5 Places to Backpack to on A Budget

Age is not a bar for traveling. Season, on the other hand, is to an extent. Visiting a location during peak season lets you experience the culture and carnivals of the place. This experience comes at a premium (in regards to price). Traveling off season, on the other hand, isn’t ideal for enjoying carnivals. However, you can peacefully enjoy the place while spending less money than you normally would.

Uncertainty about your financial future or the fact that you are a student shouldn’t deter you from exploring new locations, especially international. Backpacking is a way to experience fun and adventure while saving a lot of money and time. For years, people (especially college students) have grabbed travel gear, some good friends, a map, and set out to explore places.

Here are 5 places which you can visit on a budget any time of the year.

1. Nepal

Even a month may not be enough to soak in the culture and weather of this lovely country. The peace and scenic beauty in Nepal cannot be found easily anywhere else. The Asian culture and tropical weather which this country offers are stunning. Add trekking and the organic heritage to that and you will feel rejuvenated and energized when returning to your country (although it’s unlikely that you will want to). Remember to visit Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu valley and other ionic temples like Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha and Manakamana.

2. India

The country with possibly the widest diversity, India is a must visit for everyone who loves traveling. Cultures differ by state and so do cuisines and lifestyles. Food, accommodation and travel are cheap. Backpackers’ hostels are present in most cities so are inexpensive touring guides, which means that you can see more of the place you visit for less.

3. Sri Lanka

This picturesque island country is described as the finest island of its size in the world by Marco Polo. Located just above the equator amid the Indian Ocean, this country offers a lot of fun without burning a hole in your pocket. Indulge in beach holidays, wildlife safaris, adventure tours, nature trails, Ayurveda, pilgrimages and much more. When Forbes declares this place as one of the coolest tourist posts of 2015, you can’t afford to miss it, can you?

4. Thailand

The ideal destination for backpackers looking for fun at affordable rates. Since tourism is one of the most popular professions, most of the activities can be enjoyed on a budget. The local cuisine is great and so are the authentic roadside iced teas. Buddha temples and architectural masterpieces like the Wat Arun temple and Grand Palace should be seen to be believed. You can also indulge in some Thai boxing if you like unique sports.

5. Peru

If you want to backpack to a different country, consider Peru. Rainforests, ruins, and beaches are plentiful. Lima, the capital, is a good place to start your trip if you don’t have a game plan. What’s amazing is that you don’t really need a plan. Just a map, a little Spanish under your belt, and a good pair of hiking shoes and you’re all set.

When traveling to a new destination, ensure that you have resources to stay connected with people back home. These resources are useful if you need to connect with someone urgently or simply want to keep in touch with loved ones. Free online calling apps can be downloaded and used on your smartphone. Yes, you may not have a reliable WiFi connection to make international calls when you backpack to one of the countries mentioned above. So make sure you carry an unlocked smartphone because data plans in these countries are quite cheap. Sign up for one and start using the internet. Thus, you can not only use free online calling apps to make international calls but also keep updating your social media profiles. After all, people who are connected with you deserve to be part of the thrill which you experience when backpacking to a new location.

So which places have you planned to visit in 2015? Do let us know in the comments.