Backpacking is by far the best way to get an authentic view of different parts of the world, to experience the real culture and lifestyle of the places you visit. Many travelers, who have gone on backpacking trips, have described the experience as simply life changing. If you are one of those adventure seekers, or you have already done the more typical holiday experiences, and you are looking for something different to do, you should try a backpacking trip. If you decide to take my advice, here are the top 20 destinations you may want to check out.
Australia
With almost 8,000 square miles of nature's finest available to be explored, the land down under is paradise for backpackers. From fantastic climate to unique wildlife, beaches, gorgeous mountains and cool city vibes, Australia has almost every type of experience you would be looking for out of your first backpacking journey.
Experience 150 miles of the world’s greatest wonders by going for a ride along The Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Get a stunning 360 degrees panoramic view of Sydney from the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is definitely on the top 10 list of mother nature’s most awesome creations. Visit Whitsunday Island and experience heaven on earth at Whitehaven Beach.
Surfing, snorkeling, diving, biking, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, partying in the city or even hiking up the blue mountains, Australia has everything you would want out of your backpacking trip.
Bali, Indonesia
Most backpackers tend to have a budget set aside for their trip, and there is no better place to experience the best of everything within your backpacking budget than making a stop in Bali, Indonesia. Dine, drink and sleep like royalty for a very low cost, while still getting to enjoy some of nature's finest offerings.
Go for a hike up Mount Batur. The high waves make Bali one of the top destinations in the world for surfers. Enjoy incredible seafood dining in Jimbaran. Spectacular sunsets at Ku De Ta, white water rafting down the rapids Ayung River, beach hopping from black to gold sand beaches, then cap off your trip with a taste of the Balinese Culture by watching one of the Bali’s fantastic cultural and dance showcase.
Greece
With the combination of mainland and island experience, Greece is one of the most dynamic destinations for backpacking and one of the most popular in Europe. From ancient history to Pristine beaches, amazing seafood dining, spectacular nightlife, and breathtaking sunsets at the wineries, every turn provides a different and unique experience when you visit Greece.
Start your trip off by visiting the island of Mykonos where you will most likely forget yourself during one of that happy hour beach parties at Tropicana on Paradise beach. Mykonos is not only the best island for nightlife in Greece, but it is also one of the most picturesque. If you are a nature lover, then you do not want to miss a trip to Skiathos. This lush and the mountainous island offers amazing beaches, wildlife viewing, and nature conservatories. Experience a vibrant part of Greek history by taking a trip over to Rhodes. Santorini offers incredible Cliffside dining, wineries and the most beautiful sunsets in the world. On your way out, stop in Athens to go for a hike up the Acropolis, crowned as the most significant ancient site in the Western World.
Nepal
Nepal presents a breath of refreshing and calming air as an alternative to the hustle bustle and craziness of India. That does not mean that it does not have its share of vibrant cities and festivals. You will be most certainly be kept on your toes and fully entertained when you visit the capital Kathmandu. This small landlocked nation is very colorful, yet peaceful and welcoming to tourist from all parts of the world.
In addition to natural beauty and tranquil, Nepal is also home to the tallest mountains in the world. The majority of the visitors to Nepal head straight for the Everest and Annapurna based camps, that possesses awesome treks and climbs one can only find in the Himalayas. Other attractions and activities include; kayaking, white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, paragliding and mountain biking. The country also has many historic Buddhist and Hindu temples, shrines and monasteries that are perfect to add to your site seeing list. Your journey in between locations will be mostly along rugged mountain roads, in jam-packed rickety old buses so if you can, avoid night-time trips.
Your backpacking budget will go a long way if you choose to make a stop at the awe-filled yet extremely affordable country of Nepal.
Thailand
When someone mentions the word Backpacking, you automatically think of Thailand. Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world for backpackers and for very good reasons. It is affordable, beautiful, unique and getting from one place to the next is very easy.
Thailand is filled with many ancient temples, city markets that will leave you mystified, stunning tropical beaches and food that makes you not want to stop eating. The locals are very warm and welcoming which makes it easy for tourists to feel comfortable and is also one of the most attractive elements of visiting Thailand. Famous backpacking trails will take you to the beautifully landscaped island, Ko Phra Thong, to Ko Lanta filled with white sand beaches, or to more popular islands such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi or the Crazy City of Bangkok. Travelling will be very smooth with many affordable options for accommodations such as guesthouses and low-budget hostels.
Canada
It’s very natural to associate backpacking with mostly Asian countries; however, Canada presents an incredible option for those looking for a taste of North American backpacking. This massive landmass is filled with untouched natural beauties, active city lifestyle, and unique cultural experiences. You will want to experience the major cities but what will leave you awe-struck are the dense pine forests, crystal blue lakes, waterfalls, canyons, vast prairies, highways through the mountains, are just a few of the experiences to be had on a backpacking trip through Canada.
In the province of Alberta, you will find Canada’s first, Banff National Park that is an absolute must-see. One of the most incredible 9-hour car drives in the world will take you 9 hours through the incredible mountains between Alberta and British Colombia, on your way to one of the most beautiful cities in North America, Vancouver. Enjoy a taste of Europe in North America by visiting the Vibrant French-speaking city of Montreal. Toronto is one of the world’s most famous cities in the world and features an incredible theater community. A walk down Yonge Street will keep you sufficiently stimulated, right before you check-out the CN Tower. Your trip to Canada would not be completed without visiting one of the most incredible wonders of this world, the Niagara Falls.
It may not be as affordable as other popular backpacking destinations, but if you do decide to experience it, Canada has mind-blowing experiences to last several months of backpacking.
New Zealand
When it comes to backpacking in New Zealand, there are no boundaries. There are so many incredible activities and experiences in this small country, you will constantly find yourself checking off items off your bucket list. Spend your mornings relaxing on a beautiful beach and be on a glacier by the afternoon.
For all the thrill-seekers, bungee jumping and skydiving in New Zealand have become a most do. Climb to the top of the Fox Glacier or travel by foot of canoe down the Whanganui River that flows through an incredibly beautiful national park. River rafting, Jet boarding, Skiing, your Backpacking trip will one filled with action if you ever take a trip to New Zealand. Transportation is affordable and flexible, there are backpackers’ camps and cheap accommodations available just about everywhere, and regardless of where you are staying, there will be something amazing for you to experience.
India
India is one of those destinations that you either love or hate. The noise, the chaos of the dirt, the crowds can be extremely overwhelming, but to many backpacking lovers, India is a top destination as the number of incredible experiences far out ways the bad.
India is massive, and it’s impossible to cover everything in one trip unless you plan on moving there for a couple of years. Take a trip to Agra and tour the Agra Forte and the world famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy the beaches in Goa or the chaos and authentic Indian culture of New Dehli. The food, the festivals, the people and easy access are all part of India’s appeal. Accommodations and food are cheap, and you have easy access to the Himalayas. India makes this list as a top backpackers destination.
United States
It’s impossible to summarize the number of unique and incredible experiences to be had on a backpacking trip through one of the most popular destinations in the world. Cities, countryside, canyons, beaches, pick your ideal experience and you will find it somewhere in the United States.
From the electrifying and dynamic experience of New York City and LA, to hiking through Grand Canyon Park in Arizona or if you prefer tropical like sunny days on the beaches in South Florida, the vibrant and cultural atmosphere of New Orleans, it’s not a matter of if you can find it, it simply comes down to what you want to do on your Backpacking trip through the United States.
Central America
Many people tend to overlook Central America as an incredible destination for backpacking, mainly due to outdated safety information from decades ago. Those days of civil uprise and Guerilla warfare are long gone, and it’s time to enjoy the many wonders these seven nations have to offer.
Enjoy beautiful beaches in Belize and watersports in Belize and beautiful parks, rainforests and wildlife in Costa Rica. El Salvador is not a very popular destination for tourists which makes it even more appealing, as top attractions such as hiking at El Imposible National Park will not be as crowded. If you love history, you must check-out Copan, the Mayan site in Honduras. The Ruins in Guatemala, the lakes in Nicaragua and the world famous Panama Canal.
Don’t be mislead; Central America is one of the top places for you to take your backpacking adventures.
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