland coach tour covers all 17 destinations — Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and the Blue Lagoon — but replaces the guided coach and premium hotel package with a self-drive rental car, guesthouses, and direct-bookable activities. Iceland is one of the most self-launch-friendly destinations in Europe: the Ring Road is straightforward to navigate, most attractions are free to access, and a hire car gives you total flexibility. All cost estimates are approximate and based on mid-2025 solo backpacker/budget traveller rates in GBP.

Travel Crew

~£950

Ditch the guided group and island-hop through Palawan's most spectacular corners on your own terms — from the historic streets of Manila to the turquoise lagoons of El Nido, the remote shores of Linapacan, and the hot springs and shipwrecks of Coron. This self-launched version follows the same epic 10-day route through Palawan and Coron using budget guesthouses, local bancas, and independently bookable activities, saving you a serious chunk of change without compromising on the adventure.

Travel Crew

~£570

This self-launched version of Acacia Adventure Holidays' iconic 58-day Gorillas to Cape Town route takes you through 9 countries — Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa — at a fraction of the guided tour price. You'll swap the overland truck for a mix of local buses, shared minibuses, and public ferries, and sleep in well-rated guesthouses, budget lodges, and campsites along the way. The big-ticket experiences — mountain gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, Serengeti game drives, Victoria Falls, Okavango mokoro rides, and Sossusvlei — are all self-bookable independently or via GetYourGuide and local operators. Note: Mountain gorilla permits (~£700–£800 for Uganda/Bwindi, or ~£1,200 for Rwanda) and chimpanzee trek permits (~£100–£150) are the single biggest costs and must be booked months in advance. All costs below are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£5,200

Skip the guided group tour price tag and explore the South Malé Atoll and Felidhu Atholhu independently — the Maldives isn't just for honeymooners with bottomless budgets. This self-launched version replaces the operator's chartered dhoni with a liveaboard snorkelling trip or budget guesthouse island-hopping route, keeps all the highlights (Fulidhoo, Felidhu, Bodu Mora, world-class snorkelling, and a Bodu Beru cultural evening), and slashes the cost significantly. The Maldives has a thriving budget guesthouse scene on local islands that most travellers don't know about — use it. All costs are approximate per person estimates.

Travel Crew

~£480

Greenland is one of the world's last true frontiers — and you don't need a chartered cruise ship to experience it. This self-launched version of the classic Disko Bay itinerary takes you from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, then through Sisimiut, Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island), Uummannaq, Eqip Sermia Glacier, and Ilulissat — using Air Greenland scheduled flights, the iconic Disko Line ferry, and local guesthouses. Greenland is never cheap, but going independently cuts the cost dramatically versus a full expedition cruise package. Expect raw Arctic scenery, icebergs the size of cathedrals, colourful wooden settlements, and a genuine sense of remoteness. All cost estimates are approximate and based on budget-conscious independent travel in summer 2026.

Travel Crew

~£3,200

Montenegro's Adriatic coast and national parks punch well above their weight — dramatic karst mountains, shimmering bays, ancient walled towns and barely-touched wilderness, all in a country that still feels undiscovered. This self-launched version follows the same arc as Much Better Adventures' guided week: SUP on Skadar Lake, kayak the Lustica Peninsula into the Blue Cave, and hike the Wolf Trail in Lovcen National Park — but you book each piece yourself, travel on local buses and shared taxis, and stay in the same quality of guesthouses and budget hotels. Expect to pay roughly half the guided price while keeping every highlight intact. Best visited May–June or September–October to avoid peak-summer crowds and prices.

Travel Crew

~£420

Experience Tanzania's legendary Great Migration and Big Five game drives without the premium operator markup. This self-launched version covers the same iconic Northern Circuit — Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater — by booking a local independent safari operator or joining a shared group safari, rather than paying for a private fully-guided package. Note that safari game drives in Tanzania's national parks require a registered Tanzanian safari vehicle and guide by law, so rather than doing this entirely alone, the smart move is to book each leg directly with vetted local operators, cutting out the international middleman. All costs below are approximate estimates per person and assume joining shared-vehicle safaris where possible.

Travel Crew

~£775

Experience Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations — Nairobi, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Naivasha, and the legendary Masai Mara — at a fraction of the cost of a guided group tour. This self-launched itinerary follows the same route as Gracepatt Ecotours Kenya's 9-day safari, replacing private tour vehicles and lodge packages with self-booked shared safari jeeps, budget-friendly camps, and public/shared transport where feasible. Park entry fees, conservancy fees, and self-booked game drives are the main costs — but you'll save thousands by cutting out the operator markup. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,045

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

This self-launched version of PVTravels' 8-day South Peru circuit covers the same unmissable route — Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu — but on your own terms and at a fraction of the cost. Instead of a packaged group tour, you'll book budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, travel on public buses and budget domestic flights, and pick up guided excursions directly via GetYourGuide or local operators on the ground. All costs are approximate estimates per person and will vary depending on your travel style, season and exchange rates.

Travel Crew

~£510

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

Explore the best of both islands independently — from Auckland's harbour and the magic of Hobbiton, through Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Wellington's culture, to the South Island's jaw-dropping landscapes at Mount Cook, Wanaka, Milford Sound and Queenstown. This self-launched equivalent mirrors Gap 360's 17-day group tour but cuts out the operator markup entirely. You'll use public InterCity coaches, the Interislander ferry (or a budget domestic flight), and self-book all activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. Staying in comparable hostel dorms throughout, you can expect to spend roughly £950–£1,100 per person — saving over £1,400 on the commercial price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,050

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

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-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

The ultimate East Coast Australia adventure — done your way, at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched route follows the classic backpacker trail from Sydney to Cairns, taking in world-class surf at Byron Bay, sand dune driving on K'gari (Fraser Island), two nights sailing the Whitsundays, koala spotting on Magnetic Island, and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. All transport, accommodation, and activities can be booked independently using local operators, Greyhound/Premier Coach passes, and platforms like GetYourGuide and Klook. Estimated cost: ~£1,350 per person (excluding flights, visa, and travel insurance) — a saving of over £1,500 vs the Gap 360 group tour.

Travel Crew

~£1,350

This self-launched version of Gap360's Komodo Island Hopper takes you across 7 stunning Indonesian islands — from laid-back Lombok through remote Sumbawa and Moyo, to the iconic Komodo National Park and Flores — at a fraction of the guided-tour price. You'll swap the group leader for a combination of local guesthouses, public ferries, shared minibuses and self-booked tours via GetYourGuide and Klook, while enjoying the same off-the-beaten-track beaches, Sasak cultural encounters, jungle waterfalls, manta ray snorkelling and Komodo dragon encounters. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on budget/backpacker rates as of mid-2025.

Travel Crew

~£390

Explore the best of the Philippines independently over 13 days, island-hopping from Manila through Moalboal and Coron to the stunning limestone karsts of El Nido, Palawan. Swim with sardines, canyon through turquoise waterfalls, sail on a traditional banca boat, and sleep under the stars on deserted tropical islands — all at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched itinerary replaces guided transport with budget flights, ferries and local jeepneys, and swaps included group activities for self-bookable equivalents via GetYourGuide and local operators. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£596

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

Experience the very best of India and Nepal independently — from the chaos and colour of Delhi through Rajasthan's royal cities, the iconic Taj Mahal, sacred Varanasi, and across the Nepal border to Buddha's birthplace, Chitwan's wildlife, Pokhara's mountain lakes and the temples of Kathmandu. This self-launched route follows the same path as Gap360's group tour at a fraction of the price, using local trains, public buses, shared taxis and bookable tours. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on budget traveller rates as of mid-2026.

Travel Crew

~£581

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An epic 18-day self-guided adventure along Australia's east coast from Sydney to Cairns. This itinerary mirrors Intrepid Travel's 'Real Australia' tour — hitting all the same highlights including Crowdy Bay, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Brisbane, Noosa, the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island and Cairns — but using public transport, self-booked activities and hostel accommodation to save you a substantial sum. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,335

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 Bangkok-to-Ho Chi Minh City route as Intrepid's popular 18–35s tour — hitting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nan, Pua, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Cat Ba Island, Hoi An, and more — but do it entirely independently for a fraction of the price. Swap the group leader for locally booked guides and GetYourGuide activities, overnight sleeper trains for the group bus, and tour-operator accommodation markups for well-rated hostels and guesthouses. All the same bucket-list moments; far more flexibility and cash in your pocket. Costs are per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates and assume solo travel with shared dorm or budget private room options.

Travel Crew

~£950