Budget Backpacker 360
See the world on a shoestring!
Book now for £500
Prices from
£3,749
3749
See all reviews
Group Size: Varies
Trip code: BB360
Duration: Up to 12 months or longer
Want to backpack around the world on a budget? Choose our amazing round-the-world packages and travel the globe on a shoestring! Our Budget Backpacker 360 offers the best of both worlds: It is ideal for the independent, adventure-seeking traveller but one who still wants great guided tours and advice along the way as well as the chance to do paid work. Our 360 trip offers flexibility and freedom to see the world at a price that won’t break the bank! Have fun in Thailand and explore paradise in Bali. Find paid work in Australia and live Down Under for up to 12 months. Join a group tour around New Zealand’s South Island for dreamy landscapes and the opportunity for thrilling adventure sports.
All our 360 trips are fully flexible and tailor-made to suit you, so if you want to add in or take out tours then let your travel advisor know and you can plan your own perfect itinerary!
Trip Highlights
- Go round the world on an epic budget backpacking adventure. This 360 trip can be tailor-made to suit you and is ideal for the independent traveller who wants freedom and flexibility but also the benefit of great guides – it’s the best of both worlds
- Enjoy an amazing whirlwind adventure tours in stunning Thailand and Bali
- Explore the glistening beaches and buzzing city with a week in Sydney. After, find paid work and receive full job support from our expert team.
- Explore New Zealand’s South Island on an epic group tour with like minded travellers
Want to read it later?
Download more trip information and detailed itinerary
- 100% Financially Secure
- We have provided financial bonds which guarantee that your money is totally safe with Gap 360 Ltd.
Thai Intro
- 11 nights’ accommodation
- 2 breakfast, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
- Airport pick up
- Bangkok boat ride, tuk tuk ride, temple visits and party night
- Cookery class
- Khao Sok floating bungalow stay
- Sea kayaking, bamboo rafting and tubing
- Koh Phangan boat trip, Thai massage
- Phi Phi boat trip
Bali Intro
- Access to buddy list before you travel
- Airport pickup
- All accommodation
- 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Temple visits
- Relaxation time on beautiful Balinese beaches
- Learn to surf experience
- Waterfall swim
- Visit a local homestay
- Bamboo basket weaving
- Coffee plantation visit
- Meet wild monkeys
- Dolphin boat trip
- Explore Gili island by bicycle
- Snorkel with turtles
- Farewell dinner
- Beach party
- Transport to Ubud
- Mount Batur Sunrise Volcano trek
- Monkey forest visit
- Traditional Balinese Massage
- All transport
- Western tour guide and local guide
- Assistance to arrange return airport transfer
Absolute Oz
- 7 nights accommodation
- 12 months job support with tax file number, sim card, bank account and medicare assistance
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Arrival airport transfer
- Sydney city tour & harbour cruise
- Beach camp experience & dolphin cruise
- 4x4 sand dune tour & sandboarding
New Zealand - South Island
- 8 nights accommodation
- 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
- Queenstown city tour
- Canyon jet boating
- Milford Sound cruise
- Lord of the Rings tour
- Wanaka Kayaking to Ruby Island
- Hike Mount Iron
- Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park
- Mt John Hike, Lake Tekapo
- Hot springs star gazing experience
We also provide...
- A personal Gap 360 Travel Advisor who will help plan your perfect trip
- Assistance arranging flights and travel insurance
- 24 hour emergency support
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Working Holiday Visa in Australia
- Optional activities
- Some meals
- Extra accommodation
- Return airport transfers
Our suggested Budget Backpacker 360 Route
To make life easier, we’ve come up with a suggested route for the Budget Backpacker 360.
Budget Backpacker 360: Thai Intro + Bali Intro + Absolute Oz Jobs (Australia) + New Zealand Adventure - South Island
Customise Your Own: You can choose the suggested around-the-world package, or you can design your own Budget Backpacker 360 by adding in or taking out any combination of these packages, or any of our other gap travel programmes.
Packing all your perfect destinations into one effortless, value-for-money Budget Backpacker 360 trip is the ideal, cost-effective way to see the world and enjoy your very own epic adventure. You can sign up for one of our suggested round-the-world routes, or you can create your very own 360 trip. Whatever you want, our 360s are tailor made for you! You will be assigned your own personal Travel Advisor so you can design your own dream Budget Backpacker 360.
Our Budget Backpacker 360 Package
Get set for fun and unforgettable adventures in the backpacking Mecca of the world – amazing Thailand! You’ll stay close to Bangkok’s legendary backpacking centre of Khao San Road and enjoy a relaxing boat ride through Bangkok followed by temple visits and a tuk tuk ride, before partying in Bangkok by night! Try a tasty cooking class then head to the unspoilt paradise of Khao Sok National Park. Go on a long-tail boat ride or try tubing, bamboo rafting or sea kayaking, before spending the night in unique floating bungalows on an idyllic lake.
Your next stop is the idyllic island of Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Party. Take a trip to beautiful beaches and swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters. Enjoy a relaxing yoga session or opt for a Muay Thai boxing lesson instead.
Then it is off to the Phi Phi Islands to experience the paradise of the west coast on boat trips and party nights!
Want to stay longer in Thailand? Why not replace the Thai Intro with our 18 day or 25 day Thai Adventure instead?
Moon Parties in Koh Phangan
Visit Koh Phangan at the right time and you can experience the legendary moon parties, like the Full Moon Party. Check out our guides and make sure they line up with your travel dates or speak to one of our expert travel advisors for help:
Half Moon/Jungle Party Dates & Guide
Whilst we do try and coincide some start dates so groups will be on Koh Phangan at the time of the Full Moon Party, the party organisers do not release the actual dates of the parties until much nearer the time. Our estimates are based on the lunar calendar and when we expect the parties to be held. However a number of factors can influence when the actual part is. including when full moons coincide with local Buddhist holidays. During Buddhist holidays local people are forbidden to consume alcohol and therefore out of respect for the culture, the organisers may move the full moon party dates by a few days either side. Therefore please be aware that full moon party dates are subject to change.
It’s easy to see why Bali is a backpacking favourite! This incredible tour offers the perfect mix of stunning scenery, beach bliss, culture, wildlife and party. Explore Canggu and test the waves at the unique surf spot of Seminyak. Wander magical waterfalls and breathtaking temples. Spot dolphins playing in the gorgeous waters and hop over to the dreamy Gili Trawangan. Take a bike tour to see this island's beauty and fill your camera roll with beautiful pics! After an unforgettable sunset, party in beach bars with your new group of best friends!
Ideal for the independent traveller on a budget, our Absolute Oz programme in Australia allows you the opportunity to enjoy an exciting introductory week of pure fun in sunny Sydney. You then have complete freedom to find paid work and plan your own stay in Australia, with brilliant job support so you can earn money to pay your way on your backpacking adventure around the world!
Within a week you will have everything you need in order to find paid work in Australia. Running for a total of 8 days, with accommodation included, you’ll spend your first few days exploring Sydney before travelling to an outback base camp. Chill out at the beach, take a bushwalk, discover wildlife, take a 4x4 sand dune tour, go sand boarding, learn about Aboriginal cultures and join a bottlenose dolphin cruise. Then you’re ready to kick-start your job search in Oz!
The Absolute Oz package provides you with everything you need to work Down Under, including 12 months of job support and access to a database of job opportunities all over Australia. The programme will assist you with finding a flat should you want one, and make your CV Aussie friendly.
Perks of the Absolute Oz programme include:
- 12 months' access to an online jobs network with nationwide vacancies
- CV review service
- Orientation
- Advice about setting up an Australian bank account before you go
- Aussie mobile phone SIM card
- Tax File Number
- Medicare
- Free Wi-Fi access while in Sydney
- A 12-month mail holding service
- Shared accommodation help and advice
There are a wide range of jobs available in Australia. Typical jobs include bar and hospitality work, office jobs, accountancy, sales and marketing, Au Pair and childcare jobs, labour and trade work, farm/ranch jobs, and nursing or healthcare. Wage rates vary depending on the type of job you have and its location. On average expect to earn between about £10-£15 per hour.
After the Absolute Oz introductory week, we suggest taking around 6-7 months to work and travel independently throughout Australia. This can always be extended (although remember that your visa limits you to 12 months in total for your trip) or shortened to suit your preferences. Equally, you can opt out of working in Oz if you wish. Please let us know your preferences when booking.
New Zealand Adventure - South Island
Touch down in Queenstown, ready for bucket list adventures on New Zealand’s South Island! With a friendly group of ready made mates, see the best of paradise over 9 unforgettable days. Get your adrenaline pumping as you jetboat at over 80 km/h through Skippers Canyon! Want to try some more adventure sports? This is the perfect place to book on for bungee jumping, skydiving and white water rafting! Marvel at the natural beauty of Milford Sound and snap pics of famous Lord of the Rings filming locations. You’ll embark on some epic hikes as you trek up Mount Iron for unique views and look across at Aoraki/Mt Cook after completing the Hooker Valley track. Sleep in waterside accommodation and wake up looking across Lake Tekapo. Enjoy lively nights out, partying like a real Kiwi!
Please note all activities, itineraries and routes are subject to change
+ 38
The prices will load here automatically, if this does not happen for you: Click here to view Prices
Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.We have a fantastic flights team who can help you book all the flights needed to get between your individual programmes, as these are not included in the cost of the programme. Contact a travel advisor who can provide you with a quote for the flight prices.
If you do the programmes in the order suggested then your flight route will be: Home to Bangkok - Phuket to Denpasar - Denpasar to Sydney - Sydney to Queenstown - Queenstown to Home. Please see below for full details of the arrival and departure.
Thailand
You should arrange your arrival into Bangkok airport on day 1 for the start of your Thai Intro tour. An airport transfer is included.Your trip ends on the Phi Phi Islands on day 12. You should book a flight out of either Phuket for after 3pm or the following day.Your guide can advise you on getting from the Phi Phi Islands to Phuket airport.
Bali
You will need to arrange your own arrival into Denpasar Airport in Bali on day 1. An airport transfer is included and you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation. If you wish to arrive before day 1, we can book extra nights in the starting accommodation for an added cost and we can still pick you up from the airport on arrival, please speak to your travel advisor.
Your trip will finish on day 12 in the town of Ubud. A return airport transfer is not included but your guide can help arrange this for you. A transfer by minivan to Denpasar Airport takes around 1.5 hours. We recommend you do not book an onward flight out of Bali until around 1pm on day 12 at the earliest.
Australia
You should arrange your flights to arrive into Sydney Airport (SYD) your programme start date. You will need to go to a pre-set meeting point at Sydney airport and a greeter will direct you to the shuttle bus which will take you directly to your hostel to begin your first week of fun and adventure!
New Zealand
You can arrive at any time on day 1 in Queenstown and we will pick you up from the airport and take you to your starting accommodation. The tour ends on day 9 in Queenstown and you can depart anytime. Your tour guide can assist you in booking return airport transfers locally.
Extra Nights
Whilst we do try and put as many start dates together as possible, there may be independent travel days in between each sector of your trip. In most cases, you can arrive in advance of the start date for any of the above programmes and still take up the inclusive transfer if you book extra nights of accommodation through us. If you’d like to arrive before the start date then please let us know in advance.
Thai Intro
11 nights accommodation is included as part of the Thai Intro tour.
2 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners are included on this tour. You will need to purchase the rest of your meals yourself. This is a great opportunity to soak up Thai culture and sample some delicious local delicacies!
Bali Intro
11 nights of accommodation are included in this tour. You will stay in a mix of twin and double share or multi-share mixed dorm accommodation, all to a great standard. Accommodation has swimming pools, private bathrooms, air conditioning and hot water. You will have access to Wi-Fi in all locations and laundry facilities in all except nights 4 & 5.
Every accommodation also has safe refillable water stations and many of our activity destinations also do. We encourage travellers to reduce their use of single plastic and bring a refillable water bottle.
This tour includes 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner. Remaining meals will need to be purchased yourself, a great opportunity to sample local foods.
Absolute Oz
Accommodation for the first seven nights of your stay is included, in a city centre hostel in Sydney during nights 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7, and in shared accommodation during your stay at beach camp on nights 3 and 4.
In your hostel in Sydney, you’ll enjoy modern facilities in shared dorm accommodation with up to 10 people. In your first week, some meals are included (3 dinners, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches), including the group welcome dinner on Monday, Beach Camp dinners and four free drinks on your Sydney bar cruise.
After the first 7 days of accommodation you have the option to find an apartment to rent in Australia, either on your own or with some of your new travelling friends. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay in a hostel. Our team in Sydney will be able to assist you with this, and during the first week you will be given an accommodation tour of Sydney to explore the local options. If you head off to another area in Australia the Sydney team can help you find the best available options. You can expect to pay £150-£200 per week on average for rent in Australia. The minimum contract is normally 3 months but some agencies will ask you to commit to six months.
New Zealand - South Island
This tour includes 8 nights of accommodation in popular hostels. You will spend 3 nights in a centrally located hostel in Queenstown, 1 night in a comfy hostel in Milford Sound, 2 nights in a hostel with lake views in Wanaka and 2 nights in Lake Tekapo.
This tour includes 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner. Remaining meals will need to be purchased yourself, a great opportunity to sample local foods.
Extra Accommodation Around the World
As the Budget Backpacker 360 is designed to be ideal for the independent traveller looking for a flexible itinerary, you may well need to book some of your own accommodation as you make your way around the world. If you want to extend your stay at any of the places on your itinerary we can offer you helpful advice about where to stay and how to book accommodation on a budget. Just have a chat with your travel advisor for more advice and details.
The minimum age to join this Budget Backpacker 360 is 18. Due to working holiday visa restrictions, the upper age limit for our suggested route is 30.
Thailand
Without a visa, British nationals arriving by air can remain Thailand for a maximum of 30 days, though if you arrive across a land border this may be shorter. If you wish to extend your trip you should apply for a 60 day tourist visa before you leave the UK.
Bali
British visitors arriving in Bali will be issued with a visa on arrival, valid for a stay of up to 30 days. The cost of the visa on arrival is around £25. You must have a passport with at least 6 months validity from your arrival date. A tourism levy of approximately £8 is payable upon each entry into the island of Bali via an air or sea port (including re-entry from surrounding islands).
Australia
Due to Working Holiday Visa age restrictions, the Absolute Oz trip is only available to 18-35 year olds. As you are planning to work in Australia whilst you’re here you’ll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. You can choose to book a visa through us (extra cost), please ask for more details.
Basic requirements:
- To be eligible, applicants need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold a passport issued by an eligible country or region
- Be aged 18-35 (inclusive) at the time of applying
- Not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during their stay in Australia
- Meet health, character and financial requirements
- Not have previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday visa (unless applying for a second visa)
- Be outside Australia when they apply and when their visa is granted
- Apply within 12 months of intended travel to Australia.
- Have sufficient funds to cover your expected living/trip costs during your stay
- Have funds for a return or onward ticket to depart Australia (or an actual ticket)
- Have health insurance
New Zealand
British citizens do not need a visa to enter New Zealand for up to six months, but you will need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. This can be applied for online or via the dedicated mobile app. You’ll also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 when you apply.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum of three months from your date of exit, and you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you have an onward ticket and sufficient funds to support you during your stay.
Please note: Visa rules and regulations are subject to change. Please check relevant embassy websites for up to date visa information.
Learn more