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Who are we?

The Budgetbackpacker formally started in the early spring of 2006 by a group of friends wanting to travel together. But, the idea of budget travel and how to spread the word was thought of earlier on by to two life long friends who had shared in the ups and downs of budget travel throughout Europe. The first of these trips took place in 1998 with Matt Caskey and Thomas Harrison spending a month with little more than a backpack and Eurail pass. From then on, it started a love and passion for travel that has culminated in over 13 budget minded backpacking trips throughout Europe. From the first group trip in 2006, The Budgetbackpacker has strived to take travelers to Europe that lacked either companionship or the real world knowledge of European travel. Through these trips, the seeds of friendship and memories have been planted.

Below are some of the Trip Leaders that have made these group trips possible.


Matt Caskey

Matt Caskey is Co-owner and Trip Leader

Matt Caskey is Co-owner and Trip Leader for The Budgetbackpacker. Matt spent 7 years in the Marine Corp Reserves, achieving the rank of Sergeant, traveling throughout the U.S. for training and duty stations. During his Undergraduate studies, he spent six months studying abroad at the prestigious Oxford University in England. After earning his B.A. in International Affairs from Northeastern University, he then return to school to pursue his Masters in Business Administration with a focus on international business, which he is due to complete in 2012. Over the last 13 years Matt has visited over 16 countries and lead 27 travelers abroad on successful and memorable European adventures. His love for things European, and the ease of travel throughout the region are why he most enjoys traveling there.

IN THE NEWS: Check Matt out on BoldFacers.com


Thomas Harrison

Thomas Harrison is Co-owner and Trip Leader

Thomas Harrison is Co-owner and Trip Leader for The Budgetbackpacker. Thomas spent over five years working on Royal Caribbean Cruise ships traveling and working from the Caribbean Islands to Hawaii and Alaska. Thomas has lead over twenty travelers throughout Europe with his travel savvy knowledge and real world know-how. Thomas currently resides in Tampa Florida and helps to organize all group members departing from other states besides Massachusetts. Thomas has a passion for travel that derives from his own personal experiences and of those whose lives he has enriched through these Eurotrips. Throughout his travels he has visited over 19 countries within the last 13 years.


Bill Jannino

Bill Jannino is a Trip Leader for The BudgetbackpackerBill Jannino is currently a Trip Leader for The Budgetbackpacker. Bill has participated in, by either leading or joining The Budgetbackpacker, in five Eurotrips to date in addition to traveling through Europe on his own. His knowledge and experience has been a great benefit to the groups that have participated in past trips. Bill is currently pursuing his Bachelors at Wentworth Institute of Technology. When asked, Bill says his love for the people, sights and culture are the reasons he continues to return to Europe year after year.


Interested in any future trips? Contact thebudgetbackpacker > and let us know!