Where to backpack?

In the seventies when people planned a back packing holiday they ventured to Europe and possibly as far as the Far East. Nowadays because travel is more easily accessible and cheaper and the fact that young adults take gap years means more people are travelling and they are going further a field.

Off the beaten track?

Bangkok

The Khao San Road is overpopulated with backpackers all wanting to meet new people and drink cheap beer from street vendors. If backpackers visit the Patpong market they can buy well known fashion brands for low prices.

Africa

Tanzania and Malawi offer an African experience. Malawi has a music festival called the Lake of Stars. Check before travelling when this is scheduled for, as it is well worth a visit.

Vang Vieng, Laos

Cambodia and Laos are now attracting backpackers who want to venture further than the beaches of Thailand. In Vang Vieng the atmosphere is relaxed, people can swim in the river or just chill out in a bar or drowsing in a hammock. Nearby is the town of Mong, which is also worth exploring.

Train travel to Mongolia

The train travelling from Russia to Mongolia is known affectionately as the Trans-SIberian Railway, and is becoming a key route for backpackers. Trains leave Moscow and travel the 9,289 kms over seven days to Vladivostock.It is cheaper to buy the tickets in Russia rather than at home in England.

Sleep in a prison

If travelling to Ljubljana book into the Celicia Hotel. It is under a kilometre outside the city centre but offers a unique experience. The hotel is a converted prison! The hostel's bedrooms have bunkbeds and have a Scandinavian design. Guests eat breakfast outdoors, there are communal showers, there is a meditation room and artists have designed all the cells. Not far away is Lake Bled which is well worth a visit.

Before planning any trip ensure you check which countries require visas.