What is Backpackers United

Backpackers United is a worldwide network of backpackers, churches and hostels.

Who runs Backpackers United?

Backpackers United is run by volunteers all over the world including local Christians, hostel owners and random backpackers who love the community we are building enough to actively help promote it. The administration is facilitated by a volunteer team based in Hillsong Church, Sydney Australia.

What does Backpackers United do?

Our aim is to make is easy to meet other backpackers, find local churches and support hostels that are sponsoring children through our ‘United hostels’ project.

What is ‘United hostels’?

We are partnering with ‘Compassion’ an internationally accredited, not for profit charity that sponsors children in developing countries. Our aim is to unite the hostelling community all over the world to work together to sponsor whole villages of children living in parts of the world many backpackers visit along their travels. We are currently working towards having a whole village in Thailand sponsored by hostels that are part of our network.

What services does Backpackers United offer?

• As a Backpacker you can become a member, have your own travel profile, upload photos, keep a travel dairy, and connect with other travelers. The best part is that it’s all FREE!

• You can also search for great local hostels and churches to connect with when you travel who actively support Backpackers United.

• You can help change the world simply by choosing to travel with Backpackers United.

Who started Backpackers United?

A few young Christian travelers based in Hillsong Church, Sydney Australia started Backpackers United in 2005 with a heart for traveling and making a difference in the world. It’s come along way since then, and we are excited about where it goes from here!

How can I get involved?

Hostels: If you are a hostel owner/manager you can join other hostel owners by sponsoring a child in Thailand, together you can sponsor a whole village! Every hostel that sponsors a child is promoted on our website.

Churches: If you are part of a great church and would like your church to get involved email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and we can share how your church can get involved.

Backpackers: We are currently looking at how we can make it easy for backpackers to volunteer, currently you can be an incredible help if you simply inform other travelers about Backpackers United and encourage them to sign up and support the cause.