Hostels, Hiking Trails, And Happy Accidents
More than just a way of traveling, backpacking has become a rite of passage. It’s long bus rides, last-minute hostel bookings, late-night street food, scenic treks, new friendships, and that feeling of adventure you just can’t replicate with a rolling suitcase. But some countries simply make backpacking easier, cheaper, and more rewarding. Using community insights from travelers, hostel-availability data, and affordability metrics, we’ve ranked 20 of the best backpacking countries in the world, ending with the country that backpackers overwhelmingly rank as the planet’s #1 destination.
Time to grab your bag and hit the road.
20. Turkey
Turkey is a perfect entry-level backpacking destination, mixing affordability with jaw-dropping scenery. Hostels along the coast and in cities like Istanbul and Antalya make budgeting easy. Popular stops include the Cappadocia balloon region, the Lycian Way trek, Pamukkale’s terraces, and the surreal cave hostels of Göreme. Travelers praise Turkey for its welcoming locals, hearty food, and excellent intercity bus system.
Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, Wikimedia Commons
19. Portugal
Portugal blends ease, beauty, and budget-friendliness. Lisbon and Porto are loaded with hostels, while surf towns like Lagos and Ericeira draw young backpackers. The country has reliable public transportation, coastal hikes, and plenty of cheap eats like pastéis de nata and bifanas. Travelers say Portugal is “gentle” for first-timers: safe, sunny, and laid-back.
18. Nepal
Nepal is legendary among backpackers thanks to its trekking culture, affordability, and friendly guesthouses. The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks draw travelers from around the globe, but cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu offer their own backpacker hubs. Nepal remains one of the world’s cheapest travel destinations—perfect for long trips on tight budgets.
Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia Commons
17. Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its affordability, lively backpacker streets, and excellent hostel network. From Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife, the country is full of adventure. Highlights include Ha Giang Loop motorbike routes, Ha Long Bay cruises, and the lantern-lit town of Hoi An. Many backpackers use Vietnam as their first intro to Southeast Asia.
Thierry Boriecolour adjusted by Lycaon, Wikimedia Commons
16. Albania
Albania is one of Europe’s rising backpacker stars, prized for its beaches, mountain trails, and ultra-low prices. Cities like Tirana, Berat, and Sarandë are dotted with new hostels catering to adventurers. The Albanian Riviera rivals Greece in beauty but at a fraction of the cost. It’s still “undiscovered enough” to feel special.
Artur Malinowski - @Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/am1974/, Wikimedia Commons
15. Mexico
Mexico offers everything from tropical beaches to mountain towns, ancient ruins, and bustling cities. Backpacker routes run through Oaxaca, Mexico City, Chiapas, and the Yucatán. Hostels are plentiful, food is cheap and flavorful, and long-distance buses are reliable. Many travelers say Mexico is one of the best countries for solo backpacking culture.
Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons
14. Laos
Laos may be quieter than its neighbors, but it’s beloved for slow travel and natural beauty. Luang Prabang’s temples, Vang Vieng’s mountains, and the 4,000 Islands offer peaceful budget escapes. Hostels are inexpensive, transportation is simple, and the vibe is refreshingly relaxed—perfect for backpackers wanting to slow down.
Jakub Hałun, Wikimedia Commons
13. Georgia
Georgia has become a must-visit for adventurous backpackers. Tbilisi is packed with trendy hostels, and the Caucasus Mountains offer world-class trekking. Food and wine are major draws, and the country remains extremely budget-friendly. Backpackers rave about Georgian hospitality and how easy it is to meet other travelers.
Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia Commons
12. India
India is vast, varied, and extremely backpacker-friendly. From Himalayan treks to Goa’s beaches, Kerala’s backwaters, and Rajasthan’s deserts, the diversity is endless. Hostels and guesthouses line every major route, and transportation is famously affordable. India can be chaotic at times, but for backpackers, that’s half the appeal; the adventure feels constant.
Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia Commons
11. Colombia
Colombia has transformed into one of South America’s most exciting backpacker hubs. Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena all have thriving hostel scenes. Treks like Ciudad Perdida, coffee region tours, and Caribbean beaches keep travelers busy. Colombia isn’t the cheapest on the continent, but its energy, culture, and nightlife make it unforgettable.
Julianruizp, Wikimedia Commons
10. Australia
Australia consistently tops backpacker rankings thanks to its Working Holiday Visa program, road-trip culture, hostel networks, and iconic East Coast backpacker trail (Sydney → Byron Bay → Gold Coast → Brisbane → Cairns). With beaches, rainforests, deserts, and vibrant cities, it’s ideal for long-term travel. Backpackers love how easy it is to meet others, find temporary work, and explore some of the world’s most diverse landscapes.
9. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka packs beaches, mountains, wildlife, and ancient cities all into one affordable island. Trains between Ella, Kandy, and the coastal towns offer some of the world’s most scenic budget journeys. Hostels are growing rapidly, and routes are compact enough to explore without rushing. Many backpackers say Sri Lanka feels like “India-lite”: culturally rich but less intense.
8. Peru
Backpackers come to Peru for Machu Picchu but stay for everything else: Rainbow Mountain, Lima’s markets, the Amazon, and Arequipa’s volcanoes. The country has a massive hostel network, cheap buses, and endless trekking options. From the Sacred Valley to the Andes, Peru offers big adventure on a backpacker budget.
Anthony Baratier, Wikimedia Commons
7. Guatemala
Guatemala is a backpacker favorite for its authenticity and affordability. Lake Atitlán’s volcanic towns, Tikal’s temples, Semuc Champey’s turquoise pools, and Antigua’s colonial streets draw travelers for weeks. It’s inexpensive, culturally immersive, and easy to navigate via shuttles and hostels. Spanish schools also make it a top spot for long-term stays.
Christopher Crouzet, Wikimedia Commons
6. New Zealand
New Zealand is pricier than typical backpacker destinations, but what it offers is unmatched: epic hikes, hostels in every town, and the iconic Kiwi Experience bus network. Backpackers come for the scenery—fjords, glaciers, glowworm caves, beaches, volcanoes—and stay for the friendly culture. It’s a must for outdoor adventurers.
Michal Klajban, Wikimedia Commons
5. Japan
Japan has quickly risen as a backpacker favorite thanks to efficient transportation, ultra-clean hostels, and immersive cultural experiences. From Tokyo and Osaka to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido, backpackers are spoiled for choice. Capsule hostels, cheap convenience-store meals, and rail passes make Japan surprisingly accessible.
Kabelleger / David Gubler, Wikimedia Commons
4. Indonesia
Indonesia’s island-hopping routes are legendary among backpackers. Bali, Lombok, Nusa Penida, Komodo, and Java draw huge international crowds. The country offers everything from surf towns and volcano treks to diving in coral reefs and ancient temples. Hostels are cheap and plentiful, and the laid-back atmosphere keeps backpackers returning again and again.
Simon_sees from Australia, Wikimedia Commons
3. Spain
Spain’s backpacking culture is vibrant, energetic, and incredibly welcoming. Hostels are everywhere, food is affordable, and trains connect major cities cheaply and efficiently. The Camino de Santiago draws trekkers from all over the world, while Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, and Seville remain perennial favorites for culture-loving backpackers.
Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons
2. Philippines
The Philippines is paradise for backpackers who love island life. With more than 7,000 islands, it’s filled with beach hostels, diving spots, lagoons, waterfalls, and island-hopping boat routes. Palawan, Siargao, and Cebu are especially popular. It’s inexpensive, social, and geographically stunning—a dream for backpackers chasing sun and adventure.
Michael Angelo Luna, Wikimedia Commons
1. Thailand
Thailand remains the ultimate backpacker destination—affordable, easy to navigate, endlessly fun, and full of hostels. Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s backpacker district, Pai’s hippie charm, and the island circuits of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Phi Phi make it a rite of passage for global travelers. With night markets, jungle treks, beaches, temples, and legendary parties, Thailand offers unbeatable variety for every budget.
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