Backpacking: Travel That Moves You

Exploration may start with an airplane ride, but the most fun is in the next steps you take. If you’re anything like me or most Americans, daily physical movement isn’t required for the most part. Apart from periodic trips to the bathroom and fridge, most physical activity has to be intentionally carved out of our day. Physical exercise, whether it’s a workout routine, a walk, or a gym session takes intention. And let’s not overlook the financial cost of staying active. Gym memberships can be pricey, fitness classes even more so, and for those of us not living in walkable cities, the additional expenses for transport or equipment pile up quickly. This is where backpacking as a form of travel steps in to fill the gap—literally.

Backpacking as Built-In Fitness

Backpacking is one of the most accessible ways to integrate physical activity into your life without it feeling like a chore. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity: you walk to explore and to explore you walk. No machines, memberships, or fitness instructors are required. Only a trip to the grocery store or to watch the ocean will do. Every step you take, every hill you climb, and every mile you cover helps you stay active while immersing yourself in local culture.

Unlike a traditional workout routine, where you’re counting reps or minutes, backpacking turns movement into an adventure. Your motivation isn’t hitting a calorie goal or completing a set number of steps—it’s reaching a breathtaking lookout point, wandering through a vibrant market, or discovering a hidden café down an unassuming alley. The physical activity is simply a byproduct of your desire to explore.

Affordable and Accessible Exercise

One of the most appealing aspects of backpacking is how affordable it can be compared to other fitness options. Forget pricey gym memberships or equipment. All you need is a sturdy pair of shoes, a reliable backpack, and a sense of curiosity. 

For the frugal traveler, including myself, this is a win-win. You’re not only saving money on traditional travel expenses like transport or activities but also on fitness costs. By choosing backpacking as your mode of exploration, you’re essentially combining exercise and entertainment into one cost-effective deal. And who doesn’t like deals?

Connection to the World Around You

Another advantage of backpacking is how it connects you to the environment. Unlike driving or taking public transport, walking through a place allows you to notice the little details—the sounds of trees swaying, the distant hum of a city, or the salty breeze near a coastline. You’re not just moving through the world; you’re experiencing it mindfully. This is how the best memories are kept. 

Backpacking also fosters a deeper appreciation for the terrain you’re traversing. Climbing a steep trail makes the summit view feel that much more rewarding. Navigating a new city by foot lets you experience it the way locals do, discovering hidden gems you’d miss in a car or bus. The act of moving through the environment ties you to the places you visit, creating memories that are as much about the journey as the destination.

Let Curiosity Lead the Way

Traveling with nothing more than what fits on your back is a liberating experience. It allows your mind to wander freely and opens up a world of possibilities. The places you go and the people you meet along the way take on a deeper meaning when your journey is shaped by curiosity rather than rigid plans.

With less to weigh you down—both physically and mentally—you’re freer to move and explore at your own pace. You start to see the world not as a collection of destinations but as a continuous adventure, unfolding step by step.

A Lifestyle Shift Worth Taking Home

Backpacking doesn’t just get you moving while you’re on the road—it can inspire changes to your daily habits long after the trip ends. Many backpackers return home with a newfound love for walking, hiking, or exploring local parks and trails. The sense of freedom and physical well-being that backpacking offers is addictive in the best way, and it often motivates travelers to keep the momentum going.

Backpacking gives you one less thing to worry about, staying active. Physical movement isn’t an afterthought—it’s woven into the very essence of the experience. Every step you take, whether through bustling city streets or remote mountain trails, becomes part of the adventure.

And here’s the best part—there’s no shame in indulging along the way. Craving that fresh, local cheese? Go for it. Eyeing the warm, crusty bread from a nearby bakery? Treat yourself. When you’re constantly on the move, your body is burning energy, and you’re free to let your stomach set the limits.