Luxury backpacking – sounds like a paradox doesn’t it?

But this is something that keeps popping up to describe people’s chic backpacking experiences – those who want delicious food, chic hostel interiors and those perfect Instagram spots.

The combination of both affordable travel options with those extra luxe touches. See my list of some of the best luxury backpacking things to do this year, that will turn you into the ultimate luxury backpacker!

Wine and food tours

📸:@kelsoknight

Explore the world through wine like a real connoisseur. I was lucky enough to do a wine connoisseur class at Les Caves du Louvre under the Louvre in Paris! It’s cool to taste some really delicious wine, but also feel a bit bougie at the same time. It’s also an extra skill that you can say you picked up during your travels.

One of the best ways to feel like a local in a new destination is to throw yourself into the local cuisine. I did a food and wine tour in Ljubljana Slovenia, which is an up-and-coming gastronomic city. I was served very hearty and meaty dishes, and learned so much about why these dishes are so important to the Slovenian culture.

Boutique hostels

USA Hostels Ocean Beach, 📸:@matthew_t_rader

So when you think of backpacking, you automatically think of hostels and probably picture a room with a sea of bunk beds, and just one toilet. But hostels have come a long way in recent years, and you can have a really glamorous stay combined with the non-stop party, social environment that hostels provide.

My favourite hostel is King Kong Hostel in Rotterdam, which had a custom designed dorm room with stylish and private double bed bunks. There is also a super cute cafe and a cinema room with an actual Ben and Jerry’s ice cream fridge.

Hostel chains like Freehand and Selina are really putting the idea of luxury hostels into a reality, with truly stunning interiors. Take the time to explore Hostelworld’s website and blog to find your next Instagrammable luxury stay.

Dreamy activities

📸:@processingly

This is why being a backpacker is so versatile, you can save your money on accomodation and flights, and spend it strategically on one-of-a-kind experiences. Like yoga retreats in Portugal or surfing in Hawaii – taking on a challenge that makes your experience wholly unique is key. When I travel I have a habit for visiting locations/cafes/bars that were popular with famous writers. It’s a weird activity I love doing! There’s nothing easier than visiting some interesting museums like the Musee des Arts Décoratifs in Paris to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville!

Sailing tours

📸:@markos_mant

What’s more luxurious than sailing around the Greek Islands? How about sailing through Croatia’s historic Old Towns? Sailing tours are becoming all the rage with backpackers and lots of tour companies are catering to this. Topdeck and Contiki offer varying tour lengths on a budget.

I went on a sailing tour around some lesser known Greek Islands in 2017 and I have never felt so relaxed in my life!

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To be a luxury backpacker, it just takes some strategic planning and budgeting to have a taste of the high life. Also try tips like joining frequent flyer programs (you never know when you could score an upgrade) and seeing what tour companies offer interesting budget itineraries. Tell me what luxury backpacking means to you in the comments!