Group trips and itineraries

Travel deeper in places the world misunderstands

These journeys are for curious people who want travel deeper and live the story.

Small groups so we can move like friends. Daily life with locals, barbers, markets. Honest stories that go beyond headlines or fear.
Groups of 8 to 12 people
Led by Don The Bearded Backpacker
Respect and curiosity at the center

No payment due with application. I review each form myself to build a grounded kind curious group.

As seen in and heard on
Guest on multiple travel podcasts
500k+ followers across platforms
Tens of millions of views
Launch offer
Save $100 USD on the first Egypt group trip

The first three people who are accepted and pay their deposit for the Egypt Expedition receive $100 USD off the trip price.

Mention code EGYPT when I email you after your application.

Apply for EGYPT
Upcoming and interest list

Itineraries with heart and context

Click a trip to open its full page with my stories photos day by day itinerary and a downloadable PDF you can save.

Small groups in places I personally love and have visited. Every itinerary is built from my own time on the ground with local friends and partners.

The Best of Afghanistan

Afghanistan Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Afghanistan, as I came to know it. Built with trusted locals for a grounded respectful experience that goes beyond headlines.

September 10th-18th 2026 Very small group 10 $3,200 USD
Status
  • Applications open Feb 1 2026
  • Full details on trip page
The Heart of Egypt

Egypt Flagship Journey

Seven days between Cairo Luxor and Aswan with time on the Nile and in the backstreets.

8 days Group of 10 Flagship Trip
Applications Open 2.20.26
  • May 1-8 2026
  • Spots are limited!
Iran Tehran Isfahan Shiraz

Iran Stories Beyond the Headlines

Tea houses courtyards blue mosques and village roads that shift how you see this place.

9 days Waitlist only Culture and daily life
Upcoming departures
  • Next dates to be announced
  • Waitlist currently open
Yemen and Oman Highlands and coast

Yemen and Oman Desert and Sea

Mud brick towns mountain roads raw coastline and legendary hospitality in two neighbours.

Exploratory route Very small group Interest list only
Status
  • Dates not yet confirmed
  • Priority for returning guests and newsletter subscribers
Pakistan

Pakistan Road Through the Country

From Karachi to the mountains following the stories you have seen in my videos.

Coming soon Road journey
Status
  • First departure planned for 2026
Stay connected

Find me online

If you want to see more of my day to day life on the road and stories from past trips these are the best places to follow along.

See it for yourself

Behind the scenes from the road

These are a few videos that show what my trips actually feel like not just the highlight reel but the small moments in between.

Egypt
A day in Egypt and in the backstreets

The random things I get into while in Egypt.

Iran
Hospitality in a place the world fears

My first impressions of Iran.

Afghanistan
Road through the country with locals

Some of my favorite moments from Afghanistan.

Meet your host

Why travel with Don The Bearded Backpacker

Every trip is designed with you in mind.

I grew up in a small town in Louisiana. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and travel the world. Curiosity took me from Houston to more than fifty countries including Afghanistan Pakistan Libya Iran Oman and Yemen places the news often flattens into one story.

I travel light with a backpack and a camera and spend my time immersing myself in local communities. The relationships that come from that are the backbone of every group trip I host.

When you travel with me you are not just a booking number. You are part of a small crew. You are my family. My job is to hold space so you feel safe informed and free to be present while we show up with respect for the people hosting us.

We move slowly ask questions listen more than we speak and make sure the people we hire benefit from our visit. The goal is that you come home with stories that feel honest to you and to the communities we visit.

So if you are ready for an adventure of a lifetime sign up and lets get this show on the road YALLA.

More than 50+ countries Immersive trips Content Creators/ Non Content Creators Small groups big heart
What to expect

You are in for a ride

Think of these journeys as supported deep dives with structure and room for the moments you can not plan.

How my group trips work

We travel with trusted local partners stay in locally owned places where we can and keep groups intentionally small. There is a clear plan but we leave space to linger when something meaningful is happening a conversation a view a shared meal.

Slow pacing no rush Time with locals in homes and markets Inclusive Respect at the center

On each trip detail page you will see a day by day outline plus a button to download the itinerary as a PDF.

What is usually included

Every itinerary is a little different. Once you apply I send a full breakdown. In general most in country logistics are covered so you can stay present and enjoy the experience.

Airport pickup and drop off Local transport and guides Daily breakfast and some shared meals Key activities and entrance fees

You handle international flights travel insurance and personal spending. Specific inclusions exclusions and payment details will be listed clearly on each trip page.

Safety ethics and how we show up

I take safety and ethics seriously. I work with vetted local partners I have traveled with myself. If something does not feel responsible we do not run the trip.

Honest conversation about risk Local guides paid fairly Space to ask questions and learn

These trips are built on respect. We follow local laws and customs dress appropriately and remember we are guests in someone else’s home.

Questions

FAQ and early access

A few of the most common questions I get before people book. If you do not see your question here you can always ask in your application.

Do I need a lot of travel experience to join
You don’t need extensive travel experience to join, but you do need the right mindset. These trips are designed for people who are curious, open minded, and comfortable stepping outside their comfort zone. I handle the logistics and work with trusted local partners, but this isn’t luxury or resort travel. If you’re willing to learn, adapt, and travel with respect, you’ll be just fine.
Can I come solo
Absolutely. Most people will likely come alone and leave with new friends. You can request a shared room or in many cases upgrade to a single room for an extra cost.
Is it safe
No trip anywhere in the world is zero risk but I do my best to reduce unnecessary risk. I only run trips in partnership with people I trust on the ground and I am honest about conditions and limitations.
How does payment work
After your application is accepted you will receive an email with payment links and deadlines. A deposit holds your spot and the remaining balance is due closer to departure. Details are listed on each trip page.
What about visas and travel insurance
You are responsible for your own visa and travel insurance but I will share what has worked for me in the past. Some countries require specific documents. We will go over that together after you are confirmed.
What if I have health needs or access questions
Share what you feel comfortable with in your application. I also travel while managing my own health and I take privacy seriously. If we need to talk through details we can do that one on one.

Not ready yet but want early access

Leave your email to get first notice when new trips open new dates drop or a waitlist moves. I do not spam and you can unsubscribe any time.

You will get occasional updates on new itineraries and reflections from the road.

Next step

Apply for a spot

This is not a test. These questions help me understand who you are what you need and which trip will be the best fit for you and for the group.

You will hear from me by email with next steps payment details and any questions I have for you. Completing the application does not lock you into a trip or charge your card.

1. Apply
Tell me who you are which trip you are interested in and what you hope to get out of the journey.
2. Confirmation and questions
I read every application myself. If it is a good fit I confirm by email and we talk through any questions on either side.
3. Deposit to hold your spot
A non refundable deposit secures your place on the trip. The remaining balance is due a set number of days before departure. That timing is listed on each trip page.
4. Prepare and go
I send you a detailed PDF packing suggestions visa and insurance notes and we get ready to meet on the ground.
Full name
I have traveled while managing my own health. If something feels sensitive you can keep it general and we can talk more later.

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