Backpacking is a great activity that gets people out into the world to explore. You'll be enjoying fresh air and Mother Nature while getting some exercise that feels more like fun than a workout. Planning getaways outdoors can be exciting too, and its trips are something the whole family can get into. Here are some ideas for enjoying this fantastic activity to its fullest:

Start small if you have kids. Ultra light trips that only involve a small fanny pack or waist backpack to hold some snacks is the best idea. Children tire easily and won't enjoy a whole-day expedition or a full-blown hiking vacation.

If you're planning to take a backpacking camping vacation, make sure your kids are old enough to enjoy walking long distances. As well, choose lightweight backpacking equipment for your kids or carry the load yourself. They can hang on to the water bottle or emergency pack and they'll feel important to have the responsibility.

If you don't have children or if your kids are old enough to enjoy long hikes or backpacking tours, there are plenty of vacations you can take on a shoestring budget. Backpacking is a cheap sport and you won't have to worry about bus trips or navigating unfamiliar cities or landscape with your car. You can take a backpacking camping vacation and sleep in tents or under tarps and save the cost of lodging or accommodations.

Besides expeditions with kids in tamer places, you can explore backpacking tours in other countries. Ireland backpacker packages can be a great way to discover the Celtic hills of legends and myths. European tours cover beautiful locations and many wonderful cities. You can even go backpacking Mexico trails in the sunny south, rather than lazing around on the beaches. Mexican tours include visiting Aztec ruins and shrines.

Of course, these expeditions are of the tamer variety. There are many tour companies and outfitters across the world that now offer an extreme version of backpacking. Responding to the demand of people wanting thrills and excitement, some vacation spots now have tours that carry a level of risk or challenge. Some tours include visits to difficult terrain or that involve observation of animals such as lions.

The tours that have you traveling to another country for your expedition may need to be covered by insurance. There is backpacking travel insurance available for those who prefer to have medical coverage in case of emergencies.

You'll certainly want to consider such insurance in locations that are high risk for injury or accidents, such as backpacking mountain ranges or exploring wildlife areas. Better to be safe than sorry!