The Realistic Backpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are doing a Q&A episode, answering all your questions about travelling, DIVING, working online and chaotic backpacking stories.But before they get into that, there’s some HUGE NEWS!! So make sure you’re listening to this because everything is about to change.This is the last episode of this season, thank you to everyone that’s listened all season, and we’ll see you on the next one!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are welcoming one of their travel pals, Rob to the podcast.They met in March 2024 in a hostel in Belize, and since then, Rob has backpacked Latin America for 18 months.Talking about the highs and lows of that trip, solo travel, Rob's goal to visit every country in the world, ethically, and where’s next. This chat was so much fun, and gave so much insight into travel.Wrapping up with a chaotic backpacking story, involving spending the pandemic on a Caribbean island. Helpful Links:Find Rob on Instagram: GlobetromperConnect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are revisiting one of their favourite regions: Central AmericaWhile they did a full breakdown in season 1 (definitely check that out if they haven’t, this is a some extra info and chatting about some changes in the region Talking backpacking routes, activities, and general backpacking tripsIf you’re heading to Central America, and have any questions on backpacking the region, drop the girls a note on socials Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are chatting to Steve and Jack from Nomads No Worries. The guys are digital nomads, with a different travel style. Opting to stay in places for at least a month at a time. Learning about the differences with this, as well as the pros and cons. In true Realistic Backpacker’s style, this ep goes all over the place, covering travel, American culture and stereotypes, Latin America, creature comforts when travelling, and what to do if you see a bear.And of course, a couple of chaotic travelling stories.Make sure to check out the guys on Nomads No Worries podcast, and give them a follow:Instagram: NomadsnoworriespodcastAnd if you haven’t already, listen to Abi and Shireen on the guys’ podcast, linked below! Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are discussing their favourite topic of conversation: South East Asia. While they did a full breakdown in season 1 (definitely check that out if you haven’t already), this is a revision with some extra information and changes they’ve learned since they recorded the first time.Talking backpacking routes, activities, and general backpacking tips.If you’re heading to South East Asia soon, and have any questions on backpacking the regions, drop the girls a note on socials Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! It’s that time of year, Shireen’s birthday is coming up which only means one thing: time to question all life choices, complain about society's standards and talk about why they want to be single forever. Weirdly this year, it’s Abi that seems to be having the crisis more than Shireen, but either way, there’s lots to chat about.From not wanting to get married, to why traveling when you’re older could betheway forward and just  reassuring you that no matter what phase of life you’re in, you’re doing just fine.This one comes straight from the heart, and hopefully some of you can relate Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This is an extremely special episode as this week you have a solo host. Abi is interviewing Shireen and her cousin Arash about all things Iran. Arash was born and raised in Iran’s capital, Tehran, and between the two of them, they get really honest about what growing up and being in Iran is really like. This conversation really covers everything,  and hopefully gives a really good insight into the country beyond what is portrayed in the media. They cover geography, what the country looks like, culture, politics, education and everything in between. The girls had planned on recording this episode back in June, and it had to be postponed because of the 12 day war, so to get to do it now is really special.Please like, subscribe and share with everyone that might be interested in learning about what Iran is really like. Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are joined by Jordynn from @wheretonexttt_They catch up about full time travel, taking the risk and going all in with content creation and a spontaneous European trip.As well as how Jordynn went from travelling as a couple to solo travelling just a few weeks into her South East Asia trip.Everything she’s learned about solo travel, herself and making some of the best friends in the world.As always, wrapping up with a chaotic backpacking story, involving a 7 and a half hour bus trip from hell, and medicine that years later, nobody knows what it is This chat was so special and empowering- thank you Jordynn for chatting to the girls! Helpful Links:Find Jordynn on Instagram and TikTok: @wheretonexttt_Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are chatting solo travel, making friends and craving community while travelling.The girls tell the story of how they met, why they travel so well together, and how travel friendships are really like any others. Shireen really used this as a little therapy session, as she’s currently craving community after 3 years on the road, and that’s really been highlighted to her recently. So what’s the next chapter? Who knows! Thank you as always for listening! Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are chatting all about the music festival in Dartmouth and Shireen’s found her ‘new favourite travel activity’ (how many times have we heard that?)The topic of the week is Digital Nomad life vs working in a 9-5.The girls have now done both, and they’re discussing the positives and negatives of both, including freedom vs stability. As well as discussing tips for making both successful, and a gentle reminder that full time travel and becomming a Digital Nomad shouldn’t be the goal of travel. Let them know your thoughts on Digital Nomad life vs travelling around your 9-5, and how you’re currently navigating travel! Thank you so much for supporting the podcast, it means so much!!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are chatting all about Abi’s trip to Bulgaria, and Shireen has landed in the Philippines.The topic of the week is prepping for your first backpacking trip, and the girls are covering everything from what backpack to bring, visas, vaccinations, sim cards and everything in between.If there’s anything that you want help figuring out about planning your trip, make sure to send it over on either Instagram or TikTok. Thank you so much for supporting the podcast, it means so much!!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to season 3 of the Realistic Backpackers podcast! It’s been a crazy few months since the end of season 2 (is anyone surprised?)The girls are catching up on what’s been happening. It’s the first time they’ve properly sat down to talk too.Abi was in Paris and spent time with her school group for the first time since covid! She then headed to Iceland and has been enjoying being at home for a few weeks (for now anyway).Shireen headed to London and saw all her friends there, who she’s really missing. She went on her first ever group trip to India, and spent the most amazing 3 weeks back in Iran with her family. There’s also a lottttt of upcoming plans, and they can’t wait to take you on the journey!Thank you so much for supporting the podcast, it means so much!!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! It’s the final episode of season 2!! Abi is starting to get itchy feet, and Shireen is so excited for her upcoming trip to India and Iran. This week, the girls are answering all your questions. They’re talking about everything from their arguments, travel safety and where they’re most looking forward to travelling in 2025. It’s been such an incredible season, with some amazing guests, and the girls are already excited to get cracking on season 3, see you then! Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

This week the girls are chatting to Paige who’s currently living in Bali and running her group trip business, Becoming Solo.Discussing all about how Paige started travelling and why she’s such an advocate for people going solo travelling. There’s nobody better to discuss group trips with, and Paige gives a real insight into her business, why she designed it as she has, and all the work that goes on behind the scenes.This conversation was amazing, and one that anyone thinking of travelling needs to listen to.Thanks so much to Paige for coming on the pod, this chat could have gone on for hourssss! Helpful Links:Connect with Paige:Instagram: @becomingsoloTikTok: @paigeecopelandConnect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! The girls are really leaning into what’s on their doorstep this week, with Abi heading up to the peak district and Shireen hiking her local area. This week, the girls are chatting all about backpacking Guatemala, a country they fell in love with while exploring it.Discussing their favourite spots and activities, and all about the history of the country. Abi loved their hike from Xela to Lake Atitilan, while Shireen loved spending 2 weeks in Spanish school. Thank you as always for listening!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

This week the girls are chatting to Marissa, while she’s on a work exchange in a surf town in Sri Lanka.Kicking it off by talking all about Marissa started travelling in the first place. Marissa is a huge advocate for doing work exchanges while travelling, specifically through Worldpackers, and is the perfect person to discuss them with.Covering everything from how to find the best ones, things to look out for and her favourite work exchanges. And of course, wrapping up the episode with a chaotic story. This one involves driving the wrong way down the highway in Morocco on Christmas day…It was so fun having Marissa on the pod!Helpful Links:Marissa’s Worldpackers discount: Code: MARISSAMCGARRConnect with Marissa:Instagram: @risstravelsTikTok: @marissamcgarrConnect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! Abi has just been to Luxemburg for the weekend, and is catching us up on how it was, what she did and where she stayed. Definitely somewhere to consider for a short weekend break! This week, the girls are chatting all about backpacking New Zealand, one of their favourite countries (even if they say that about everywhere). Abi travelled New Zealand in a camper van in 2016, and Shireen did the Kiwi Experience in 2023, so the girls have tips and tricks for both. Discussing their favourite spots and activities, and all about New Zealand beautiful nature.Thank you as always for listening!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are chatting to Chloe, who has been travelling and working in Australia for nearly 3 years. They chat about everything from solo travelling, working holiday visas and awful house shares. Chloe gives her advice on living and working in Australia, and discussing why she created her new community Backpacking for the Plot to help those moving to Sydney connect and make friends. Wrapping up with a chaotic backpacking story involving a boy (obvs) and transatlantic flights. It was so awesome to chat to Chloe, and she was the perfect first guest on the pod!Helpful Links:Connect with Chloe:Instagram: BackpackingfortheplotTikTok: ChloesgapyearConnect on Instagram: Shireen:⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi:⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

This week the girls are chatting all about Australia, where Abi lived for a year, and Shireen spent 2.5 months on the East Coast. Kicking off with the East Coast, discussing activities, highs, lows and how to get around. Then heading over to the west (which is best in Abi’s opinion), Abi discusses her road trip with a random Dutch man she met online. Finally, the girls discuss working holiday visas, and making friends in Australia. Shireen wraps up the episode with how she almost moved to Australia for a boy!! Thank you as always to everyone that listens, and if you have any questions or comments, shoot them over on Instagram or TikTok!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week the girls are chatting all about backpacking the Middle East (or at least where they’ve been).They recently travelled to the UAE, Qatar and Oman (as well as Turkey and Jordan, so make sure to listen to last week’s episode to hear about those!)As always, the girls are completely honest when talking about their travel experiences, good or bad, and whether they really enjoyed visiting these countries. Discussing Formula 1, the joy of not planning things when travelling, and comparing their favourite parts of the region. Thank you as always to everyone that listens, and if you have any questions or comments, shoot them over on Instagram or TikTok!Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ Connect on Tiktok:⁠@therealisticbackpackers