These are the 12 Best Backpacking Destinations Worldwide

Many people view international trips as expensive and luxurious, making them out of reach for many people. This is not true. If you are willing to sacrifice luxury for a few personal belongings and a backpack, you can travel the world with a shoestring budget.

Backpacking is a way to hike and camp while carrying all the gear they need on their backs. Backpacking can also be a low-cost way to travel. You may stay in hostels or other affordable accommodations while still carrying your essential possessions in a backpack. Both of these are great ways to see cities and the natural world.

Although backpackers can travel anywhere, certain cities are more welcoming to backpackers. This bucket list contains the top 10 best backpacking destinations in the world to help you make your decision.

Taman Negara Malaysia

You will start your hiking adventure by boat on the Kuala Tembling Jetty. Taman Negara, Malaysia’s most visited national park, is connected with Amazonian rope bridges that cross the wild wilderness. It takes you through hidden caves and elephant trails, lush jungle, and fields of giant mushrooms. This is not a place to stop for a weekend – you should plan to spend some time in the tropical rainforest.

Argentina, Chile and Patagonia

Panoramic views are what Patagonia (from both the Chilean or Argentinian sides) is all about. It is truly one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Only serious trekkers should attempt this multi-day, treacherous landscape of frozen cliffs and glaciers as well as azure lakes. To hike this trail, you must be physically fit. However, the uncultivated, vivid landscape is well worth the effort.

Glacier National Park, Montana, United States

Glacier National Park is located up North in America’s Montana. This park is ideal for backpacking and includes a tent and food for the duration. It is home to more than 1 million acres of forest, including alpine meadows, clear lakes, and valleys carved by glaciers between rugged peaks. You can view the aurora borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) all year round, but it is best to see them in spring. There are 65 campgrounds and 203 campsites total, so you have many options for routes.

Portugal, Porto to Algarve

Portugal is a beautiful coastal paradise for backpackers, with stunning beaches and intriguing sea caves. Many people fly down to Porto and start their trek there. They travel slowly to Algarve, the southernmost tip of Portugal’s border with Spain. It is easy to walk. You can also take advantage of the excellent public transport system and stop along its coast for wine tours.

Bali, Indonesia

A trip to Bali, Indonesia, is a great option for backpackers who want to travel on a budget but still enjoy the opportunity to sunbathe and dine, drink, explore, and live like royalty. The golden beaches are stunning, and the accommodation and food are very affordable. The priceless experience will be made up by the friendly surfers, backpackers and joyful monkeys that you’ll meet on your trip.

Inca Trail, Peru

For backpackers who want to explore the secrets of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail is a top choice. This South American destination is more than just a forgotten city. You’ll find a rich culture and secluded beaches along the Peruvian coast, as well as friendly people, vibrant little towns, great spicy foods, and friendly locals.

Bay Islands, Honduras

Bay Islands, Honduras, is a great place to relax and unwind after a hard day’s trekking. You can also enjoy scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the island, which are home to a vibrant collection of marine life such as stingrays, whales, schools of fish and stingrays.

Halong Bay in Vietnam

It’s like walking into a fairytale when you backpack in Halong Bay. The landscape comprises over 1,600 islands and islets, which together form an amazing seascape with limestone pillars and hidden caves, crevices and blue lagoons.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is Turkey’s unique landscape of windblown rocks, hidden crevices and windblown rocks. Feel like a Sultan in Cappadocia. The locals make their homes on the sides of the cliffs and use the boulders to build them. The land of colourfully painted churches is full of equally colourful people and happy to serve tea or make a pit stop on your journey. It is known for its “fairy chimneys”, cone-shaped rock formations. This makes it one of our top picks.

Yosemite National Park, United States

Yosemite National Park offers some of the most beautiful overnight hikes in America. It is located in America’s California Sierra Nevada Mountains with breathtaking peaks like El Capitan or Half Dome and treacherous canyons such as Tenaya. This park will require you to camp in tents, and you will be cooking your meals outside. You should make sure that you have all the necessary gear. Yosemite backpacking is not for beginners. However, day hikes can be done with less experience, such as the Mirror Lake Loop (easy) or the Four Mile Trail (4 mile Trail, strenuous but beautiful). The backpacking trails offer stunning views and giant sequoia trees, as well as jaw-dropping views at every switchback for those who climb them.

Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Howler monkeys will announce the Central America backpacking trip of Santa Elena. Costa Rica’s small, rustic town has a charming atmosphere. The friendly locals will welcome you with a salsa twirl and show you the best places to get seafood. They can also help you find affordable accommodations.

Tasmania, Australia

Australia’s Tasmania was once home to British outlaws. This gave the island its legendary reputation. It’s hard to believe that it is true, especially when you see the unspoiled beauty, the preserved forests, the sprawling vineyards, the wide-open spaces, and the direct connection into the Southern Pacific Ocean. You might stop along the way to take a dip in the ocean and see the unique rock formations. Perhaps you will even spot one of the rarest species on the planet, the Tasmanian Devil.