Best Backpackers Websites in 2026

Lonely Planet is an Australian travel guide book publisher and online website.

Lonely Planet was founded by married couple Maureen and Tony Wheeler. In 1972, they embarked on a backpacking trip from Europe and Asia back to Australia.

Its purpose is to provide travelers with useful and unique sightseeing information along with affordable choices for accommodation and dining.

Hostelworld is a leading global Online Travel Agent (OTA) specialising in the hostel booking and reservation market.

Perfect for backpackers wanted a trusted online platform for searching available accommodation and booking hostels and backpacker rooms & beds.

Tripadvisor is an American online travel company that operates a community website and mobile app with user generated reviews, recommendations & feedback content and a online hotel reservations and bookings for transportation, lodging, travel experiences, and restaurants.

Tripadvisors Mission is to help people around the world plan and have the perfect trip.

Tripadvisor is the worlds largest travel platform, helping 463 million travelers each month make every trip their best trip.

Airwander is a flight website that automates the flight combination travel hack to add cheap stopovers to any flight.

To use AirWander, just input in your flight departure and final destination city. AirWander will then suggest stopover locations where it can save you time and money as opposed to flying to all the destinations seperately. AirWander provides several sets of flight options that you can click through to instantly book. Ideal for backpackers planning their A to B to C to D flight itinerary.

gigexchange is a Global Future of Work marketplace for freelancers to connect with businesses for work. Gigexchange allows freelancers to complete freelance gigs (specific work tasks and outcomes - with payment after the work is completed), freelance jobs (time based work - typically short term contracts which are arranged off platform). Freelancers may also volunteer their valuable services free of charge via the Volunteer service.

Registration is quick and simple, completing a skills and experience fields for its AI/ML function. Registering for Freelance Gigs via the Gig Worker section requires Identity verification prior. This is quick and simple, providing a few ID documents to become identity validated, building trust in the marketplace.

The commission rates for freelance gigs is the lowest of all freelance apps, at just 5%. For freelance jobs there is no commission for finding work.

There are no subscription fees or limits on the number of applications for jobs or gigs.

Gigexchange operates across 39 countries, allowing freelancers to connect with local businesses and remote, or work from home freelance work.

The platform works as a progressive web app (PWA) which means both buyers and sellers can use the standard website or mobile app to complete work services.

The platform supports VISA & Mastercard debit & credit cards. Payment withdrawal for freelancers is via Stripe and typically takes 5-14 days from gig completion.