The BEST Backpacking Destinations for 2025!

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Okay, okay so while we’re about to come at you with the best backpacking destinations in the world, I wanted to point out that these aren’t just OUR faves. They also happen to be some up-and-coming gems that you might not have even heard of!

You know we love to get off the beaten path here at The Broke Backpacker, but we also like to be just a little bit ahead of the game: so get ready to get stoked about some countries and regions that may just be budget travels next “it girls” 😉

So without further ado, these are the very best countries for backpacking in 2025!

1. Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan)

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• Average daily backpacking budget: $15-$25 (potentially less when camping)
• Best time to visit: May- October

If you’re looking for a truly iconic (and still very unvisited) backpacking destination, I present you none other than the most underrated mountain region on the planet: Gilgit Baltistan.

This territory (nope, it’s not a province) is very different from the mainland – think incredibly unique indigenous cultures, the MOST insane hospitality I’ve ever experienced, and the best hiking trails on the planet.

I might be just a little bit biased since I live in Hunza Valley, one of the highlights of the enclave, but anyone who has spent time in the Karakoram Mountains knows exactly what I’m talking about. And yes, because I know you’re thinking it, it is SUPER safe. Gilgit Baltistan has far less crime than virtually any Western nation by far, and even the mainland cities are secure and very welcoming to foreign tourists.

It’s like Nepal without the mainstream crowds – a world far beyond the SEA partying hotspots in favour of a deeply immersive experience. You’ll find a few hostels, plenty of budget guesthouses and homestays, and an endless bucket list of trails and alpine lakes to check off. 

Hunza – a majority Ismaili region, the most liberal sect of Islam – is a true backpacker’s paradise, with fibre cable Wifi to let you live the digital nomad lifestyle. For K2, (the second-highest mountain on the planet) make your way over to Skardu and the Baltistan region, which borders India’s Ladakh.

And for a bit of off-the-beaten-path magic, you can’t go wrong with the Ghizer District – think green poplar trees out of a fairy tale combined with bright blue lakes and even some waterfalls. 

Unmatched!

Highlights:

• Hiking and immersing into the culture of Hunza Valley
• K2 Basecamp Trek
• Patundas Trek
• Naltar Valley

Samantha: Travel Writer & Adventure Expert 

Aside from being utterly iconic and stunning in every way, Gilgit Baltistan is extremely CHEAP to backpack in, especially if you have a tent or plan to rent a motorbike long-term. Because while the region is a paradise for hikers, it’s just as much so for bikers – the Karakoram Highway is the unofficial 8th wonder of the world after all.

2. Thailand (Chiang Mai) 

• Average daily backpacking budget: $20-30 USD per day. 
• Best time to visit: November to January 

If you want to visit the haven of all havens when it comes to travel – it’s Thailand, right? Lounging on beaches, diving with turtles and painting yourself in fluorescent colours while welcoming in the full moon… yep, it’s often the image of the south of Thailand that gets painted in one’s mind. 

However, if you venture up north to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai you’ll be blessed with a completely different landscape, waaaay fewer tourists and pay a fraction of the price you would down south.

Chiang Mai is easily my favourite city in the world. There is something about it that doesn’t feel like a city at all. Everything feels laid back and serene – almost like you’re not in the second-biggest city in Thailand! 

Highlights:

• Taking a traditional cooking class
• Visiting an ETHICAL elephant sanctuary (no riding, but also no bathing or feeding!)
• Go on a temple tour

Dani: Editor & Oceanic Explorer

It’s surrounded by majestic mountainous landscapes and is home to more temples than 7/11s – if you’ve been to Thailand, you’ll know that says a lot! The food scene is to die for, the hostels are top-tier and there is a backpacking community that welcomes us scraggly travellers with open arms.

3. Cambodia (Siem Reap) 

• Average daily backpacking budget: $20-40 USD a day.
• Best time to visit: November – February

If you want to live out your Lara Croft dreams then surely there’s no other place to visit than Siem Reap, Cambodia. Home to the insane Angkor Wat, this city is a mix of deep, rich history and chill backpacker vibes. It’s still ridiculously budget-friendly compared to its Southeast Asian neighbours. If you’re after adventure, culture, and a bit of chaos, Siem Reap in 2025 is where it’s at.

Angkor Wat might be the headliner, but the entire Angkor Archaeological Park is worth the hype. It’s way more than just one temple—sprawling ruins, overgrown jungle pathways, and centuries-old carvings make it feel like a real-life lost world.

I grabbed a three-day pass to cover as much ground as possible, and by day three, to be real with you, the temples started to blur together. But what stuck with me was the slow rhythm of it all—wandering past ancient stonework, cycling down quiet trails, and catching glimpses of monks drifting through forgotten corridors. Stray from the usual tourist path, and you’ll find yourself stepping back nearly 900 years.

Highlights:

• See Angkor Wat at sunrise
• Take a Khmer cooking class
• Explore the Kampong Phluk floating village

Taya: Editor & Resident Foodie

A city that swings between chilled-out days and rowdy nights, Siem Reap itinerary delivers the backpacker holy trinity: dirt-cheap beer, rich history and ridiculously good food. Stumble down Pub Street, try the DELISH amok curry all while sidestepping the chaotic tuk tuk hustle. Taxi anyone? Taxi? Taxi?

4. Uzbekistan

• Average daily backpacking budget: $20 – $40
• Best time to visit: April – June, October-November

The former Central Asian Soviet state of Uzbekistan was largely unknown by the backpackarati until only a few years ago. But, following the introduction of a visa on arrival, a flurry of new hostels and hotels and yes a little bit of Instagram exposure, Uzbekistan seems to be on its way to becoming 2025’s Iceland! 

It’s easy to see why. The city boasts a handful of utterly splendid Silk Road cities in Samarkand, Bokara and Khiva as well as desert and mountain nomad communities who will rent you a yurt for a night or two. 

Most trips to Uzbekistan start and finish in the capital city of Tashkent and while it may lack the olde worlde charm of the classical Islamic cities, it boasts some quirky architecture and a hip bar scene.

Highlights:

• See Samarkand’s historical sites
• Go on a Tashkent city tour
• Explore the best of Bukhara

Aiden – Senior Editor and Thayne of Todmorden

Best of all, the country is pretty damn cheap to backpack if you don’t mind rubbing shoulders with the great and good on some medium-distance buses.

I can’t wait to visit this spring. Maybe I’ll see you there?

5. Indonesia (Batukaras) 

• Average daily backpacking budget: $30
• Best time to visit: Feb to October

Ok, hear me out. I know Bali is done to death but it’s like that for a reason! This place is so magical, there is so much ancient energy and wisdom on this island, with that many blessings going up daily, how can there not be?

Besides that, there are more than 17,000 other islands in Indonesia that can be explored. I stayed in Batukaras (West Java) for a month and had a hot minute to tap into what a lot of us remember Bali used to be like. It was a refreshing reminder that there are still untapped corners of the world to enjoy.

The people in Batukaras weren’t tourist-weary, the food was OFF THE CHAIN, and the weather was stunning.

Highlights:

• Go surfing every single day
• Get to know locals by staying in a homestay
• Eat EVERYTHING

Maz: Editor & Undercover Witch

My only complaint (if I can call it that) was that I had to sneak off to sun tan because it’s obviously a Muslim country. This is by no means a reason not to enjoy it, I’m just part lizard and need to get my solar battery topped up.

6. Vietnam

• Average daily backpacking budget: $30
• Best time to visit: Between March/April and September/November, the shoulder seasons

I’m going back to Vietnaaaaaam! Unpopular opinion, and full disclosure, I was having a really hard time at the time… Something to be said about running away/travelling and still having to be by yourself here but I’m not writing a self-help blog – but I didn’t love Vietnam on my first trip to Southeast Asia.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved parts of Vietnam and I’m keen to give it another shot because the food is fresh and bangin’ and I met some beautiful people. I met so many intrepid Vietnamese who love to travel, to hike and explore and they had elite tips so be sure to make friends with the locals when you’re here. 

The food, again, unreal. So fresh, I stayed on Cham Island for a week. Each evening my friend and I would watch people bring in fresh seafood daily which would then be cooked over charcoal and was sublime.

Highlights:

• Cruise Halong Bay
• Visit Hanoi’s food street
• See Saigon by motorbike

Dani: Editor & Oceanic Explorer

That plus the French influence on the baking and the coffee had me in hog-heaven… Slow mornings with coffee and pastries, a bahn mi for lunch and a walk followed by fresh seafood for dinner – say less, I’m booking flights!

7. Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka) 

• Average daily backpacking budget: $50–$90 USD
• Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms & Autumn (September–November) for colourful foliage and cooler weather.

If you didn’t already know, Japan is going off majorly for travel at the moment and now is the perfect time to throw on your backpack and explore this incredible country. In fact, a favourable exchange rate means that for budget travellers there has literally never been a better time to visit Japan without breaking the bank. 

The cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka remain firm favourites amongst visitors looking to soak in that classic mix of old and new that Japan just does so well. I mean, in which other bustling metropolises could you go from a sensory overload of neon lights, ringing arcades and karaoke at full volume to the serenity of an ancient temple in a matter of seconds? 

However, a new Japanese destination is emerging this year – Fukuoka! Sitting on the south coast of the country this lesser-visited city offers access to some incredible natural scenery including several national parks and beaches. It offers a different vibe being on the coast, yet if temple hopping and exploring castles is your jam, then you’re also in luck.

Highlights:

• Wander around the arcades of Akihabara
• Explore the national park of Nikko
• See the majesty of Mt. Fuji
• Make friends with a deer at Nara 
• Hit the beach in Okinawa. 

Nic: Editor & Roaming Renegade

Get yo ass over to Japan and buy some Pokemon card for me will ya!! The culture of Japan is going worldwide and apart from all the awesome things to see there’s also a ton of fun things to buy too!

8.  New Zealand 

• Average daily backpacking budget: $50–$80 USD
• Best time to visit: Spring (September–November) & Summer (December–February) for warm weather, or Autumn (March-May) for fewer crowds and great hiking conditions.

I write this whilst laying, admittedly somewhat uncomfortably after a 20km hike today, in the back of a campervan in New Zealand. How’s that for putting my money where my mouth is? This isn’t my first trip either, this magnificent country that I spent a year living in before Covid has beckoned me back once again to its oh-so-glorious shores for more exciting adventures. 

And if that’s what you’re after, then New Zealand might just be the ultimate backpacking destination. Here, if the extreme sport or outdoor activity exists, then you better believe you can do the most epic version of it here. The Kiwis have the most stunning backyard and boy do they know how to use it! 

Never fear though, because even the most sheepish (I’d make some sort of clever New Zealand sheep joke here but did I mention the hike I did today!) explorers will find trails and jaw-dropping viewpoints to enjoy. Here beauty is everywhere and all levels can find a way to enjoy nature in its purest form. 

Highlights:

• Go Hiking in Abel Tasman
• Walk the Hooker Valley Track 
• Explore Hobitton 
• Sail down Milford Sound
• Skydive over Franz Josef

Nic: Editor & Roaming Renegade

Plus, Kiwis are dead-set legends and super friendly folks and with the working holiday visa, you can easily negate the fact that New Zealand can be a little on the expensive side.

9. Spain 

• Average daily backpacking budget: $40–$70 USD
• Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) & Autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Spain might not be the first destination that pops into your mind when you think about backpacking in Europe, but if you look past places like Benidorm and Magaluf, then you’ll see the country has heaps to offer. 

From the unique Catalan vibes of Barcelona with its incredible Gaudi architecture to the stunning cliffs and beaches of Mallorca, Spain has it all. Whether you’re after a trip of adventures where hiking, scuba and biking are more your thing, or you fancy kicking back on a beach or two, Spain is calling you!

Plus, you’ll get to indulge in some of the world’s best cuisine here. Seriously, if you wanna meet some people on your backpacking trip, get down to a tiny local tapas bar and get the cerveza flowing!

Highlights:

• Take in the incredible architecture of the Sagrada Familia
• Explore the ancient grounds of Alhambra
• Soak in the Andalusian culture at the Alcázar in Seville 
• Go hiking, biking, or chill at the beach in Mallorca 

Nic: Editor & Roaming Renegade

Spain is also relatively affordable for Western Europe and you’ll find many hostels, hostals and guest houses to stay in all around the country.

 

10. Turkiye (Istanbul, Rize) 

• Average daily backpacking budget: $30–$60 USD
• Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) & Autumn (September–November) for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination for backpacking this year then Turkiye is a great shout. This is a country of vast landscapes, varied cultures, ancient history and incredibly friendly people. Whether you plan to spend a few days in a hostel in Istanbul or explore the wider reaches of this deceivingly large country, you’ll have an incredible and rich experience for sure. 

From floating over the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, stepping back in time to explore the ancient treasures of Istanbul, strolling along the coast in Fethiye or hiking in Rize… there is literally something for everyone here. 

Highlights:

• Go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia 
• Marvel at the unique landscape of Pammukale 
• Explore the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia in Istanbul
• Paraglide over the beach in Fethiye
• Hike in alpine scenery in Rize 

Nic: Editor & Roaming Renegade

With a huge diversity of things to do and places to see combined with epic food and proximity to Europe, Turkiye is a great destination for those looking to backpack somewhere that isn’t overrun and yet doesn’t feel like it’s at the end of the earth.

 

Make sure you grab some cheap backpacker insurance before ore hitting the road!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

A few commonly asked questions about the best places to go with your backpack…

Goddamn, that was a whirlwind. There’s a big, wide world out there just waiting to be explored. Sometimes we just need to take it back to the itty bitty good stuff that your wild backpacker heart will fall in love with.

It all starts with WHY you are hitting the road and WHEN you want to be home. Some destinations are meant to be relaxed in, or honeymooned in, or partied up in! And some places require patience, learning, and a big wide-open heart (South Asia, I’m looking at you here.)

The best backpacking destinations in the world (in this humble dirtbag’s opinion) are a delicious combo of all that good stuff and more.

The world is full of stories – and destinations – that are jam-packed with wilderness and exploration. Exploring them is sure to shake your creative rut and answer some burning questions you have about yourself and the mysteries of life in general. Now that you’re armed with some destination inspiration, it’s time to surrender to the road and her lessons.

Now go on, and get to backpacking!

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