Travel takes on many different forms, just as the reasons people travel and the things they look for vary greatly. Although some look for luxury and pampering to relax when traveling, others look to get down and dirty with the locals and find adventure in getting along cheaply. These are the backpackers, individuals who travel by foot, car or public transportation with their possessions strapped firmly over their shoulders. Although backpacking can occur just about anywhere, some places are better for this type of travel than others.
Traveling through Southeast Asia is a popular destination for many backpackers. Typically, trips here start out in Bangkok, Thailand, where backpackers from across the globe tend to congregate throughout the year. This is because it’s affordable, and much of the population speaks English. The many hostels here act as meeting places for like-minded budget travelers, many of whom are willing and able to dish on the best places to go not only in the city but also in the rest of the region. Backpacking through Thailand offers travelers the opportunity to trek through the jungle, relax on beautiful stretches of beach and explore ancient ruins. From Thailand, backpackers can easily find affordable transportation to Vietnam, where unique views of the war can be seen and felt; Malaysia, which has a fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and indigenous tribal cultures; Cambodia, where Angkor Wat, an ancient temple, can be visited; and many other small villages and bustling cities.
Greece is not always thought about as much as other parts of Europe when backpacking trips are concerned, although it is one of the greatest destinations to travel this way. Lodging is abundant and inexpensive, with hotels renting out by the room, not the person (travel in groups to save even more). Many people also rent out spare rooms, which is an excellent choice for anyone really looking to see how people in Greece live day to day. There is also plenty of variety to find among the Greek islands. Rhodes, for example, has tranquil beaches and acts as a quiet getaway, whereas Ios is a more active island with many clubs. Travel between islands is done via ferries, which are affordable. Travel to Greece is best during the summer (late April to mid-October) when backpackers staying for extended periods of time can even find work at bars and restaurants that cater to tourists.
Europe, in general, is a great place for backpackers to trek through, especially now with the ease of traveling between countries within the European Union. Certain places, however, are more ideally suited to backpackers. European backpackers should set their sights on Spain, where many different climates can be found in a small area. Mountains, beaches, grasslands, small towns and large cities can all be found there, along with a vibrant culture, friendly people, great food and prevalent budget-conscious lodging. Just south, in Portugal, more Mediterranean beaches can be found, and it is often cheaper to backpack there than in Spain. The capital city, Lisbon, also has cheaper accommodations. The United Kingdom is also a great place to backpack, although though London is a very expensive city. The rest of the country, however, is priced reasonably, and backpackers can explore medieval castles and cities rich in art and literature, such as Dublin.
