Best backpacking adventures – Where should I go?
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Not everyone is lucky enough to get to experience worldwide travel, whether down to money worries, a lack of time or just not having the impetus to get up and wave goodbye to that 9-to-5 office job. There’s no doubt that it’s a leap – leaving behind all the things you’re familiar and comfortable with – but with careful planning and a bit of ruthless saving, you’ll realise that there are so many fantastic places to see, so many wonderful things to do and tonnes of amazing people to meet.
So, where do you start? Well, if you haven’t already got an idea of where to begin your adventure, don’t worry. Here are few backpacking favourites to get you started:
Thailand
With over 14 million visitors each year, Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and once you’ve been, it’s easy to understand why. With its memorable cuisine, unique culture and welcoming locals, Thailand is very easy to fall in love. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to its pristine coastlines, with Thailand, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Australia
If you’re always searching for your next adrenaline rush, Australia is the place for you. With a wide range of activities on offer, it’s very unlikely you’ll be bored here! You can take part in a scuba dive around the Great Barrier Reef, have a go at surfing on Bondi beach, or, if you’re particularly brave, partake of a skydive! You can also go for somewhat less adventurous activities, like swimming with dolphins or trekking around Uluru (Ayers Rock). (By the way, if you do decide to take part in adventure activities during your trip to Australia, make sure you book yourself some backpacking insurance first. Better to be safe than sorry!)
India
If you have the chance to visit India, make sure you do. Whilst you‘re there, you can visit a local market, with all the bright colours and fresh foods and spices. The markets really show off India’s amazing atmosphere. If you happen to be in India when there is a festival on, such as Diwali, you will again experience some sensational sights. Diwali is the festival of light, and is celebrated for five days each year around October-November. With homes, streets and rivers being decorated with oil lanterns, it really is a memorable and spiritual experience. Visiting India would not be complete without a trip to the Taj Mahal – the monument of love. Famously known for its symmetrical architecture, there really is no other building in the world that can compare.
Spain
Spain is rich in history, culture, traditions, and beautiful landscapes – you can’t miss it. If you happen to be in Spain on the 6th of July, take a trip to Pamplona and you’ll get to see the traditional Running of the Bulls from the safety of the sidelines. The atmosphere is tense and exciting, and it’s definitely a sight to behold! After all the excitement of the bull run, you’ll probably need a few days to relax! If lying on the beach is not your thing, take a trip to Barcelona. You can really immerse yourself in the city – popping into shops, taking in the traditional Spanish buildings, and then finishing off with a stroll along the seafront.
Don’t forget to make sure that Madrid is on your itinerary too. With open bus tours, or walking tours, there really is no excuse not to see the whole of the city. Madrid is first-class when it comes to museums. You can view artwork from Picasso, Diego Velázquez, Miró and Dali. Madrid has plenty of restaurants, too, allowing you to experience traditional Spanish cuisine in style.
Brazil
Situated in the beating heart of Latin America, with a population of nearly 200 million people, Brazil is a force to be reckoned with. The incomparable culture of this beautiful country is just one of the many things that attract tourists from around the globe. One of the most famous attractions is the yearly carnival, which is hosted in the city of Rio De Janeiro, and attracts around 500,000 visitors each year. You can also take a tour to Cristo Redentor, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands on Corcavado Mountain overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro – one of the tallest statues in the world.
USA
When decided where to visit, the sheer size of the United States can be daunting for some. But wherever you decide to go in the end, you’ll soon learn that each one has its own unique charms and is sure to keep any traveller busy for months. Most travellers tend to stick to the most well-known locations such as Miami, LA, New York or Las Vegas, which each have something special to offer. Miami is famous for its stunning beaches and boasts over a thousand miles of glorious coastline; Los Angeles is the place to go if you’re looking for glitz, glamour and celebrities; New York is the perfect choice for shopping enthusiasts; and the wild nightlife of Las Vegas is most definitely not to be missed.
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By Matt Preston
The co-founder and editor of the online magazine and community site, Travel with a mate. Matt is a social media guru, organiser of international travel meetups, web developer for some great travel brands and photographer.
What do you think? Post your comments
used cars vernon says:
I’m a novice traveller but I’m eager to start somewhere. I want to see the world that’s for sure but my one of my topmost concern is looking for an affordable place to stay at night. And of course there’s always the fear of the unknown. Australia seems a good start since it’s an English speaking country.
Carpool Guy says:
Careful in Australia. Swimming there is only fun outside the shark or jellyfish seasons. Oh, and bring suncream. Lot’s of suncream…