Backpacking is a fantastic way to travel the world, make new friends and really learn more about yourself, while developing your independence and self-sufficiency. Going off on an adventure, with a back pack in hand gives you the opportunity to be free and travel to whatever destinations in the world you want to visit. Many countries such as Australia and Thailand are very common backpacker destinations, but half the fun of travelling is finding cool new places that have not get become overwhelmed with tourists.
John Mason International are experts when it comes to relocation and travelling across the world, so they have taken a closer look at the places they think may well become backpacker hotpots in 2014:
Kurdistan, Iraq
Although the idea of visiting Iraq as part of a holiday may seem odd, especially due how dangerous it could be, the government in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region has been relatively stable recently, with fewer terrorist attacks and much lower levels of violence.
Kurdistan is easily the safest part of Iraq to visit and with tourists allowed to wander bazaars freely, the area now has over 400 hotels and a growing tourist industry. Kurdistan has some spectacular nature including Gali Ali Beg (known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East) and so much to do including rock climbing, caving and skiing down the Kurdish mountains.
Caye caulker, Belize
The beautiful island of Caye Caulker is enchanting to say the least. Many people are attracted to the island to snorkel around the world’s second biggest reef and some just want to swim with the manatees and turtles, but the most fascinating thing is that so many that visit Caye Caulker end up staying. Very few of the residents are actually from the area.
People from across the world make their way here for the gorgeous village atmosphere and the chilled out lifestyle. The island itself does not have any sandy beaches so does not draw in a mass of tourists, leaving it relatively untouched.
Lalomanu Beach, Samoa
If you aren’t keen on sleeping under the stars, then try out one of the fantastic Samoan houses known as “fales”. They are beautiful wooden huts with a mat on the floor and a plastic blind to pull down when it rains. These beautiful “fales” have resulted in backpackers arriving at Lamomanu and staying for months on end and only occasionally moving to another lagoon.
This stunning beach can accommodate a whole community of backpackers with the locals taking advantage and providing a lovely little bar in the middle of the beach. There will be friends to make wherever you turn.
Algarve, Portugal
Offering all the charm and culture that Spain has to offer but at a fraction of the cost, Portugal is a fantastic place to travel round with the ease of cheap public transport. The Algarve has a fantastic climate for those looking for a sunny destination, and the fine wines and scrumptious cuisine will have your mouth watering before you have even boarded the plane.
There is a wide selection of flights to the Algarve and with good quality accommodation; it is rapidly becoming a favourite with backpackers.
Chiapas, Mexico
For backpackers looking to explore the true culture of Mexico and the history behind it, Chiapas is perfect. This southern Mexico destination is home to many indigenous groups, including a few who have descended from the ancient Mayans.
On a backpacking trip to Chiapas you will see ancient ruins, temples, waterfalls, volcanoes and so much more. If you are a daredevil at heart then you can take the breath taking trip over the el Chiflon waterfalls by zip line!
So there you have it, some of the top backpacking hot spots for 2014 – what adventures will you take next?
