Top 12 Worst Countries to Visit in 2026: Honest Backpacker Take

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Okay, yes, these picks are a matter of personal preference, but we didn’t JUST go off of vibes (though, ngl, that’s sometimes a core issue), but a whole bunch of key parts of travel that simply just didn’t hit, such as:

• Value for money: Being overpriced and underdelivering on value is an easy way to get on our list
• Tourist hassle: Scams, crowds, and insane lines tend to be the heaviest hitters
• Vibe: What was our mood at the time? Did we feel welcomed or put off by locals?
• Sensory overload: Noise, traffic, pollution, and just general chaos are heavily realated to the “worst” countries
• Safety: How on guard did we have to be? Is theft a serious issue?
• Backpacker practicalities: Quality of hostels, ease of movement, social access all matter when you’re exploring on a budget

Now don’t me wrong, some of these countries are incredible. They just had issues!

• At a glance: Go if you like chaotic, sensory-heavy travel and haggling. Skip if you hate being approached constantly or negotiating for basic things.
• Why it made the list: Insane touts, scam pricing, sexual harassment,
• What to do instead Stick to coastal towns like Essaouira within Morocco
• How to have a better time anyway: Learn a few firm phrases to say no and keep walking, use official guides and book tours/accommodation in advance, and dress modestly
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Stay in a highly-reviewed riad
• Why is it still worth visiting? The architecture is truly stunning

‘Magical, mysterious Morocco’ has been a stalwart of the backpacking and indie-traveller scene for almost a century now.

As far back as the 1940s, Beat Generation writers like William Burroughs would spend extended sabbaticals in the pretty but gritty port city of Tangier (writing poetry and taking full advantage of the region’s laissez-faire attitude towards sex tourism). Then, of course, the first-wave hippies were quick to ride on the Marrakesh Express.

Morocco is entry-level North Africa for many budget backpackers seeking a taste of an Aladdin fairy tale. Each year, millions are tempted by promises of abundant hashish, surreal landscapes, and ancient Moor and Berber cities.

But what I found in Morocco was relentless, punishing heat, and some of the worst people I have ever encountered in all my travels.

Let’s start with the worst thing about Morocco: Marrakech. As a foreigner, you will not be left alone. Ever. Aggressive and rude shopkeepers, panhandlers, beggars, con artists and drug-pushers will plague you every time you step outside your Riad.

And while Marrakech is the worst example, it doesn’t end there. I had panhandlers trying to hard-sell pieces of utter tat on hiking trails and even inside the plunge pool of a fucking waterfall. I stayed in the cheapest hostel I could find, it turned out it had a great social vibe, so I guess you could say that’s a plus.

And yet some people love travelling to Morocco. Romantic Essaouira was the slaver city of Astador in Game of Thrones, the hash IS good, and there are plenty of lovely street cats.

Aiden: Gear Manager & Senior Editor

As a connoisseur of vintage cinema, I was excited to visit Casablanca but was of course totally disappointed by the squalid, dirty, and sad shithole that I found. I even sought out ‘Rick’s Cafe’ and was served an overpriced, tepid beer which made me ill.

• At a glance: Go if you like flashy, over-the-top luxury and curated experiences. Skip if you hate artificial-feeling destinations or paying premium prices for everything.
• Why it made the list: Everything feel manufactured, prices are crazy, and the heat is legit an inferno
• What to do instead: Head to Oman for a stunning and authentic Arabian experience
• How to have a better time anyway: Plan indoor activities during the day, book major attractions in advance, and respect local laws and dress norms
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Stay in a top-rated hotel or resort with a nice pool

I’m going to start this with a quote from a fitting meme: “you can tell a lot about a person by how they feel about Dubai.”

Now I’m not judging… Ok fuck it, I kinda am. Most of the people I’ve met who love travelling to Dubai are dicks.

Yet I am an eternal optimist when it comes to travel. So in fact, it was quite hard to come up with somewhere I hated. I didn’t hate Dubai: I found it interesting to observe the excesses of capitalism gone wild from an outside perspective.

Though, I felt like an outsider who couldn’t get below the surface of the city – because it felt like it didn’t go any deeper. Even though some cities in Europe are awful, Dubai takes the cake. Everything about Dubai felt “top show”. There were no pavements to wander and to get lost in the rhythm of footsteps.

Instead, it was a battle against traffic consisting of as many supercars as taxis. Even the cultural areas of the city felt fake like a Disneyland version of the Arab world made palatable for Western suitabilities.

Gone are the busy, hot, dirty, and lively souks with locals flogging tanned leather goods and exotic ingredients. Instead replaced by an outdoor museum for the benefit of the tourists. 

Journey further out and you find the other side of relentless development of mega-cities. Impoverished immigrants live in poor conditions, tempted here by the prospect of riches and rewards, only to end up trapped thousands of miles away from home working in terribly dangerous environments. 

One redeeming feature of my trip was when I went hiking, discovering hidden trails, ancient sites and saw a different side of Dubai outside of the typical tourist activities.

A playground where the rich try to outdo each other by building a new fuck-off skyscraper, diamond-encrusted Rolex, or gas-guzzling vehicle. All at the expense of the environment and immigrants filled with false hope.

Finding a place to stay that isn’t full of Instagram famous ‘models’ or costs a small fortune is another reason why Dubai sucks. I stayed at Papaya Backpackers which didn’t break the bank and made my time in Dubai slightly more tolerable.

Nic: Editor & Roaming Renegade

Dubai is sickening, fake and everything that the world shouldn’t be. Although, yeah, it’s one of the worst places to travel in my opinion, it’s still interesting to see. Plus, being queer it doesn’t exactly feel safe. 🙁

• At a glance: Go if you like intense, chaotic, sensory-overload travel. Skip if you hate crowds, noise, harassment or things not going to plan.
• Why it made the list: The crowds and traffic are unlike anywhere else, scams are out of control, hygiene is abysmal, and everything is essentially a free for all
• What to do instead: Head to Nepal or Sri Lanka for a similar cultural experience with a more chill pace How to have a better time anyway: Book transport and stays in advance, focus on the south and the mountains, travel slowly, and be cautious with street food
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Northeast India are all beautiful and infinitely calmer than the madness of UP and Rajasthan
• Why is it still worth visiting? The culture, history, and food are incredible and unlike anywhere else

A multicoloured land of incredible scenery and colourful traditions, backpacking India had long captured my imagination as a child. I yearned to visit the Taj Mahal, to bask in the ancient power of fallen civilisations, and to feast upon spiced meat of questionable origin.

A whirling juxtaposition of teeming metropolises and empty, vast landscapes, India would keep me guessing. I spent two years wandering dusty roads, camping out in dilapidated train stations and relying on the kindness of the Couchsurfing community to shave my scraggly beard and mend my tattered clothes.

I met incredible, amazing, generous, horrible, disgusting, and dishonest people during my journey – and India left a deep, lasting impression on me.

In truth, India remains one of my favourite countries. And yet, the country as it stands is in a freaking shambles – it’s one of the worst places to travel and Delhi is by far one of the worst cities in the world. With corrupt politicians pilfering the poor and everybody out to fuck everybody else over, I found it difficult to connect with people.

India, in fact, turned me into a bit of an asshole. I found myself increasingly turning to aggression to shake the touts who, (wrongly) assumed I had money. There are only so many times one can be grabbed on the street, or shaken rudely awake, as some motherfucker gazes upon thee with the three immortal India questions…

“What country you from?”

“You want look at my shop?”

And, of course…

“Are you married?” and if not “why?”

India stretched my patience, but it also stretched my cash and gave me incredible personal development. Whilst shouting at folks to “get the fuck out of my face”, I felt myself grow in confidence and wisdom.

When I wasn’t sleeping at train stations or crashing on a stranger’s couch, I spent the little money I had on the cheapest hostel bed I could find. At the time, it felt like a luxury but trust me, my friend, staying at an Indian hostel is a character-building exercise.

Will: Founder & Chief Adventurer

India is an absolute gem, uniquely beautiful and horrible at the same time. If you’re broke and in search of adventure, go. If you don’t want to share personal space with human excrement, don’t.

• At a glance: Go if you like fast-paced, budget-friendly travel and organized chaos. Skip if you hate traffic, noise, or crossing streets that feel like playing Russian Roulette
• Why it made the list: Motorbike traffic in cities is utterly insane, scams and overcharging are common, and interactions with locals often feels more transactional compared to the rest of SEA
• What to do instead: Head to Thailand for a friendlier and less-draining experience with way better beaches
• How to have a better time anyway: Use ride-hailing apps, book tours through reputable providers, learn to cross streets confidently, and get off the beaten path early
• Where to stay if you have to visit: One of the non-touristy villages up north, that’s the real Vietnam!
• Why is it still worth visiting? The landscapes, food, and value for money are hard to beat

After endless recommendations and a lifetime of dreams, I was pumped to visit Vietnam. Young sprites talk about the cheap hostels, life-changing voyage that always tops backpackers’ favourite destinations. 

What I was not expecting was the inordinate intensity of Vietnam.

From the moment I landed in Ho Chi Minh, I was greeted by extraordinary heat and humidity mixed with a waft of rotting food. Then there’s the locals – who can’t bring themselves to muster even a hint of a smile at any point in the day.

It’ll change after I get out of Ho Chi Minh – I told myself. 

oh, how naive of me.

The sheer amount of people is insanely overwhelming and the bikes… fuck me. Even I got road rage and I wasn’t even driving.

It seemed that my mere presence on the streets at any point pissed off any and every local, and I ended up adopting the same passive-aggressive attitude that 90% of people I crossed seemed to have… or maybe I arrived with that!

Don’t get me wrong: Vietnam is still a fan favourite with many backpackers. If you’re a keen (and extremely confident) motorbiker, I’m assured the driving the Ha-Giang Loop is a must-do for you. Even most of the other Broke Backpacker team members have a deep passion for this country. 

So don’t just take my word for it. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, welcoming, easy-going country, Vietnam is one of the worst places to visit in the world.

Laura: TBB Contributor

I spent six long, stressful weeks travelling North to Hanoi. It was rainy season too, so all my stuff was humid for the entire trip and I spent Christmas day trying to dry out my backpack (that was growing its own fungus farm at this time) with a hairdryer. But maybe I just went in with a bad attitude and didn’t do any research?!

• At a glance: Go if you like nature, wildlife, and eco-adventures. Skip if you hate high prices and commercialization.
• Why it made the list: Prices can feel surprisingly high, tourist areas are often crowded, you need a car, and crimes do happen
• What to do instead: Head to Nicaragua for a more affordable and more lowkey experience
• How to have a better time anyway: Rent a car for flexibility, book popular parks and tours in advance, avoid peak season if possible, and always keep an eye on your belongings
• Where to stay if you have to visit: La Fortuna is the best place to base for peace!
• Why is it still worth visiting? The biodiversity and natural beauty are world-class

Many people swear by Costa Rica being their favourite backpacking spots, and I can see why. The nature is stunning, the pura vida lifestyle is incredibly infectious and the geography of the country is just magnificent.

The cultural cocktail of volcanoes, jungles, and Pacific and Caribbean vibes here is phenomenal. Sounds idyllic, right?

I want to make one thing clear… I did (kinda) enjoy my trip to Costa Rica. I spent my days catching waves and drinking coconuts.

HOWEVER, my time there was forcibly extremely brief.

Why?

Well because no one warned me how expensive Costa Rica is!

I spent 5 months backpacking Central America in 2023. Whilst Costa Rica was beautiful, it was more of the same and about triple the price when compared to neighbouring countries such as Nicaragua. Costa Rica ran through my budget like Usain Bolt. 

In comparison to the rest of Latin America, it is far from the most dangerous of countries. Yet, I can confidently say it’s an overrated Instagram-hyped destination full of American tourists on “vacation”.

To avoid paying for ridiculously overpriced, below-average accommodation I was determined to find the cheapest hostel I could check myself in and roll with it. As you can probably tell, I survived, and successfully avoided bed bugs and I’m here to tell the story.

Joe: TBB Contributor

Don’t get me wrong, Costa Rica is gorgeous. I will come back one day. But, some advice for my fellow budget backpackers: guys… give this one a miss.

• At a glance: Go if you like trendy cafés, beach clubs, and Insta-vibes. Skip if you hate crowds, extreme traffic (literally worse than some cities), or overhyped spots.
• Why it made the list: Popular areas are incredibly overdeveloped, congestion means 2 km can sometimes take an hour, prices are high, and beaches are dirty and hideous
• What to do instead: Head to the Gili Islands for a real island experience
• How to have a better time anyway: Stay outside the busiest hubs like Canggu and Ubud, hire a driver, visit popular spots early
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Get off the beaten path by going to places like Pemuteran, Kintamani, or Amed (more commerical than the other two, but still way better than the mainstream parts)
• Why is it still worth visiting? The landscapes, temples, and overall vibe can still be truly beautiful

When you hear someone say “That’s so Bali”, they are usually talking about lush clothes shops, bangin’ brunch spots, or beautiful yoga studios.

Canggu is the pinnacle of this. Sexy Aussies roam the streets, HUGE billboards tower from above, and scooters zoom around playing Tetris on the roads.

There is a reason why everyone is backpacking in Bali; it’s got it all. Whatever you dream of, you can have it here. And the cherry on top, it’s at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at home. 

Sounds bloody fantastic, right? 

Well, unfortunately, the desire to experience Balinese culture and get off the beaten track often gets lost on the sidelines. 

I’m not going to lie, I had a great time eating mind-blowing food and getting 10x hotter at the un-airconditioned gyms. But did I get to experience local culture and nature here? Hell no. 

The hubs of Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are brimming with bustling streets, wild traffic, and locals trying to sell you penis bottle openers to take home to gift ya mum. It’s just not a bad place to visit as a tourist right now. I encourage you to venture out of these swarms of tourists and ex-pats into nature and local Balinese life. 

Where are these hidden gems in Bali, you ask? The good news is, you don’t have to travel far to find them. If you drive just 10 minutes out of the madness, you will be rewarded with magical, lush landscapes that fill your soul with happiness. 

One redeeming factor during my trip was staying at Tribal Hostel. I could get some work done and the rooms were super comfy and the food was mean.

To dive into the good stuff; head up north. Experience the magic of Amed, Munduk, or Sideman. Climb a mountain, marvel at vibrant coral reefs, or splash around in the waterfalls. 

Bali can be FUCKING AMAZING; if you get off the beaten track and let it show you what it’s got. 

Dani: Editor & Oceanic Explorer

An abundance of rice paddy fields, majestic temples, and authentic local warungs (restaurants) packed with friendly faces await. You’ll feel the true Bali that lives underneath all its shiny, gentrified layers.

• At a glance: Go if you like off-the-beaten-path adventure and want to get into some diving. Skip if you hate safety issues, unpredictability, or limited infrastructure
• Why it made the list: Safety is a real concern in many regions, amenities can be limited outside of tourist zones, travel through the country is slow and inconsistent
• What to do instead: Head to Costa Rica or Belize for a easier, more developed experience
• How to have a better time anyway: Stick to known tourist areas, use trusted guides for excursions, avoid night travel between cities, and never lose sight of your valuables
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Roatán, it’s absolutely the highlight of the country
• Why is it still worth visiting? Honduras legitimately offers some of the best diving and marine life in the region

To be fair, my 72 hours in Honduras were very experimental. I went in with high hopes despite the HORROR stories of violence, I gave it a chance.

The first red flag was the look on the immigration officer’s face as I handed over my passport. His first comment was “You sure you aren’t going to Nicaragua?” I had a pit in my stomach, but I pushed my doubts to the side and embodied the badass female solo traveller persona. 

As I crossed the physical border, I was overwhelmed with unwanted attention. In Spanish, we call it “Mal de Ojo” Or Evil eye. As me and my friend boarded a bus, all eyes were on us, in the worst of ways. 

My Intuition was literally screaming “ ABORT ABORT” so I did. I found shelter in a hotel and took the next bus to Nicaragua. To be fair, I’ve also heard lots of amazing stories about Utila and Roatan, the best diving spots in Central America.

Amanda: TBB Contributor

If I could go back, I would definitely plan a bit better, hire a car, and travel with locals. Honduras Is INCREDIBLE, I just had a shit start to my experience.

• At a glance: Go if you like ultra-organized, ultra-clean, high-tech travel with a ton of structure. Skip if you hate rules, huge crowds, or feeling disconnected from locals
• Why it made the list: Strict etiquette and social expectations can be intense, cities are insanely crowded, it’s not easy to connect with locals as a solo traveller, and costs can add up QUICK
• What to do instead: Head to South Korea for a similar mix of modern cities and culture with a more social vibe
• How to have a better time anyway: Learn basic etiquette rules, stay in highly rated homestays, use book trains and stays early, and avoid peak cherry blossom season if you hate crowds
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Okinawa for the incredible beach and sea life and a super relaxed vibe
• Why is it still worth visiting? The mix of tradition, technology, INSANE food, and precision in everyday life is unlike anywhere else in the world

Japan is a country that is on almost every traveller’s bucket list, it’s one of those dream destinations to visit. It’s a place that stands proud of its uniqueness, travellers here will often find themselves mumbling the words “only in Japan” and shaking their heads in utter culture shock.

From snow-capped mountaintops to world-class scuba diving, from ancient villages to futuristic cities, Japan truly has got it all.

Whilst I am extremely grateful that I got to experience this extraordinary country, travelling here I never really felt like I could relax, take a breath, and connect to the people around me. Japan is INTENSE… 

The Japanese culture is one that I found difficult to relate to. There is an epidemic of loneliness in Japan, which has led to high suicide rates and a rapidly declining population.

In my greatest attempts to learn the language, and immerse myself in the culture, I was often met with smiling faces – yet a withdrawn and uninterested attitude.

In Tokyo, the metros were often packed shoulder to shoulder yet so quiet you could hear a pen drop, in the world’s largest city, I felt so surrounded by humanity yet so utterly alone.

Japan is truly gorgeous but for many backpackers, it isn’t the most friendly or welcoming country and it can be hard to connect here with others and even to stay in touch with yourself! I stayed at Nui Hostel, which had a good social vibe and allowed me to meet some new friends.

One thing which will help you out in Japan is to get a few language translation apps and make sure you have plenty of data to keep it running the whole time you are there. A decent Japan eSIM from Holafly should do the trick – Holafly’s eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM. Oh and their plans also offer unlimited data.

Audy: TBB Contributor

Whilst I found parts of Japan to be utterly magical, ultimately, I found it one of the loneliest places I have ever visited. It’s important to note that Japan had an isolationist policy for hundreds of years and that this is a country where most people ONLY speak their native tongue.

• At a glance: Go if you’ll be happy to experience a slightly less gaudy version of Dubai, skip if you hate truly unbearable heat and minimal nature
• Why it made the list: It’s extremely boring, very expensive, and like most of the region (aside from Oman), it’s gotten rid of any semblance of culture
• What to do instead: Go to Oman (one of my all time countries) for incredible nature and actual Arabian cultural heritage
• How to have a better time anyway: Only visit in winter, rent a car, and keep your trip short!
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Muharraq is better than Manama, but it’s still only decent

Have you ever been hit in the face with an invisible brick wall? 

If your answer is no, then I’m just going to assume you haven’t yet been to Bahrain… I’m here to inform you of all the things you haven’t missed out on.

My visit to this minuscule Middle Eastern nation was the last stop on an otherwise glorious European summer that also took me to Oman. Though in Bahrain’s neighbourhood, Oman wowed with turquoise wadis, salty days in the Arabian Sea, and other magical moments that still have me yearning to return. 

But Bahrain… well… it may just be one of the most boring places I’ve ever visited in my life. In my books, THAT alone makes it the worst travel destination. At least there are some decent places to stay in Bahrain, I guess!

And it is absolutely ranked firmly as the hottest.

Even as I type this, the moment of stepping outside of a deep air-conditioned home to be smacked by heat so thick and all-consuming it felt like an assault rushes back in. If you think Bali’s hot, or another Asian, African, or South American country… rest assured that this tiny Kingdom has got it beat. 

But still: I tried. I visited the famous souq, spent a (admittedly nice) fiery sunset at a historical fort, and even popped into the desert for a bit. And though I wasn’t too experienced of a traveller at the time, I couldn’t help but feel a distinct lack of life.

Natural beauty was all but non-existent, and any semblance of cultural exchange seemed to be out of reach. Perhaps the closest I came was while visiting the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, which is decked from top to bottom in creamy marble and despite being one of the largest mosques in the world, was still devoid of character that I’ve found in the dozens of places of worship I’ve visited in the years since then.

Though I spotted some apparent locals in the souqs, nearly everyone actually working appeared to be from somewhere else. There was nothing akin to the colourful Omani hats and distinct local vibe I’d seen just a few hundred miles away. To be brutally honest: I quite frankly felt like I was in a colony on the moon.

You can forget about budget-friendly accommodation, staying in Bahrain isn’t cheap. I stayed at Al Safwa 2 which was as budget as, I could find but take it, from me Bahrain is expensive.

If culture, local life, and natural scenery call you the way it does me – Bahrain won’t be your cup of tea. But if you somehow find yourself there the way I did, you can visit the Sultanate of Oman, just an hour’s flight away. 

Samantha: Travel Writer & Adventure Expert

Though I’d love to round Bahrain up with a positive, I’m on the struggle bus trying to find one.

• At a glance: Go if you like raw, mountain adventures and less-visited locales. Skip if you hate discomfort, long journeys, or a high degree of unpredictability
• Why it made the list: The altitude can hit HARD, especially La Paz and Uyuni, transport can be seriously rough, safety and theft are a bit more of an issue than in neighbouring countries
• What to do instead: Head to Peru for a similar Andean experience with much easier logistics
• How to have a better time anyway: Acclimatize slowly, book tours with reputable companies, stay patient, and prepare for extreme temperature changes
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Base yourself in Copacabana, it’s way chiller than La Paz and overlooks Lake Titicaca
• Why is it still worth visiting? The landscapes, especially the salt flats!!!,are some of the most surreal in the world

Many say that Bolivia is the destination that separates comfortable backpackers from the adventurous. Cheap food, unique landscapes (like the famous Salar de Uyuni), colourful markets, and the best-preserved native culture in Latin America.

This was my first backpacking trip – hoping to have new experiences. And mate, did I have them.

After crossing the border from Argentina into Bolivia, I could feel the gazes of the locals. The energy as a whole isn’t welcoming, yet understandable if you consider the context of Bolivian history. At first glance, the street seemed like a vision of the past, as if technological advances had not reached this country.

The open-air markets, with questionable hygienic conditions (I’m talking about the heads of dead animals hanging in the open air with flies dancing happily around them), give off a smell of rotting food.

You’ll face long lines of shouting sellers harassing you to buy goods – to the point of being almost aggressive. And something as common as drinking water is scarce.

It’s one of the worst places I’ve travelled as a tourist in 10 years.

I spend 3 weeks exploring Bolivia, and the transportation (oh my god, the transportation), it’s literally a pain in the ass with the bus slamming down as we trudged across these routes with huge potholes. Long trips on packed, uncomfortable buses, with a cocktail of local food vendors, unbathed humans, heat and dust. You get the picture: at the very least – it’s the worst place to visit in South America, in my opinion.

But not everything is bad. As soon as you leave the tourist route, you’ll find places where time stops and smiles welcome you – because they rarely see a person from another country. You can contemplate what simple life is like, people know, talk, and help each other. The people I met during my stay at Wild Rove Hostel were special and added to the unforgettable memories made on this trip.

Seba: TBB Contributor

Bolivia will give you a large dose of grounding and humility. After travelling for 10 years, my perception would be very different and I think I would love to return. Maybe I’m not so judgemental these days!

Based on team members ‘ personal experiences, these countries have unfortunately been added to the list.

• At a glance: Go if you want bucket-list historical sites and intense travel. Skip if you hate hassle, crowds, or being constantly approached by aggressive men
• Why it made the list: Touts are worse than India and that’s saying something, scams are EVERYWHERE, traffic and noise can be crazy in Cairo, and most of the country is NOT ideal spot for solo female travelers
• What to do instead: Head to Jordan for a similar historical experience with significantly less hassle
• How to have a better time anyway: Book tours, be very firm and even rude to touts, and dress modestly, loose clothing is key for women
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Dahab is deff the chillest place in Egypt and feels very different than the rest of the country. It deff has more of a “Bali” vibe though (on a much smaller scale) so manage expectations
• Why is it still worth visiting? Despite everything, the pyramids are some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring monuments on the planet

Backpacking Egypt is on most travelers’ bucket lists, and of course, the historical sites are second to none. But unfortunately, this is a country that may even be worse than India on the ground…

Numerous TBB team members (and what feels like the majority of internet have experienced some serious scams and unhinged behavior while checking out the pyramids.

We’re talking about:

• Aggressive selling
• Fake guides
• Overcharging
• Sexual harassment

…and a whole lot more. I’m not saying you can’t have a great time in Egypt, I know a Brit who is truly obsessed with it.

But definitely have your guard up, especially in Cairo. I don’t go on tours mysef, but this is one country I HIGHLY recommend joining a group trip for or hiring a trusted local guide. It will truly make or break your trip.

Modest dress for women is also essential, Egypt is a very conservative and patriarchal society.

• At a glance: Go if you like island hopping, stunning beaches, and don’t mind crowds. Skip if you hate long transit days and relatively low-value pricing
• Why it made the list: Transit between islands can be slow, expensive, and unpredictable, infrastructure varies a lot, especially outside major hubs, weather disruptions are super common, the popular spots feel VERY overdeveloped
• What to do instead: Head to Thailand for easier travel days, better prices and less chaos overall
• How to have a better time anyway: Plan fewer destinations, travel slow, book any key flights early, and be patient!
• Where to stay if you have to visit: Base yourself in Siargao, it’s super chill and tends to be a sticky place for many
• Why is it still worth visiting? The beaches and island scenery are legit some of the best in the world

The Philippines is undoubtedly one of the most stunning countries in the world, but if you head there thinking things are going to function like other Southeast Asian countries, you’re going to hate it real quick.

Weather disruptions, ferry delays, and multi-leg travel days on expensive ferries make it much harder to travel in than Indonesia, despite similar geography.

Ferries sell out quick around peak holidays and seasons, and flights are INSANELY overpriced. Tbh, overpriced is a core theme of traveling in the Philippines. It’s undoubtedly the most expensive country I’ve been to in the region, despite often providing lower quality service, amenities and vibes.

It’s also becoming more and more crowded and harder to get off the beaten path, though of course not impossible. TBB has also found the weather to be a MAJOR issue, it’s not common for dates right in the middle of what should be dry season to be filled with torrential rain.

Get Insured Before Your Travels

Even some top travel destinations can become some of the most dangerous countries in the world if you’re not well prepared.

Solid travel insurance should be the first thing on your list when you’re jetting off for any adventure.

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!

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Look, in the opinion of The Broke Backpacker, most of the worst countries in the world to travel come down to our personal experiences.

Sometimes, it just comes down to the fact that it’s waaaay more expensive than our poor budgets can afford. Other times, it’s just because of how lonely and isolated we felt when we were solo travelling there. Though often, giving a country another chance can completely flip your perspective too – so there’s hope for Vietnam yet. 

Lots of factors like season, weather, budget and even personal expectations could have affected our experiences. You never know, you may fall in love with one of these 🙂

Let us know if you do and where we went wrong!