Think frequent travel is just for the rich? There is a plethora of places around the world where you could easily backpack for 10-20 dollars a day, from Asia to Europe, while still being able to immerse yourself in vibrant cultures and authentic cuisines. For the cost of an Ikea couch, you could trek on some of the world’s biggest mountains, or spend a couple of weeks water-skiing. As the adage goes “experiences are the only thing that make you rich”. Get ready to enjoy some of the best backpacking experiences without spending a fortune.

7 Best Destinations for Backpackers

1. Nicaragua

They may be English friendly in Costa Rica, but it’s also a rising tourist spot, which has caused the prices of everyday essentials to increase significantly. Fortunately, the neighbor Nicaragua is a viable alternative for backpackers. Not only it offers the Central American charm, it doesn’t put a strain on your pocket. Even the touristy places in Nicaragua cost $10 a night for dorm beds, and the smaller towns have tourist residences for even lower prices. Typical south American cuisine will only set you back a few dollars, making the country one of the best places to explore the beauty of Central America as a backpacker.

2. Morocco

Morocco is one fine backpacking destination, but exploring the place usually means braving a couple of days in the Sahara, or navigating the brimming Marrakesh bazaars. For those who love fresh ocean breezes and tinier markets, the southern coast has Essaouria to offer. It’s a small fishing village, much less chaotic than the big cities of Morocco. Several backpackers opt for the more relaxed experience that Essaouria offers its visitors. The coastline is perfect for fisherman and surfers. Buy something at the fish market, and a local eatery will make a nice meal for you.

3. Indonesia

Of course, you can’t take Indonesia out of the any backpackers’ destination list. A country where a meal costs less than $1 if you eat local. But most people forget that Indonesia has a lot more to offer than Bali. Though the Holy Island is one of the best beginners’ backpacking destinations, the prices are rising and it’s getting crowded day by day. In a lot of alternative places like Sumatra and Java, you won’t have to part ways with more than $5 daily for drinks and food. The fruits too are reasonably priced and it’s unimaginable to believe that motorbike rentals cost only $3-$5 a day in some places. Even some adventures can be done on a shoestring budget, including a Mount Rinjani trek on Lombok and swimming with manta rays.

4. Turkey

Affordable backpacking destinations aren’t just limited to Asia. For experiencing “East meets the West”, hop on a plane and go to Turkey, where backpackers can go about well under $30 a day. A night in Istanbul costs around $5 if you choose to live in a dorm, while Turkish meals come in a variety of flavors that can satisfy your hunger for just a couple of dollars each sitting. Eating street food is one of the best ways to save money in Turkey. Transportation costs won’t empty your bank account either; the bus fares around the country are one of the lowest in the world. Even a luxury bus journey across the country will set you back $20 per backpacker.

5. New Zealand

Going on a backpacking trip with a group? Then pick New Zealand! The best way to see the country on the cheap is to rent a campervan; the fuel is cheap, and you’d find loads of inexpensive and free camp groups that accommodate campervan parking on the island. It cost around $100 a day to rent, so with a group it’d cost $15-20 a person for a night, which isn’t expensive considering a days’ worth of travel and accommodation. When it comes to meals, your best bet would be to purchase locally grown vegetables and fruit, or to discover a few roadside eateries and stuck up on food. Either way, it’s possible to backpack across this country without overblowing your budget.

6. Thailand

Even though Thailand is no longer a “off the beaten track” place, it’s still a backpacker’s dream due to its culture and beauty, minus the overprized drinks and tourist crowds. For best enjoying Thailand while staying within your budget, go to the inland and northern regions, basically places far away from the beach. You’d notice that backpackers can sill experience breathing exotic signs and topical oasis in these places for only a few dollars per day. If you can shack up with more people, dorms cost as little as $3 a night, while a private bed and bath goes near $10. Thai food is also cheap; authentic Pad Thai costs as little as $1 if you eat from the roadside. Also, taking the train from Bangkok to other places will only cost you $15-$20 maximum.

7. Malawi

Africa has several things to offer to the average backpacker. While going to Africa by plane might cost a bit, backpacking in places like Malawi is quite cheap. In fact, you can survive in $15-$20 a day, courtesy of a missing tourist industry, and poor economic conditions. Moving around the country is more affordable than reaching it, and the budget sticker prices mean you can immerse in adventures on the cheap, from the beds to the taxis to the food. You can easily find a place to sleep in $2 plus around the country, and several local meals are priced at $1. Entertainment too is cheap in Malawi; for just a few dollars, you can get the same high class water skiing experience that would’ve asked you to give away a week’s paycheck in another tourist country.

Conclusion

Regardless of the destination you pick, these locations are the hidden gems that every backpacker around the world should aim to explore. For more backpacking tips and essentials, explore the other content published on our site.