Every backpacking destination list on the internet gives you the same 10 countries with the same generic descriptions. This one is different. We have ranked each destination by what actually matters to backpackers: daily budget, ease of getting around, safety for solo travellers, and the quality of experience per rupee or dollar spent.
If you are planning your first backpacking trip or your tenth, this list will help you pick a destination that matches your budget, travel style, and comfort level. We have also included practical details like daily costs, best months to visit, and what gear you actually need for each destination.
At a Glance: Best Backpacking Destinations Ranked by Budget
| Rank | Destination | Daily Budget | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southeast Asia | $15 to $30 | First-time backpackers, beach + culture |
| 2 | India (Himalayas) | $10 to $25 | Trekking, spiritual travel, budget |
| 3 | Nepal | $12 to $20 | Mountain trekking, culture |
| 4 | Vietnam | $15 to $25 | Food, motorbike travel, landscapes |
| 5 | Patagonia | $40 to $70 | Wilderness, glaciers, serious hiking |
| 6 | Andes (Peru/Bolivia) | $20 to $40 | Ruins, altitude, adventure |
| 7 | New Zealand | $50 to $80 | Outdoor adventure, working holiday |
| 8 | Europe (Balkans route) | $30 to $50 | Culture, history, budget Europe |
| 9 | East Africa | $30 to $60 | Safari, wildlife, off-the-beaten-path |
| 10 | Scandinavia | $60 to $100 | Fjords, northern lights, solitude |
Get ready to pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on an incredible adventure filled with natural wonders, cultural treasures, and epic trails.
1. Southeast Asia: The Best Backpacking Destination for Beginners
If you have never backpacked before, start here. Southeast Asia is the most forgiving region for first-time backpackers because it combines rock-bottom costs, easy transport, high safety, widespread English, and an established backpacker infrastructure that makes everything simple.
Why It Ranks #1
- Daily budget: $15 to $30 covers a hostel dorm, three meals, local transport, and one activity
- Transport: Buses, trains, ferries, and budget flights connect every major destination. You can cross from Thailand to Laos to Vietnam to Cambodia without a single difficult border
- Safety: Among the safest regions for solo travellers, including solo women
- Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas across Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines
Best Countries for Backpackers in Southeast Asia
Thailand is the default starting point. Bangkok is the cheapest international hub in the region, hostels cost $5 to $10 per night, and street food meals are $1 to $3. From Bangkok, head north to Chiang Mai for temples and trekking, or south to the islands for beaches.
Vietnam offers the best value for food and the most dramatic landscapes. A north-to-south route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City covers rice terraces, karst mountains, beaches, and bustling cities. Daily budget: $15 to $25.
Indonesia is best for island-hopping. Bali gets the attention, but Java, Lombok, and Flores offer better value and fewer crowds. Scooter rentals cost $3 per day.
Laos is the quietest and most laid-back option. Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful small towns in Asia. Daily budget: $12 to $20.
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season across most of the region). Avoid June to September for the west coast of Thailand and Malaysia (monsoon season).
What to Pack
A 35 to 40 litre backpack is all you need for a multi-week Southeast Asia trip. The CarryPro Hobo40 V2 fits carry-on limits for AirAsia, VietJet, and other regional budget airlines, and the clamshell opening lets you pack flat instead of stuffing from the top. For day trips and city exploration, carry a sling bag with your phone, cash, and one small pouch.
2. India: The Best Budget Backpacking Destination in the World
No country on earth gives you more experience per dollar than India. A full day of travel, food, accommodation, and activities can cost under $10 in many parts of the country. For Indian backpackers, it is even cheaper since you skip visa costs and international flights entirely.
Why It Ranks #2
- Daily budget: ₹800 to ₹2,000 ($10 to $25) depending on region
- Transport: The Indian railway network connects every major city and most small towns. Sleeper class tickets cost ₹300 to ₹600 for most routes
- Diversity: Deserts, mountains, beaches, jungles, ancient cities, and spiritual centres all within one country
- Food: India has the best and cheapest street food in the world. A filling thali costs ₹80 to ₹150 at a local dhaba
Best Backpacking Routes in India
The Himalayan Circuit: Delhi to Rishikesh to Manali to Leh. This is the classic Indian backpacking route, covering river rafting, mountain passes, and high-altitude desert. Best from May to September.
Rajasthan Loop: Delhi to Jaipur to Jodhpur to Jaisalmer to Udaipur. Forts, desert camping, colourful cities, and some of the best budget accommodation in the country. Best from October to March.
South India Coast: Goa to Gokarna to Hampi to Kerala backwaters. Beaches, ruins, and houseboats. Less crowded than the north and equally beautiful. Best from November to February.
What to Pack
For domestic Indian backpacking, a 25L bag handles weekend trips and a 40L bag handles week-long routes. The Hobo25 V3 Rolltop is ideal for train travel where overhead space is limited. Keep your valuables in a crossbody sling on your body at all times on crowded trains and buses.
Remember you'll need a reliable and functional backpack for your trip!
3. Nepal: The Best Destination for Trekking on a Budget
Nepal is the only country where you can trek through the highest mountains on earth for $12 to $20 per day. Tea house treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions provide meals and beds along the trail, eliminating the need to carry camping gear or food.
Why It Ranks #3
- Daily budget: $12 to $20 on trek (bed $1 to $2, meals $2 to $5 at higher altitudes)
- Trekking infrastructure: Tea houses every 2 to 4 hours on major routes mean you carry a light daypack, not a 50L expedition bag
- Permit costs: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs $30, TIMS card costs $20
- Cultural depth: Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Sherpa villages line every major trekking route
Best Treks for Backpackers
Annapurna Base Camp (7 to 12 days): The most popular and accessible trek. No technical climbing, clear trail, tea houses throughout.
Poon Hill (4 to 5 days): The best short trek for beginners. Sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from 3,210 metres.
Everest Base Camp (12 to 14 days): The iconic trek. More expensive due to flights to Lukla and higher altitude tea house prices, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best Time to Visit
October to November (post-monsoon, clear skies) and March to April (spring, rhododendron blooms).
What to Pack
For tea house treks, a 25 to 30 litre daypack is enough since you are not carrying a tent or cooking gear. The CarryPro Zostel 22L works as a lightweight trekking daypack. Your main bag stays at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Keep a utility pouch for daily trek essentials: sunscreen, snacks, power bank, headlamp, and water purification tablets.
The Exotic Southeast Asia: Discover the enchanting charm of Southeast Asia, where backpacking is a rite of passage for many travelers. From the stunning beaches of Thailand and the ancient temples of Cambodia to the lush rainforests of Malaysia and the rice terraces of Vietnam, this region is a backpacker's paradise.
- The Cultural Riches of Europe: Explore the old-world charm and cultural riches of Europe on your backpacking adventure. Wander through the historic streets of Rome, hike the picturesque trails of the Swiss Alps, or explore the remote beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
If you’re planning a solo trip to any of these places, do give Top 10 Tips for Solo Travellers a read now!
- The Wilderness of New Zealand: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of New Zealand, a country known for its stunning fjords, towering mountains, and pristine wilderness. The Milford Track, Abel Tasman National Park, and Tongariro Alpine Crossing are among the must-visit backpacking destinations.
- The Adventurous Australian Outback: Embark on a rugged adventure through the Australian Outback, where vast deserts, stunning coastlines, and unique wildlife await. Explore the iconic trails of the Blue Mountains, hike through the ancient landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, or experience the beauty of the Great Ocean Walk.
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The Untamed African Safaris: Experience the thrill of a lifetime by backpacking through the untamed wilderness of Africa. Discover the majestic landscapes of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, explore the diverse ecosystems of Kruger National Park in South Africa, or embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda.
- The Mystic Land of South America: Delve into the mystic wonders of South America, where ancient ruins, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes await. Explore the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, hike through the stunning landscapes of the Amazon Rainforest, or venture into the remote beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
- The Serene Scandinavian Fjords: Experience the serenity of the Scandinavian fjords, where majestic mountains meet crystal-clear waters. Explore the stunning landscapes of Norway's fjords, hike through Sweden's picturesque trails, or witness the magical Northern Lights in Finland.
For each remaining destination (Patagonia, Andes/South America, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, Scandinavia, Australian Outback), add this block directly after the existing paragraph:
Practical Info
- Daily budget: [amount]
- Best time to visit: [months]
- Visa for Indians: [yes/no/on arrival + cost]
- Getting around: [primary transport mode]
- Backpack size needed: [litres]
Example for Patagonia:
Practical Info
- Daily budget: $40 to $70 (accommodation is the biggest cost, camping cuts it significantly)
- Best time to visit: November to March (Southern Hemisphere summer)
- Visa for Indians: Required for both Chile and Argentina, apply in advance
- Getting around: Long-distance buses between Torres del Paine (Chile) and El Calafate (Argentina). Internal flights are expensive, so budget travellers stick to buses
- Backpack size needed: 40L minimum. You will carry camping gear on multi-day treks like the W Trek. The Hobo40 V2 handles this with its clamshell opening for organized packing
As a backpacker, the world is your playground, and these destinations offer unforgettable experiences and breathtaking beauty. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, cultural immersion, or serene wilderness, you'll need a reliable and functional backpack to carry your essentials with ease. So, grab your backpack, embark on an epic journey, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Destination
If you are staring at this list and cannot decide, answer these three questions:
What is your budget?
Under $20/day: India, Nepal, Laos, Bolivia. These are the cheapest backpacking destinations in the world where your money stretches the furthest.
$20 to $40/day: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Peru, Balkans. The sweet spot of affordability and infrastructure.
$40+/day: Patagonia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Australia. More expensive but offer experiences you cannot get anywhere else.
Is this your first backpacking trip?
If yes, start with Southeast Asia or India. Both have established backpacker routes, widespread English, cheap transport, and forgiving logistics. Save Patagonia, Africa, and Central Asia for when you have a few trips under your belt.
How long do you have?
2 weeks or less: Pick one country and explore it properly. Do not try to cover three countries in 14 days.
3 to 4 weeks: You can comfortably cover 2 to 3 neighbouring countries (e.g., Thailand + Laos, or Peru + Bolivia).
2+ months: Now you can consider a multi-country route like the Southeast Asia Banana Pancake Trail or the South America Gringo Trail.
SECTION 7 — ADD as the final section before "More Blogs Like This"
What Backpack Do You Need for a Backpacking Trip?
Your backpack is the single most important piece of gear. It carries everything you own for the duration of your trip. Get this wrong and every day is uncomfortable.
The Right Size for Each Trip Type
| Trip Type | Duration | Bag Size | CarryPro Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| City exploration and day trips | 1 to 3 days | 22L | Zostel 22L Bag |
| Weekend and short trips | 2 to 5 days | 25L | Hobo25 V3 Rolltop |
| Multi-week backpacking | 1 to 4 weeks | 40L | Hobo40 V2 Travel Backpack |
| Daily carry at destination | Every day | Sling | Pro Sling Crossbody |
The Pouch System
Inside your main backpack, use small pouches to organize:
- Toiletry Kit Organizer for liquids and grooming
- Pro Kit for charger, cables, and tech accessories
- Pro Coin Pouch for daily cash and cards
This system means you never unpack your entire bag to find one item. Browse the full range: Travel Backpacks | Everyday Backpacks | Accessories
FAQs
Which country is best for backpackers?
Thailand is the best overall backpacking destination for beginners due to its low cost, high safety, easy transport, and established backpacker infrastructure. For budget-first travellers, India and Nepal offer the lowest daily costs. For outdoor adventure, New Zealand is unmatched.
Where is the best place to backpack in the world?
Southeast Asia as a region is the best place to backpack in the world. It combines affordability, safety, diverse landscapes, and easy overland travel between multiple countries. Within the region, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are the top three.
What is the 20% rule for backpacking?
The 20% rule says your fully loaded backpack should weigh no more than 20% of your body weight for comfortable carrying. For a 70 kg person, that means a maximum pack weight of 14 kg. For most backpackers, aiming for under 8 to 10 kg is more practical and comfortable for long days of walking.
What are the Big 4 in backpacking?
The Big 4 refers to the four heaviest items in a backpacker's kit: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. For travel backpacking (as opposed to wilderness trekking), the Big 4 translates to: backpack, shoes, jacket, and electronics. These four items account for 60% to 70% of your total pack weight, so investing in lightweight versions of each saves the most weight.
What are the best backpacking destinations in Europe?
The Balkans (Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia) offer the best value in Europe, with daily budgets of $30 to $50. Portugal, Spain, and Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic) are also affordable. Western and Northern Europe (France, Germany, Scandinavia) cost $60 to $100+ per day.
What are the best backpacking destinations for solo travellers?
Thailand, Vietnam, Portugal, and Colombia are the best for solo backpackers. All have strong hostel cultures where meeting other travellers is easy, safe environments for solo women, and affordable costs that make travelling alone financially viable.
