Having roamed independently through 65 countries, I’ve learned that travel isn’t about rushing from one landmark to the next. It’s about soaking in the atmosphere, diving into local stories, and letting places change you. As a guy from New Orleans, where culture and soul run deep, I’ve found kindred spirits and unforgettable moments scattered across the globe.
Here are my top 20 countries to backpack through — each one a unique chapter in my story, filled with wild adventures, heartfelt encounters, and landscapes that steal your breath.
20) Laos — Time Travel in a Jungle Paradise
Laos feels like stepping into a world frozen in time, where jungles stretch endlessly and ox carts still lumber down dusty roads. Vientiane, the sleepy capital, drifts along the brown Mekong River like an afternoon daydream. Upstream, Luang Prabang is a living meditation — a beautifully preserved colonial town buzzing with culture and spirit.
Vang Vieng, once a wild tubing party hub nestled among mystical limestone karsts, tested my liver’s limits and my body’s willingness to launch off homemade rope swings. The landscape there is surreal, a perfect backdrop for youthful recklessness and soul-searching.
19) Norway — Nature’s Epic Masterpiece
Norway is pure Scandinavian wonder. Jagged, frozen peaks cascade into fjords thick with waterfalls — every scene more breathtaking than the last. Bergen, the ancient Viking port, feels like a live museum, while the surrounding fjordlands seem plucked from myth.
I drank from crystalline waterfalls, danced on cliff edges above yawning canyons, and even skydived into Voss, a picturesque town hugged by mountains. Camping beneath a sky bursting with stars, I was reminded how small we truly are — and how grand the world can be.
18) Cambodia — A Triumph of Spirit
Emerging from one of history’s darkest tragedies, Cambodia is possibly the warmest, happiest place you’ll find. Despite being one of the poorest countries I’ve visited, the spirit of its people is rich beyond measure.
Angkor Wat’s sprawling temples hold endless secrets; getting lost there for days was a humbling, awe-inspiring experience. Siem Reap’s nightlife bursts with new friends and laughter. Beyond the cities, endless rice paddies invite quiet reflection, while Khmer Rouge memorials force brutal contemplation.
17) Chile — Adventure Etched in Every Landscape
Chile stretches like a wild scar between the Pacific and the Andes, packed with landscapes that feel ripped from a fantasy novel. I’ll never forget the surreal 12-hour bike ride through the Valle de la Luna, accompanied by wild dogs and the strange magic of the desert.
Santiago pulses with urban life amid crumbling colonial mansions, while Valparaiso’s walls tell stories in vivid murals. From Atacama’s high deserts to Patagonia’s raw wilderness, Chile invites you to dive deep and lose yourself.
16) Switzerland — The Art of Living Well
Switzerland is everything they say and then some. The Alps are a pristine dreamland, scattered with charming villages where life is lived slowly and well. Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken — these towns are fairytale perfect.
One unforgettable day, I took a gondola to the base of the Matterhorn, then sprinted eight hours back to Zermatt through medieval glades, stopping for fondue and snacks along the way. But be warned — Switzerland’s beauty comes with a hefty price tag: expect $30 burgers and $200 train rides.
15) Japan — Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Japan is the ultimate paradox: ancient shrines and temples guarding millennia of culture, neon lights pulsing with the future. Tokyo’s streets buzz with energy yet stay orderly, while Kyoto’s zen gardens bring peace to the soul.
I walked beneath cherry blossoms in Arashiyama, feeling time pause; I feasted on takoyaki in Osaka’s bustling streets, tasting the city’s soul. The Shinkansen whisked me across the country in hours, delivering a whirlwind of history and modernity.
14) Peru — Mystical Mountains and Ancient Echoes
Peru is a spiritual baptism. Machu Picchu’s morning mist breathes history; the Andes’ cold winds carry mystery. Cusco’s stone walls whisper Inca grandeur, while Lima blends old and new vibrantly.
I trekked the Inca Trail, body exhausted but spirit soaring — that sense of unity with nature and history stays with me. Every bite of Peruvian food bursts with primal passion, a flavor imprint of the land itself.
13) Croatia — Adriatic Dreams and Ancient Streets
Croatia’s coastline is a Mediterranean jewel. Dubrovnik’s ancient walls glow gold at sunset, and wandering its cobbled streets feels like stepping into a medieval film. Split’s palace ruins speak of Roman legends.
I rode a scooter around Hvar island, the salty breeze mixing with pine scents, soaking in freedom and crystalline waters. Croatia’s beauty is an elegant mix of old world and vibrant modern life.
12) South Africa — Wild, Raw, and Unforgettable
South Africa is a collision of nature and culture. From Table Mountain’s panoramic views over Cape Town to tracking the Big Five in Kruger Park, every moment bursts with awe.
I tasted world-class wine in the Cape Winelands and photographed graffiti in Johannesburg’s street art hubs. South Africa’s raw diversity and fiery spirit call out to every adventurer.
11) Italy — Romance, History, and La Dolce Vita
Italy is romance personified. Rome’s Colosseum witnessed millennia; Venice’s canals cradle countless love stories; Tuscany’s vineyards intoxicate with beauty.
I got lost in Florence’s museums and basked in the Amalfi Coast’s sunshine. Italy’s cuisine and landscapes combine into pure happiness and lessons in slow living.
10) Thailand — Vibrant, Spiritual, and Delicious
Thailand is a sensory feast. Bangkok’s golden temples gleam, night markets buzz with flavor, and northern Chiang Mai offers serenity and spirit.
I dove coral reefs off the islands and feasted street-side, tasting life’s everyday joys. The warmth of Thai smiles felt like home, beckoning me to return.
9) New Zealand — Nature’s Playground
New Zealand is an adventurer’s dream. Endless green pastures meet snow-capped peaks and crystal lakes. I bungee-jumped in Queenstown and cruised Milford Sound’s fjords, breathing freedom and purity.
The land’s calm majesty quieted my city-born soul and healed it deeply.
8) Greece — Sun, Sea, and Timeless Legends
Greece is sunshine and myth. Santorini’s white walls and blue domes feel otherworldly; Athens’ Acropolis tells tales of ancient glory.
I wandered Mykonos’ winding alleys and drank by the sea at sunset. Greece’s history and nature blend into a feast for eyes and heart.
7) Mexico — Colorful, Festive, and Rich in Culture
Mexico is a carnival of colors and life. Mexico City’s museums and street art, Cancun’s white sands, Oaxaca’s festivals — everywhere bursts with vibrancy and deep culture.
I savored authentic tacos, joined Day of the Dead celebrations, and felt the land’s fierce passion and resilience.
6) Australia — Wild Coastlines and Urban Cool
Australia offers vast beaches and unique wildlife. Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge shine as icons, while the Great Barrier Reef dazzles divers.
I surfed the Gold Coast and hiked Tasmania’s forests. Australia’s blend of nature and city life invites endless exploration.
5) Spain — Passionate, Historic, and Delicious
Spain is a land of passion. Barcelona’s Gaudí buildings burst with color, Madrid’s museums captivate, and Seville’s flamenco ignites the soul.
I sipped sangria in cozy bars and danced in street festivals, soaking life’s fiery art and zest.
4) Vietnam — Stunning Landscapes and Warm Hearts
Vietnam offers breathtaking nature and rich culture. Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands dazzle, Hanoi’s Old Quarter bustles with life.
I slurped pho roadside and zipped through cities and countryside on a motorbike. Vietnamese hospitality warmed every mile.
3) France — Elegance, Art, and Culinary Delights
France is the temple of romance and art. Paris’ Eiffel Tower and Louvre mesmerize; Provence’s lavender fields charm.
I sipped café au lait at Parisian cafés and strolled along the Seine. France’s elegance and culture fill the very air.
2) Indonesia — Island Magic and Cultural Richness
Indonesia is a magical archipelago. Bali’s beaches and temples enchant; Java’s volcanoes and ruins awe.
I snorkeled around Nusa Lembongan and soaked up diverse island cultures. Indonesia dazzles with color and spirit.
1) Portugal — Hidden Gem of Europe
Portugal is my secret European paradise. Lisbon’s trams wind through ancient streets; Porto’s wine and colorful buildings enchant.
I wandered the Algarve coast and savored fresh seafood. The relaxed pace and warm people made me fall in love again and again.
There you go — 20 countries, each one a vibrant chapter in my backpacking journey. Every trip brought laughs, sweat, tears, and endless stories. Hope you find your own spark in these places and set off on your own adventure soon.