20 Finest Backpacking Locations for 2025

📌 What’s the Finest Backpacking Vacation spot in 2025?

Nusa Penida, Indonesia is likely one of the prime backpacking hotspots for 2025, providing gorgeous seashores, diving with manta rays, and reasonably priced hostels beginning at $8 per evening. With its dramatic cliffs, untouched landscapes, and budget-friendly lodging, it’s a must-visit for adventurous travellers searching for paradise on a funds.

🌍 The place Will You Backpack in 2025?

Arms up who’s already mentally spent their Christmas cash on subsequent yr’s adventures? We all know you’re all as completely journey obsessed as we’re, which is why we’ve put collectively this hand-picked record of the most effective backpacking locations for 2022, based mostly on the most important development in bookings within the final twelve months. No journey clichés right here pals – from paradise islands to underrated African cities, laid-back browsing cities to remoted mountain retreats, it’s time to start out planning the place on the planet we’re heading subsequent yr. Spoiler alert: it’s removed from the crushed observe.

Introducing you to the 20 greatest backpacking locations for 2025!

👉 Discover your good vacation spot beneath & begin planning!

📌 Finest Backpacking Locations for 2025

20. Dakar – Senegal 🇸🇳

✨ For vibrant tradition & gorgeous coastal escapes

Dakar, the full of life capital of Senegal, is rapidly turning into certainly one of West Africa’s prime backpacking locations. With its vibrant music scene, wealthy historical past, and gorgeous coastal landscapes, it’s a good mix of journey and tradition. Discover the colourful markets of Sandaga, find out about Senegal’s previous at Gorée Island, and dance to reside mbalax music within the buzzing Medina district.

For nature lovers, Lac Rose (Pink Lake) gives a surreal pink-hued water expertise, whereas Ngor Island is a hidden surf paradise. Dakar can also be certainly one of Africa’s greatest foodie cities, with reasonably priced, scrumptious avenue meals like thieboudienne (Senegalese jollof rice) and yassa hen.

💰 Backpacker Funds: $30-$50 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: November – Might (cooler, dry season)

💬 “Dakar’s vitality is unreal! The combination of seashores, music, and tradition makes it an incredible backpacking vacation spot.” – Karim, France

19. Sendai – Japan 🇯🇵

✨ For hidden gems & full of life festivals

📸 @rogériotoledo

Travellers will head to Japan in 2020 for the Tokyo Olympics, however for those who’re not one to comply with the crowds then Sendai is a superb different. It’s made the record as certainly one of subsequent yr’s greatest backpacking locations. The perfect time to discover this contemporary metropolis is in August, when the streets come alive for Tanabata Matsuri on the 6^th-8^th. This full of life pageant is held on the times when the celebrities Altair and Vega cross paths, and options reside music, conventional dance, avenue meals, fireworks, and most famously, hundreds of vibrant streamers adorning town. In case you can’t handle to time your go to to coincide with this, Sendai continues to be nicely value a go to. It’s acquired bustling markets, splendidly random nightlife choices and a protracted record of spectacular temples and shrines to take a look at.

Combining two of our favorite issues, Orit Hostel & Café Bar Lounge has an on-site espresso store with a welcoming environment. It’s good for solo travellers on the hunt for brand spanking new journey buddies, or digital nomads needing a quiet area to sit back with their laptops. The services are tremendous trendy, and there’s a terrace to take pleasure in your morning espresso overlooking town.

🛏 High Hostel: @hil.will

Fashionable Portland Oregon has been on the traveller radar for ages, however we guess you haven’t added this small, East Coast metropolis to your USA wishlist but! Positive, the likes of NYC and LA are all the time gonna have us hooked, however can you actually say you’ve skilled the US till you’ve ventured away from the massive cities? Travellers to Portland are rewarded with an area, neighborhood really feel and 0 crowds. The Previous Port’s cobbled streets and vibrant mismatch of boutique retailers and eating places are a unusual shock, and also you may not count on town to have such a vibrant arts scene that features the oldest public artwork museum within the US. Throw in a famed farmers’ market and native craft breweries, and it’s exhausting to imagine that extra folks aren’t shouting about Portland’s cool credentials!

Questioning the place to remain? Look no additional than the outrageously funky Black Elephant Hostel. Very similar to town itself, it’s equal components cosy and funky, with a heat, household really feel and colourfully mismatched interiors. It’s proper subsequent to the Previous Port so exploring couldn’t be simpler, and once you’re executed you’ll be able to snuggle up in entrance of the hearth within the communal lounge.

💰 Backpacker Funds: $45-$70 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: June – October (for the most effective climate & seafood season)

💬 “Maine’s seafood is out of this world – I may eat lobster rolls every single day!” – Daniel, Canada

17. Raglan – New Zealand 🇳🇿

✨ For epic surf & gorgeous black sand seashores

📸: @otsu_91

The North Island city of Raglan is surrounded by unbelievable pure magnificence and epic surf breaks. It’s greatest identified for its uncommon black sand shoreline, however enterprise a little bit outdoors of city and uncover peaceable strolling trails by the Wainui nature reserve, biking routes over an historic volcano and the glistening inexperienced waters of the Bridal Veil Falls. Most backpackers come right here to surf although, as there’s a spot for each capacity. Ngarunui Seashore is the place for many who’ve by no means picked up a board, because the waves are calm and there are a number of surf colleges to select from. If this isn’t your first rodeo, Manu Bay and Whale Bay supply among the greatest waves on the planet, set towards breathtaking surroundings.

To greatest take pleasure in all that Mom Nature has on supply in Raglan, base your self on the eco-friendly Raglan Backpackers. You possibly can hand around in a hammock or the recent tub within the backyard, participate in an outside yoga class or enterprise out with a kayak or surfboard, each of which can be found to hire from the hostel. With a killer location proper on the water, you’ll be able to get up in your bunk to the sounds of waves crashing.

🛏 High Hostel: Raglan Backpackers – Beachside hammocks, scorching tub, and kayak leases.

💰 Backpacker Funds: $40-$60 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: December – April (greatest surf season)

💬 “Browsing at Manu Bay was the most effective wave of my life!” – Tom, Australia

16. Pisac – Peru 🇵🇪

✨ For religious vibes & Andean adventures

📸: @willianjusten

For a rural different to the close by metropolis of Cusco, many travellers to Peru are selecting to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas by basing themselves in Pisac, a small village with a robust sense of spirituality. That is because of the unreal landscapes and mysterious historical past of the encompassing valley, the bohemian vibe and gradual tempo of life within the Previous City, and the vary of wellness actions practiced right here. It doesn’t get rather more enjoyable than yoga with these views, and also you’re more likely to really feel such as you’re floating on clouds after a number of days in Pisac! Other than attaining whole zen, different issues to do in Pisac embrace looking for native crafts on the Sunday market, wandering the colonial streets of the Previous City and climbing the crowd-free Pisac ruins.

Wolf Totem Guesthouse embodies the spirit of Pisac. This superbly boho hostel has eco-friendly options, a shiny communal area overlooking the valley and out of doors hammocks with among the greatest views in South America. There’s an on-site café, out of doors yoga area and even a sauna to chill out in after a day’s trekking.

High Issues to Do in Pisac:

✅ Go to the Pisac Ruins, a lesser-known however gorgeous Inca web site.
✅ Browse the Pisac Sunday Market for handmade textiles and crafts.
✅ Strive a sound therapeutic session or meditation retreat.

🛏 High Hostel: Wolf Totem Guesthouse – Eco-friendly, superb views, and a sauna for post-hike leisure.

💬 “Watching the dawn over the Sacred Valley from my hammock was a religious second.” – Julia, Germany

15. Trapani – Italy 🇮🇹

✨ For Sicilian allure & gorgeous coastlines

 📸: @racheleminunno

In case you’re travelling to Italy in 2020, don’t skip over sun-kissed Sicily. The attractive Mediterranean island is house to glowing seashores, smoking volcanoes and enticing cities like Trapani, certainly one of subsequent yr’s greatest backpacking locations. Take a stroll by the slim streets of the Previous City and take a look at its church buildings and basilicas, earlier than feasting on hearty Sicilian classics like arancini and cannoli. For the most effective vistas round, go to the clifftop medieval village of Erice. At 750m above sea stage, you’ll get unbeatable views of Trapani’s sand-hued structure and the encompassing Med. Trapani can also be an ideal spot to base your self for day journeys round Sicily. The gorgeous Aegadian Islands are solely half-hour away by boat, so you’ll be able to spend a day of pure bliss exploring coves and snorkelling round white sand seashores.

For a budget-friendly keep within the metropolis centre, Hostelleria is the best choice. It’s acquired a minimalistic design however has every little thing you’ll want, with dorms and personal rooms, a shared kitchen and a full of life bar subsequent door.

🛏 High Hostel: Hostelleria – Fashionable design, full of life bar, and strolling distance to every little thing.

💰 Backpacker Funds: $40-$60 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: Might – October (greatest seaside climate)

💬 “Sicily is an absolute should – Trapani was my favorite cease!” – Giulia, Italy

14. Liège – Belgium 🇧🇪

✨ For underrated European allure

📸: @ahmedashoour

It could have shied away from the highlight previously, however Belgium’s fourth largest metropolis is barging the likes of Bruges and Brussels out of the way in which to get the backpacker appreciation it deserves. Regardless of being packed stuffed with unbelievable structure, cultural gems and superb meals, it manages to maintain maintain of a laid-back, small city vibe that makes you are feeling immediately at house. Seize a Liège waffle (that are well-known for the exploding sugar grains inside!) and take a picturesque stroll alongside the Meuse River, earlier than exploring the medieval buildings of the primary sq.. The perfect spot for an area tipple is Place du Marché, an assortment of conventional bars and pubs that come alive within the night.

For a full of life place to remain in Liège you’ll be able to’t beat Liège Youth Hostel. Not solely is it trendy and stylish, it’s full of fantastic social areas, like an on-site bar with pool tables and foosball, out of doors area with ping pong tables and a vibrant café to take pleasure in your free breakfast. It couldn’t be simpler to fulfill new pals right here – plus it’s simply 5 minutes from Liège’s greatest nightlife once you’re able to hit the city with them!

🛏 High Hostel: Liège Youth Hostel – Stylish design, social environment, and 5 minutes from nightlife.

💬 “Liège is like Brussels’ cool, laid-back cousin.” – Antoine, France

13. Buenaventura – Colombia 🇨🇴

✨ For jungle hikes & hidden seashores

Colombia has reworked the world’s notion of it in recent times, nowhere much less so than Buenaventura. Just a few years in the past this Pacific Coast metropolis was considered probably the most harmful within the nation, however now it’s an more and more in style spot that’s set to be among the best backpacking locations of 2020. Although Buenaventura is packed stuffed with full of life salsa bars, Afro-Colombian seafood eating places and waterfront leisure, town itself isn’t really the primary attraction – we’re most within the unspoilt seashores, tropical jungle and pure swimming pools that encompass it! In comparison with the remainder of the nation, this space continues to be comparatively beneath the radar, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in browsing and beachfront cocktails minus the crowds of Colombia’s extra well-known locations. Don’t miss a night-time cave swim with fluorescent plankton – an expertise you’ll always remember.

For the last word peaceable keep, select Pacifico Hostel. It’s surrounded by virgin jungle and has its personal personal seaside(!!), ignored by a cool open-air bar. They select sustainable choices like rising their very own veg and working their loos with rain water, they usually’ll lend you a kayak to discover the close by mangroves. We’re beginning to assume metropolis life is overrated…

🛏 High Hostel: Pacifico Hostel – Non-public seaside, jungle environment, and epic sunsets.

💰 Backpacker Funds: $20-$40 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: June – September (dry season)

💬 “Swimming with glowing plankton was like one thing out of a dream.” – María, Spain

12. Hà Giang – Vietnam 🇻🇳

✨ For epic bike adventures

📸: @ourtasteforlife

Hà Giang is Vietnam’s most northern province, which regardless of being one of the jaw-droppingly gorgeous areas of the nation, is commonly ignored by backpackers because it’s distant from the standard hotspots. This implies nobody spoiling your surroundings photographs – bonus! It’s simply (and cheaply) reached through in a single day bus, and travellers who make the lengthy journey will reap the rewards. Begin your journey within the provincial capital of the identical identify, and make like the opposite intrepid backpackers who hire a motorcycle and journey by the area’s picturesque winding roads. You’ll encounter rural communities, small cities and historic traditions, all set towards the rolling inexperienced mountains that make Hà Giang so unforgettable.

NoMadders Hostel is the proper base on the outskirts of town to soak in that contemporary, mountain air. Their attractive dorms value as little as £4 an evening, and you may deal with your self to a personal hut from £20. There’s an outside pool and patio surrounded by jungle, a bar and a scorching tub for dwelling your greatest backpacker life!

🛏 High Hostel: NoMadders Hostel – Out of doors pool, jungle views, and tremendous low-cost dorms.

💬 “The Hà Giang Loop is the most effective factor I’ve ever executed.” – Max, Germany

11. Maputo – Mozambique 🇲🇿

✨ For vibrant streets & contemporary seafood

📸: @eligetumiaventura

Mozambique’s charming capital metropolis has seen a latest resurgence, with travellers having fun with the pastel-hued streets of Downtown and their cute cafes, colonial structure and interesting museums and galleries. It’s greatest explored on foot, and even higher with an professional information, so taking a strolling tour is one of the best ways to find out about Maputo’s tumultuous historical past and to find insider secrets and techniques. For an area feast, head to the fish market, the place you’ll be able to choose your catch and have it cooked with chips or rice at one of many surrounding eating places! And when metropolis life all will get a bit an excessive amount of, you’ll be able to hop on a bus for 90 minutes to achieve the quiet white sand seashores of Ponto do Ouro.

Maputo is just simply rising as a backpacker vacation spot so there aren’t heaps of hostels, which suggests you must take full benefit of The Base. A small hostel with a homely really feel, you’ll be able to prepare dinner up a feast on the BBQ and luxuriate in it on the terrace overlooking Maputo Bay! It’s inside strolling distance of town’s greatest points of interest, in addition to loads of bars and eating places.

💰 Backpacker Funds: $25-$45 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: Might – October (dry season)

💬 “The seafood in Maputo is fingers down the most effective I’ve had.” – Andre, Portugal

10. Nassau – Bahamas 🇧🇸

✨ For Caribbean vibes on a backpacker funds

📸: @rosefernndez

You may not consider funds travellers once you image the Bahamas, however then once more you in all probability don’t consider cities both. Nicely that’s all about to vary, as a result of the Bahamas’ capital (and solely) metropolis is likely one of the greatest backpacking locations for 2020 – particularly for those who’re the kind of traveller who swerves the resorts and seeks out genuine experiences (i.e. all of us!) Town oozes Caribbean tradition, nowhere extra so than within the vibrant ‘Fish Fry’ neighbourhood, the place vibrant jerk joints, bars and avenue meals distributors line the streets, the vitality is electrical and the soundtrack is supplied by DJs and reggae bands. Different highlights embrace sipping rum at a local distillery, diving with sharks at Stuart’s Cove and looking for crafts on the Straw Market. It’s higher within the Bahamas!

Hostels within the Bahamas – say what?! BahaSea Backpackers provides you paradise on a funds, with two swimming pools overlooking the glowing turquoise ocean. They’ve acquired two rescued pigs who like to take a dip too! It’s in a quiet beachfront neighbourhood with straightforward public transport hyperlinks to downtown, and has a mix of personal rooms, blended and female-only dorms.

🛏 High Hostel: BahaSea Backpackers – Beachfront paradise with two swimming pools and even pet pigs! 🐷

💰 Backpacker Funds: $40-$70 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: December – April (dry season)

💬 “I by no means thought I’d discover an reasonably priced strategy to backpack the Bahamas – this place is a dream!” – Lisa, UK

9. Gijón – Spain 🇪🇸

✨ For cider, surf & gorgeous coastal views

📸:@ellie_etlalune

As soon as a sleepy fishing port, town of Gijón in Spain’s northern Asturias area is popping right into a hotspot for browsing, consuming and partying. Solo travellers will really feel proper at house right here, because the environment is all the time buzzing and social, because of al fresco ingesting and eating within the Centro district (and naturally, the hostels). Asturias is known for its cider, and there are many bars within the metropolis the place you’ll be able to watch your order being poured from an ideal peak – the normal strategy to serve it! However earlier than you might have an excessive amount of of that, it’s worthwhile to hit the tender golden sand of Playa de San Lorenzo for some seaside yoga and browsing. Belief us, you gained’t have the option to withstand the easy-going vibe!

If you wish to benefit from the waves, Gijón Surf Hostel will allow you to out with low-cost board rental, classes and a handy location near the seaside. It’s set in an enormous home the place you’ll meet heaps of different backpackers over beers within the backyard or the free buffet breakfast. There’s even free yoga each evening, so that you’re positive to be channelling the chilled spirit of Gijón by the point you permit.

🛏 High Hostel: Gijón Surf Hostel – Surf classes, free yoga, and a buzzing social vibe.

💬 “I by no means anticipated Spain to have such a cool surf scene – Gijón blew me away!” – Luca, Italy

8. Siargao Island – The Philippines 🇵🇭

✨ For epic surf & island hopping

📸: @marinechanal

One other surfer’s paradise, Siargao is the wave-riding capital of The Philippines that’s low-key one of the lovely islands on earth. Stuffed with treasures like waterfalls, lagoons, caves, jungle and naturally, these seashores, it’s among the best backpacking locations for nature lovers. As with every South East Asian backpacker spot, you’ll be able to count on superior nightlife within the type of informal bars and cocktail buckets – the Jungle Occasion on Friday nights isn’t to be missed! Our prime insider tip is to move out to the pier on Cloud 9 seaside with a number of beers one night and watch the solar set over the ocean, as the previous few surfers drift in. Completely magical!

Mad Monkey hostels are the stuff of backpacking legend, and Mad Monkey Siargao isn’t any exception. It’s acquired an enormous social area set across the swimming pool, with a tiki bar and restaurant, beer pong and foosball tables. They’re identified for his or her wild occasions and bar crawls, and each evening after their bar closes the workers lead their tribe of travellers to the most effective events on the island.

🛏 High Hostel: Mad Monkey Siargao – Pool events, bar crawls, and a full of life backpacker scene.

💬 “The events, the sunsets, the surf – Siargao is pure magic.” – Ella, UK

7. Nosara – Costa Rica 🇨🇷

✨ For seaside bums & yoga lovers

📸: @pepallama

It doesn’t get extra chilled than Nosara, a beautiful Costa Rican seaside city with a free-loving hippy spirit. The lovable cafes, surfers and boutique retailers give it a California really feel, and once you bump into the graffiti-covered skate park within the centre of city you would possibly really neglect what nation you’re in. It’s a well-liked spot for yogis too, with loads of studios throughout city and pristine seashores to roll out a mat for those who favor to do your downward canine beneath the solar. If you’ve recharged your zen, it’s time to move out on safari in a riverboat (eco-friendly after all, that is Costa Rica!) Prepare to identify mammoth crocs, iguanas, monkeys and unique birds.

Decide your jaws up off the ground – Selina Nosara is a hostel, and you may keep there for lower than £10 an evening! It’s acquired two swimming pools, a bar (with common reside music) a cinema room, co-working area and manner, far more, all set inside unbelievable eco environment. Get your wellness repair with a yoga class, adopted by a wholesome vegan meal cooked on the on-site restaurant!

🛏 High Hostel: Selina Nosara – Jungle vibes, two swimming pools, and a thriving co-working area.

💬 “I got here for every week and stayed a month! The vitality right here is unreal.” – Jake, USA

6. Kodaikanal – India 🇮🇳

✨ For misty mountains & serene escapes

📸: @ma__yuri

The city of Kodaikanal in India’s scorching Tamil Nadu area gives a refreshing break from the warmth, with a misty hillside location 2,000 metres above sea stage. The city’s major attraction is the star-shaped lake in its centre, the place you’ll be able to take out a rowing boat and discover the eerily peaceable scenes. The realm is house to serene waterfalls and breathtaking valleys, so it’s the proper place to flee the hustle and bustle for a number of days (as you in all probability know, India could be intense!) To essentially unplug, why not embark on the two-day trek to Munnar? You’ll be rewarded with out-of-this-world views over the Western Ghats and also you would possibly even spot some elephants alongside the way in which!

If you wish to take your pure retreat to the subsequent stage, Zostel Kodaikanal will make you are feeling 1,000,000 miles from all of it. With rustic frequent areas, out of doors terraces overlooking the hills and lovely dorms, it doesn’t get a lot cosier. You possibly can hang around with different travellers across the backyard bonfire, or hike across the hostel grounds with the resident pups!

🛏 High Hostel: Zostel Kodaikanal – Cozy dorms, bonfire nights, and breathtaking valley views.

💬 “Waking as much as mist-covered hills and contemporary air was pure magic!” – Aditi, India

5. Trondheim – Norway 🇳🇴

✨ For budget-friendly Scandinavian adventures

📸: @simowilliams

Scandinavia is as cool because it will get, however if you wish to rating severe hipster factors then don’t simply go to the massive hitters like Oslo and Copenhagen. Vibrant Trondheim is likely one of the greatest backpacking locations for 2020. A inventive scholar metropolis, it has an enormous craft beer and native meals scene, which you’ll pattern on the many cafes and eating places within the pedestrianised metropolis centre. It’s stuffed with prime Insta content material, just like the traditional Scandi-style vibrant buildings alongside the waterfront… simply avoid wasting area in your digicam roll for the towering gothic cathedral! As the primary capital of Norway, this metropolis is packed stuffed with historical past so that you can uncover. You possibly can even tick off a bucket record expertise by seeing the Northern Lights right here between September to March. So, what are you ready for?

To avoid wasting bucks on this dear metropolis (that’s Scandinavia for you), Trondheim Vandrerhjem is the most effective funds lodging choice. It’s minimalistic however has every little thing you want, with cozy beds, a totally geared up kitchen and a communal TV space to mingle with different friends. It’s a few 15-minute stroll from the centre of Trondheim, with a quiet location up a hill and nice views of town!

💰 Backpacker Funds: $50-$80 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: September – March (for Northern Lights), Might – August (for mountaineering & festivals)

💬 “Seeing the Northern Lights right here was a bucket-list second!” – Tom, USA

4. Hossegor – France 🇫🇷

✨ For browsing & French seaside vibes

📸: @olaiazorrozua

Hawaii meets Europe within the lovable seaside city of Hossegor in south-western France. It’s one other spot on our record that’s well-known for browsing (it sounds such as you lot might be spending a whole lot of time within the water in 2020!), and the environment is insane throughout October when it hosts skilled championships just like the Quiksilver and Roxy Execs. The remainder of the yr is rather more chilled, with an enormous neighborhood of nomads passing by to take pleasure in its peaceable seashores, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city centre, and café tradition within the many French bakeries. We problem you to not eat your body weight in ache au chocolat!

Hossegor’s hostel recreation is robust, with the extremely Instagrammable JO&JOE providing quirky lodging that matches proper in with the city’s free spirit. It’s acquired its personal sandy backyard space for hanging out within the solar, large cozy beds and a partnership with legendary browsing manufacturers Quiksilver and Roxy, which suggests discounted browsing classes for friends!

🛏 High Hostel: JO&JOE Hossegor – stylish hostel, nice social scene, and Quiksilver surf partnerships.

💬 “October’s surf competitions are unreal! The environment is electrical.” – Alex, Canada

3. Maribor – Slovenia 🇸🇮

✨ For wine lovers & medieval allure

Whereas iconic Lake Bled and fairly capital Ljubljana have secured Slovenia a spot on most traveller’s Interrailing itineraries, we’re exploring extra of the nation in 2020. Second metropolis Maribor is the proper place to start out – a captivating spot stuffed with medieval buildings, winding streets and cosy wine cafes. In case you didn’t know, Slovenia is known for its unbelievable (and ridiculously low-cost) native wine, and Maribor is likely one of the greatest locations to pattern it. It’s surrounded by wine-growing hills and even has a wine museum that provides tastings! For such a small metropolis Maribor packs a punch, with a robust line-up of summer time festivals, a full of life scholar vibe and a picturesque Previous City that rivals Europe’s largest and greatest.

Keep proper within the coronary heart of town at vibrant Uni Youth Hostel. This highly-rated hostel has frequent areas with pool tables and cosy couches, plus an on-site bar for much more of that Slovenian wine – we’re positive it counts as a cultural exercise! Simply be sure to’re up in time for the breakfast buffet stuffed with native treats.

🛏 High Hostel: Uni Youth Hostel – central, social, and steps from the most effective wine bars.

💬 “Maribor’s wine tastings are ridiculously low-cost, and the Previous City is gorgeous!” – Sophie, Germany

2. Surat Thani – Thailand 🇹🇭

✨ For genuine Thai vibes & hidden gems

You is perhaps shocked that Surat Thani is certainly one of our prime backpacking locations, as a result of previously it’s been identified largely as a jumping-off level for the jap Thai islands. Nicely, that’s all about to vary, as backpackers are wising as much as the truth that Surat Thani gives an genuine Thai expertise away from the vacationers. Begin your day exploring the crowd-free temples within the metropolis centre, just like the majestic Surat Thani Pillar Shrine, earlier than hanging out with the locals with a number of Chang beers on the laid-back Ban Don Pier. From right here you’ll be able to rent a longtail boat and be guided by the canals that encompass town, observing rural life and possibly even recognizing a whopping monitor lizard. If nothing else, go to Surat Thani for among the greatest Thai meals you’ll ever discover –  classics like spicy papaya salad, pad Thai and crispy pork are on supply on the buzzing evening market.

Simply two minutes’ stroll from the market is Boundary Hostel and Cafe, a country, family-run spot that’s stuffed with native allure. Count on unrivalled hospitality, free breakfast and cosy dorms. The workers are completely happy to advocate superb native experiences, and once you’re prepared to maneuver on they may help you prepare transport to the close by islands.

🛏 High Hostel: Boundary Hostel and Café – Cozy, social vibes with superb hospitality.

💰 Backpacker Funds: $20-$40 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: November – April (cool season)

💬 “Surat Thani’s evening market has the most effective Pad Thai I’ve ever had!” – Liam, UK

1. Nusa Penida – Indonesia 🇮🇩

✨ For dreamy seashores & epic adventures

📸: @giuliciu

Transfer over Bali, this new child on the block is our prime backpacking vacation spot for 2020! Nusa Penida is an Indonesian island southeast of the well-known backpacker haven, most identified for the curved cliffs and unspoilt bay of attractive Kelingking Seashore. This awe-inspiring sight is Nusa Penida’s star attraction, however there’s no finish of magical experiences available on this unbelievable island. From attending prayer service in a sacred cave midway up a mountain, to mountaineering to an deserted treehouse turned insane lookout level after which swimming with playful large manta rays, each second is an journey on Nusa Penida. Throw in these legendary Indonesian sunsets and loads of ‘warungs’ serving scrumptious native meals for pennies, and it’ll quickly turn into apparent why it’s our primary backpacker hotspot for 2020.

An island paradise requires a hostel of the identical calibre, and Nuansa Penida Hostel doesn’t disappoint. It’s a boutique hostel with attractive bungalows, a good looking Bali-esque pool and out of doors social areas the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in your free day by day breakfast. If you’re able to discover the island, hire a moped from the hostel and do it in fashion!

🛏 High Hostel: Nuansa Penida Hostel – Bungalows, a Bali-style pool, and scooter leases!

💰 Backpacker Funds: $15-$35 per day
✔ Finest time to go to: April – October (dry season)

💬 “Swimming with manta rays was surreal. Nusa Penida felt like an untouched Bali!” – Jess, Australia

🎒 Able to Discover? Let’s Go!

Backpacking is all about freedom, journey, and unforgettable experiences. Whether or not you’re mountaineering in Peru, browsing in Costa Rica, or discovering Japan’s hidden gems, 2025 is your yr to discover!

📍 Which of those locations is in your 2025 bucket record? Drop a remark beneath and inform us your dream journey! ✈️

👉 Able to discover? Discover the most effective hostels & begin planning your journey with Hostelworld! 🚀