Best Destinations for Backpackers
Are you bored of the regular 9-5 life and looking for an adventure? Or are you an avid backpacker who is looking for the best and most exciting destinations to experience this year? No doubt some of the world’s best destinations have already been discovered and exploited by our trailblazing predecessors. However many are still visited loved by backpackers of today, and the good news is that these destinations are great for both short and long-term vacations. From Spain to Thailand, Israel to Vietnam, these locations will tickle all your traveling sense and have you preparing for your backpacking trip in seconds.
Cambodia
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temples are loved and visited by not only backpackers and travelers but also new age yoga and meditation enthusiasts. These temples are undoubtedly magnificently built, bringing people in crowds to see their splendor. Nonetheless, there’s more Cambodia has to offer its tourists regarding modern architecture. One example is the Aeon Mall that offers many retail options for travelers with a passion for shopping.
If making a trip to the temples is a part of the itinerary, there are some hotels in Siem Reap that charge up to $3 for shared lodging. If you’re looking for a more private form of accommodation, the cost will go up to $10. Aside from housing, the only other things you’ll need to worry about when it comes to spending, are on some delicious nourishing meals. Cambodia has lots of greenery, beaches and other exciting water features that will have you marvel at their beauty long after your trip is over.
Costa Rica
Recently voted one of the happiest countries in the world, Costa Rica is one of the ideal locations in Central America for both short-term and long-term backpacking; being a small country, making your way around it is pretty easy and can be done in minimum time. Size has nothing on this country, however, as its full laden with cloud forests, terrific beaches and many spots of adventure for anyone seeking a little thrill. ‘Pura Vida’, translated to Pure Life, is a pulling factor that gets tourist coming into Costa Rica by the thousands. The country also has a National Museum which is home to geological, colonial, archaeological, religious and modern history finds.
The touring options in this country have no limit but are dependent on the kind of vacation you’re looking to have. It could be a kayaking adventure or horseback riding, mountain biking or picnic cruises and it could happen anywhere, from the ocean to the rainforest to the top of Arenal Volcano. Visit this famous volcano one day and see the mangrove jungles of Tortuguero the next day. With so many endless options, picking and selecting what to experience can be a trial, but your activities can be combined to suit your days and schedule.
Colombia
Are you a backpacker with a weakness for long night parties? Or do you want to supplement your digital nomad business lifestyle with lots of partying and socializing? If so, make your way to a country with an extraordinarily vibrant nightlife. Bogota, capital of Colombia, was one identified by UNESCO as the City of Music; a hot spot for all this nocturnal! The party is turned up a notch higher in the summer when Colombia has up to 12 hours of sunlight; it just never ends!
You cannot complete a Colombia trip without learning about coffee! With an infamous coffee industry, Colombia is home to numerous coffee enthused tourists who want to learn all about the process, from the coffee bean to cup. Quindío, Caldas and Risaralda create the ‘Coffee Triangle’ full of coffee tours and farms. Tours cost approximately 10, 000 pesos, a meager price to pay for all the knowledge you’ll receive.
Lastly, while in Colombia, a trek to the Lost City should be on your to-do list. The exciting mystery produced when searching for this city is one the reasons backpackers all over the world love this country.
Goa, India
The West coast of India houses the state of Goa, one of the known destinations for backpackers in India and Asia as a whole all year round. Wonder why? Imagine a never-ending party state with tree-shaded streets and up to 60 miles of tropical beaches. In many spots within Goa, the inventory of hostel rooms is among India’s most prominent, with overnight rates coming in for as low as $5. If you’re staying in Goa, do pass by the Vagator Beach but be warned; this beach often becomes a stayover spot where people come initially to spend a night and end up staying close to an entire month!
Goa is also known for Tiatr’s, dramas similar to New York’s Broadway shows. These plays are accompanied by music, comedy, dancing and political satire; you can’t have a full Goa experience without watching at least one Tiatr.
When it comes to accommodation, the best hotels are those found along the beaches. Putting prices aside, which are affordable anyway, these hotels are within proximity to all forms of transportation. Visit the beach areas of Anjuna, Vagator, Dona Paula and Calangute to gain access to safe hotels with five-star ratings. Several caveats: monsoon season is from May-September. Accommodations will be more comfortable to find, but the weather will affect your plans every day. December is peak season, and that $5/night hostel might charge $15.
India as a whole is a beautiful cultural haven with foods that burst with a robust flavor. If you miss anything, don’t miss out on tasting Indian cuisine.
Iceland
Iceland is not a famous destination amongst backpackers but being home to many elements of natural beauty such as geysers, the Blue Lagoon and Bjork, this undiscovered location offers the opportunity for many travelers to have a first-hand experience of nature’s real beauty.
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Northern Lights, a breath-taking spectacle is perhaps one of the most significant possessions of Iceland that have people coming in from all over the world. The colorful display of dancing lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is an out of the world experience that every backpacker must experience at least once in their lifetime. This beautiful country is best experienced via road. So hire that car and get ready for the best road trip of your life!
Regarding accommodation, there are many options made available to travelers, from camping grounds and hostels to apartments and 4-star hotels, depending on your preference.
Ecuador
Pick a city in Ecuador. Any town! You can never be wrong in Ecuador. The heritage city and capital of Ecuador is Quito. An old Spanish town, Quito is located in the midst of mountains and volcanoes, with rich culture portrayed through their well-preserved homes, traditional attires and Spanish language programs. Initially, Quito was a major city, referred to as Inca City. Places to visit in the capital include the Mitad del Mundo equatorial exhibit, the infamous market known for its colorful covering, and the Cotopaxi volcano.
Another place just as colorful as Quito is Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil. In the historical park of Guayaquil, you can learn some things about their wildlife, architecture, and tradition in general. With beautifully painted houses and establishments, this city displays many exhibits of realistic paintings in their street market. Their markets are an ideal place for travelers to purchase a variety of art objects.
Airfares to Ecuador are amongst one of the cheapest, often coming at bargain prices, especially if located in the United States. When you arrive, you’ll be amazed at just how affordable transport and accommodation are all around, and you might be coaxed into staying for good.
The Islands Of Thailand
The first point of call amongst the classic Southeast Asia trio, Thailand is famous amongst numerous backpackers for countless reasons. No traveler has ever said no to a destination that offers off the beaten track budget travel experience, white sand beaches, stunning and affordable accommodation, clear oceans and the craziest party scenes.
Parties happen all year round on Thai islands, and yet, the best, most talked about ones are the full moon parties. Full Moon parties occur during the full moon, once a month in Thailand and are incredibly famous among young tourists. Get your groove back with nonstop partying in this stunning nation.
Aside from parties that never end, Thailand offers many activities and experiences for all kinds of tourists. There are jungles in the North and white beaches in the South where backpackers can go to feel the thrill of adventure or unwind along with the calming sounds from the ocean waves. Fried chicken, curry and noodles are affordable food that can be had, to name a few. Also, traveling to and around Thailand is pretty cheap, and the citizens are also friendly.
If you’re not ready to travel, keep reading to create your very own travel bucket list! Bon Voyage!
Croatia
Are you a Game of Thrones enthusiast? Do you love basking in the sun? Then this European country is your ideal location. One of its cities, Dubrovnik, was used in Game of Thrones, causing this nation to gain immense popularity which translated into tourist visits. There are, however, many other places backpackers would love to explore, like Zagreb, Split, the Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rovinj. Think art made by local artisans, galleries, museum experiences, handmade souvenirs and open-air markets followed by a massive body of water.
You might discover some UNESCO sites as you find your way through the warrens of cobbled streets created centuries ago. If you’re searching for something more contemporary, you could experience the quietest and most beautiful race in the world, the Nikola Tesla Electric Vehicle Rally, that has been happening for the past five years.
Another place you can visit is found northwest of Croatia and is known as Istria. Istria is characterized by medieval hilltop towns, the best olive oil, white truffle and wine. Most often, tourists get confused as to whether Istria is a Croatian or Italian town. The truth is, it was a part of Italy once upon a time, and the evidence can be seen on some road signs in the city.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Ranked amongst the least expensive countries to travel to in Central America, Nicaragua is a place steadily gaining recognition in the world of tourism with hot spots such as San Juan del Sur and the Caribbean village Bluefields. San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua’s capital and has been transformed to a tourism hub from a once sleepy fishing community in a short time. As compared to the well-known tourist destinations around the world, the ‘high charges’ offered in San Juan del Sur are still by far lower.
There are endless adventure opportunities for backpackers in this relatively new travel destination. If you’re a nocturnal backpacker in search of a place with a vibrant nightlife, the colonial city of Granada is your best bet in Nicaragua. Surfers are welcome to San Juan del Sur, where an experience of paradise is assured. A visit to this central American country comes with exceptional bragging rights, as you get to experience alternative activities, from observing the armadillos and jaguars of the jungles to swimming along with their excellent beaches, having scuba diving lessons.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Another excellent backpacking destination, both in experience and costing. With as low as $2, visitors can gain access to varying foods from street vendors and ethnic dish eateries. Accommodation in shared hotel rooms may sometimes come with breakfast and can cost up to $3 per night.
In creating a sightseeing list for Vietnam, do not forget to include the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, War Remnants Museum, and the Son My Memorial where you’re sure to receive authentic Vietnamese cultural education. Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An is a small place located in a beautiful setting away from the noise and chaos of the big cities and identified universally as the clothing capital of Southeast Asia.
The streets of Hoi An also have bakeries that still possess French traits, creating rich pastries you can indulge in without guilt as you’re sure to walk all the added calories off while you explore the entire city on foot. Aside from the deliciously baked delicacies, Cao Lau Noodles are another delicacy you must try before you leave Vietnam. A humbling visit takes backpackers through the soul of this vibrant country, especially when planned as your first trip to Asia with other members of the classic trio, Cambodia and Thailand.
Sources
- Happiest Countries In The World – Huffington Post
- The Basics Of Long Term Travelling And Backpacking – Forbes
