Backpacking for Beginners

You've admired those who dare to pack their life into a backpack and venture out into the wide world from afar for too long - now it's your turn! Backpacking is an adventure and can often seem quite daunting, but in the right place, even beginners can feel safe and secure.

Where should I go for my first or next backpacking trip? Which countries are even suitable for it? These are likely the questions most adventurous backpackers have in mind. There are countries that are particularly suitable for beginners, and others that are more for experienced pro backpackers. To help you determine which destination is right for you, we've created an overview to assist in your decision.

Backpacking means you're on the road with just your backpack. Suitcases and travel bags are often relatively impractical for multi-week trips, as they're hard to carry over uneven terrain. With a backpack, you're much more agile and flexible, and ideally, you pack only as much as you can actually carry. This helps prevent taking unnecessary items and allows you to feel free.

In the first part, you'll learn about suitable travel countries for beginners; in the second part, we'll present countries for advanced or professional travelers. It's essential for all backpackers-whether newcomers or pros-to be completely open to new experiences. Having some basic knowledge of foreign languages is also very helpful. For newcomers, it's advisable to first travel to countries where the culture isn't too drastically different from their own to prevent culture shock. This makes it easier to test out this new way of traveling.

The smallest continent in the world is made for backpackers, and that's why you're likely to meet many here. Culturally, Australia is similar to Germany, so culture shock should be minimal. Australia is an excellent choice for your first trip; the people there are exceedingly friendly and helpful. Even though it's the smallest continent on Earth, there's so much to see and explore. Most of you are likely familiar with world cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

You should also visit the many national parks; these can usually be enjoyed for free. Where there are national parks, there are often wild animals. 90% of all Australian animals you see here are not found anywhere else in the world. Explore the Australian Outback, the deserts, the many tropical rainforests, and much more-best while on a road trip. You can't stop listing all the must-sees there. There are also amazing coastlines and beaches, and the country doesn't shy away from action. Try out water sports like diving, snorkeling, sailing, or surfing, and experience the party of your life at night. Currently, South Australia is also trending. As you can see, the country is incredibly diverse.

The cheapest accommodation for backpackers are hostels, which are plentiful in Australia. Prices vary by location; away from the major cities, you might pay around $25 per night in summer. In the big cities like Melbourne and Sydney, a night can run about $40-50. If a hostel stay is too expensive, you can opt for camping. There are many campgrounds in Australia where you can either pitch your tent or park your camper van. However, please note that wild camping is prohibited in many areas.

Even though it's extremely popular, Australia is a relatively expensive backpacking destination. It starts with the long, pricey flights and other travel costs. Because of this, you should carefully consider how long you'll stay. Some say, for example, that a stay of less than three weeks isn't worth it, mainly because of the long travel time and the incredible amount to see. Dining out can quickly become a downer, as the bill at the end of the night can be hefty. The cheapest way to shop is to buy groceries at supermarkets-definitely a cheaper alternative to restaurants.

Our tip: Live a bit more sparingly and invest more budget in experiences and traveling.

But again, be prepared: food prices in Australia are about 30% higher than here in the United States. Tours are generally a bit pricier than one might be used to-however, we recommend you spend money on attractions, seeing, and experiencing the continent rather than cutting corners.

Overall, Australia is a suitable destination for beginner backpackers. Even with limited English skills, you can manage here, and the chances of encountering other backpackers are 100%. However, regarding your finances, make sure to inform yourself enough to avoid experiencing financial shock after a week abroad.

New Zealand, with its North and South Islands, is a very popular destination for backpackers. It features major cities like Auckland and Wellington, but also top beaches, especially on the North Island. The diverse nature offers a lot here. You can admire not only beautiful beaches but also volcanoes, fjords, glaciers, and caves. This is just right for backpackers who are also nature lovers. You won't face culture shock here, as New Zealand is very Western. You also don't need to worry about being alone since you will undoubtedly encounter other backpackers here, from whom you can grab insider tips or even tag along for a while.

The cheapest way to stay here is in hostels, which are widely distributed throughout the country. Many hostels also have dorm rooms-these are shared rooms with multiple beds where you share your sleeping space with other guests, thus lowering costs. The best time to visit New Zealand is between December and February, as that's summer there. During this time, it's wise to book your accommodations in advance, as it gets quite busy in high season on both islands. The cheapest accommodation can quickly be booked out. Unfortunately, New Zealand is a relatively expensive travel destination, though with good planning and setting priorities, it's possible to manage well even on a tight budget.

For getting around, either a personal car, a rental car, or buses are recommended. Hitchhiking is also very popular in New Zealand; you'll often see backpackers with their thumbs out hoping to get a ride. However, in remote areas, you may end up waiting a few hours, so it might be wise to choose a more reliable form of transport.

From skiing in the Rocky Mountains to sunbathing on beautiful beaches under palm trees-everything is possible in the USA. The United States is an excellent destination for warming up to backpacking-there are Western standards, open-minded people, and language barriers should also be easy to overcome. The USA offers incredible cities, beautiful beaches, and unique nature. A suitable route to see some highlights is, for example, the Route 66. Otherwise, it's best to travel through the various cities of the USA and check out as many national parks as possible. Just to name a few: Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Kenai Fjords, or Yellowstone. You need to set aside quite a bit of time and budget to see as much as possible.

There are many hostels where you can stay affordably, and you can easily fill your stomach for little money in the USA. To cover longer distances, flying is the best option. Alternatively, you can also use buses, trains, and the subway systems and elevated trains available in major cities. If you prefer, you can rent a car or purchase one if you plan to stay several months, then simply sell it to the next road tripper or backpacker.

Europe is quite easy for us Americans to travel: Often, you can be in another country in less than an hour, and we don't have visa issues either. This makes the whole travel experience a bit simpler. If you're planning a holiday in Greece, Spain, or Italy, you should budget more for accommodations in hostels, transportation, food, and going out. Depending on the country, you'll encounter different cultures and especially languages. Therefore, it's important to at least speak a little English.

In Eastern Europe, the cost of living is significantly lower. This includes the Balkan countries, but the best time to travel here is in the summer months due to cooler weather.

Countries like Austria, Germany, and Switzerland offer travelers high comfort regarding transportation. The infrastructure is well-developed, with long-distance buses, trains, highways, and airports, meeting all desires. However, the living costs, particularly for accommodations, aren't always cheap.

Scandinavia in Northern Europe is also a great destination for beginner backpackers. Nature lovers will especially appreciate it, as fjords, forests, glaciers, and many other sights await you here. Thanks to the well-developed infrastructure, you can move around comfortably. Numerous airports in major cities make it easy to quickly get from one place to another. Ferries are also an excellent option, as are buses, long-distance buses, and trains. Renting a car in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, is quite expensive, and gas prices are significantly higher than average. A good alternative is the Eurail Scandinavia Pass, which allows for discounted travel. However, costs for accommodations, food, and drinks are high, which can quickly drain your travel budget.

Thailand is arguably the ultimate backpacker destination. Hundreds of thousands of backpackers travel to this distant Southeast Asian paradise every year. You can just embark on your adventure here-find cheap flights, pack your backpack perfectly, and away you go! Accommodations and food are extremely affordable, which makes staying here especially pleasant and easy for backpackers. In Thailand, you can even try to negotiate prices a bit. This only works if you book directly on-site and not if you've already booked online in advance. Once on-site, you have the chance to get a real feel for the accommodations, as we all know that hotel photos online often promise more than they deliver.

There are many Thai islands that you must visit. Ferry rides are particularly suitable for quickly getting from island to island. With a small budget, you can go a long way in Thailand if you don't have lofty expectations and avoid the most expensive hostels. You can read all other tips and tricks for a backpacking trip to Thailand in our report about two travelers who gave us an interview about their Thailand trip.

Guru Tip: Planning to travel around Thailand to see as many places as possible? Then you can either travel with cheap domestic flights or take advantage of one of the many bus and train connections. Most bus services also include the required ferry ride. Check out 12Go.Asia for an easy way to search for and book tickets for such journeys.

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia has so much to experience and discover. One particularly crucial tool for backpackers here is time. Naturally, you can't visit all the islands in a short time, so it's best to focus on a few islands and explore them thoroughly. Particularly recommended for beginners is Bali. The Island of the Gods impresses with its many colorful temples and incredibly beautiful landscapes. But the world's largest archipelago has much more to offer than just Bali. In our travel magazine, you'll find an article about the most beautiful destinations in Indonesia.

Getting from A to B here is easiest by boat and speedboat. On land, renting a moped is the best way to explore the area, or you can take the bus-which is more suited for the adventurous among you.

Want to join other backpackers on an unforgettable journey? Check out Guided Backpacker Trips and book an organized tour with a guide.

Life in Indonesia is very affordable. You can eat in restaurants for as little as 50 cents! Renting a moped for a whole month costs no more than €50, and you can rent a house in Bali for just €120 a month. Tip: Be sure to check out our article on the most beautiful Airbnbs on Bali. You shouldn't have any problems with English here-most Balinese, especially those in tourist areas, speak good English. Otherwise, you can always try using gestures.

The best time for backpackers who can handle 100% humidity is from November to March, as the tropical climate is interrupted by the monsoon. For those who prefer the dry season, the best time to travel to Bali is between April and October.

Can't decide which country is best for your first backpacking trip? Here's a little checklist of what traits you should bring for the six different countries, how much budget you'll need, and what kind of vacation experience awaits you there.

So, which country suits you best? At first, the choice is always tough, so our tip is: Just dive into the adventure! All of these destinations are great for beginner backpacking, and you can be pretty sure that you'll meet like-minded individuals, have cool experiences, and won't be exposed to major dangers.

However, if you belong to the more advanced backpackers, you might be ready for bigger challenges and destinations that are less crowded. Where will the backpackers go who are looking to reach the next level of globe-trotting? We reveal that in our article on the best backpacking countries for advanced travelers. Yes, it's worth taking a look!