Travelling Round Europe & BeyondBlog about travelling around Europe & the rest of the world

Whether you’re taking a gap year between different years of your studies, or are simply itching to explore some of the world’s different cultures and sights, backpacking is a great way to expand your horizons. It’s always been a popular holiday option, as it gives you the flexibility to travel wherever you want to at the drop of a hat, as long as you’ve packed a few key essentials and sorted out your paperwork before heading off.

There are many great places to explore if you’re off backpacking, but some of the far flung destinations offer the most in terms of exciting new customs and experiences. Vietnam, for example, seems a world away from England when it comes to climate, food and culture. Spend a day exploring the country by boat, lose yourself in a world of small, rural villages and indulge in a warming bowl of traditional pho. Learn about the country’s troubled past, and marvel at the resilience of the people who lived through it. Whatever you do in Vietnam, it will certainly provide you with a different perspective on life.

For a country that’s as far away from the UK as they come, Australia is also a popular choice for backpackers. Whether you’re seeing the sights in Sydney and Melbourne, or exploring the great outdoors and learning about the culture and customs of the aboriginal people, there’s plenty to do and see in Oz. Once there, it’s also only a short journey to New Zealand, which is sure to take your breath away with its sweeping views and beautiful landscape.

For a taste of culture that is vibrant and buzzing, try travelling around some of the countries in South America. Witness the spectacle of carnival in Rio de Janeiro, or climb the Andes mountains for a view out across Argentina. Delve into the history of the Inca people in Peru, or visit the intriguing homes of Pablo Neruda in Chile.

There are a myriad of far flung destinations with loads to offer intrepid backpackers. As long as you’ve looked into things like visas and inoculations beforehand, and have secured yourself some backpacker travel insurance (head to companies like Direct Travel; they have plenty of good deals), there’s nothing to stop you packing your bag and heading off to explore the varied and exciting experiences the world has to offer.