escape! Magazine – July 2019

(Marcin) #1

ON-TREND


TRAVEL NEWS

There are certain unwritten rules to backpack
travel. You should travel light, pack only what
you need, spend as little as possible, but
experience as much as possible. There are
some places that are just not too viable for
the average backpacker, these eight countries
however, are NOT some of them.


THAILAND
You probably saw this coming. Thailand is a
universally popular spot for backpackers, and
usually the starting point of a backpacker’s
journey. However, with resorts breaking
out at coastal areas, the best backpacking
experiences lie inland. In these areas, you will
be able to avoid the unbearable crowds of
tourists and businesses that trap them, so you
know you’re getting the real deal. Authentic
Thai street food and drinks are as cheap as
they come, and not to mention incredibly
delicious. Depending on your willingness to
share, dorm-style rooms may cost as low as
$3 (RM 12) per night! For transportation, trains
connect most major cities in the country and
tickets sometimes cost as low as $10 (RM 40).
It is incredibly easy to see large parts of the
kingdom in one trip.


TEXT : HOI MUN YEE / IMAGES : 123RF

Eight Backpacker-friendly Countries


BACKPACKING IS A POPULAR COST-EFFECTIVE WAY OF TRAVELLING.
HOWEVER, VARYING HOTEL/HOSTEL PRICES MAKE SOME PLACES MORE
BUDGET-FRIENDLY THAN OTHERS.

TURKEY
Outside of South East Asia, Turkey is a hotspot
for backpackers over the world. Major cities
like Istanbul and Antalya are filled with
affordable hostels while the country itself
has plenty of cheap delicious traditional
dishes. The plethora of Turkish markets and
bazaars also means lots of opportunities for
shopping on a budget. Frequent flights are
widely available between major South East
Asian cities and Istanbul, making it increasingly
popular. It’s best you tick it off your list soon,
before the country feels too much like home!
One thing we do know is if there are tourists,
there are opportunities to make money, legally
or illegally. Be on the lookout for scammers
targeting solo travellers for a lucky payday.

Thailand’s northern region is a popular backpackers’ destination

Istanbul is a connector between Asia and Europe
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