Top 10 Backpacking Destinations in the World

Life is all about living on the edge every day and for backpackers, each day is a new rush. However, in this great world, it seems crazy to talk about a few best backpacking hiking destinations. Whether you look for the most relaxing places, outdoor locations, big, busy cities, adventure sports, or destinations for beginners; you have all the options you desire.

However, many factors influence one’s choices. To make any trip easy it’s important to sort it in advance. To consider a few, a place should have enough affordable accommodations, interesting dining options, and natural beauty. All these make it worth a visit and contribute to making life-lasting memories. Here are a few such destinations across the globe.

List of the 10 Best Backpacking Destinations in the World

1. Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. Essaouira, Morocco
3. Sendai, Japan
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
5. Queenstown, New Zealand
6. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
7. Goa, India
8. Munich, Germany
9. Colombo, Sri Lanka
10. Koh Tao, Thailand

1. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Not a home to sprawling city expanses or world-class hotels, Chattanooga has some of the best destinations for backpacking adventures. And the good news is that it can be explored on a budget. This magical place offers other perks for adventure travellers that include kayaking at the Tennessee River, Whitewater rafting near the Ocoee River, and hand gliding at the southwest of the city across the Georgia state line. The downtown in Chattanooga is set with the best farmer’s markets and restaurants in the Southwest.

Backpacking Hiking Getaways

• Snooper Rock Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest
• Sunset Rock, Chattanooga National Military Park
• West rim loop trail, cloudland canyon state park
• Beech Bottom Trail, Jacks River Falls
• Foster falls

Best Time to Visit: Travel to Chattanooga during the fall to see the picture-perfect backgrounds.

Cheap Hotels:

Chattanooga is a city for budget-conscious travelers who look for hotel deals, and save money on food, but cannot compromise with fun. Here are some of the best-recommended hotels with all facilities like free breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and more:

• Sleep Inn
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
• Econo Lodge East Ridge

Also Read: Best Shopping Cities in the World

2. Essaouira, Morocco

While you decide for backpacking in Morocco, some of the best experiences include a few days in the Sahara and the others strolling through frenetic bazaars in Marrakech. Essaouira on the southern coast is however for the ones seeking a refreshing ocean breeze and smaller markets.

It seems to be a fishing village. Essaouira offers more relaxed shopping experiences than anywhere else. This coastline is crowded mostly with fishermen and surfers. You will surely enjoy exploring the local fish market.

You can buy your favourites and ask the local restaurants to cook them for you. Visit the coastal fortress to relive the scenes from Game of Thrones. Apart from all this, the culture in Essaouira is an interesting exploration.

Trekking Trails In Essaouira

• Oued Ksob
• Ain el Hajar Oasis
• Sidi M’Barek

Budget Accommodations

• Dar Tranquille
• Zazou
• Atlantic hostel
• The Chill Art Hostel
• White and blue hostel

When to Go- If you prefer the northern part of this city then choose between May to September as the climate is less dry during these seasons. On the other hand, October till December is a suitable time to explore southern parts.

Also Read: Best Budget Friendly Travel Destinations

3. Sendai, Japan

The one-eyed dragon city of the 17th century is now the cultural heart of the Tohoku region. Sendai is the largest of all cities, the most beautiful, and one of the best backpacking destinations in the world. The city has several places where culture blends with nature. Here are a few:

• Zuihoden Temple
• Risshakuji Temple
• Aoba castle
• Matsushima Bay
• Okama crater

When To Visit- August and the main reason is the traditional festival Tanabata Matsuri when the city comes alive. Fireworks, colourful streamers, dance, music, and food; everything will make your visit worthwhile.

Staying Options- Café Bar Lounge and Orit Hostel

4. Hoi An, Vietnam

Far from the bustling big cities, Hoi An is a smaller yet beautiful place to explore by backpacking. It is popular as a custom-made clothing capital in Southeast Asia and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Backpackers from Da Nang or Hue often reach here to make the best of low-priced accommodations and food.

This place still holds on to its French influence which can be tasted at one of the best bakeries lined in the streets of Hoi An. This would turn out to be one of the most enticing benefits of being here. Get a few pastries and explore the nearby area on foot. There are various other dishes you have to try.

Things To Do In Hoi An

• Shop at Hoi An Central Market, The stuff is pretty good and affordable
• Rent a bicycle at just $2 and explore the off-beat tracks, rice fields, and narrow streets
• Relax at An Bang Beach
• Mr. Bean Bar, Whoop Whoop, and Why Not Bar are must-try bars for getting insight into Hoi An’s nightlife culture
• Tam Thanh Mural Village is a live gallery with wall art everywhere

When To Plan A Trip- Though Hoi An is a warm city, February and May are considered the best months to explore it. Rainy and winter seasons are not much recommended because of the extreme temperature and flood-prone areas.

Accommodation Places

• Triber Cham Hostel
• Tribee Bana Hostel
• Hoi a Vietnam backpacker hostel
• Paddy’s hostel
• Under the Coconut Tree Homestay

5. Queenstown, New Zealand

Of course, considering the airfares to New Zealand, reaching out to this beautiful island would require a significant investment of both money and time and create an obvious budget challenge. However, if you ever have an opportunity, don’t miss exploring the best backpacking hiking trail to Queenstown.

Catch up with gorgeous sunset views from Queenstown Hill. There are also various options for outdoor adventure that you may seek. These include kayaking, stellar hiking, bungee jumping, etc. Although there are places where town people rent backpackers, this isn’t the case in Queenstown.

There are always some new bars and hostels to let visitors make the best of their time.

Fun Things To Do

• Hiking at Queenstown Hill
• Cheap shopping at The Remarkables Park
• Taste delicious fudges for free at the Remarkable Sweet Shop
• Ice skating in the Queenstown Gardens
• Jetboat rides, kayaking, mountain biking, and more

Budget Hotels For Backpackers

• Live in shared dorms with laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and shared kitchen for less price at:
• Base Backpackers Queenstown
• Adventure Queenstown hostel
• Tahuna Pod Hostel

When To Visit- December to February

6. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The Waverley Station in Edinburgh witnesses a new wave of backpackers now and then. Travelers would find enough amenities and attractions here all within their budgets. The locals here are also welcoming and comfortable with the visitors. You can easily reach it by train from London.

Edinburgh lines up a long array of budget hotels, pubs, and hostels. Unlike cities like London and Paris attractions here can be easily explored on foot being situated nearby. This is a University town with massive, popular universities.

What To Do In Edinburgh

• Visit the Scottish National Museum for free
• Go for a whiskey-tasting tour
• Enjoy the views of Arthur’s Seat
• Edinburgh Castle is a sight to see, but don’t get scared if you see ghosts
• Dance on live Scottish music at Sandy Bells

Best Time To Visit- June to August

• Recommended Hotels
• Castle rock hostel
• CoDE Pod
• Kick-Ass Greyfriars

7. Goa, India

Situated on the west coast of India, Goa is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world. Stretching over 60 miles, it offers tree-shaded streets, tropical beaches, and never-ending, lively parties. This place has some of the largest hostels in India.

Vagator Beach is one of the most popular stay-over spots with various plans at affordable rates. Goa has beaches for travellers with almost all tastes. Whether you are seeking an active, hippie vibe or want to go somewhere secluded and peaceful, you will always find a pleasing place.

Things To Do:

• Rent a Royal Enfield and explore the beach state via road
• Shop at Mapusa’s local market, hippie flea market, and Arpora for the best bargains
• Go out on a dance party with friends at Hilltop, Vagator
• Explore wildlife at Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Get a refreshing feel under the water of Dudhsagar waterfalls

Hotels For Backpackers

• Happy Panda Hostel (best for solo travellers)
• Dreams Hostel for a private stay
• Old Quarter
• Best time to come to Goa: December and January are peak party seasons in Goa

8. Munich, Germany

With a large population and plenty of historical attractions, Munich is yet another best among the best European backpacking destinations. The city centre holds on to various budget hotels and hostels. You can easily seek inexpensive meals and meet other travellers.

Beer gardens here often serve a worthy brunch at very cheap prices. You can further set out to explore Salzburg, the Alps, and the Romantic Road. This will be one of your best experiences ever.

Best Trekking Trails

• Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Jochberg
• Ettaler Manndl
• Tegernseer Hutte
• Rumer Spitze

When To Go- Plan a trip between March month till May as the crowd is gone and days are not hot during these months.

Cheap Places To Stay

• Jaeger’s Munich
• The 4You Hostel
• Euro Youth Hostel
• HI Munich-Park
• Belo Sono

All are very close to the city centre.

9. Colombo, Sri Lanka

This Asian country is full of natural charm, idyllic beaches, and astonishing architectural and cultural sites. The capital city, Colombo is undoubtedly a heaven for tourists with top backpacking hiking destinations such as:

• Ella Rock
• Horton Plains National Park which is also known as the world’s end
• Knuckle ranges
• Kitulgala rainforest trekking
• Adam’s peak

You can take rental bikes as well to explore the city and save money on taxis or tours. Further, save your money on food and accommodation up to $30-40 per day. How? Book these low-budget accommodation places:

• Drift BnB
• Backpack Hostel 44
• Tuk Tuk Hostels

There is a bit of everything right from the culture, history, adventure places, and off-beat paths for backpackers of all types.

10. Koh Tao, Thailand

Turtle Island aka Koh Tao is the ultimate destination for backpackers who want more in less. The island is famous for underwater world adventure and beach bumming. Check out below what you can do at Koh Tao within budget.

• Snorkeling in Aow Leuk Beach
• Sightseeing on the West Coast
• Kayaking in Tanote Bay
• Hiking from Sairee Beach to Laem Thian
• Explore the Twin Peaks Dive Site 

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Thailand

When To Go- Anytime is best but January, March, and July are peak seasons when the tourists gush the island.

Where To Stay- Choose Mae Haad (the first section of Koh Tao) as the place is full of cheap accommodations, shopping markets, and restaurants. Recommended options are:

• Island View Cabana
• Maehaad Garden Inn
• Casa Kandariya

While you want to travel the world on a shoestring budget, opting for any of the above top backpacking hiking destinations in the world is a great option.