Backpacking is a special kind of travel that takes perseverance and a can-do attitude. It’s a great thing to do when you’re at a crossroads in life or simply just need a well-earned break. Unfortunately, so many of the popular places to backpack nowadays are actually filled with backpackers! Gone are the days where you could just walk onto a trail and see no one for weeks—at least that is the case for the most popular destinations.
While these destinations are popular for a reason, they’re also overhyped, which is why these 5 up and coming backpacking places are where you should spend your time and money.
Porto to Algarve, Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful country and although many people think of Lisbon first, Porto is a stunning city and has a great walking route to Algarve along the coast, then end up near the border with Spain.
Not only is this a beautiful place to backpack, but also it’s perfect for those who want to make use of public transport on a long journey. Because it’s so well-linked between the two, it means it won’t be nearly as crowded, however, it is gaining more traction so in the next year it will probably be vastly popular.
Shiraz, Iran
Although your first thought to this might be no thanks due to the bad press it gets and the fact that you can’t legally drink there, Iran actually is becoming more popular as a tourist destination. Not only that, but the majestic mountains sand desert that surround it make it a unique place to explore and backpack.
Of course if you choose this route, you will need to be careful as much of the wilderness is untamed and uncharted, so always make sure someone knows where you are and bring plenty of water.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Nicaragua has a bad reputation in some circles as a country that is not only forgettable, but also home to high poverty rates and crime. However, this is no longer the case and many believe that Nicaragua is becoming the new Costa Rica. Just as beautiful, only cheaper and not as popular.
Start in San Juan del Sur, the beautiful coastal city near the south of the country and make your way north along the glistening ocean.
Albania
A destination perhaps a bit closer to home and easy to get to, Albania is soon becoming the favorite over Italy and Greece. Start in the capital Tirana and then backpack along the Adriatic Sea and up Mount Dajti, it’ll be something you won’t regret.
Taman Negara, Malaysia
Although Taman Negara is Malaysia’s most visited national park, it’s only just making its entrance into the charts as a popular backpacking destination. Taman Negara will throw you back in time and for a moment you’ll really believe you’re the only person in the world. The lush jungle is not something you should go without seeing.
These 5 destinations for backpacking will soon be topping the charts because they’re ever increasing in popularity, but for now you can enjoy some stunning views and experience what backpacking is all about.
