You’re dead set on running away and backpacking the world. You’ve found the courage, you’ve saved up enough money, and maybe your bag is already packed.
The only thing left to do now…decide where you’re going to go first.
The beauty about this predicament is that you can literally go anywhere you want. On the other hand, you have over 200 countries to choose from.
In the following guide, you will learn how to pick a good first country and find a list of the best countries for beginner backpackers.
Where To Begin Your Backpacking Adventure
The best country for beginner backpackers is one that is different but not too different. If you hop right into a country as intense as India, chances are you will get debilitating travelers diarrhea and never want to go backpacking again.
It’s also a good idea to choose a country that you know very little about. If you have no pre-conceived notions of a place, you can neither be too surprised nor too disappointed. You can look upon your first destination without illusion and with unbiased eyes.
Relatively cheap countries are never a bad idea to begin in as well. It’s hard not to appreciate a 1$ box of Pad Thai. It will also help you maintain your budget and keep you backpacking longer.
Finally, you want to pick a country that is in a good region of the world. This way if you get sick of it or just want to move on, you can easily do so.
With these criteria in mind, below are 3 awesome countries for beginner backpackers.
The Best Countries To Begin Backpacking In
El Salvador
El Salvador, like much of Central America, was strongly influenced by Spanish culture. From Christianity to Latin food and music, the culture is very western and familiar yet exciting and foreign at the same time. It gives one the perfect dose of culture shock.
What little people have heard about El Salvador is usually that of a country plagued by civil war and crime. Ironically El Salvador has a lower crime rate than developed Costa Rica. The people are proud, friendly, and will always help you get where you want to go.
El Salvador is also one of the cheapest countries in Central America. Busses around the country generally won’t cost more than a few quarters. Delicious street food such as Papusas and sandwiches can be bought for around 1$. And since they use the US dollar, it’s easy to calculate the exchange or keep track of your budget.
Finally, when you’re ready to move on, you could either head north to Antigua, Guatemala or South to Leon, Nicaragua. Both neighboring countries are cheap and a lot of fun for backpackers. For more on El Salvador check out 5 Things To Do In El Salvador On A Budget.
Backpacking gang watching the sunset
Malaysia
While Thailand gets all the glory, few people know of the tropical and multicultural paradise that is Malaysia. With a mix of Indian, Chinese, Malay and Western people, the culture is very similar to that of a western metropolis. And no matter what ethnicity you are, you will feel at home in the Malaysian mélange.
Although Malaysia is not as cheap as it’s neighbors, it is still a lot cheaper than home. Busses across the country range between 20 to 30$. Wonton soup at the Penang night market is just around 2$. And a night in a hostel goes for about 15$.
When you are ready to move on, you can easily catch a boat down to Indonesia or a mini bus / train up to the islands of Thailand. Both countries are excellent to continue your backpacking journey in. For more info on Malaysia be sure to read Why Everyone Should Visit Malaysia.
The night market in Penang
Bulgaria
Bulgaria isn’t really known for much other than being another oddly named Eastern European country. However, Bulgaria is one of the most intriguing and cheapest countries in Eastern Europe. If prostitutes are your thing you can pick one up at any mile maker on the highway. And for just 50 cents you can buy a delicious Burek breakfast pastry.
When you get tired of the girls at the nude beaches of Varna, you can easily travel to Romania or Greece for more cheap good times. For more info on just how cheap it is, check out The Cheapest Countries In The World.
Varna beach Bulgaria
Conclusion
Although you could go anywhere on your first trip, the former countries are some of the cheapest, easiest to travel in, and most fun. They are some of my favorite countries to visit and I highly recommend them. If you want more info or advice for your first backpacking trip, you can connect with me through Facebook, The Runaway Guide.
Great post, I was wondering if you did a post about how to meet other people to travel with or something if you have advice
Hey Chandler, check out this guide, Easy Way To Meet Locals Abroad
Great post here Leif! Certainly surprised at the selection but pleasantly as I haven’t been to two of these!! Will try and get El Salvador on my upcoming trip to Central and South America and as for Bulgaria – it will have to wait a while! Safe travels and keep up the good work. Jonny
Hey thanks Jonny, El Salvador is a gem and black sea bulgaria is great too. Let me know when you go and I’ll let you know the cool spots.
Hey Leif, I finally made it to both last year and you were right – loved El Salvador!
Hey Jonny, right! El Tunco is a little gem of a beach town.
Leif, how easy would it be to find an apartment in a place like Varna or another beach town in Bulgaria for 3 months or so. I’m thinking of heading over there maybe towards the end of summer and try to find a cheap place to rent for 3 months. Any suggestions?
Hey Marc, fairly easy actually. One of the main hostels in Varna actually rents out apartments. I can’t remember the name of the Hostel, but there aren’t too many so it shouldn’t be hard to find. Good luck!
I did it! I bought my one way ticket from FLL to El Salvador leaving first week of February and arriving at 2AM. I’ll probably just hang out in the airport till the sun comes out. When you went to El Salvador did they give you any trouble with having a One Way Ticket? Im wondering if I should buy a refundable ticket from American Airlines just to be on the safe side.
Hey hey, that’s awesome! You can catch a 20 to 25$ cab right to El Tunco from the airport at any time of night. I wouldn’t worry about it, I never have a problem. You can always fake a ticket with an editor. I should do a post on that. In any case, don’t buy a return ticket, it’d be a hassle and a waste of money. San salvador immigration is easy. Just tell them the truth, that you’re planning on backpacking and they won’t give you a problem! Safe trip!
Made it! It was super easy. No problem at all with a one way ticket. It only took me 5 minutes to get out of the airport from the moment I landed. Super fast :)
Nice! Glad to hear it. Yea, you often don’t need to show proof of return. Only in a few countries and I’m specifying each one on my World Visa Map
What dyou think of El salvador for a 19yr old lone female traveller? Been backpacking round europe with friends before so have basic knowledge. Not sure of where’s safe to go on my own though – hugely interested in North & South America – recommendations?
Hey Sarah, I definitely recommend it! As long as you stay out of dodgy neighborhoods and travel during the day, you’ll be safe.
Brilliant. I’ve just booked 6 weeks round el salvador this summer. Thank you for the inspiration!!
My pleasure :) I’m so happy to hear it! have fun!!!
What are your thoughts on Peru? I plan on travelling they’re for my first backpacking trip this summer, I’m really excited!
Hey, I’m excited to go! Maybe in a few months I think.
What is your source for crime rates, specifically El Salvador and Costa Rica?
Hi Pat, I actually read it in a friends Lonely Planet on El Salvador. I didn’t check their source though. It was surprising to me as well but when I was in El Salvador there was a huge amount of private security guards and police and so I figured that might be the reason why.
Nice recommendations. All these places have great food, authentic culture & amazing people. Totally agree as far as being a great destination for first time runaways! :-)
Thanks Ron, glad you agree!