Backpacking is one of the most fun and affordable ways to travel around the world. It is always easier to travel with minimal luggage in your backpack and it is not all bad to stay in cheap places, especially if you are a student or simply cannot afford a luxury destination. If you think you have to be rich to be able to travel, it’s not true. If you have a tight budget you will not go to luxury hotels, okay, but that is not the purpose of traveling. The purpose of traveling is really to see the world and have unforgettable experiences. Therefore, backpacking is one of the best ways to do it.
Choose your destination and don’t forget to protect your backpacking trip with the right insurance based on your travel plans. We will give you more information later, but remember that travel insurance helps you to receive quality medical care at no cost, to avoid expenses for loss or theft of luggage, flight delay and cancellation, or even in the event of a trip cancellation or interruption.
Backpacking trips: the most suitable and economical destinations
Nicaragua
Although it is not a very popular destination for tourists and is not crowded with travellers, it is one of the best and cheapest countries for any backpacker. It is perfect for those who want to experience the blend of wilderness and peace, wide open spaces, incredible views and colonial culture without breaking the bank. Visit Granada to see unique colonial buildings. Laguna de Apoyo, a fantastic volcanic lake in Masaya is 20 minutes from Granada by car. If you plan to visit Nicaragua, the best dates are from December to February, when the environment is dry and temperatures are around 32 degrees.
Peru
One of the most traditional backpacking destinations is Peru, for its jungles, its ruins, its landscapes and the fabulous sandy beaches. Machu Picchu is definitely a site that you cannot miss. From the trails through the Andes to a unique mix between nature and history, there is always something to do any season of the year.
The capital of Peru, Lima, is perhaps the best place to start your trip. Take a map, some good hiking boots and take a trip to Peru.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s most popular city for backpackers is Colombo, the country’s capital of commerce. Although its legislative capital, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, is also worth a visit.
These cities are full of nice people offering cheap accommodation, food and souvenirs. The Galle Face Green and the Buddha statue are fantastic and the best news is that everyone can visit Sri Lanka and enjoy its culture and landscapes, because it is one of the most affordable countries for backpackers.
India
It is another very popular and cheap destination for backpackers, as well as being the experience of a lifetime. Travel, accommodation and food is very cheap compared to other backpacking destinations in the world. There are plenty of backpacker hostels in most cities which are also perfect places to meet others and make friends. If you travel to India you won’t enjoy air conditioning or hot showers at times, but the culture, authentic food and many monuments make the visit worthwhile. Many people avoid visiting India because they think that it is a dangerous place but, in reality, it is a wonderful place and caution is something that every traveler should have in any destination.
Nepal
Looking for a destination with tropical nature and Asian culture? Take a trip to Nepal. Enjoy ancient Asian monuments while trekking through a beautiful and undeveloped country. Visit Bhaktapur in Kathmandu to see the Buddhist temples. For most backpackers a month is not enough to see everything. Accommodation and food is affordable, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Indonesia
The last, but not the worst nor the most expensive backpacking destination, is Indonesia. Crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, fantastic jungles and a unique culture to explore. In fact, many things to see or do in Indonesia don’t require money. You can take a walk along the beach, swim in the sea or discover the jungle, all for free. On Sumba Island you can fish, snorkel, surf or simply marvel at the views.
Now that you know which are the cheapest countries for backpacking trips and you know that it is possible to move around on a tight budget, you just have to do your research and plan very well. And within this planning, consider hiring backpacker travel insurance that allows you to travel with more peace of mind, since it can cover crucial expenses derived from medical or surgical assistance in the event of illness or accident, loss or theft of the backpack or travel documents and the cancellation of hotels and flights.
