Starting your first backpacking adventure can feel like a mix of excitement and nerves—especially when you’re picking a destination. You want a place that’s safe, budget-friendly, easy to navigate, and full of interesting things to see and do.
Some countries are naturally better suited for beginners, with good transportation, backpacker-friendly hostels, and a welcoming vibe. Here’s a list of 16 countries that are perfect for anyone new to backpacking.
Thailand
Thailand has long been a favorite for new backpackers—and for good reason. It’s affordable, has an incredible mix of beaches, jungles, and temples, and is packed with other travelers. Whether you’re partying on an island or exploring a quiet northern village, there’s always something to do.
English is widely spoken in tourist spots, and the food is affordable, delicious, and easy to find. Plus, the well-worn backpacker routes make it easy to meet people on the same journey.
Portugal
Portugal is small but packed with character, and it’s one of the easiest countries to explore on a budget in Western Europe. You’ve got scenic coastlines, historic cities, and enough hostels to keep accommodation simple. Public transport is solid, and most locals are used to helping tourists navigate their way.
It’s also a bit more laid-back than its European neighbors, which helps when you’re still getting the hang of things. From surfing in the Algarve to wandering through Lisbon’s alleys, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Vietnam
If you’re looking for adventure with a side of budget-friendly travel, Vietnam checks all the boxes. It’s a long, narrow country, which means most people move in the same north-south or south-north direction—a plus for first-timers figuring out how to plan their route.
The food is fresh and flavorful, and getting around by train, bus, or scooter is surprisingly easy. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh feel energetic without being overwhelming. And you’ll find no shortage of other backpackers along the way.
New Zealand
For a beginner-friendly mix of nature and comfort, New Zealand hits the sweet spot. It’s one of the easiest places to navigate in English, and the landscapes are nothing short of stunning. You can rent a campervan, join group hikes, or just stick to backpacker buses that connect the main highlights.
It’s not the cheapest destination—but the sense of freedom and safety more than make up for the price. Even solo travelers tend to feel right at home.
Mexico
Despite what the headlines might suggest, much of Mexico is incredibly friendly and ideal for backpackers. Cities like Oaxaca, Guanajuato, and San Cristóbal have a strong backpacking community and loads of affordable places to stay. The bus system is easy to use, and food is both cheap and unforgettable.
Whether you’re exploring ruins, relaxing on the coast, or sampling street tacos, there’s plenty of variety. Just research which areas are best for travelers and stick to well-known routes.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Greece
Greece is a great intro to European backpacking without the high prices of places like France or Italy. Island hopping is easy, especially in summer when ferries are frequent and hostels fill up with travelers. The food is simple and satisfying—think souvlaki, fresh seafood, and lots of olive oil.
Athens and Thessaloniki offer plenty of history, but smaller towns and islands steal the show. It’s also one of the safest countries in Europe, which helps ease first-time travel nerves.
Japan
Japan might not be the first place that comes to mind for backpackers—but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly. The train system is efficient, clean, and punctual, and signage in English is everywhere. While it’s not as cheap as Southeast Asia, it offers great value if you plan well and stay in hostels or capsule hotels.
Japanese people are polite and helpful, and safety levels are among the highest in the world. Whether you’re into culture, nature, or quirky modern tech, there’s a bit of everything.
Peru
Peru is one of the best countries for first-time travelers who want a mix of culture and outdoor adventure. Machu Picchu tends to top the list, but the country offers so much more—deserts, rainforests, mountain towns, and bustling cities.
Backpacker trails are well established, and plenty of hostels and guesthouses cater to budget travelers. Local buses and cheap flights make it easy to get around. You’ll also find that travelers tend to stick together, making it a social destination.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Croatia
Croatia gives you stunning coastlines, affordable hostels, and a backpacker scene that keeps growing. The country stretches along the Adriatic Sea, with old towns, clear water, and plenty of budget-friendly ferries and buses.
It’s easy to move from city to city without much planning. While summer brings the crowds, it’s also when backpackers flock to beach towns and island hostels. It’s a great intro to Balkan travel, with fewer language barriers than you’d expect.
Indonesia
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers more options than most travelers can cover in one trip. Bali is the usual starting point, but places like Yogyakarta, Flores, and the Gili Islands are just as welcoming. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, and costs are low once you’re on the ground.
Flights between islands can be cheap if booked early, and buses or boats connect most local destinations. It’s also an easy place to slow down and find your rhythm.
Georgia
Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia is one of the most underrated spots for new backpackers. It’s incredibly affordable, and locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. You can hike in the Caucasus Mountains, explore ancient monasteries, or chill in Tbilisi’s artsy neighborhoods.
Public transport isn’t fancy, but it works—and the laid-back pace helps you adjust to any bumps in the road. It’s a great place to learn how to travel with flexibility and curiosity.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is compact, well-organized, and full of hostels geared toward solo and first-time travelers. Amsterdam is the usual entry point, but places like Utrecht, Haarlem, and Rotterdam offer quieter, equally charming alternatives. Biking culture makes it fun to explore, even with little travel experience.
It’s also one of the easiest places to get by with English so that communication won’t be a challenge. Prices are higher than some other spots, but it’s a smooth intro to backpacking Europe.
Cambodia
Cambodia is smaller and easier to navigate than some of its Southeast Asian neighbors. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are well set up for travelers, and the temples at Angkor Wat alone are worth the trip.
Hostels and buses are very affordable, and the relaxed pace suits beginner backpackers. While parts of the country are still developing, that raw edge is part of its charm. You’ll also meet loads of friendly people—both locals and travelers.
Spain
Spain has the balance of culture, coast, and comfort that makes it perfect for your first big trip. The public transport system—especially trains—is fast and easy to figure out. From tapas nights in Seville to beach days in Valencia, the country has a rhythm that’s easy to fall into.
Hostels here are usually social, clean, and filled with travelers from all over. And if you’re learning Spanish, this is a great place to build confidence.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers beautiful beaches, misty tea plantations, wildlife parks, and ancient ruins—all within a country you can cross in less than a day. Trains and buses are cheap and scenic, and guesthouses are affordable and easy to book.
The country is ideal for slow, easy travel with plenty of flexibility. While not as polished as other destinations, that’s part of what makes it feel adventurous but accessible. It’s also a great alternative to nearby India for first-timers.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic—especially Prague—is a favorite among European backpackers thanks to its affordability and charm. The old towns are walkable, the beer is famously cheap, and hostels cater well to young travelers. It’s a safe and easy place to get your bearings, even if you’ve never been abroad.
Day trips and trains connect you to castles, forests, and other nearby cities without much effort. You’ll get the feel of Europe without burning through your budget.
Why These Countries Make Travel Feel Possible
Your first backpacking trip doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to get you started. These countries offer the kind of travel that builds confidence, teaches you how to adjust, and reminds you that getting lost sometimes leads to the best memories. They’re easy to love, easier to navigate, and packed with fellow travelers on their first-time journeys.
Starting with a beginner-friendly country means you’ll focus more on the experience and less on the logistics. And once you’ve got that first trip behind you, the whole world starts to feel more open.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.