Essentials

Maximum adventure, minimum spend

Hostels, street food, local transport, and raw experiences - designed for travellers who want to stretch their budget without missing out.

The Style

What Is 'Essentials'?

Maximum adventure, minimum cost. Hostels, street food, local transport, and raw experiences - designed for travellers who want to stretch their budget without missing out.

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Essentials Trips

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Where You'll Stay

The Best Hostels

Expect accommodation that’s perfect for connecting with your travel mates. You'll stay at some of our favourite hostels, which are all perfectly located for exploring! Whether you’re swapping stories in a shared dorm or gearing up for a night out, our Backpacker-style stays always prioritise great vibes, comfortable dorms, and a 10/10 location for activities!

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Upcoming Departures

Oct

25

2026

Philippines: Manila to Coron

11 Days · Manila — Coron

On Request

Save

25%

U$1,195.00 U$896.25

Nov

15

2026

Philippines: Manila to Coron

11 Days · Manila — Coron

Available

Save

20%

U$1,195.00 U$956.00

Nov

23

2026

Thailand: Bangkok to Phuket

10 Days · Bangkok — Phuket

Available

Save

20%

U$950.00 U$760.00

Jan

17

2027

Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

12 Days · Hanoi — Ho Chi Minh City

Available

Save

20%

U$995.00 U$796.00

Jan

24

2027

Costa Rica: San José to Puerto Viejo

11 Days · San José — San José

Available

Save

20%

U$995.00 U$796.00

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Traveller Reviews

Reviews

4.3 4.3 out of 5 from 8 reviews

I loved my travels with this company.

“I loved my travels with this company. Made really good stops along the way and we had an amazing tour leader! Shout out to Leo he made the experience even better, he was very knowledgeable and fun. Wo…”
Jessica H - Mar 2026
Need to Know

FAQs

What's the difference between Classic and Essentials?

Classic trips are packed with inclusions and stay in hotels, homestays, beach huts and the odd boat, twin-share. Essentials trips cost less, stay in hand-picked hostels (usually dorms), leave more free time, and are just for 18–29s. Same destinations, different budget and vibe.

Who are Essentials trips for?

Anyone aged 18 to 30 who wants big adventures on a smaller budget. First trip abroad, gap year, or just craving a proper backpacking hit? This is your style.

What’s the accommodation like on a Essentials Tour?

Think social hostels and simple guesthouses, picked for their location, safety and vibe. Your rooms are shared, and so are the stories. It’s backpacking how it should feel: easy, fun and full of people.

Will I be sharing a room?

Yes. Sharing is part of the magic on Essentials. Your roommates often turn into your best mates by day two.

What’s included on an Essentials Trip?

Your accommodation, in-trip transport, the activities listed in your itinerary and your Local Legend from start to finish. All the planning is done, so you just show up and say yes.

Can I travel solo on an Essentials Tour?

Absolutely. Most of our travellers join solo. You’ll arrive on your own and leave with a whole crew.

Can I add extra activities?

For sure. There’s free time built into every trip, and your Local Legend will point you to the best optional extras. We provide you with the Essentials, and you can add the extras you want to experience when you get there!

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