The world is your oyster, but where do you start? First time backpackers may be a little apprehensive about the whole experience and your gut is probably knotted with a blend of excitement and nerves. You want to get out there and explore, but dont want to stray too far from civilised toilets, the Internet and stomach-settling food. These three countries allow you to sample the freedom that backpacking can offer, without drifting too far into the unknown.
Australia: The Aussies have been welcoming backpackers for decades and now have it down to a t. Their hostels have Internet cafes, kitchens, launderettes, TV rooms, different sized dorms, single sex dorms and single and double rooms.
Public transport is easy to follow and cheap and students get discount left, right and centre. There are too many tour-ops specialising in backpacker trips to mention and the activities that you can sample are almost limitless.
The icing on the cake is the heavily travelled backpacker route along the east coast. You will easily make friends and youll bump into them again and again as you make your way around this massive country.
Thailand: Beautiful beaches, ancient monuments and colourful culture make Thailand a backpacker favourite and the ultimate traveller destination. Since the 1970s when hippies first started expanding their minds in the region the country has come on in leaps and bounds.
Although its now been westernised to a degree, with McDonalds and Starbucks everywhere and even a Tesco on Koh Samui, this doesnt detract from its beauty and infectious culture. The people can never do too much to help, hostels although basic are very cheap and well located, usually right on the beach. You will really feel as though you have escaped the western world whilst managing to retain many of its luxuries such as electricity and toilets although these can be a little hit in miss in the most rural areas.
South Africa: Africa, as a continent, is unfairly blighted by struggles and strife but when you meet its people you will find it hard to understand why. They are arguably the most generous people in the world, even more remarkable when most of them have very little.
Travelling around is cheap and straightforward, with numerous companies already set up to transport backpackers from hostel to game reserve to beach. The landscape is outstanding and there is so much to see and do from big five game viewing to learning to surf, you will be hard pushed to get bored and your money seems to last forever.
Remember though, backpackers are a high-risk group of travellers so its better prepare for the unknown by sorting out adequate insurance. This way you can relax and enjoy every minute of your adventure.