Summer is a great time for a backpacking trip, whether you have one week, one month or more. Backpacking is a budget-friendly way to see the world and it’s ideal for every type of independent-minded traveller, from 20-somethings to solo travellers to couples and families. With summer almost here we’re rounding up some fun and interesting destinations to explore.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Many people who visit Reykjavik fall in love with it so much that they make multiple return visits. The eclectic, cosmopolitan capital is diverse and offers many things to see and do for a summer backpacking adventure. What it lacks in size, Reykjavik makes up for in attractions. Museums, galleries, funky bars and cafes, unique shopping, lively nightlife and good food can all be found here. Unwind from all the action with a day at the legendary Blue Lagoon, which holds six million litres of geothermal seawater, water which is known for its relaxing and healing properties.
Tulum, Mexico
With flights to Mexico being fairly backpacker-friendly in the summer months, a trip to Tulum makes for an affordable and action-packed trip. Just a quick bus ride from Cancun, Tulum boasts beautiful white sand beaches, good diving and snorkelling opportunities, cenotes to swim in (natural crystal clear swimming holes either above or underground) and of course, the Tulum ruins to explore. The Mayan site of Tulum is perched atop a cliff overlooking a spectacular stretch of turquoise water and powder-white sand.
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
There are many reasons to plan a backpacking trip to Saint John this summer, least of all is the chance to see the incredible Bay of Fundy. One hundred billion tons of water pours into the Bay of Fundy from the Atlantic Ocean, which causes the water level in the Bay to rise four stories – something that is truly unforgettable. In addition, Saint John is easy to navigate, boasts amazing seafood and has a wide variety of galleries, museums and historic sites to explore.
Istanbul, Turkey
Due to its location straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul makes for a fascinating city to explore. The history alone makes Istanbul an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re browsing the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, visiting the beautiful and very photogenic Blue Mosque, admiring the architecture of the Hagia Sophia, taking a cruise along the Bosphorus, exploring a local market or getting scrubbed down in a Hammam spa, you won’t be bored in Istanbul. Food and night life here also make it well worth a visit.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
This northern city in Thailand is well known as a budget-friendly destination and many who go planning a short visit end up staying longer than anticipated. Not only is it cheap to stay and eat in Chiang Mai, the laid back city is conducive to a relaxed pace of sightseeing – and there is a lot to see. Exploring the numerous temples alone could take several days. Temples aside, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must-see, as is the Saturday Walking Street. Active travellers should make time for trekking in the scenic hills and forests around Chiang Mai.
Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is a beautiful city filled with pastel-hued colonial buildings and ringed by thee volcanoes. There are accommodations to suit every budget and exploring on foot is easy. Antigua is also a hub for language studies, so if you have extra time it’s a great place to brush up on your Spanish skills. If you’re feeling adventurous you can book a volcano hike. There are hikes of varying degrees of difficulty and one volcano, Pacaya, is active so you’ll get to see actual lava flowing and even get to roast marshmallows over it.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chicago is on this list because there’s just so much to see for every type of traveller and every interest level. If you’re going to spend some time in a city you want it to have a lot to offer, and Chicago doesn’t disappoint. Some can’t-miss attractions to add to your list include the Art Institute of Chicago, the second largest art museum in the U.S.; Millennium Park, which includes the iconic sculpture “Cloud Gate”; Navy Pier, Field Museum of Natural History and Wrigley Field.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The charming town of Siem Reap in Cambodia is where to base yourself to explore the fascinating temples of Angkor. Give yourself a week to go temple-hopping – anything less can feel overwhelming because there is so much to see. In between, shop for souvenirs and sip cold drinks on patios along Pub Street, get a massage, wander through markets and relax at your hotel or hostel. Siem Reap is known for its wide range of accommodation, from low-budget guest houses to stylish boutique hotels.
Featured image: Matthias Ripp, Backpacking via Flickr CC BY 2.0
