Backpacking is a hugely rewarding way to explore a new country that keeps you active and connected with the outside world. Carrying only the things you really need, you’ll be spending a lot of time on foot, which should help build your aerobic fitness and help regulate blood sugar, among other things!
And when it comes to backpacking, “essentials” really does mean “essentials”. The space in your backpack sets the limit for how many items you can take, so choose carefully!
And where should you go on your backpacking adventure? Here’s some inspiration.
Australia
Backpacking in Australia is the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The main cities are well-connected by air and by the highly economical yet comfortable Greyhound coaches, which operate by night as well as by day.
Don’t miss out on Queensland while you’re travelling down under. The beaches, tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef are stunning and fascinating in equal degrees. Brisbane is great as an starting point before you go further north. It’s a laid-back city with a modern vibe that also feels distinctly tropical. While here, you can camp on Fraser Island, an island rich in whale-watching and dingo-spotting opportunities. It’s important to remember than when you travel to Australia, you may need a visa. AuVisa can help with finding the right visa so make sure that’s sorted as soon as you can.
India
India is another fun spot, ideal for groups of friends backpacking together. Food, transportation and accommodation is typically quite affordable, too.
You’ll get a slightly different flavour of life in each Indian state you travel to. Head south to Tamil Nadu and trek through the lakeside resort town of Kodaikanal. See rolling mist-coated hills, a sizeable waterfall and walk through rustic pine forests.
In northwestern India, Pushkar is perfect for backpackers who want to get involved with some fun new activities. Rooftop yoga, cooking classes, henna and wellness therapies are all options!
Thailand
Thailand won’t disappoint a keen backpacker in search of an adventure. Surat Thani is worth a place in your itinerary. As well as being an easy place to access the eastern Thai islands from, you can explore the city’s canals on a longtail boat. You can even take it to Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok Lake), where you can stay in one of the floating bungalows.
Peru
Llamas, rainforests and mountains; what’s not to like about Peru? Using Peru’s hop-on hop-off service, perhaps the easiest and most economical way to get around, you can explore the route between Lima and Cusco. Peru Hop also has helpful hostel recommendations, which can help make sure you stay somewhere reputable and clean.
The city of Cusco is an ideal launching point for trekking to Machu Picchu, the Inca Citadel whose original purpose remains a mystery.
You could also try sandboarding on the famous sand dunes of Huacachina and check out the stunning White City of Arequipa, home to a resident volcano and the Colca Canyon.
Argentina
The beauty of backpacking in Argentina is the sheer range of terrain you can find within the vast area this country occupies. There are deserts, mountains, rainforests, glaciers… you name it, Argentina’s got it.
The capital city is Buenos Aires, a vibrant explosion of colour with lively nightlife and world-class football.
The city of Mendoza is situated on the Chilean border right in the centre of the wine country. View the snow-capped Andes mountains with an affordable yet high-quality Malbec in hand.
Iguazú Falls is another backpackers’ Paradise. Marvel at a total of 275 impressive waterfalls that form a natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. It’s the largest waterfall system found anywhere in the world.
The potential for low-budget, activity-rich holidays is endless! Where will you and your backpack go next?
