The Cheapest Destinations To Backpack In: Ranked
Are you planning a trip on a budget and wondering which are the cheapest destinations to backpack in? Expensive flight prices might put you off however all of these destinations are so cheap that once you get there, you’ll probably end up spending the same amount of money, if not less, than if you holidayed closer to home. From temple hopping in South East Asia to Dancing the night away in South America, here are the cheapest destinations to backpack in: ranked.
10. Morocco
Perhaps there’s not a more exotic and romantic destination to visit than Morocco. Immerse yourself in the scents at Marrakech’s infamous spice market and take your photos in Chefchaouen, Moroccos’s stunning blue city. Morocco is one of those travel destinations that is entirely unique and it’s cheap prices mean that it’s a very accessible destination to travel in, one of the reasons why it comes in at number 10 on our list.
9. Turkey
Primarily known for its hotel resort destinations like Bodrum, there’s so much more to Turkey if you venture off the beaten track. From eating your way through the dining scene in Istanbul to flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, Turkey offers a world of adventure for backpackers and a taste of the exotic in Europe. What’s more, Turkey is one of the cheapest destinations to backpack in, hence why it’s a firm backpacker favourite.
8. Colombia
Number 8 on our list is Colombia. This South American country has really been making a name for itself on the backpacking radar recently and for good reason. Once a bit of a no go, Colombia is now becoming a firm favourite. With a vibrant Spanish culture running through it and its gorgeous colonial cities such a Bogata and Medellin, Colombia is one of those budget travel destinations that you’ll fall in love with.
7. Estonia
Estonia is somewhat of a hidden gem in Europe but its one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries to travel in. With its medieval old town complete with cobblestones streets, Russian churches and fairytale castles, wandering around Estonia’s capital, Tallinn is like taking a trip back in time. There’s no end of courtyards and cosy cafes to explore and with its crazily cheap public transport and generally cheap prices, it makes for a really affordable city break in Europe.
6. Cuba
Perhaps there’s not a destination as mesmerising and unique as Cuba, number 6 on our list. This colourful Caribbean island is one of the last communist countries left and it’s romantically stuck in the past. Snap some pictures with the multicoloured vintage cars that line the streets in bustling Havana, marvel at the colonial buildings and cobblestone streets in Trinidad or soak up the sun on the beaches in Varadero. What’s more, Cuba is actually one of the cheapest destinations to travel in and one of those destinations that you have to visit now.
5. Philippines
Calling all beach babes, this one is for you. The Philippines is a collection of over 7000 islands, each one looking like it should feature on the cover of Conde Nast. However, the best thing about the Philippines is that it is crazily cheap, meaning that you can enjoy the wonders of this beautiful country, without paying a high price.
4. Guatemala
Guatemala is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to backpacking and amongst bustling markets, colonial towns and stunning its landscape, this Central American country is crazily cheap to travel in too. Although less touristy than places like Thailand, Guatemala has a good backpacking community and there are countless of activities there to keep you occupied from clambering up Mayan ruins like Tikal, hiking dormant volcanos or even enrolling yourself into a Spanish language school.
3. Vietnam
Perhaps a more authentic taste of South East Asia, county number 3 on our list, Vietnam, showcases the best of what South East Asia has to offer. With its great backpacking culture, crazy megacities and beautiful beaches, Vietnam is one of those counties that captures the heart of everyone who visits and its another one of those Asian countries that’s one of the cheapest destinations to backpack in. Be sure not to miss out on the picturesque lantern filed town of Hoi An and the diverse eating scene in bustling Hanoi.
2. India
India is one of those countries that is one most people’s travel bucket lists and it’s actually one of the cheapest destinations to backpack in too. This huge country is vast and diverse and while you could spend months here, you could also just incorporate the highlights such as the Golden Triangle into a smaller trip. With everything from the infamous Taj Mahal, spiritual Varanasi and the hedonistic beach life in Goa to explore, and with prices costing next to nothing, it’s time to start planning your trip asap.
1.Thailand
So, that leaves number 1 on our budget backpacking list: Thailand. Gorgeous beaches, awe-inspiring temples and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s obvious why Thailand comes up as a backpacker favourite time and time again. The best thing about Thailand is that it’s one of the cheapest destinations to backpack in and with accommodation, food and transport never setting you back more than a few dollars, there’s no excuse not to go and visit.
