Off the Beaten Path Archives - The Backpacking Site

The Most Budget-Friendly Haunted Cities to Visit in the US

Many things have started to feel unattainably overpriced lately, especially travel. Thankfully, when it comes to traipsing around haunted locations, seeking out signs of the afterlife, travelers don’t have to rack up credit cards and pay unreasonable admission prices. Across the United States, ghostly activity doesn’t chase profits. It manifests where history unfolded and tragedy struck, in bustling cities known for their opulence and quaint towns that favor the cost-conscious.

For a spectral experience that won’t frighten your wallet, these budget-friendly haunted cities have no trouble delivering roaming spirits, anguished apparitions, and eerie phantoms. From the moss-shaded streets of Savannah to the blood-soaked battlefields of Gettysburg, each of the following cities is as haunted as it is affordable.

Gettysburg, PA

The Welty House – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

As the site of the deadliest battle of the Civil War, Gettysburg is teeming with ghostly activity. A nearly 3.5-mile stretch features two of the city’s most haunted buildings, the Jennie Wade House and the Welty House, and a rock formation still patrolled by many Union and Confederate soldiers. One of these, the Welty House, is part of the Brickhouse Inn, where visitors can snag a haunted room for a reasonable nightly rate. For low-cost rooms without the accompanying spirits, though, 1863 Inn of Gettysburg and the Days Inn by Wyndham are among the cheapest in town.

Gettysburg is a fairly easy city to save money in, so long as you don’t mind the emphasis on military history. The Gettysburg Museum of History, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Eisenhower National Historic Site all offer free entry and discuss the city’s rich past. Cheap dining isn’t impossible to find, either, as eateries like The Gettysburger Company, Lincoln Diner, and Antica Napoli Pizza serve the community with well-crafted food without the high cost.

While ghost tours that stop at locations like the Jennie Wade House and the old Gettysburg Orphanage make for a fun, affordable date or night out with friends, a ghost hunt of the Welty House is a surprisingly cheap and thrilling experience not everyone gets to have.

Williamsburg, VA

Colonial Williamsburg – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Built on ancient burial grounds, Williamsburg pulsates with spiritual energy that fuels the specters of its long and storied past. Echoes of the 19th-century Battles of Williamsburg and the residual haunts of the seemingly cursed Peyton Randolph House headline Williamsburg ghost tours that provide ample entertainment and fascinating history for a reasonable price. Of course, you can’t spend your whole time in The ‘Burg searching for specters, so consider free activities like walking through the 45,000-square-foot Williamsburg Antique Mall or enjoying the outdoors along the Greenway Interpretative Trail.

Williamsburg’s affordability also stretches to Merchant’s Square, where local purveyors and eateries cater to a range of budgets. For a good meal that leaves stomachs and wallets satisfied, there’s Shorty’s Diner, a favorite and the perfect place to fuel up for a ghost tour of the historic city.

Visitors looking to stay in town and extend their hunt for the apparitions of the haunted George Wythe House or Bruton Parish Church can enjoy a comfortable (and low-cost) stay at The Colonies at Williamsburg. To be immersed in history day and night, the Historic Powhatan Resort features the Manor House, restored to its 18th-century grandeur, and palatable nightly rates.

Savannah, GA

A city like Savannah benefits from its haunting allure. Moss-covered Spanish oaks shadow cobblestone streets, creating an atmosphere that’s ripe for a ghostly encounter. To find the most haunted locations, it’s best to book a tour so you don’t miss out on an inexpensive way to hear the iconic tales of Savannah’s dark and storied past. Along the way, travelers will pass some of the city’s affordable accommodations, though nicer, budget-friendly boutique hotels may be few and far between. Expect branded spots like Comfort Inn, Best Western, and Econo Lodge for cheaper rates.

You’re likely not to spend a lot of time in your hotel, though, as Savannah is oozing with things to do, many of which don’t require your wallet. Marvel at the beauty of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist; relax on the green space of Forsyth Park; admire the charming Historic River Street; or browse the wares and artistry of the City Market that runs every Saturday. While you can visit the infamous Bonaventure Cemetery on your own for free, going with a ghost tour ensures you hear the sordid accounts of its many ethereal residents.

There are plenty of high-end eateries in the historic district, but you can save some money and still enjoy a quality meal at spots like Zunzi’s, Clary’s Café, Savannah Seafood Shack, or, for a savory bite before your Savannah ghost tour or a sweet treat after, The Little Crown by Pie Society.

St. Augustine, FL

Castillo de San Marcos – Copyright US Ghost Adventures

When it comes to American cities, none surpasses St. Augustine as the oldest. With a history marked by conflict and death, it’s not shocking that Florida’s Ancient City is also among the nation’s most haunted. One of the best (and cheapest) evening activities to enjoy, particularly on a first date or as a family gathering, is a ghost tour that stops at the city’s most haunted hotspots like Tolomato Cemetery and Castillo de San Marcos.

Discount hotels in St. Augustine also don’t mean you’ll be sacrificing quality for cost. The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel is a prime example of a revered hotel that comes with a low price tag. Similarly, Southern Oaks Inn offers centrally located lodging, while the Flagler Inn is a must after listening to the haunted history of Henry Flagler.

Being a coastal city, spending a cost-free day at St. Augustine Beach should be high on the “to-do” list during spring, summer, and much of fall. On days when it’s not beach weather, consider admiring the historic architecture of the haunted Fort Matanzas National Monument or the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre De Dios. Cheap bites are abundant downtown at places like The Hyppo, or on the outskirts at local favorites like Back 40 Urban Cafe.

Make sure to join a local St. Augustine ghost tour if you want to explore the haunted side of this ancient city!

November 13, 2025

The Best Unique Things To Do In Baja California

Off the Beaten Path

One of Mexico’s most incredible natural regions, Baja California is also quite unique in that it’s the only state that is isolated from the rest of the mainland.

This means that we can find a distinct Pacific desert geography here, with incredible landscapes such as the Espíritu Santo Island, Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and Mogote Sand Dunes. However, there’s much more going for this beautiful region, which includes many once-in-a-lifetime activities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best unique things to do in Baja California and why each one should be on your list. We’ll also give some insider local tips, so you can fully enjoy and make the most of each one.

Let’s now dive into six of the best things to do in Baja California, in no particular order.

Boat Ride To The Beautiful Arch Of Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is by far the most visited place in Baja California, owing to both its legendary vacation status, but also as it’s just a short drive from the international Los Cabos Airport. Aside from enjoying incredible food and bustling nightlife, the absolute number one thing to do here is to visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. From Medano Beach, you can head out in either a private Cabo yacht or a standard boat (I suggest going in the early morning to avoid large crowds), where you’ll get up close with this perfect natural rock formation. Definitely the postcard-picture experience is worth doing when here!

Go Swimming With Sea Lions In La Paz

Is getting up close with native wildlife a must for you during your vacation? Then, swimming with sea lions will be an absolute must for you! Just off the coast of La Paz, within the Espíritu Santo National Park, we can find large colonies with hundreds of playful Sea Lions. You can either choose to go snorkelling for a more practical and simple way of seeing them from the surface, or go diving for a more immersive underwater experience. Please note that Sea Lion tours only depart between September and May, given that the other months are when babies are being raised and thus the area must be left alone for the colonies.

Deep Sea Fishing In The Mexican Pacific

Known as the Blue Marlin capital of the world, Cabo has a serious reputation when it comes to deep-sea fishing. The best thing is that, whilst other activities are ideal in certain months, every month here offers something exciting and unique to catch in these exotic waters. The most popular time for fishing is between July and September, which is the peak of the Blue Marlin season (other typical catches during this time include Dorado and Wahoo). The dry season months from November until April are great for Mako Sharks, Mackerel, and Yellowfin Tuna.

Rent A Private Yacht In Cabo San Lucas

Regardless if you’re into super luxury vacation experiences or simply enjoying the natural spectacles that a destination has, there’s definitely something very rewarding about hiring your own boat when in Cabo. Whether you’re after a scenic time trying to spot Whales, or a large group after a Cabo bachelor party boat, it’s often a highlight of a trip for those heading around the Baja California Peninsula. Again, be sure to factor in the weather here, as the dry season for Cabo (when waters are at their most calm) is between November and April.

Head On A Dune Buggy Ride Through The El Mogote Dunes

Perhaps you’ve already done with resort relaxing for your trip and want to change things up, or simply love more of an off-road adventure during your vacation? Then the El Mogote Dunes is a solid choice, where you can hire your very own ATV as you head out on a tour. Here you’ll whip over crimson sand dunes as you explore remote beaches of a lesser-known area of Baja California. The El Mogote Dunes are located near La Paz, and there are various tour operators near the Malecón (beach walkway) that offer daily tours.

Enjoy Baja’s Finest Cuisine On A Local Street Food Tour

Mexico, in general, is well-known for its incredible cuisine, with tacos del pastor and quesadillas usually taking center stage. However, the Baja California region itself is a seafood lover’s paradise, given both the diversity of catches here as well as the long and proud history of the region. This includes typical delights such as Shrimp Tacos, Ceviche, Seafood Cocktails, and Smoked Marlin Tostadas. There are many incredible food tours you can head on, such as Juan More Taco, which takes you through all of Cabo San Lucas’s very best local eating spots, all while enjoying the very best dishes of the region.

October 14, 2025

The Best Long Distance Hikes in Ireland

Off the Beaten Path

Are you planning a trip to Ireland in the near future? If so, you should consider adding one of the many long-distance hikes in Ireland to your bucket list.

The best time to go hiking in Ireland is between May and October, as temperatures are slightly warmer, and you can enjoy pleasant weather during your hike. However, it’s important that you pack the right gear, should random rainfall occur.

Many of the long-distance backpacking trails in Ireland will allow you to enjoy Ireland off the beaten path. During a hike, you may come across quaint villages which are definitely not on the average tourist’s radar.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Ireland, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in Ireland, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

There is a wide range of long-distance hikes in Ireland, where you can either camp along the way or find accommodation in the middle of your chosen route. As there are so many long-distance hiking trails to select from in Ireland, we have narrowed down some of the best treks available to explore.

1. Kerry Way (214 km)

Torc Waterfall which stands at the base of Torc Mountain within the Killarney National Park.

Torc Waterfall in the Killarney National Park

Kerry Way is one of the longest signposted hiking trails in Ireland which begins and ends in Killarney, a popular coastal town in the Republic of Ireland. Killarney is known for its brightly coloured 19th-century architecture, including St Mary’s Cathedral.

This hiking trail is a circular route that typically takes around 7 to 10 days to complete. Despite the length of the hike, it is a fairly easy route that is accessible to all levels. Although the terrain does differ, with everything from sturdy tarmac roads to boggy national parkland and farm areas.

Along the way, you will discover interesting castle ruins and ancient Celtic monuments, as well as stunning mountain landscapes. At the start of the hike, you can also enjoy the beautiful Torc Waterfall, which stands at the base of Torc Mountain within the Killarney National Park.

2. The Wicklow Way (128 km)

Wicklow Mountains National Park along the Wicklow Way - one of the best long distance hikes in Ireland

The J. B. Malone memorial above Lough Tay in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Way is one of the most challenging backpacking trails in Ireland. The trail takes around 7 days in total, starting in the Dublin suburb of Rathfarnham and crossing 26 peaks throughout Dublin and the Wicklow mountains. The hiking trail ends in the small village of Clonegal in County Carlow.

The most popular route along the Wicklow Way is the north to south route, however, you can also take the south to the north route if you wish to start on low terrain and work your way up.

Whatever route you take, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of sights including Marlay Park, Fairy Castle, the Powerscourt waterfall, the peaks of Djouce, and more.

3. The Irish segment of the E8 Long Distance Trail (650 km)

Walk the start of the E8 Long-Distance Trail - one of the best long distance hikes in Ireland

Walk the westernmost portion of the E8 Long-Distance Trail in Ireland

The E8 trail was established as Europe’s first long-distance hike, and it starts in Ireland in Cork’s Dursey Island – the westernmost tip of Europe. The whole trail stretches to Istanbul, Turkey, although the Irish section begins at Dursey Island and ends in Dublin City.

Part of the route overlaps with some of the best long-distance hikes in Ireland including the Wicklow Way, the Kerry Way, the South Leinster Way, and the Blackwater Way.

The Irish segment of the E8 trail goes from coast to coast and allows you to see all of rural Ireland including the bogs, mountains, windy country roads, old castles, and even ancient burial sites.

4. Dingle Way (183 km)

Cliffs along the Dingle Way towards Slea Head

Ireland’s Dingle Way is a circular backpacking trail that covers the Dingle Peninsula and takes around 6 to 8 days to complete. This is an easy to moderate walk with well-maintained terrain throughout.

The Dingle Way starts and ends in Tralee, in the South-west county of Kerry. Tralee is known for its yearly Rose of Tralee International Festival, which is held every August. This is a contest that celebrates Irish women all over the world.

The Dingle Way offers stunning views of beautiful beaches, lively towns, and mountains. When you get to the foot of Mount Bradon, the difficulty of the trail increases, however, it’s nothing the average hiker can’t handle.

5. The Beara Way (206 km)

Beara Peninsula countryside on the Beara Way

The Beara Way is a circular long-distance hike in Ireland that begins and ends in Glengarriff, a tiny village in the Beara Peninsula of County Cork. It takes about 8 to 12 days to complete the entire backpacking trail, however, you can start the hike at various points.

Most of the backpacking trail is dry, there are parts of the walk that are boggy, so it’s advised that you bring waterproof shoes. There are also various steep climbs and rough terrain, so it’s important you stay focused while you walk.

During the walk, you will come across spectacular Atlantic views, as well as plenty of wild mountainous land. You will also have the pleasure of visiting Bere Island during the trail, where you will find historic military buildings, plenty of heritage, and even the opportunity to go whale watching.

The collection of long-distance hikes in Ireland does not stop here, as there are plenty more backpacking trails and sights to explore on The Emerald Isle.

For more facts on travel in Ireland, take a look at our Backpacking Ireland guide, which uncovers everything you need to know about Ireland including where to stay. It also discusses things to do while you are there, as well as Republic of Ireland visa requirements and work permit information.

May 2, 2025

10 Best Things To Do In El Gouna, Egypt

Off the Beaten Path

Despite being a relatively small resort on the Red Sea, El Gouna still impresses travelers everywhere with its never-ending list of attractions. And, if you live in, or near, Egypt, and want to escape the COVID-19 pandemic mess for a while, then try out some (or all) of these 10 fun things to do in El Gouna this summer season.

1. Visit The Tamr Henna Square

“The Tamr Henna Square is located in the heart of Downtown El Gouna,” says Sophie Hanson, a travel writer at OXEssays and Essay Help. “This popular square is not only lined with palm trees, but also has a wide array of shops and cafes with outside seating. Whether you’re there just to chill out to kill time, or looking for a great souvenir to take back home with you, you’ll have a great time at Tamr Henna.”

2. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a fun way to explore the shallow reefs, deep walls, and a shipwreck here and there and is one of the best things to do in El Gouna. And as you dive, chances are, you’ll spot the local residents of the sea: leopard sharks, turtles, dolphins, and tuna.

Although scuba diving takes skill, interested parties can take lessons to become a PADI-qualified diver. Or, divers can opt for renting a snorkel and mask from the local beach store.

3. Spa Treatment

Need a break? Try the Thai-themed Angsana Spa at the Movenpick Resort!

Having expert staff, as well as soothing massage sessions, you’ll be able to de-stress for 90 minutes and enjoy every single minute of it.

4. Horseback Riding

Wouldn’t it be cool to ride off into the sunset on a horse? Now, you can!

Anyone of any skillset can ride on a horse. For novice riders, they’ll be assigned a guide who will hold the reins, while training the rider for most of the trek. By taking the back roads out of El Gouna, and riding through remote beaches, riders will enjoy the trip on horseback.

5. Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

When stand up paddling (or SUP, for short), you have to actually stand on the board, in order to make it work. Plus, you’ll be working on shallow water, as you paddle. However, it’s still a fun experience, regardless of skillset. Think of it as a suitable intro to surfing. Once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to get off the board!

SUP is not only an activity that can be mastered with practice, but is also a great workout for your arms, core, and abs.

6. Golfing

Golfers of all ages can take advantage of the stunning golf courses in El Gouna. From simple putting to hitting at long-range – expert or novice – El Gouna is just the place for you to get away from the busy streets, and enjoy some peace and quiet on the green.

7. Aquarium

What’s not to like about sea life? El Gouna has a small aquarium, where you’ll see lots of sea life up close without getting wet. Simply walk around, and look at these creatures live there, and then learn more about them and their habitat.

8. Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is similar to SUP; however, instead of paddling to move the board, you hold onto a kite, and let the wind do the rest! As you explore the remote beaches in El Gouna by kitesurfing, you’ll take in the beautiful sights of the ocean and the brilliant sunshine.

Of course, El Gouna offers lessons in kitesurfing. Or, if you prefer, you can always watch kitesurfers at a safe distance.

9. Ride A Segway

Want to practice balancing – but NOT in the water? And, would you rather be window-shopping than being in the water? Then look to riding a Segway.

Segway tours are one of the most popular things to do in El Gouna, and there is almost no shortage of Segways for visitors and tourists to zoom around town on – from off-road areas, to over roads, to around the marina.

10. Organic Farm

“Believe it or not, El Gouna holds the prestigious title of being Egypt’s most environmentally-friendly travel destination,” says Louis Dixon, a lifestyle blogger at Paper Fellows and Boom Essays. “Therefore, they don’t tolerate any littering, and or harming plants.”

In addition, fresh organic produce is sold in the farm’s shop.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re looking for adventure, searching for the best souvenir in Egypt, or want to get away from today’s hard times for a while, then El Gouna is your go-to destination! With countless things to do in El Gouna – especially these 10 described above – you’ll have fun at this resort on the Red Sea! And if you’re planning a longer trip in Egypt, be sure to check out our Egypt Backpacking Guide for helpful tips!

May 2, 2025

The Best Hikes in Seoraksan National Park

Off the Beaten Path

Seoraksan National Park in Korea is one of the most impressive sites to visit, both for its nature and its hiking possibilities. Considered the best national park in Korea by many, there are a range of trail options from beginning to advanced. Keep reading to learn all about the best hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Seoraksan National Park, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in South Korea, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

While it’s possible to explore the National Park on your own, if you’re interested in booking a private tour and hiking guide, there are plenty of options on Viator.

Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail: The Easiest Hiking Trail in Seoraksan

Exploring the summit of Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail in Seoraksan National Park

The name of this place and trail is confusing – there is no actual fortress. The rocks along the Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail themselves are meant to create the image of a fortress. And it certainly is beautiful!

You can get a view of Ulsanbawi (the most famous ridgeline consisting of 6 peaks in the park) in the distance from this trail.

Gwongeumseong is part of a 1.5 km path (one-way) which you can take the cable car up to or down from. This makes it a very flexible option and great for families with small children which might have just begun learning to hike. It’s considered the easiest hiking trail in Seoraksan National Park and should be fairly easy for most hikers.

From the top, there are also views of Sokcho, a beachside vacation city that’s a great place to base your trip out of.

Biryong Falls Trail

Biryong Falls at the end of the hike in Seoraksan

Biryong Falls at the end of the famous hike in Seoraksan National Park

Difficulty: A Small Challenge

So, I would not say these are the most impressive waterfalls in Korea. However, if you are used to the typical Korean hike, then these falls suddenly become very impressive indeed. When hiking in Korea, you’re not often faced with a big reward at all at the end of your giant trek (simply more trees)!

Luckily, the Seoraksan National Park hiking trails all feature great views and experiences.

Even if the falls are not necessarily Instagram-worthy, the journey to them is absolutely beautiful. Your value for views is maxed out on the Biryong Falls trail, especially if you can visit during the autumn season.

Do note, the end of the trail is technically Towangsang Falls Observatory (expect an additional 600 stairs beyond the falls to get here).

The Biryong Falls Trail is a 2.9 mile in & out path. For someone fairly new to hiking in Korea, this trail should be a small challenge, but for the experienced individual, it will be a simple walk in the park.

Ulsanbawi Trail: The Most Popular Hike in Seoraksan National Park

Exploring the 6 granite peaks of Seoraksan on the Ulsanbawi Trail

Exploring the 6 granite peaks of Seoraksan National Park on the Ulsanbawi Trail

If you want to see the iconic 6 granite peaks of Seoraksan National Park, the Ulsanbawi Trail is the path to take. Even though it is the most popular hiking trail in Seoraksan National Park, it is one of the more difficult ones. It’s essentially all stairs.

The beginning will take you through easy wooded paths and over beautifully carved bridges. You will pass some small temples and shrines along the way. Once you reach Heundeulbawi, with a view of the iconic Ulsanbawi, your real challenge begins.

Make sure you are wearing shoes that have good grip, the stairs are made of a variety of materials (uneven stone or slippery metal). However, the stunning views of the countryside once you complete the 3.8 km – one-way – will have been worth the effort!

This hiking trail in Korea is challenging, and you can expect it to take around 4+ hours to complete. There will be many others on the same path, so if you are expecting peace and quiet, then the Ulsanbawi Trail is not the trail for you.

Daeseung Waterfall Trail

Difficulty: Challenging

If you want to hear rushing water while you hike, the Daeseung Waterfall Trail is a fantastic option. Daeseung Waterfall is the third-biggest waterfall in Korea, so it’s certainly a step up from the Biryong trail.

It is important to note that the waterfall is not always impressive due to its dependence on seasonal rainfall. Make sure you check whether the hike will be worth it before going, or make sure you’re going during or just after the rainy season.

An absolutely stunning place to hike, the Daeseung Waterfall Trail was a favorite of Korean kings throughout history. Getting there, however, is going to be a challenge. The path is very steep and can take the average hiker around 6 hours.

It’s an 11.3 km round-trip and not recommended for beginners. It’s important to note that Korea is over 85% mountainous, so if Koreans consider something to be difficult to climb – it really is! But the path will go by fascinating rock formations, burbling streams, and lingering ponds, making it well worth the effort.

Daecheongbong: The Highest Peak in Seoraksan National Park

View over the landscape from Daecheongbong

Difficulty: Incredibly Challenging (Consider turning it into a multi-day hike)

If you like heights, consider giving the tallest point in Seoraksan National Park a try. It’s also the 7th highest peak in South Korea, so if you’re planning to tackle more, then this is a good warm-up. There is a shelter to stay in overnight called the Heeungak shelter.

This is the only multi-day hike option in Seoraksan National Park, but it can be done in one day if you are highly experienced. Since it can be a more challenging hike, it might be worth booking a tour with a mountaineering guide.

And those are the best hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park that you should consider on your next vacation in South Korea! Interested in living or working in South Korea? Check out my post on Why Teaching English in South Korea is a great opportunity!

The Best Hikes in Seoraksan National Park in Korea

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May 1, 2025