Not every backpacker is looking for the same experience, but there are some general guidelines to follow when planning to go backpacking. No matter what you are looking for, generally the best places to backpack are those where transportation is easy, accommodations are cheap, and crimes rates are low.
Are you planning for that first backpacking trip? There are a lot of options for those who are putting together their first trip. From destinations in Southeast Asia, to parts of South America, Africa and beyond, there are plenty of locations to start from. The popular destination, especially for college students and gap-year travelers, is the continent of Europe, which offers many good places to begin.
Keeping Europe in mind, Prague is one of the best places to start. Located in the Czech Republic, Prague has become one of the top destinations for backpackers because of its cheaper prices as compared to the rest of Europe, as well as its central location on the eastern part of the continent. Prague is close to Budapest and Munich, among other places, which makes for convenient traveling itineraries. There is plenty to see and do in Prague as well. With a historical district that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is much to learn about Prague’s rich history and architecture. Prague also boasts the largest ancient castle in the world; something well worth a visit.
On the other side of the world, one of the best places to backpack is The Philippines. Although it’s comprised of over 4,000 islands, the Philippines is generally overlooked by many travelers, despite its vast terrain and many beautiful beaches. Holders of an American, Australian, European, or New Zealander passport only need a visa if they plan on staying on the islands for over 21 days, and everyone else needs to obtain a visa before traveling to the Philippines. Inexpensive accommodations are readily available throughout the country, but visiting right before the rainy season will ensure that you easily find a place to stay and miss the tourist rush.
Moving on across the globe, South America has several locations that are backpacker-friendly. Brazilian cities like Rio and Sao Paolo are becoming increasingly welcoming to the backpacking part of the tourism industry. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, whether you are looking for a calm and relaxing experience or looking to party. Traveling around the country is also made simpler with effective bus and metro systems within and between cities.
Again, the best cities to backpack are generally up to the person doing the backpacking. As long as accommodations are plentiful and cheap, the city is relatively safe (most are), and transportation is easy, a city has the potential to be a great destination to backpack. From the continent of Africa to backpacking in Prague to Asia to South America, there are infinite options for travelers and backpackers alike. As with any trip, doing the proper research on places to stay, appropriate gear, and other aspects of the trip will provide for a smoother backpacking experience-no matter what the destination.