Picture this: tropical turquoise beaches with giant sea turtles, swaying palm trees, soaring mountain ranges, rugged national parks, lush rainforests and wonderful new connections. Backpacking will bring you all these magical experiences – and so much more! After 10 years of roaming around the world with my pack on my back, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on all of my favourite places. Nothing is more rewarding than experiencing the wonders of the world for yourself!
Coron, Philippines
The beaches and the clear turquoise colour of the water in the Philippines is utterly breathtaking – and Coron is no exception! It is full of incredible snorkelling and scuba diving spots – from vibrant coral reefs full of fish to eerie World War II wreck diving spots. You can go island hopping by boat or kayak and find secluded secret beaches!
Annapurna, Nepal
I am certain you have this image in your mind: gorgeous snow-capped mountains with brightly coloured prayer flags flowing in the breeze. The landscape you experience while trekking through this region is so diverse – you’ll see green paddy fields, rich forests, hot springs, glacial areas and, of course, the stunning vistas of mountains! Eat rice and dhal to your heart’s content with the friendly Nepalis.
Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
Nasi goreng for $2, pristine beaches, fun surfing and cliff jumping – what more could you ask for?! You can snorkel or dive with the majestic manta ray here, and it’s a life-changing experience! You’ll also find giant pink dragonfruit, fun beach clubs, cute cafes and stunning sunsets. Don’t forget to head over and check out little Nusa Ceningan from here, it’s well worth a day or two of exploring!
Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka
Do you love rice and curry buffets, surfing and sipping coconuts under palm trees? Hiriketiya is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, with an intermediate reef break to the left, perfect waves for beginners to the right and the odd sea turtle floating around in-between. After a big day of surfing, you can eat your body weight in rice, curries and dhal.
Bear Watching in British Columbia
You can spot them gathering berries or fishing for salmon – bear watching is always a breathtaking experience. British Columbia is full of rugged landscapes, rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, lakes, mountains, inland deserts, grassy plains, and, of course, lush forests akin to those found in digital games like “Big Mighty Bear.” Observing bears in their natural habitat can be a transformative wilderness experience.
Acatenango, Guatemala
If you love adventure, this is for you! This epic overnight hike leaves from Antigua, Guatemala, and takes you to an elevation of 3976 meters to the summit of the active volcano Acatenango. From the summit, you get incredible views of the active Fuego volcano, which occasionally sends spurts of lava into the air. This hike is not for the faint of heart but is well worth the effort!
Tortuga Bay, Galapagos Islands
It actually is possible to backpack the Galapagos Islands and not spend a fortune! Famous for its scuba diving (and rightfully so!), that’s not all there is to do here! You can hang out with the playful sea lions, watch the prehistoric marine iguanas spitting water, relax on the beach or kayak to beautiful snorkelling spots. But you should definitely dive if you can, diving with schools of hammerhead sharks here is one of my favourite travel memories!
Tayrona National Park, Colombia
If sleeping in a hammock under the stars, overlooking the sea on a stunning stretch of beach is your thing, then you’ll love this national park! Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and rising 5,650 metres above sea level, the natural landscape here is next level. Balance equal parts hiking through the natural park with relaxing on the beach for maximum enjoyment.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
When I first saw these majestic, ancient limestone mountains rising up from emerald waters, my brain couldn’t comprehend the beauty of them! Dotted with over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, a boat cruise through these islands is the best way to explore them. I recommend getting adventurous and doing some rock-climbing on these limestone karsts for a totally unique life experience.
Havelock Island, Andeman & Nicobar Islands
Famous for their stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the Andeman & Nicobar islands offer fantastic opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. The beaches here have an ‘untouched’ vibe and are full of tiny hermit crabs and other wildlife.
Conclusion
Backpacking is truly one of the most expansive, life changing experiences you can try! No matter where you go, unforgettable adventures are waiting for you.
