The Top 5 Backpacking Destinations

I'm a newbie backpacker - I have never gone backpacking outside the US - but I have been saving for an international backpacking trip for my whole life. As a curiosity, I have recently started studying the best backpacking destinations and created a small chart of the backpacking destinations that backpackers around the world are recommending. While each backpacker had his/her own opinion, and many destinations were mentioned only by one backpacker or the other some places showed up in almost all articles. Here are the top 5 destinations recommended by backpackers worldwide:

Morocco
The biggest surprise in my little research was seeing Morocco on just about every backpacking website out there. It turned out to be the destination most backpackers recommend - quite far ahead of the other contenders. Introducing you to the magic of Africa, Sahara and the Arab culture, all at the same time, Morocco is a fascinating place to visit. You can visit the country's largest cities, Rabat, the ever romantic Casablanca or Fez - one of the oldest medieval cities in the world. But, probably the most fascinating possibility is joining the Bedouins in a Sahara trek...

India
Another backpacking favorite is the country whose name is everywhere associated with spirituality and self-discovery. The home of a very diversified culture, opposite to just about everything Western culture teaches us, it is a perfect place to discover your own inner desires and dreams. You can try everything from climbing the Himalayans to the agglomerated cities of Mumbai and Delhi. The country of Buddha and gurus will more than likely prove to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

Australia
Despite the fact that it is an English-speaking country, Australia can prove to be an amazingly different experience from most of what you are used to. The cities of Sydney or Melbourne are a great place to start - and if urban culture is what you are into, you will find plenty of sights to delight you. The Australian beaches are another popular location - the Bondi beach is sure to please anyone. The most fascinating part, however, may be discovering the many species of animals you will not see anywhere else, the very original Aborigines and the Australian deserts.

Thailand
Its name suggests exoticism. Backpacking through Thailand seems like a rite of passage - something we all must do at least once. You can experience a unique culture in the old city of Bangkok, but at the same time you can have the time of your life as part of its vibrant nightlife. Thailand's beaches and islands will offer you a relaxing time away from the cares of the world. Scuba diving is at its best here and the food specialties are famous worldwide.

Turkey
An interesting mix between Western and Arab cultures, Turkey offers the perfect mix of modern civilization and history. Istanbul, as a former center of two multi-nation empires, will provide an interesting sight and a source of great memories - whether you would like to study the old Byzantine culture or the Ottoman one. As the only city in the world that is placed on two continents, it is definitely worth a couple of visiting days. If you are less into culture and more into plain fun, Turkey's Mediterranean beaches are famous for their silky sand and blue waters.