John Morrison

Eastern Europe is Europe’s last affordable backpacker frontier — Prague + Budapest + Krakow + Belgrade. Western Europe quality at 40-60% prices.

Peru is South America’s most accessible backpacker route — Lima + Cusco + Machu Picchu + Lake Titicaca + Amazon.

Mexico is North America’s best backpacker destination — Mexico City + Oaxaca + Yucatan. $35/day comfortable. Cheap food + culture + variety.

India is the world’s cheapest major backpacking country — $20/day possible. Most-rewarding + transformative + intense.

Indonesia is 17,508 islands of backpacking — Bali + Java + Sumatra + Lombok. Cheaper than Thailand. More variety.

Thailand is the world’s OG backpacker country — Khao San + beach hopping + cheap massage + cheap food. $25/day still possible 2026.

Cambodia is SE Asia’s 2nd-cheapest country after Vietnam — $20/day backpacker. Famous for Angkor + Cambodian hospitality.

Vietnam is Southeast Asia’s best backpacking destination — cheap + food + culture + adventure. $25-40/day comfortable.

Dubai is the world’s most over-the-top luxury — gold + skyscrapers + private islands + helicopter tours.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s premier luxury — Phulay Bay + Soneva + Anantara villas + cliff resorts. Best luxury value globally.