Which countries are best for beginner backpackers?
Thailand is the best beginner country: affordable, safe, fantastic food and perfect infrastructure. Portugal is the best European option. Vietnam and Indonesia are also beginner-friendly.
Backpacking
Freedom, adventure and light luggage: The best countries and routes for backpackers worldwide. Tips for beginners and experienced travellers.
Where should you go backpacking?
The best backpacking destinations are Thailand and Vietnam for beginners on a low budget, Colombia and Indonesia for adventure off the beaten track, Portugal as Western Europe’s most affordable option and Interrail for touring Europe. With hostels, street food and night buses you can often get by on 25–40 euros a day in Southeast Asia.
Why is backpacking the most authentic way to travel?
Backpacking is more than just a way to travel – it is a mindset. With your backpack on, you are free, spontaneous and right in the middle of it all. You stay in hostels instead of luxury hotels, eat street food instead of restaurant menus and experience a country as it truly is.
Backpacking is no longer just for students and gap-year travellers. Professionals with two weeks of holiday also discover the world with a backpack – whether in Southeast Asia, South America or by Interrail across Europe.
In this guide you will find the six best backpacking destinations, real budget tips and everything you need to know for your first backpacking trip.
Which countries are best for backpackers?
From the temples of Thailand to trains across Europe – these destinations are made for backpackers.
1
Thailand
Southeast AsiaThe ultimate beginner country for backpackers: affordable, safe, fantastic food and perfect infrastructure for backpackers.
Best Time: November to FebruaryBudget: $Flight Time: approx. 11 hours from Germany
Highlights:
Bangkok's street food and night markets
Chiang Mai: temples and cooking courses
Islands like Koh Tao (diving) and Koh Lanta
Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan
2
Vietnam
Southeast AsiaFrom north to south in 3-4 weeks: Vietnam offers one of the best backpacker routes in the world.
Best Time: October to AprilBudget: $Flight Time: approx. 11 hours from Germany
Highlights:
Halong Bay by boat
Hoi An old town with lanterns
Motorbike tour through the northern mountains
Street food in Hanoi: pho and banh mi
3
Colombia
South AmericaThe trendiest backpacker destination in South America: Caribbean beaches, coffee region, salsa and Ciudad Perdida trekking.
Best Time: December to MarchBudget: $Flight Time: approx. 11 hours from Germany
Highlights:
Cartagena old town (UNESCO)
Ciudad Perdida – 4-day trek
Coffee zone and Cocora Valley
Medellin: street art and innovation
4
Portugal
EuropeWestern Europe's most affordable backpacker country: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and Azores offer pure variety.
Best Time: April to OctoberBudget: $$Flight Time: approx. 3 hours from Germany
Highlights:
Lisbon's Alfama quarter and nightlife
Porto's Ponte Dom Luis and port wine cellars
Surfing on the Algarve coast
Azores: volcanic islands in the Atlantic
5
Indonesia
Southeast AsiaOver 17,000 islands and endless possibilities: From Bali's yoga scene to Java's temples to Komodo dragons.
Best Time: April to OctoberBudget: $Flight Time: approx. 14 hours from Germany
Highlights:
Bali: Ubud, Uluwatu, Gili Islands
Borobudur Temple on Java
Komodo National Park by boat
Raja Ampat: world's best diving
6
Interrail (Europe)
EuropeBy train across all of Europe: Interrail is the ultimate freedom experience. Flexible routes, spontaneous stops and no flying.
Best Time: May to SeptemberBudget: $$Flight Time: No flights needed!
Highlights:
Global Pass: 33 countries with one ticket
Classic route: Amsterdam - Berlin - Prague - Vienna - Budapest
Night trains for overnight travel
Spontaneous stops in small towns
How do backpacking destinations compare on budget and season?
The 6 destinations differ mainly in budget, travel time and best season, for example Thailand (Nov–Feb), Vietnam (Oct–Apr) and Colombia (Dec–Mar). The table compares all values side by side.
| Destination | Budget | Flight Time | Best Season | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $ | 11h | Nov–Feb | Beginner Paradise |
| Vietnam | $ | 11h | Oct–Apr | North-South Route |
| Colombia | $ | 11h | Dec–Mar | Adventure & Culture |
| Portugal | $$ | 3h | Apr–Oct | Europe Entry |
| Indonesia | $ | 14h | Apr–Oct | Island Hopping |
| Interrail | $$ | – | May–Sep | Train Adventure |
How can backpackers travel as cheaply as possible?
Travel cheaply, smartly and unforgettably – from experienced backpackers.
1
Pack less than you think
The golden rule: pack everything, then take half out again. A 40-50 litre backpack is enough for 90% of all trips.
2
Book hostels with kitchens
Cooking yourself saves enormously. In Southeast Asia, street food is often cheaper than cooking yourself though.
3
Always have a copy of your passport
Digital copy in the cloud and a paper copy in your backpack.
4
Use night buses and trains
Transport and accommodation in one: night buses and trains save a hostel night and time.
5
Travel health insurance is essential
Annual international health insurance costs from 10 euros per year and can save thousands.
6
Download offline maps
Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline. Many regions have no internet.
7
Buy a local SIM card
Buy a local SIM with data package at the airport – much cheaper than roaming.
8
Haggling is part of the culture
In Asia and South America, bargaining is part of shopping. Stay friendly and have fun.
9
Use a travel budget app
Apps like Trail Wallet or Trabee help keep track of spending.
10
Couchsurfing and Workaway
Stay for free with locals (Couchsurfing) or work for board and lodging (Workaway/WWOOF).
Which tools help you plan?
3 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: Budget Calculator, Packing List and Holiday Finder. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does backpacking cost per day?
In Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia) €20-35 per day is realistic, in South America (Colombia) €25-40, in Europe (Portugal) €40-60 and Interrail €50-80 per day.
What do you need for a backpacking trip?
The essentials: backpack (40-50L), passport, travel health insurance, comfortable shoes, rain jacket and a credit card without foreign transaction fees. Less is more – you buy things along the way.
Is backpacking also suitable for older travellers?
Absolutely! Backpacking has no age limit. Many travellers over 30, 40 or 50 discover the world with a backpack. Tip: book private rooms instead of dorms for more comfort.
How long should a backpacking trip last?
For Southeast Asia, 3-4 weeks are ideal, for a north-south route through Vietnam 3 weeks, for Interrail 2-4 weeks. Even 2 weeks are enough for an intensive backpacking experience in one country.
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Which other holiday types might suit you?
If you like Backpacking, you may also enjoy Budget Travel, Adventure Holidays and Solo Holidays. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.
Ready for your backpacking adventure?
Discover the best routes or use our holiday finder for your next destination.
