Top Backpacking Destinations

With the summer still months away, you might be considering taking off to a warmer climate and going backpacking. Here are the top 5 destinations in the world to head for:

Portugal

It might not be the first place that springs to mind, but Portugal is a backpacker's dream. With excellent, cheap public transport across the country, from Porto in the north to the Algarve in the south, the stunning scenery, fine wine and sunny weather tempts backpackers from across the globe.

Why not soak up the culture in beautiful Lisbon, where you can also sample local delicacies such as 'Caldo Verde' (a potato and kale soup, often with spicy chorizo sausage added) at one of the many restaurants.

Vietnam

Top of many backpacking lists, Vietnam is a country of wonder and delight, with friendly locals and a heady mix of old and new pervading in the cities and countryside.

Take a trip to scenic Halong Bay, or explore Hanoi, the capital city, where you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or visit Hoa Loa Prison, where many Vietnamese revolutionaries were held and executed during the war.

Afterwards you'll feel like heading for some street food; try the 'Pho Bo' (beef noodle soup) 

New Zealand

Best known for its beautiful landscapes (and its inclusion in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Trilogy), New Zealand is popular with backpackers for its friendly locals, the ability to explore an exotic location without language barriers and its clean and cheap public transport.

Brave the long flight from the UK to explore the natural beauty, try local food and visit some of the most stunning beaches you will ever see!

Morocco

Morocco has always been a backpacker's paradise, with the heady spice markets and souks of Marrakech offering everything from clay tagines and locally woven rugs to jewellery and clothes.

Brush up on your French (it's the main language spoken here) and head for Djemaa-el-Fna where you can put your haggling skills to good use and even see real-life snake charmers!

Indonesia

From the beaches of Bali to the tiny island paradise of Lombok, it doesn't cost much to enjoy a luxury backpacking holiday to Indonesia. With 18,110 islands in total and only 6,000 of these inhabited, it's practically mandatory to explore off the beaten track in Indonesia.

Ensure you have adequate travel insurance in place - 'Bali Belly' is an all too common affliction and you don't want to have to spend your hard earned holiday cash on costly medical treatment in Indonesia.

Backpacking is a fantastic way to see the world on a shoestring, no matter where you go - these five destinations are just the tip of the iceberg!