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Your continued use of the Website following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes. \\ CONTACT INFO FOR BRP If you need to get in contact with us, please feel free to reach us at backroadpackers@gmail.com or at the address below. ​ 2107 Manor Avenue | Grand Junction, Colorado | 81501 | USA *note that we are usually on the road, so this address is not used very often FAQ Where is Backroad Packers located? We are based out of the United States, but we try to travel internationally as much as possible (and for as long as possible). What website hosting tool does Backroad Packers use? We use Wix, and actually really love it. When was Backroad Packers founded? We started this blog in the spring of 2020 during our cross-country motorcycle trip. But we didn't get serious about it until spring 2021. Who is Madalyne Loree? Hi there! My name is Madalyne. I am a recent Oregon transplant who loves to be outside exploring this beautiful planet. When not writing, I am usually out running on the trails, jumping in waterfalls, or skiing down mountains. How do I contact you? I love it when people reach out to me! The best way is through email at mloree10@gmail.com. I welcome any and all questions, helpful tips, travel ideas, and cute photos of goats 🐐 DISCLOSURE Backroad Packers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

sustainable travel In today's interconnected world, you no longer need to embark on a harrowing or backbreaking journey to reach remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations (no matter how far away or how exotic they may seem). In reality, if you are willing to spend the time (and sometimes the money) you can reach practically any place on this planet. And while this is great for those of us who want to explore those rather remote locations, in many ways this interconnectedness can also lead to many negative side effects. Especially when it comes to the impact on those once-pristine lands. Fortunately, there are ways to help. Enter sustainable travel. Sustainable travel encompasses a lot of different things - from how you actually travel to what you do while there. Below you will find helpful tips and tricks as well as guides on how to be a more sustainable traveler, both while at home and abroad. some background information ​ \\ 5% of total carbon dioxide emissions are caused by tourism-related transportation, with airplanes being the biggest emitter. ​ \\ Overtourism, defined as "the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences the perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a ne gative way" aka overcrowding as a result of an overwhelming number of visitors to a specific location. Popular spots dealing with this today are Amsterdam, Machu Picchu , and Bali. ​ \\ More development means more environmental degradation , which in turn means increased habitat loss for animals, increased loss of natural resources (especially water), increased air pollution and increased amounts of garbage (mainly plastic). ​ \\ 90% of ocean plastic is derived from land-based sources, with the biggest travel sector offenders being plastic water bottles, disposable toiletries, plastic bags and bin liners, food packaging and cups. how do we travel & still do good for the planet? ​ Luckily, around 83% of people worldwide believe sustainable travel is important and something we should push towards. The only problem? An overall lack of education and resources. Hopefully, t his is where Backroad Packers comes in. I want to educate you on how to continue (or start) traveling without making a negative impact on the places you are exploring. Traveling more sustainably, more mindfully, and more slowly allows you to see the world, have unforgettable adventures, and make lasting memories without making lasting negative impacts. And being a sustainable traveler doesn't have to be a challenge, in fact, when you get down to the core of it, it is really just about making small, simple, affordable changes. ​ Hopefully, with the help of my guides & tips you can easily become a more sustainable traveler yourself. sustainable & slow travel tips What is Sustainable Travel? 12 Tips to Be a More Sustainable Traveler What is Slow Travel? 6 Tips for Slow Traveling sustainable travel guides The Top 8 Sustainable Destinations for Adventure Travelers Our Favorite Sustainable Gear for Eco-Friendly Travel 9 Ways to Be a More Sustainable Traveler in Hawaii The 7 Leave No Trace Principles | What Are They & How To Follow Them Top 25 Sustainable Van Life Tips The Ultimate Guide to Bus Travel in Colombia Top 6 Tips for Slow Traveling Simple Tips to Be a More Sustainable Traveler Rainbow Mountain in Peru | Worth the Visit? What is Sustainable Travel? (+ How to Be a Sustainable Traveler)

reach out! email mloree10@gmail.com social I am always excited to hear from fellow travelers and to get to know new people. ​ Are you curious about working with me? Or do you want to share a great travel story? No matter your reason, I would love to hear from you! ​ You can reach me at the email above, through my socials, or by filling out the form below. First Name Last Name Email Message Thank you for reaching out! send

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health & budgeting Staying healthy and sticking to a budget are key parts of adventure travel. Whether that means figuring out how to deal with altitude sickness while summiting a 14,000+ foot mountain or what you can expect to pay while traveling in the beautiful country of Colombia, I have in-depth guides and resources to help you along the way. health The Top 8 Coffee Shops to Explore in Antigua, Guatemala How To Deal With Altitude Sickness: Top Tips & Tricks 9 Tips for Adventuring Safely During the Winter A Comprehensive Food Guide to Salento, Colombia How to Survive Giardia While Overseas How to Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine in Peru budgeting What Does It Cost to Travel in Guatemala? | My 2.5 Week Budget Breakdown What Does it Cost to Travel in Colombia? | Your Colombia Travel Budget What it Costs to Slow Travel in Armenia, Colombia

adventure 101 Thinking of jumping into a new adventure sport? Or just looking to grow your adventure knowledge and know-how? Yes? Great! These in-depth and comprehensive Adventure 101 and How-To guides should be your one-stop shop to learn more about a new type of adventure sport and/or help you gain more skills about an adventure you are already doing. Hopefully, these adventure guides help clear up some of those important (and sometimes awkward) questions you likely have, give you a step-by-step guide on how to become the best possible adventurer you can be, and inspire you to get out there and get after it. beginner-friendly guides A Beginner's Guide to Mountain Biking | Top 6 Tips to Know A Beginner's Guide to Trail Running | 12 Helpful Tips A Beginner's Guide to Canyoneering how-to guides 11 Lessons I Learned Training and Running My First Ultra Trail Race How to Be a Respectful Adventurer: 7 Trail Etiquette Tips to Know The Top 11 Apps for Adventure Travelers Chile Entry Requirements: What to Know Before Traveling Slow Travel in Colombia: 6 Things We Learned A Comprehensive Food Guide to Salento, Colombia 5 Things to Know Before Exploring Colombia’s Coffee Region 6 Must-Know Tips for Van Lifing in the Winter Top 6 Tips for Slow Traveling 1 2

thailand Thailand has everything you could want from a country: exciting adventure, authentic culture and history, delicious food, and even some darn good coffee. I was lucky enough to spend six months there during college (I got to study abroad at Chiang Mai University), and while I was there for school, I was really there to explore. And man, explore I did. best time to visit November to April for dry, warm weather. Though Chiang Mai is bad in February (very hot and smoky). top adventures The Mae Hong Son Loop (via motorcycle), checking out the many islands in the south, and spending time wandering ar ound the cities of Chiang Mai and Bangkok. ​ number of national parks 156 time needed to explore 2 - 3 weeks, though a bit more if you want to really see both the north and the south. thailand adventure travel guides Exploring Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand Hiking Doi Chiang Dao in Northern Thailand The Ultimate Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide Motorcycling the Mae Hong Son Loop in Northern Thailand

start planning your next adventure My mission is to be your go-to source when it comes to planning your next epic outdoor adventure. Therefore, my focus is on providing the most in-depth adventure travel guides to help you explore the world sustainably, uniquely, and adventurously. To do this, I have divided the Dispatches into 6 useful categories: adventure 101 (beginner-friendly and how-to guides), sustainable travel tips and tricks, gear and packing, national parks, road trips, and health and budget. My hope is to help inform, inspire, and guide you for each step of the adventure. ​ Let's do this! helpful travel tips book your tours GetYourGuide meet new friends Hostelworld learn about local cuisine & culture EatWith find your home away from home Booking.com get your own set of wheels Rentalcars.com find the best bus BusBud buy awesome adventure gear Backcountry adventure 101 Beginner-friendly and how-to guides on some of the top adventures. sustainable travel Helpful tips and tricks on how to be a more sustainable traveler. gear & packing Gear guides and packing recommendations for your next adventure. national parks Ultimate destination guides and itineraries for some of the world's amazing national parks. road trips Travel guides and useful tips to help plan your next epic road trip adventure. health & money Useful guides on staying healthy and on budget while traveling.

road trips Is there anything better than hitting the open road, having no real destination in mind, and just setting out on a grand adventure? I don't think so. That is why I choose to head out on road trips as often as possible, and why so many of my favorite stories come from adventures along backroads. And as if you needed more reason to hit the open road, did you know road-tripping is one of the most sustainable and adventurous ways to see a destination? So the next time you are looking for a memorable, exciting, and environmentally friendly way to head out and explore - consider hopping in your vehicle of choice and setting off for the open road. Make sure to check out my in-depth road trip routes and road trip adventure guides, plus lots of insightful tips and inspiration, below. start planning your road trip adventure How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip Route Top 5 Things to Do Before Hitting the Open Road The 7 Best Apps to Download Before Road Tripping where to camp while on the road This adventure guide outlines everything you need to know about finding FREE campsites while road tripping all around the USA. read the guide road trip adventure guides The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary | Exploring the Big 5 12 Downsides to Van Lifing Full Time: Important Things You Should Know Your Guide to Visiting the Avenue of the Giants in Northern California The Ultimate Travel Guide to Exploring Monument Valley The 7 Best Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip Adventure Top 25 Sustainable Van Life Tips Road Tripping America's Loneliest Highway | Everything You Need to Know How to Find Free Campsites Around the USA 5 Things to Know Before Hitting the Open Road 1 2 3

guatemala Guatemala : the land of delicious coffee, sweet chocolate, fiery volcanoes, mythical lakes, ancient ruins, and funky school buses. ​ A place where colors blend with the thick jungle, gallos both strut the street and cool you down after a hot day, and fresh, homemade tortillas are only a step away. ​ Located on the edge of Central America, Guatemala has a rich and vibrant culture, as well as a landscape full of amazing adventures. In fact, the largest country in Central America is home to 21 indigenous Mayan communities (each with their own language), the deepest lake (Lake Atitlan, at 340 meters) and 30 volcanoes (3 of which are active). ​ If you are looking for an exciting, culturally rich and authentic Central American adventure, then I cannot recommend Guatemala enough! best time to visit The dry season - which runs from November to April. January and February are the quietest months for travel. ​ top adventures Exploring Antigua, hiking Acatenango Volcano , walking around Tikal and visiting the towns on Lake Atitlan. ​ number of national parks 30 ​ time needed to explore At least 2 weeks, though 3 or 4 gives you more time to visit those more off-the-beaten-path destinations. ultimate 2 week guatemala travel itinerary guatemala adventure travel guides Minimalist Packing Guide: How I Fit 2.5 Weeks of Stuff into a Personal Bag The Perfect 2 Week Guatemala Travel Itinerary The Ultimate Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide The Top 8 Coffee Shops to Explore in Antigua, Guatemala What Does It Cost to Travel in Guatemala? | My 2.5 Week Budget Breakdown The Perfect Guide to Semuc Champey, Guatemala The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala

hi, i'm madalyne I am an adventurer, trail runner, content creator, traveler, lover of road trips, connoisseur of tortilla chips, and avid reader. While I am a Colorado native, I recently moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest after years of being nomadic. ​ My love for adventure travel began with a high school trip to Italy and Greece and was confirmed after studying abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand for six months. Since then, I have been lucky enough to travel to such beautiful places as the cloud forests of Colombia, the snowcapped Altiplano of Peru, and the rugged volcanic peaks of Chile. ​ Follow my adventures in real-time on Instagram or Strava. get to know me better Current Location: Hood River, Oregon, USA ​ Dream Adventure(s): mountaineering in Pakistan, hiking or trail running the Jordan Trail, bikepacking across Mongolia ​ Favorite Place(s) in the World: the canyonlands of southern Utah, Salento, Colombia, and my parent's cabin in the Rocky Mountains ​ Go-to Post-Adventure Meal: macaroni and cheese with Soyrizo or pizza Favorite Movie: Jurassic Park or The King's Speech ​ If I Was an Animal, I'd Be: a fox ​ When Not Adventuring You Will Find Me: reading or journaling in a coffee shop (hopefully with an oat milk latte in hand) ​ Song I Can Listen to on Repeat: Way Out There by Lord Huron I am passionate about exploring and adventuring and having authentic, sustainable experiences . This means I focus on being as environmentally friendly as possible (i.e. eating locally, reducing plastic and carbon usage), diving deep into a culture and not just staying surface level, getting off the tourist "trail" and instead seeking out places that aren't found on popular travel itineraries, and focusing on natural outdoor adventures. Similarly, I want to help inspire and educate other explorers (like you!) to become more sustainable adventure travelers too. For in the end, if we want to continue exploring on this wonderful planet we need to take better care of it. ​ contact me // legal jargon ethos connect Do you have questions on collaborating, writing or just want to say hey, then I would love to hear from you! You can reach me at mloree10@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below. let's chat

explore the world Whether you’re looking for an adventure in the tropical mountains of Colombia, a journey around the lush forests of the USA's Pacific Northwest, or a more off-the-beaten-path trip to the karst-filled islands of Vietnam, this adventure travel blog has something for you. Start exploring this amazing and beautiful planet with the help of these comprehensive destination guides. chile colombia ecuador guatemala laos mexico peru thailand usa vietnam top 8 sustainable travel destinations around the world