The background hum grows louder as the night progresses. Aussie and Kiwi accents fill the air as this year’s crop of Antipodeans ‘Doing Europe’ swap notes, addresses and tall stories. The pubs in London’s Earls Court are a familiar haunt for young travellers. They may temporarily be living and working in London as they save up for the next dash around Europe, or they may be new arrivals planning their trip by tuning into the backpackers network.

But how many of them will really make the most out of their stay in Great Britain? A fair few I met later confessed that they didn’t really manage to make it outside London or only got away for the odd weekend - whilst they spent months travelling in Europe. I’m not knocking Europe and all its charms but the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland) offers enough to keep you occupied for weeks and a special experience that is a bit different from mainland Europe.

Glencoe in Scotland

There are a number of ways of travelling around Britain. Britrail passes offer excellent value for money and, although locals will tell you the railways aren’t as good as they used to be, the network is comprehensive and convenient. There is also an extensive express and local coach network or you could hire or buy a car with other travellers.  But in recent years, a new transport option specifically designed for backpackers has grown up - the backpacker tour. 

These tours have several things in common, besides all promising to show you a great time! Using mini-buses, they promise small groups of like-minded travellers. This means they can offer more flexibility than conventional tours and include lots of stops for sightseeing, photos, walks etc. The drivers/guides are usually young and lively, and can make a big difference between an average trip and something special. You will be dropped to the door of your accommodation each night and picked up the next day and most tours can help with pre-booking ahead to your hostel.

Loch Lomond YHA in Scotland

The types of trips on offer are fixed length (usually 3 or 6 days) which is great if you are short on time and want to make sure you see the highlights of an area. If you are lucky with your fellow travellers you may even make some friends for life, or at least score some addresses where you can crash later in your trip!

What Will It Cost?

Prices are extremely good as there is strong competition for your business.  For example, you can get 3 days in Scotland with Haggis from $229 per person, whilst 7 days round Ireland’s south and west coasts on Shamrocker costs from $629 per person.

What’s Included?

Basically, it’s the transport and the guide. There is also the convenience of being dropped to your accommodation, but do note that the cost of accommodation and meals are not usually included.  Most companies suggest that you allow $30-$50 a night for accommodation and additional funds for food. Other extras will include entrance fees, souvenirs and a few drinks at the pubs along the way! Some of the tours throw in some extra incentives like some entrance fees, ferry and toll charges, tea and coffee during the day and the odd souvenir t-shirt.

Possible Downsides?

There’s always the chance of going all the way round the world and meeting someone you know on the same trip. These trips are pitched at backpackers and therefore popular with Australians. There’s usually a fairly frantic party atmosphere on board and you need to able to keep up with the pace. Travelling all day and partying a fair amount of the night can be a lot of fun but hard on the body!