Planning a gap year can be exciting, but it can be hard to choose where you want to go. Here are my picks for some of the best destinations for any first time backpacker, including a few surprising ones!
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Michael Huxley is a published author, professional adventurer and founder of the travel website, Bemused Backpacker. He has spent the last twenty years travelling to over 100 countries on almost every continent, slowly building Bemused Backpacker into a successful business after leaving a former career in emergency nursing and travel medicine, and continues to travel the world on numerous adventures every year.
Bemused Backpacker 
Thailand should always the first gap year stop! You just can’t beat it as a backpacker destination.
There’s definitely a reason it is the traditional start point of the banana pancake trail.
Honestly never would have thought of Spain as a backpacker destination! Excellent list. Definitely need to check out a fair few of these places.
Most people don’t Emma, but it is amazing when you get past the traditional package tour places
Thank you for sharing this list! I’ve always been a bit too scared to just go backpacking, I’ve used small group tours for Thailand and Vietnam but you are really pursuading me to go out and try it on my own!
That’s amazing Laura! Definitely go for it, you won’t regret it.
Yes! Indfonesia is one of our favourite countries to backpack around and glad you put it on the list!
Mine too Joe! Especially Java
You’re so right! Thailand is a great place for first time backpackers. It’s safe, easy to get around, the food is amazing, it is still pretty cheap and you’ll meet lots of like-minded travellers! It wa my first backpacking spot and I’m sure I’ll go back!
So true, and I hope you do! I’ve been back many times and loved it every time
Some great suggestions. I would definitely agree with Thailand but add Vietnam and Cambodia to the list too.
It is the classic triangle!
Definitely agree with Thailand! It is still backpacker central! But i think other places like Indonesia and Bali are becoming as popular.
Oh definitely.