Take the road less travelled and experience the beauty of nature and cities by travelling in the most basic way
By Brandon Era
While the world is rapidly urbanising, there is still a lot of beauty that remains. From majestic monuments to awe-inspiring terrain, there are many wonders still out there.
Backpacking is a great way to see and experience them as you are not hindered by tour programmes or budget. Here are five great destinations you should check out before the decade is out.
Peru
A country rich in natural beauty and culture, Peru is a must-see destination. This South American gem boasts a geographically diverse landscape, rich in culture and heritage while brimming with adventurous options.
Remember to bring a camera with a large storage space to preserve the experience of being there and witnessing all the beauty the land has to offer, from the coastal deserts to the lush jungles of the Peruvian Amazon.
Portugal
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Old World wonders of Europe but have always thought it to be too pricey, Portugal is an excellent option with culture and heritage and at more reasonable prices.
For backpackers, getting from Porto down to the Algarve (the stunning coastal region on the southernmost point of Portugal) which joins up with Spain is pretty affordable, comfortable and easy. There is little hassle and you get to experience the beauty of the land and architecture that make Portugal the Old World wonder she is.
New Zealand
Now widely known as Middle-Earth, thanks to the popularity of The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, New Zealand is every bit as spectacular as the movies depict them to be.
With the majestic mountains and beautiful lakes, it’s a definite must-see for those who want to see and experience the beauty of nature that’s becoming rarer in the world.
Thailand
Most Singaporeans are familiar with Bangkok and the great bargaining opportunities she offers. But there’s a beauty to Thailand that also ranks it high as a great backpacking destination, from night markets to ornate temples to pristine beaches.
Getting around can be fun and affordable. Try not to go on tours or planned trips so you see more that you want to. Enjoy the wind in your hair while getting around in a tuk-tuk.
Morocco
From the cliffs that face the Atlantic Ocean, to the parched sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and on top of the icy Atlas Mountains, the diversity of Morocco’s contrasting landscapes is mesmerising, to say the least.
Marrakech is a great place to kick off your adventure, with a bustling city square that is brimming with activities from dawn to dusk. Street performers, vendors and even snake-charmers adorn the beautiful market, also known as Djemaa el-Fna, and offers you a perspective into a world unlike Singapore.
The world is bigger and more mesmerising than you can imagine, so get off your rear and experience the beauty she has to offer in a cheap and affordable way.
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