Back-packing in Europe seems to have become a popular right-of-passage for young 20 somethings before they transition into the routine of the adult working world. But when it comes to finding backpackers paradises, Europe is not the only continent which provides ease of travel and inexpensive options that are conducive to backpacking.
Bali’s white sandy beaches and optimal surfing conditions have attracted backpackers. Accommodations can range from homestays to hostels. Bali also has an interesting interior too which is opportune for hiking with volcanoes and mountains.
A range of accommodations await you in Chiang Mai and make it easy to partake in a wide array of activities. Popular activities in Chiang Mai are visiting temples, learn Thai massage, Muay Thai boxing, practise yoga and hiking.
Visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a variety of hostels in this popular destination for like-minded individuals. The Taj Mahal itself is a sight to behold and to see it in person is more awesome than any photographs you may have seen. Take your time strolling around the grounds and go back more than once and at different times of day to truly understand the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
To visit Marrakesh be sure to brush up on your negotiating skills as they will come in very handy at the markets you will be spending a lot of time perusing. Make sure you pack or buy necessary supplies for a day trip into the desert. These types of tours can be booked through the hostel you are staying at.
One of the cheap backpackers paradises and a great alternative to Greece, this Balkan country is becoming more popular with backpackers thanks to the increasing number of hostels. Aesthetically Albania is a little rough around the edges, but part of the fun of backpacking is in finding the road less travelled. You can stay in the Albania Riviera, which is lot less packed than other beaches in neighbouring countries or hike in the mountainous terrain.
An outdoors person’s dream, Argentina offers a wide array of options from: glaciers in Patagonia to Iguazu falls. One of the biggest perks to travelling in Argentina is the affordability and ubiquity of Argentinian wine such as the Malbec varietal.
The most narrow country in South America, Chile is a country of extremes. You can encounter deserts, glaciers, fjords, volcanic mountains and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the port city of Valparaiso. Chileans are known to be welcoming and friends hosts, but be sure to have a good Spanish phrase book.
If extreme sports are your thing then there are a multitude of activities to occupy your time in New Zealand. You can pack your backpacking vacation full of adrenaline producing activities like: bungee jumping, snowboarding, hiking and white-water rafting.
Machu Picchu is the most popular draw for Peru. There are well-known backpacker trails leading to the Incan estate, and all for good reason as the hike is spectacular. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trek, making it a worthy contender on our list of the top backpackers paradises.
Start out in Hanoi and backpack the North-South expanse of the country, which should take you about 3-4 weeks to complete. End your adventures in Ho Chi Minh City which is metropolitan centre or end up on one of Vietnam’s beautiful and un-commercialized islands.
