This is where it starts for so many. Backpacking 101; book a flight to Bangkok and figure the rest out from there. So what is it about this intoxicating destination that lures so many fresh faced travellers in? Well for starters, it’s cheap! A bed, a beer and 2 plates of pad thai can cost less than £10 a day, meaning this really is the place to make that hard earned money last.

Bangkok is about so much more than the budget though. Bangkok is a sensation. Few other cities in the world so perfectly hit the balance of offering both culture shock and accessibility. The sounds, sights and smells verging just shy of completely overwhelming. A place that makes you tip toe along the edge of your comfort zone, coaxing those first tentative steps out. Once you’ve found your feet amongst the hubbub of the legendary Khao San Road, you’re then ready to journey on to the lush national parks, wild beach parties and other tantalising experiences that Thailand is so famous for. Arriving in Bangkok is the feeling of an adventure just getting started.

After working hard to save up for your backpacking journey, you deserve to take it easy for a while. Welcome to Byron Bay. Sydney may be where many fly in to, but Byron is where they arrive. This relatively small beach town, midway up the east coast, punches way above its weight when it comes to reputation. Famous for its laid back way of life, you could be forgiven for wanting to stay a while.

Boasting bountiful hostels, a vibrant local arts scene and exactly the kind of beach that you pictured when forking out for your ticket to Australia, it’s no wonder that so many backpackers make a beeline for Byron. It has a vibe to suit any traveller, whether you want to wander the coastal path spotting dolphins and whales, pick up a board and learn how to surf, or just kick back, lie down and soak up the good times.

India is a land that every serious traveller is looking to tick off the bucket list at some point and who can blame them? From mystical mountain towns to monumental metropolises, every day is a shot of pure experience straight to the brain. It has a reputation for intensity that is rightly deserved but also offers up an oasis from the chaos in the form of Goa, a blissed out backpacking paradise in the south of the country.

Cultivated from the influences of Indian and Portuguese cultures this region brings together a confluence of vibes that make it uniquely appealing to aspiring adventurers. Whilst it might be calmer than its northern brethren, it still retains the singular exotic buzz that can only be found in India. This sits alongside a well-established wellness culture serving anyone seeking some spiritual rejuvenation. Couple all the above with postcard perfect beaches and an epic party scene, you can soon see why Goa is a beacon for backpackers the world over.

If there was ever a place to get the pulse pounding, this is it. As the adrenaline capital of a country that isn’t shy of extreme activities, you can be assured that Queenstown is a small but mighty town where excitement thrives. Whilst the thrills might draw you in, it is the unexpected beauty that will make you want to stay. Situated on the shores of an alpine fringed azure lake, this pocket sized powerhouse of contrasting delights is bound to command your attention.

An average day here could include an exhilarating mountain hike, a breathtaking scenic cruise or even a 134m bungee jump. You might follow this up with an evening spent soaking up the scene in the midst of the lively nightlife before waking up the following morning, refreshing yourself with a stroll by the lake and doing it all again. What’s more, no visit is complete without eating at the world-renowned Fergburger, a food establishment of near mythological legend that more than lives up to the hype. After arriving here, you will quickly understand why in New Zealand, all roads lead to Queenstown.

Have you ever stepped in to a fairy-tale? A place that you can feel under your feet and see in front of you with your eyes, and yet still doesn’t seem entirely real? If you have been to Hoi An you will understand. If you haven’t then you have it all to look forward to. Situated as a centre point to most Vietnam itineraries it serves as the perfect location to gather your senses. The old town feels constructed entirely from charm and magic, facilitating the sense of wandering through tales both of centuries past and nights just gone. Once you have crossed the lantern lit bridges over the meandering waterways on a balmy evening and sat watching the world go by with a cold drink from a street café you will gain a new appreciation for why you left home in the first place.

If all of this doesn’t grab you enough, how about a long stretch of beach to while away those sunny days? Just a short bike ride from the town centre the soft sand and crystal clear water of the South China Sea provides the perfect salve for the tropical climate. However the secret USP that really propels this destination is the wealth of expert tailor shops that line its streets.  With a handmade three piece suit starting from around £75 you might want to clear some space in the backpack before touching down here!

Character is a quality that is hard to define but unmistakable when you see it. Here is a city that has it in spades. Whilst Sydney is rightfully heralded for its famous sights and beautiful beach suburbs, it’s the smaller sibling which really packs the X factor. Instead of trying to compete for iconography, Melbourne has blossomed as Australia’s capital of culture. Whilst it doesn’t guarantee the year round sunshine that so much of the country is blessed with, the occasionally cooler temperatures have meant a focus on developing a wealth of activities that can be enjoyed in all climates, so there is always something happening.

From the legendary laneways in the city centre overflowing with charming cafes and vibrant street art, to stand out suburbs such as edgy Fitzroy and quirky St. Kilda, it is easy to see why it’s consistently been voted Australia’s most liveable city. It is a mecca for both sports and arts fan alike, whilst also boasting a club scene that can go toe to toe with any city in the world. The best way to understand the allure of Melbourne is to visit. Once this place gets under your skin you will never look back.

Of course, no trip around the world is complete without taking in a wonder and they don’t come much bigger than Machu Pichu. For anyone seeking to mark down the ultimate tick on their bucket list, Cusco is the place to get it started. Famous for being the gateway to the remnants of an ancient civilisation, the Inca capital is the destination that will quite literally take your breath away.

Whilst most travellers arrive here with the intention of acclimatising before undertaking the mammoth journey to Machu Pichu (the city does sit at a casual 3,900m above sea level after all), they often find that Cusco comfortably stands as a must see destination in its own right. The streets are alive with an almost unfathomable amount of history, hosting relics of both the ancient Inca and Spanish colonial eras. What’s more the city buzzes with a unique sense of camaraderie amongst its visitors with so many either heading to or returning from the Inca Trail. This common goal leads to many evening conversations over a Pisco Sour (Peru’s cocktail of choice) as fellow travellers sit around discussing challenges overcome and perhaps seeking inspiration for the next adventure.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Gap Year & Student Travel pages.