Explore more. Worry less.

Honest backpacking guides, realistic travel budgets and practical itineraries

for travelling further without spending a fortune.

Where should I start?

Planning your first backpacking adventure? Start with the guides below.

What 6 Months of Travel Actually Cost Me

An honest breakdown of what I spent travelling, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Travelling Southeast Asia

What I wish I knew, from packing light and rainy seasons to hostels, food and avoiding common mistakes.

The Ultimate Vietnam Backpacking Itinerary

How to plan your route, where to go, how long to stay and what I'd recommend.

Explore Lu Explores

DESTINATIONS

Vietnam, Southeast Asia

& beyond.

BACKPACKING

Everything you need

before you go.

BUDGET TRAVEL

Travel further without

spending a fortune.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

From “where do I start?”

to “I’m ready to go.”

Latest from Lu Explores

Keep up to date with my most recent posts.

What I Packed vs What I Actually Used Backpacking

The items I couldn't live without, the ones I didn't used and what I'd pack differently.

Vietnam Backpacking Itinerary

The perfect 2-4 week itinerary packed with highlights tips and local insights.

Hi, I'm Lu

Nice to meet you!

I created Lu Explores after travelling extensively through Asia and realising how overwhelming planning a backpacking trip can be.

I wanted somewhere that gave you the practical stuff I wish I'd had before travelling — what things actually cost, what is genuinely worth packing, where I'd go again and what I'd do differently.

Here you'll find honest travel experiences, realistic budgets and practical guides designed to help you travel further without spending a fortune.

Planning your first backpacking trip?

Get my free Backpacking Starter Checklist