Who’s your favourite travel agency? Which airline would you prefer to fly long-haul with? Which is your favourite big tour operator? What’s Ireland’s best hostel?

These are just some of the questions we’ve put to TNT Magazine readers to find out which companies are on their hot list, the ones they’d prefer to travel with to make sure they have a memorable experience for all the right reasons.

And the Golden Backpack Awards honours those companies – the businesses that offer first-class customer service, or go above and beyond what’s expected of them.

After the success of 2011′s inaugural UK Golden Backpack Awards, this year’s event has launched with votes from TNT Magazine readers coming in thick and fast, recognising the companies who make backpacking around the UK, Europe and the world that little bit more special.

This year, there are 32 categories in the running from readers Favourite Shipping Provider to readers Favourite Festival Operator.

The winners will be announced at a lavish ceremony, where the cream of the travel industry will come together to celebrate their success at these consumer-voted awards.

Good luck, and we’ll see you there!