So you’ve worked hard and saved up some cash, you’ve bought the backpack, the hiking boots, the mozzie repellent, and now all you’ve got to do is decide where to jet off to. The world truly is your oyster and with hundreds of destinations to discover and explore, it can be hard to narrow down just where to take yourself and your backpack. Whether you decide to venture off the beaten backpacker path or follow in the footsteps of thousands of travellers before you, the following ten destinations should give you some food for thought.
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand is a an essential stop on any backpacker’s itinerary – everything is cheap, hostels are plentiful, the food is delicious, the people friendly, and the beaches beautiful . Thailand’s stunning islands are a massive part of its attraction and there are plenty to choose from but the party island of Phuket is always popular with backpackers.
London, England
London can be an expensive city to visit as a backpacker but there is so much that can be seen and done without spending a penny – many of the top museums are free and it doesn’t cost anything to walk along the Thames and gaze across at the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the impressive dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Book your accommodation in London in advance for a cheaper rate and to ensure you have somewhere to stay in this popular city.
Amsterdam, Holland
Famous for its moderate narcotics laws, many a backpacker comes to Amsterdam to smoke marijuana in one of the city’s numerous cafes. However, there is so much more to see along its canals and cobbled streets. Visit Amsterdam in April to see the city dressed in a riot of colour as the tulips explode in full bloom.
Sydney, Australia
Australia may not be the cheapest country in which to travel but, thanks to its stunning scenery and lively cities, it is the destination of choice for many backpackers and most end up in Sydney at some point. Imagine gazing at the Opera House, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge and sunning yourself on Bondi Beach. Accommodation in Sydney abounds, pubs, bars and clubs line the streets and there is always a party atmosphere.
Rome, Italy
With so much to see in Rome, you could easily spend weeks here. The Vatican, Pantheon, Colloseum and the Roman Forum offer the backpacker a lesson in ancient history and the food is to-die-for. Italy can be expensive but there are plenty of little pizzerias, in which you can have a delicious thin-crust wood-fired pizza and an Italian beer or glass of house wine for only a few Euros.
La Paz, Bolivia
Not only is Bolivia dirt-cheap but it offers the backpacker a glimpse into a South America before the invasion of the Europeans. The Indigenous population is still strong in Bolivia and many wear traditional clothes and retain traditional customs. The country itself is beautiful and incredibly varied, from salt flats in the Andean Altiplano to exotic birds and animals in the Amazon.
Siam Reap, Cambodia
The magnificent ancient temples in the Angkor Archaelogical Park have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for almost 20 years and are not to be missed. Accommodation is cheap, as is food and transport, and you won’t find a friendlier person than a Cambodian.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Formally an expensive destination, since the GFC Iceland has become an affordable stop-off and is well worth a visit. It is a stunningly beautiful country full of hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers and ice caps and the capital, Reykjavik, parties hard.
Cape Town, South Africa
With a Mediterranean climate and cheap hostels, food, drink and tours, Cape Town is a fun and relaxed city. With Table Mountain as a backdrop and wineries, unspoilt beaches, and adrenalin activities nearby, there’s never a dull moment in Cape Town.
Goa, India
Renowned for its white-sand beaches, relaxed, Bohemian vibe, and rock-bottom prices, Goa remains firmly on the backpacker map. It is also a great place to chill out after visitng India’s often overwhelming cities.
