The world's best backpacking destinations are not always what you expect. Even distant countries such as New Zealand and Australia can be reached for reasonable prices, while the budget favorites of Southeast Asia and South America always draw backpacker crowds.
Adventure in South America
A trip to Latin America is in some ways a rite of passage in the backpacker world. If you're looking for adventure: explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru or trek through vast jungles and boat up crocodile infested rivers in the Bolivian Amazon. Surfers and beach bums: don't miss the beautiful coasts of Brazil. Food lovers: feast on delicious grilled steak and fine red wines in Argentina. Nature purists: breathe the fresh air and enjoy the vast wonders of Chile's Patagonia. These adventures and many more are waiting for the backpacker who dares to make Latin America their next destination. South America is heavy on adventure, yet light on the wallet.
Backpacking in South East Asia
South East Asia is to the East as South America is to the West on the backpacker circuit. Bangkok, Thailand is the jumping of point for most backpacking trips to Southeast Asia. Thailand offers jungles and elephant rides in the north and beaches lined with palm trees and bronzed bodies in the south. Popular destinations also include a trip to Cambodia to investigate the wonders of Angkor Wat, Vietnam for beautiful handicrafts and a surprising view on the infamous war, and Laos to get a small break from the bartering and hocking and relax for few days in a bungalow with a river front view. The people of South East Asia are usually quite warm and friendly, they will often go out of their way to help foreigners, but as always, beware of possible scams. Those wishing to further their adventure should head north into China or south to explore Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Australia and New Zealand on a Budget
The countries of Oceania are often a dream of backpackers but the cost to get to these destinations can be prohibitive. A great option for getting to Australia is a budget airline flight with a carrier like Air Asia. Air Asia has cheap flights to Australia from Malaysia. Travelers can even fly to and from London to their hub in Kuala Lumpur for very reasonable prices. Once in Australia or New Zealand, European and American travelers will find costs to be quite reasonable. There are plenty of campgrounds, so bring some camping gear, rent a car and hit the open road. Remember they drive on the left, so watch where you're going!
Backpacking Europe
Backpacking in Europe is not a budget traveler's ideal destination, but there is so much to see and experience that it's worth the extra cost. Venturing around Rome reflecting on the days of the great empire, strolling the balmy beaches of Barcelona or breathing the fresh alpine air of Switzerland will leave you wanting more. With some pre-planning a trip to Europe can be done on a modest budget thanks to low-cost airlines like Ryanair and great regional train specials. Those traveling in pairs may consider looking for discounted hotels rather than over-priced hostels.
Travel the Middle East
The history and wonders of the Middle East have drawn tourists for hundreds of years. Most visitors charter package tours, but adventurous backpackers who are wary of scams can enjoy the area without the crowds and save quite a bit of cash. Not to miss sites include the amazing rock carved ancient city of Petra, the historically and religiously significant Old City of Jerusalem and of course the ancient Pyramids outside of Cairo. Traveling overland by bus is quite easy and efficient, but crossing borders can be a hassle, especially in Israel.
Travelers and backpackers have limitless choices for their next destination. Adventurers need to consider their own preferences when choosing their next trip. Things like budget, weather and type of activities available are all things to consider as well as language and culture.
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