Top 10 Backpacking Destinations

While not as sexy as Paris or Rome, this region provides eye-popping visuals from Denmark all the way to Finland. A walk along the canals of Copenhagen is a must for any extended backpacking excursion, and the Norwegian fjords ofTromsø highlight the sensational northern lights. Whether it’s Stockholm Old Town or the magnificent coastline of Helsinki, sweet ol’ Scandinavia inspires deep thoughts and beautiful moments of backpacking bliss.

The western coastline of South America offers a chance to roam the Andes or explore the ancient civilization of the Incan Empire, but anyone brave enough to endure the trek to Machu Picchu earns instant backpacker credibility. With a poetic landscape of vibrant greens and blues, both Peru and Chile allow visitors to experience magical realism at its finest. Although photos may capture the unbelievable, the beauty of this South American region must be mentally captured and saved forever.

The average traveler may be intimidated by the heavily populated cities of New Delhi and Mumbai, but the most versatile backpacker prepares for an excursion through the Thar Desert or a spontaneous Himalayan adventure. The aroma of spices and flavors serve as sensory delights, just as the endless amount of visual wonders can take one north to Taj Mahal or all the way south to Chennai in the Bay of Bengal. All in all, one trip through India will encourage many more.

Although the City of Light appeals to young artists and lovers seeking inspiration, the surrounding areas of Paris offer an equally momentous experience. The French Riviera attracts an international crowd every May for the Cannes Film Festival, but just a few miles away is the illustrious Nice, always a favorite of backpackers. The Bordeaux region allows one to dip into both rivers and wine, although some may prefer a getaway to sensational Mont Blanc, located in the French Alps.

To experience the emerald green waters of Thailand is to experience heaven on earth. Whether it’s an afternoon on the beaches of Patong or a stroll around Bangkok, a backpacker can’t go wrong in Southeast Asia. The natural beauty of nearby Cambodia and Vietnam often bring visitors to their knees from pure astonishment, while a trip south to the Sekumpul Waterfalls of Bali may inspire a silent cry of joy.

London Town welcomes a plethora of backpackers every year, all ready to slam down a pint or mingle with locals. However, a complete United Kingdom experience involves a jaunt through the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland or a peaceful afternoon in the Scottish Highlands. And then… there is Snowdonia, a national park in Wales designed for ocular ecstasy. Although not part of the UK, the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland are not far away for and should also be embraced in body and spirit.

Just as a trip to Athens awakens the mind, a trip through the surrounding waters may soothe the soul. The island of Santorini proves that myths become realities once backpackers witness the magnificent Oia sunsets, and a getaway to nearby Turkey offers even more Mediterranean magic, as a trip to the cotton castle of Pamukkale will forever change the concept of pools. The Greek Islands and Turkey boast beautiful artifacts of ancient history and visual gems that make Instagram users drool.

The afternoon siestas of Madrid keep backpackers rested, while late night tapas result in perma-grins long into the night. Spain is simply an essential stop for backpackers of all ages, whether one wants to kick back on the beaches of Barcelona or explore the cliffs of San Sebastian. Basque country awaits for countryside fun along with the exquisite city of Lisbon in nearby Portugal. Together, the two countries make for a perfect starting point for the eastbound European traveler.

Although a complete experience down under is always recommended, a backpacker must immerse himself or herself fully into the sparkling east coast. From Melbourne to Cairns, this delectable Australian trip takes visitors through the incomparable Sydney, and up through the glorious beaches of the Gold Coast. Road trip or rail, this Australian setting always stimulates the senses, and a complimentary trip to New Zealand adds to the southern hemisphere swag.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

- The Canadian Rockies
- Lukla to Everest Base Camp, Nepal
- Morocco
- Pacific Coastline, U.S.A.

Whether it’s rumors or realities, this location in the Kingdom of the Netherlands creates backpacking legends. Some visit for the sensual delights, while others seek a different type of natural high, but the city’s dazzling architecture and entertainment maintain a most remarkable reputation among travelers. Daytime visits to the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House warm the heart, and the city’s bright lights set the stage for nighttime thrills. All it takes is a smile and one word for backpackers to understand each other. Amsterdam.

Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite backpacking destination? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.