Top three backpacker friendly countries
mathew sabri
The world is there to be explored, but how do you know where to start? As a first time backpacker, no doubt you are a little apprehensive and your gut is probably knotted with a blend of excitement and nerves. You want to explore, but without straying too far from civilised toilets, the Internet and stomach-settling food. The following three countries allow you to sample the freedom that backpacking can offer, without drifting too far into the unknown.
Australia: The Aussies have been welcoming backpackers for decades and now have it down to a ‘t’. Their hostels have Internet cafes, kitchens, launderettes, TV rooms, different sized dorms, single sex dorms and single and double rooms.
Public transport is easy to follow and cheap and students get discount left, right and centre. There are too many tour-ops specialising in backpacker trips to mention and the activities that you can sample are almost limitless.
Plus to top it all off, the east coast particularly is a well travelled backpacker route so you will make friends and see them again and again as you make your way around this massive country.
Thailand: Beautiful beaches, ancient monuments and colourful culture make Thailand a backpacker favourite and the ultimate traveller destination. Since the 1970s when ‘hippies’ first started expanding their minds in the region the country has come on in leaps and bounds.
Although it’s now been westernised to a degree, with McDonalds and Starbucks dotted around Bangkok and a Tesco on Koh Samui, this country is still just as beautiful and infectious. The people can never do too much to help, accommodation is basic but cheap and often located on the beach. You’ll feel as though you have escaped the western world whilst managing to retain many of its pleasantries such as electricity and toilets – although these can be a little hit in miss in rural areas.
South Africa: The African continent may have more than its fair share of struggles and strife but when you meet the ordinary people you will find it hard to understand why. They are probably the most generous people in the world. Travelling around is cheap and easy, with many companies already set up to transport backpackers from hostel to hostel and game reserve to beach. The landscape is beautiful and there is so much to see from ‘big five’ game viewing to learning to surf you will never get bored and your money will go a long way.
Travelling around is made cheap and straightforward thanks to numerous companies transporting backpackers from hostel to game reserve to beach. The landscape is outstanding and there is so much to see and do from ‘big five’ game viewing to learning to surf, you will struggle to get bored and your money seems to last forever.
Once you have figured out where you want to go, you’ll need to get the proper insurance. Backpackers are a high-risk group of travellers so it’s better to prepare for the unknown so that you can relax and enjoy every minute of it.
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