Where to go and what to do? Two of the most important questions any backpacker will face when planning their next adventure, but while some may have a list of places they’ve always wanted to visit, others may need a little help. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most talked about destinations.
1. Thailand: One of the most famous backpacking destinations, and the most diverse. Sites include the Bangkok Grand Palace and large Chatachak Market, the scenic Chiang Mai and nearby village of Pai, and the island of Koh Chang, which is part national park.
2. Cambodia: Largely undiscovered by tourists, and in some places like a wilderness, this is the perfect place for explorers. Known for the cities of Angkor and Phnom Penh, the spider sellers of Skone, and the waterfalls, rugged terrain, and lakes of the North East of the country.
3. Vietnam: Visit here and experience the varied local cuisine, the sealife surrounding Phu Quoc Island, the Paddy fields of Sapa, and the waterways of the Mekong Delta. There are also popular motorbike tours available taking in the more remote parts of the country.
4. Mexico: Plenty to do here, from the beaches and party lifestyle of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, to wildlife watching in Baja California and the archaeological site of Palenque. The colonial town of Oaxaca, is also worth a visit.
5. Peru: A mix of inspiring landscapes, and traditional culture can be found throughout Peru. The capital city Lima is popular with backpackers, who also like to explore the Andean mountains, the jungles in the east, the famous ‘Inca Trail’ and the traditional town of Cuzco.
6. Brazil: A carnival nation that’s become increasingly popular with backpackers. Popular sites include the famous Amazon rainforest, the beach of Copacabana, and the cities of Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
7. Morocco: Check out vibrant Marrakech with its Medina (old city), the landscape of the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, or the Tizi n Tichka Pass.
8. Middle East: This would be a trip packed full of history, with mosques, churches, castles, and pyramids around every corner. Popular stop off points include Athens, Cairo and Jerusalem.
9. Europe: European trips tend to fall into one of two categories: Classic Europe or the alternative, less commercial route. Classical plans could take in the sights and sounds of cities like London, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome, and Venice, while the alternative route could see you visit places like Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Salzburg and Vienna.
