When you’re deciding to head off on an adventure sometimes the hardest part can be deciding where to go. If you’re dictated by time and budget the decision can get harder. So we’ve used our years of travel experience to come up with a list of destination ideas for backpackers.
We started backpacking in our early 20s and nearly a decade later we still haven’t moved on from this care-free minimalist way of travelling. It fits with our travel style so perfectly and while we may take the odd luxury trip, I think we will always be happiest with our backpacks and no real plan.
For us, and the purposes of this article, a backpacker is someone who travels with a backpack (obviously) because of the places they’ll be travelling and the possibility of adventure, needing to walk long distances or take public transport.
A backpacker is budget-conscious and always looking for the best value for money (not necessarily the cheapest). They’re prepared to sleep in dorms, take public transport and dine on street food and picnics.
Backpackers are usually sociable and enjoy meeting locals and other travellers. They’re not afraid of getting a bit off the beaten path and are happy to fly by the seat of their pants without any real plan.
The places we’ve chosen below offer the perfect mix of adventure and off the beaten path travel, budget-friendly accommodation and backpacker infrastructures such as hostels affordable transport and free activities.
Getting there
A huge factor in choosing a destination that’s backpacker-friendly is how easy and cheap it is to get there. Finding cheap flights can often decide which area of the world you want to travel to. Your best bet is to use a flight comparison site such as JustFly to compare prices and destinations.
Preparing for a backpacking adventure
Depending on how long you’re going for you may need to consider saving up, sticking to a trip budget and what to pack. Luckily we have you covered there!
How to Save for Travel - All our money-saving tips that helped us save enough to travel for two years straight.
Useful Items for Long Term Travel - All the essentials we couldn’t live without on the road. Tried and tested across 30 countries!
Setting and Sticking to a Travel Budget - Our advice for setting a budget for a long-term trip and how to make sure you stick to it while you’re on the road!
Guide to Finding Budget Accommodation - All our tips and hacks for finding the best value accommodation options around the world, including free stays!
The Best Backpacker Destinations
Albania
Backpacker Budget: €20/day
This is truly an amazing lesser-known destination for backpackers. It has gained lots of popularity in the last few years as it emerges from communist control to the fringes of the European Union.
What Albania lacks in reliable public transport or services in English it more than makes up for in stunning nature, unique cities and interesting history. Albania is very affordable and has a great range of hostels and budget accommodation as well as cafes, restaurants and things to do.
The beaches of Albania have some of the clearest water we’ve ever seen and hiking in the mountains is not to be missed. The entire Balkan region is a backpacker’s playground and Albania should be top of your list.
Find all our Albania information including itineraries, things to do and city guides here.
Georgia
Backpacker Budget: €22/day
There's no hiding the fact that we think Georgia is one of the best countries on earth and most of that love stems from just how backpacker-friendly the country is. Georgian people are incredibly welcoming and have a rich culture and history to share.
Tbilisi, the capital city, is a new tourist hot-spot and is bubbling with underground nightlife, historical buildings, street art and great cafes. There are plenty of backpacker hostels and public transport connections to other parts of the country.
The rest of Georgia offers hiking trails, mountainous regions, beachfront boulevards and one of the oldest wine regions in the world. And the best part about it is that everything is very affordable so backpackers in search of a budget-friendly destination will be totally at home in Georgia.
You can read all about Georgia including our itineraries, transport guides and off the beaten path travel tips in our Georgia section.
Sri Lanka
Backpacker Budget: €15/day
Since the end of the civil war Sri Lanka has opened its arms to travellers in of every budget. But the cheap prices and compact area of the country mean it is very popular with backpackers.
There are hostels and cheap guesthouses in every city and affordable transport options including trains and buses to get around. Sri Lanka offers a great mix of culture, nature, wildlife and beaches with a healthy dose of good food and some Western comforts.
Sri Lanka has great weather year round as the rainy season moves from one side of the country to the other. There are loads of great surfing spots complete with beach front bungalows. Or if jungle is more your vibe head to the hills via the world’s most scenic train ride and check out the hiking trails and tea plantations.
For itinerary options including the best beaches and how to get tickets for the Kandy to Ella train trip read our Sri Lanka posts.
Malaysia
Backpacker Budget: €15/day
South East Asia is world-famous as a backpacker destination and countries like Thailand and Vietnam are inundated by backpackers and digital nomads year round. So we’ve chosen somewhere where it’s a little easier to get away from the crowds but still offers everything you need in a top backpacker destination.
Malaysia encompasses everything from the bustling city centre of Kuala Lumpur to the whitesand beaches of the islands and the dense jungles of Borneo. The food scene is phenomenal and luckily for backpackers, there are cheap, delicious options on every corner.
There is also an established backpacker scene here and you’ll find hostels in all the major towns. There’s also an extensive network of public transport here including buses, trains and ferries all at very affordable prices. Malaysia is accessible from most parts of the world via flights to KL or Singapore and is a great springboard for onwards travel in the region.
Iran
Backpacker Budget: €18/day
Iran is not often thought of as a backpacker destination but in fact, backpacking in Iran was one of the highlights of our trip. This country is not only incredibly culturally rich but very affordable and easy to travel.
Iranian hospitality is second to none and everyone from your hosts to people on the street will invite you for meals, treat you to tea and offer to drive you around the city, refusing to accept any payment. There is a strong Couchsurfing community in Iran and more and more hostels popping up in the more popular areas such as Shiraz and Isfahan.
Buses in Iran are very cheap and comfortable and there are a variety of shared taxi systems to get you between cities. There are even overnight trains and affordable domestic flights. If you stay with locals food will likely be presented to you non-stop but if you’re on your own, good quality local food can be found for a couple of euros on almost every street corner.
For all the info you need to plan the perfect backpacking trip to Iran read our helpful guides.
Indonesia
Backpacker Budget: €15/day
Bali has become somewhat of a backpacker and digital nomad haven in the last few years and offers a huge range of tourist infrastructure from dirt-cheap accommodation to smoothie bars and scooter rental. If you’re looking for a destination that offers comfort and backpacker prices then Bali will satisfy your needs, just don’t expect to be alone.
However, there are plenty of other areas in Indonesia to get off the beaten path and the perfect mix of tourist hotspots and unvisited areas can make this country very appealing for backpackers. Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel and many areas have good transport and tour options.
Armenia
Backpacker Budget: €20/day
Armenia is slowly gaining popularity as a touirst destination among non-Russians and the introduction of budget airline flights in 2020 will make it much more accessible for budget travellers. This little pocket of the Caucasus has slightly less infrstructure than neighbouring Georgia but is fast developing and has lots of sights, both natural and manmade that are worth visiting.
Armenia has a strong sense of tradition and also a troubled history that can be learnt about at the Armenian Genocide Museum in the capital city of Yerevan. Culinary delights and ancient monasteries abound no matter where you visit in Armenia and there are some truly beautiful areas for hiking or relaxing.
If you’re feeling a little intrepid the disputed region of Artsakh (previously Nagorno-Karabakh) is only accessible through the border with Armenia. Claiming it’s own identity and flag but most closely politically aligned with Armenia this area is still claimed by Azerbaijan. Some parts of the region are off limits but the capital, Stepanakert, and surrounding towns are safe and incredibly interesting to visit.
We’ve got loads of info on travel in Armenia including backpacking tips and a guide to Artsakh. Click here to read more.
India
Backpacker Budget: €13/day
When you’re searching for cheap backpacker destinations it’s hard to go past India. Known as one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world this huge and diverse country has something for everyone.
For backpacker comforts and the chance to mingle with other travellers heading to the beaches of Goa or the well-trodden loop of the Golden Triangle adding in backpacker mecca Pushkar to the journey. These places offer plenty of hostels, cafes and cheap, delicious food.
If you feel some space and fresh air (not common in India) head to the far North East where you’ll struggle to find another foreign tourist but will be wowed by the beauty of the living root bridges, the world’s largest river island and mountain ranges rubbing shoulders with Bhutan and Tibet. It’s a whole nother world and a totally different experience to the rest of India.
Transport in India covers a range of prices and comforts. Trains, buses, taxis, rickshaws, ferries, planes and almost anything else that moves can be used to get around the country. Most of it is very affordable and there are lots of overnight options for longer journeys.
We’ve written loads of useful info about India, including guides to the North East. You can read them all here.
Nepal
Backpacker Budget: €15/day
Nepal draws adventure travellers year after year with some of the most strikingly beautiful nature in the world and of course, the world’s highest peaks. But you don’t need to be an adventure traveller to enjoy this friendly and cheap little country.
Nepal has a very calm vibe to it, even in the midst of bustling Kathmandu. The booming tourism industry that has been present for many years (thanks Himalayas) means there is well-established backpacker infrastructure. Places like Pokhara, famous for being the gateway to the Himalayas, offer many cafe options, tours and clean hostels.
Other areas of Nepal are a little less built up for tourism and public transport can be difficult to navigate. But this adds to the adventure and Nepalese people are warm, friendly and helpful. Consider a visit to a National Park to go wildlife spotting or a trip to the tea region. Or simply accept that Nepal is made for trekking and head off into the mountains for an experience you won’t regret.
Colombia
Backpacker Budget: €20/day
This is top of our list for top backpacker destinations we want to visit in the near future. We have heard so many wonderful things about the digital nomad community, opportunities to experience local culture and the natural beauty of the country. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it all comes with a very low price tag.
Colombia’s proximity to other parts of South America makes it a great starting point for longer-term backpacking adventures but it is also an awesome destination in its own right. There are stunning beaches to relax on, lively cities, hiking adventures and coffee plantations to visit.
Foodies will have lots to explore and if you like to party then make sure you’re there for the annual carnival celebrations when the whole country comes to life with colours, music, dancing and parades.
Want to know the best upcoming destinations for backpackers and travellers on a budget? Here is a list of all the top backpacker destinations including travel info and a daily budget. #travel #traveltips #destinations #backpacking #budgettravel #budget #travelideas #travelinspiration #albania #georgia #srilanka #malaysia #iran #india #nepal
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