The Realistic Backpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week is all about working online and building a Digital Nomad lifestyle. Abi is currently in the process of re-building her Social Media Management business after quitting her job last year, and Shireen has been working online for 3 years.Sharing tips and tricks, and well as mindset shifts and building a community while being a nomad. If you have any questions, pop them in the comments or message us on our new Instagram page! Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: The Realistic Backpackers: @the_realistic_backpackersShireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! This week is all about backpacking Sri Lanka, where we both just visited in November, giving you all our tips and tricks on visiting. Chatting locations: Negombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hiriketiya, WeligamaAs well as favourite experiences: THE train, Dembulla caves, cooking class, surfing, and climbing Adam’s Peak.*the second cooking class we mentioned in the podcast is ‘Rosie’s Kitchen and Homestay’ Sri Lanka is definitely somewhere that if it’s been on your list, you should visit sooner rather than later because it’s becoming very touristy very quickly. If you have any questions, pop them in the comments or message us on our new Instagram page! Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: The Realistic Backpackers: @the_realistic_backpackersShireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast! We know it’s been a MINUTE since we’ve recorded, and there has been a lot of life going on in that time. This is a big catch up episode, covering everything from travelling Sri Lanka together, Abi visiting Finland and Estonia, Shireen’s back in the Philippines (of course), and Shireen takes time to discuss what’s going on in Iran. Thank you so much for being patient with us as we navigate big things going on in life, but we’re so excited to be back, and are ready to give you an amazing season. Please hit that subscribe button, leave us a little comment, and tell all your travel obsessed friends about us! Helpful Links:Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;  Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠ 

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! It’s been a minute since the girls recorded an episode, so they’re catching up on life, seeing each other after 7 months and living a weekend in Munich as ‘real backpackers’.Which is exactly what this week’s episode is all about. The girl have been talking to other travelers, guests and between each other, on what backpacking really is, and who can call themselves a backpacker.Shireen loves a cliche, but this week’s one that ‘backpacking is just a mindset’, might actually hit the nail on the head for once. The girls touch on locations, all inclusive holidays, and safety while backpacking.As always, thank you for listening, and if you’d like to give a little follow or share on your socials, it would mean the world! 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 are joined by Ben and Tyler from The Infrequent FlyersThis was a conversation that just felt like mates catching up, and it really went in all directions.They chatted all about spending money on your honeymoon rather than the wedding, and the incredible honeymoon Ben and Ty went on.As well as scuba diving (obviously), travelling on annual leave, future travel plans, content creation and bucket lists.No guest episode is complete without a chaotic story, and this week there’s 2: a confiscated drone, and a bathroom that’s seen better days..Thank you so much to Ben and Ty for coming on and having the absolute craic. Helpful Links:Find Ben & Tyler on Instagram: @theinfrequentflyersConnect 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 to their latest guest: Chloe LawfordThe girls first found Chloe’s TikTok when researching travelling to Jordan, and have been following her ever since. They’re discussing UGC, how Chloe uses it to fund travelling and how to get into it. Travelling as a LGBTQ+ couple and how Chloe and her girlfriend have navigated this. As well as van life, Australia and New Zealand, being a wedding photographer and everything in between. This was such a great chat, thank you so much for joining the podcast Chloe! Make sure you’re following Chloe:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chloelawfordtravelsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloelawford/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 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are chatting all about backpacking Turkey and Jordan. Kicking off with Turkey, the girls discuss their route (which Shireen somehow remembered), their favourite places and the iconic hot air balloon ride. Moving on to Jordan, Abi’s new FAVOURITE country, from the iconic Petra, to camping in Wadi Rum and all the tips and tricks to make your trip as successful as possible. And who knew the dead sea was extremely salty?  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! The girls really missed recording and chatting to you all, and are so excited to be back for season 2! It’s been a crazy couple of months since the last episode, and the girls go through what they’ve been up to and everywhere they’ve been.  Abi is now employed in the UK, and Shireen’s currently at home planning what 2025 travel is going to look like. Seeing as it’s the first episode of 2025, the girls discuss plans for the year (although they’ll all definitely change) and some goals. It is so good to have a big catch up, before getting back to topic episodes from next week.  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 where the girls are discussing that this is the LAST EPISODE of season 1! This week is a little bit different. The girls asked you what you want to know about them, travelling, digital nomad life and everything in between, and you did not disappoint. This week’s ‘ask us anything’ episode, really covers EVERYTHING, from favourite travel destinations & countries visited, to how to make friends while travelling, and trying to ease some of your travel fears. There’s also a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT that is going to really shake up how The Realistic Backpackers looks moving forward.. As always, if you have any questions on this week’s topics, send a message on any of the below socials!  And a huge thank you to every single person that has listened to this season, it means SO SO much.  The podcast will absolutely be back for season 2, see you in January x Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   For all things Digital Nomad: @aroundtheworldvirtual Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers Podcast where the girls are discussing life at home and big birthdays. This week's topic is backpacking Morocco and Egypt, where the girls have just spent a month travelling. Moroccan food got a big tick from the girls, and they had their mind blown in Egypt by the vast SIZE of everything they visited. Covering everything from best places to go, how to get around, food (obviously) and their favourite experiences. Keeping it as realistic as possible, the girls discuss their honest opinions on backpacking both, and how they would do it differently next time.  Wrapping up as always, with a chaotic story, this time around how Shireen ended up stuck in 3 typhoons in 4 months in 2023 (she IS the problem).  As always, if you have any questions on this week’s topics, send a message on any of the below socials!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   For all things Digital Nomad: @aroundtheworldvirtual Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers Podcast where the girls are discussing 2025 travel plans (if they actually ever go to plan). This week's topic is accommodation, specifically hostel life . The girls LOVE hostel life, and are on a mission to dispel the perception that they’re awful, encouraging everyone to try them at least once. From tips on how to find the best hostels, what to bring, and hostel etiquette, the girls have you covered.  Discussing both their favourite, and least favourite hostels, naturally, there’s some chaos in there. Sure isn’t a snake chasing a rat and getting peed on by a bat normal??? (Hostels are great, honestly). Wrapping up as always, with a chaotic story, sticking with the accommodation theme, in Giza, and a hotel with no electricity in 50 degree heat.  As always, if you have any questions on this week’s topics, send a message on any of the below socials!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   For all things Digital Nomad: @aroundtheworldvirtual Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers Podcast, where Shireen has just booked her first ever group trip to India in March with @craicontravels! This week’s topics are budgeting and safety while travelling, two hugely important ones!  Kicking off with budgeting, covering everything from how to plan your budget, tracking spending and managing money while travelling. Shireen has finally accepted that she is indeed, extremely type A and what that means.  Safety is a topic the girl’s really wanted to cover, and is it the most important thing while travelling. Both give their top tips such as always having access to your phone and being aware when going out at night.  As always, wrapping up with some chaos, the girls discuss the different things that were shouted at them as they walked down the street on a recent trip to Egypt. As always, if you have any questions on this week’s topics, send a message on any of the below socials!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   For all things Digital Nomad: @aroundtheworldvirtual Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers Podcast, where Abi kicks us off with a very exciting story… if you managed to continue listening, well done!  This week’s topic is Digital Nomad Life. Abi has been a Digital Nomad for 2.5 years and Shireen for 18 months, and they have a wealth of knowledge to share.  The girls get into some honest conversations about making friends, backpacking while working and how the way they want to travel in the future is going to change.  Sharing their tips for both finding work to do while travelling, how to set yourself up to be as successful as possible, and their favourite Digital Nomad hubs (Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand). As always, wrapping up with a chaotic story. This week they’re in Malaysia, ab sailing down a building site and getting a hickey from a leech.  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   For all things Digital Nomad: @aroundtheworldvirtual Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers Podcast, where the girls discuss Abi’s sober journey over the last couple of years, and how that’s played out while travelling.  This week's topic is backpacking, a general overview and tips for planning your trip. Discussing the perception of backpacking, a new wave of backpackers, and making sure you’re doing exactly what YOU want on your trip, and not listening to others opinions.  The girls discuss how to plan your trip along with things to do before going and how having some flexibility with your route can end up with the most amazing experiences.  Wrapping up with a discussion on backpacking culture and must bring items.  This week’s chaotic story brings it right back to the girls' first bonding moments, a gutter in Bangkok and an acoustic experience, enjoy!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers Podcast, where the girls are discussing the realities of being back home between trips, and how that can feel different for everyone after being away for a long time.  This week's topic is Mexico and Central America, where the girls have just come back from, and had such an amazing time.  Discussing the region, the route and history of the region, as well as their favourite countries. Nothing makes Abi cry more than having to pick ONE favourite country.  There’s incredible activities in Central America, from the blue hole, climbing an active volcano and a 5 day sailing trip.  Wrapping up with some hints and tips, as well as not being put off the region because of perceived safety issues.  This weeks’ chaotic story involves Morocco and a cow pat, enjoy.  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers Podcast, where Shireen is having a crisis about turning 31, and the girls are slowly settling back into home life after their last backpacking trip.  This week's topic is one of the girls’ favourites, South East Asia. A region that holds a special place in both girls’ hearts. It’s where they both went on their first backpacking trip, and where they met!  Discussing the region, and the route they did, and any hints and tips for how they would plan it differently in the future. Both girls discuss their favourite countries in the region.  There are so many amazing activities to discuss in South East Asia, but the girls whittle it down to their top favourites, and Shireen, very excitedly, gets to talk about Scuba Diving (her entire personality when travelling).  Wrapping up with some hints and tips, as well as not being put off the region because you’re a bit ‘older’ than the normal age of backpackers.  This weeks’ chaotic story involves 3 dogs in Guatemala and appendicitis.  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 discuss the ridiculous goings ons in Abi’s home town, from town crier competitions to learning about crabbing.  The topic this week is Solo Travelling, a topic close to both the girls’ hearts. Discussing what solo travel is and that you don’t need to start solo travelling by going on a huge backpacking trip. Both Shireen and Abi give their tips on solo travelling, covering off safety, keeping your plans loose and how great it is to meet new people.  Shireen discusses solo travel as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and some extra safety tips to think about. There are a lot of different groups out there to meet other solo travellers either before you head off travelling, or while you’re there. Here are some of the top ones that the girl’s know of:  Meet other solo travellers: The Travel Squad Meet other female travellers: Gals who travel Meet other LGBTQ+ travellers: LGBTQ+  Backpackers The girls wrap up with a chaotic story, involving Abi and Egyptian airport security..  Thank you so much for your support after episode 1, it honestly means SO MUCH! Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on TikTok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers 

Welcome to the first episode of the Realistic Backpackers podcast. After just arriving home from a backpacking trip, the girls catch up on how life is back in the UK and Ireland, especially since Abi was away for 2 years! The girls explain who they are, and what their backpacking history is. They're both huge lovers of travel, but Shireen explains what it was like before she took the plunge to start travelling in September 2022. Shireen and Abi met by chance in a hostel in Bangkok, and when Shireen was a brand new traveler, Abi really took her under her wing, and showed her the ropes. And what was a chance meeting, turned into so many experiences. It may be September, but the girls both still have HUGE travel plans for the rest of the year, getting to see family after 5 years, going to an F1 race in the Middle East and ticking another of the 7 wonders of the world off the list. As with every episode, the girls wrap up with a chaotic story they've found themselves in, this time including a storm, an lawnmower engine and flying cockroaches. Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: @shireenaroundtheworld_ Abi: @abi_chapman Conntect on Tiktok: @therealisticbackpackers

Welcome to the Realistic Backpackers podcast. We're Backpackers and Digital Nomads that met travelling South East Asia. On this podcast, we talk about all things backpacking and digital nomad life, as well as the chaotic situations we've found ourselves in, while keeping it as realistic as possible.  If you enjoy the episodes, we'd really appreciate you leaving a review, and subscribing, it helps so much!  If you want to ask us any questions, or share some chaotic stories, we're @shireenaroundtheworld_ and @abi_chapman on Instagram, and @therealisticbackpackers on Tiktok.