Backpacking is a form of low cost, independent travel. Often the more exotic the countries visited, the better. When searching for places to go, there are several factors that you have to consider.
The world is a prominent place with so many attractions to visit! I want to suggest 7 Tips for Choosing a Backpacking Destination that will help you to decide your first destination as a backpacker.
If you are planning to travel to Southeast Asia, check our article A Budget-friendly Guide to Backpacking Southeast Asia. Or if you want to travel to any country in Asia with a cheap budget, check here the Top 15 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Asia to know which countries are suitable for backpackers.
For budget travel, an itinerary is a great way to save money. Read the 5 reasons why you need a travel itinerary.
Choosing a Backpacking Destination
Here is how you Choose a Perfect Backpacking Destination
1. Choose a destination that will allow you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures.

If you are planning a backpacking trip, you will have to decide where to go. You’ll want to choose a destination that provides you with the experience you want and one that is safe and allows you to meet people from different cultures.
Here are some tips for choosing a destination that will offer an unforgettable vacation: Choose a Destination That Offers an Unforgettable Experience. You should choose a destination that provides an experience that you have never had before.
Perhaps you want to go on safari in Africa, climb Mt. Everest, or party your heart out at Carnival in Rio. The more unique the experience, the better.
2. Consider multiple destinations

If you’re looking for a backpacking adventure, choosing where to go can be a challenge. There are so many destinations and ways to travel that it’s hard to narrow your search.
To help you out, here are some tips for choosing a backpacking destination according to different preferences: If you want a “best of” experience, but have a shortage of time, consider visiting several countries or regions in one trip.
Many fascinating cities, attractions, and activities will keep you busy, depending on your chosen region. For example, you can spend time in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam in Southeast Asia.
In Europe, consider visiting multiple countries like Italy and Germany or even different parts of one country like Spain versus the eastern region.
If you’re interested in seeing specific locations like Machu Picchu in Peru or the Great Pyramids in Egypt, you have to choose your budget according to these places.
If you want to live like a local: A great way to immerse yourself in a culture is to stay with local residents rather than hotels or hostels. One great resource is Couchsurfing, which lets members connect with travellers worldwide and offer couch space for free.
3. Choose a popular destination

If every single person who visits a specific country and has the same backpacker budget as you, then that country’s hostels and restaurants will be cheap, and there will be more things to do in that country than any other.
That’s why so many backpackers flock to Southeast Asia — it’s cheap, it’s full of things to do, and there are tons of people just like you there!
4. Starting your trip with the proper gear

If you are going on a backpacking adventure, chances are you already have most of the equipment you will need. Backpacks and sleeping bags are essential items you need to have to go on a backpacking trip.
If you don’t already have these things, consider buying necessary gear like the right backpack, water bottle, and sleeping bag for your personal needs.
However, in addition to these items, some other important pieces of equipment will come in handy while you’re on your journey.
Below is a list of necessary backpacking equipment that can make any adventure much more enjoyable:
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Backpack
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Stove and fuel
- Kitchen supplies
- Sufficient food
- First Aid Kit
- Water bottles and water-treatment supplies
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Emergency and hygiene supplies
- Small repair kit
5. Follow the locals’ favourite hiking trails
If you like hiking, the best way to find new trails is by following the locals. They know where the excellent hiking spots are, what the best times of year are to go, and where you can get a good cup of coffee after. Here’s how:
Make friends with locals There’s nothing better than learning about a place from the people who live there. Making friends with locals is a great way to learn about their favourite hiking spots, and they may even invite you over for dinner one night.
Get involved in local community efforts. If you want to meet local people and learn about their favourite hikes, consider joining a local community project or volunteering for an environmental group. This will put you in contact with other like-minded people passionate about nature and outdoor recreation.
Ask at local businesses. If you’re visiting a new city or town and want some recommendations on hiking trails, check out local outdoor shops or even ask at your hotel front desk. They’ll probably have a few great suggestions for courses near their establishment that they pass the time on when business slows down during the off-season.
6. Consider your physical ability

There are so many regions to choose from when choosing a backpacking destination. How do you know where to go?
The first thing to consider is your physical ability. Backpacking can be challenging, and you must be physically up for the challenge.
If you are in good shape, this shouldn’t be an issue. If you’re not in shape, there are ways to prepare yourself for backpacking, as well as destinations that may be easier for beginners.
7. Choose your destination based on cost, safety, and your preferred travel style.

What’s your budget? Wherever you’re going, there will be costs associated with the trip—factor in transportation costs and other expenses such as food and lodging. If money is tight, consider a destination closer to home so that costs aren’t too high.
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a backpacking destination. Cost, safety, and travel style are three of the most important factors to be considered.
Trip cost is crucial because you want to pick an affordable country for you. Safety is very important to consider when visiting any foreign country, especially if travelling alone or as a female.
You want to pick a country with few serious dangers and pick up on the local culture easily. Travel style is also very important because different people have different travel styles.
For example, if you like luxury, you don’t want to go backpacking in Nepal, but if you are adventurous and like to rough it out in nature, Nepal would be a great choice for your backpacking destination.
Bonus Tips

- Research the area you want to visit. Make sure you can get travel insurance for your trip.
- Talk to people who have already been there and ask them about their experience.
- Visit popular travel websites to read other travellers reviews and recommendations.
- Get advice from friends and family or join an online community of backpackers to find what they recommend.
- Consider travelling with a friend or group of friends when you’re starting. It’s easier to do this than going it alone!
- Be flexible! If you have set plans, there is no room for spontaneity, which is one of the best parts of backpacking. You never know what adventures you may come across while on your trip!
- Have fun! Remember why you decided to backpack in the first place: for adventure, freedom and excitement!
Choosing the right backpacking destination can be a daunting task, but hopefully, these tips will make it easier. Planning your trip early and getting in touch with locals are two keys to enjoying your trip. Always give yourself flexibility if something unexpected happens, and enjoy the journey as it happens!
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