Hands up who’s already mentally spent their Christmas money on next year’s adventures? We know you’re all as totally travel obsessed as we are, which is why we’ve put together this hand-picked list of the best backpacking destinations for 2020, based on the biggest growth in bookings in the last twelve months. No travel clichés here friends – from paradise islands to underrated African cities, laid-back surfing towns to isolated mountain retreats, it’s time to start planning where in the world we’re heading next year. Spoiler alert: it’s far from the beaten track.
1. Nusa Penida – Indonesia
📸 :@giuliciu
Move over Bali, this new kid on the block is our top backpacking destination for 2020! Nusa Penida is an Indonesian island southeast of the famous backpacker haven, most known for the curved cliffs and unspoilt bay of gorgeous Kelingking Beach. This awe-inspiring sight is Nusa Penida’s star attraction, but there’s no end of magical experiences to be had on this incredible island. From attending prayer service in a sacred cave halfway up a mountain, to hiking to an abandoned treehouse turned insane lookout point and then swimming with playful giant manta rays, every moment is an adventure on Nusa Penida. Throw in those legendary Indonesian sunsets and plenty of ‘warungs’ serving delicious local food for pennies, and it’ll soon become obvious why it’s our number one backpacker hotspot for 2020.
An island paradise calls for a hostel of the same calibre, and Nuansa Penida Hostel doesn’t disappoint. It’s a boutique hostel with gorgeous bungalows, a beautiful Bali-esque pool and outdoor social spaces where you can enjoy your free daily breakfast. When you’re ready to explore the island, rent a moped from the hostel and do it in style!
2. Trondheim – Norway
📸 :Simon Williams on Unsplash
Scandinavia is as cool as it gets, but if you want to score serious hipster points then don’t just visit the big hitters like Oslo and Copenhagen. Vibrant Trondheim is one of the best backpacking destinations for 2020. A creative student city, it has a massive craft beer and local food scene, which you can sample at the many cafes and restaurants in the pedestrianised city centre. It’s full of prime Insta content, like the classic Scandi-style colourful buildings along the waterfront… just save some space in your camera roll for the towering gothic cathedral! As the first capital of Norway, this city is packed full of history for you to discover. You can even tick off a bucket list experience by seeing the Northern Lights here between September to March. So, what are you waiting for?
To save some bucks in this pricey city (that’s Scandinavia for you), Trondheim Vandrerhjem is the best budget accommodation option. It’s minimalistic but has everything you need, with comfy beds, a fully equipped kitchen and a communal TV area to mingle with other guests. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the centre of Trondheim, with a quiet location up a hill and great views of the city!
3. Isfahan – Iran
📸 :@travelstan
Iran needs to be on your backpacking itinerary for 2020 and the city of Isfahan is our top pick – there’s a reason the old Persian proverb calls it ‘half the world’! Pictures of unbelievable Iranian architecture have probably already sparked your wanderlust, and you’ll find Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square to be a treasure trove. With the iconic blue-tiled Imam Mosque, the dazzling Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the royal Ali Qapu Palace all in one place, your eyeballs (and camera lens) will be spoilt for choice. If you can handle being blown away even more, the 1,000-year-old Grand Bazaar totally lives up to its name, with intricately tiled ceilings, lantern-lit passageways and colourful courtyards. Stop for a cup of Persian chai and just take it all in!
Iranian hospitality is world-famous, and Rag Rug Hostel has it in shedloads. They offer free daily walking tours, where your hosts will teach you about the city’s history, plus free Iranian breakfasts. The hostel is decorated in Persian tiles, and it has a beautiful leafy garden and a rooftop terrace with views over the city streets.
4. Buenaventura – Colombia
Colombia has transformed the world’s perception of it in recent years, nowhere less so than Buenaventura. Only a few years ago this Pacific Coast city was regarded as the most dangerous in the country, but now it’s an increasingly popular spot that’s set to be one of the best backpacking destinations of 2020. Though Buenaventura is packed full of lively salsa bars, Afro-Colombian seafood restaurants and waterfront entertainment, the city itself isn’t actually the main attraction – we’re most interested in the unspoilt beaches, tropical jungle and natural pools that surround it! Compared to the rest of the country, this area is still relatively under the radar, so you can enjoy surfing and beachfront cocktails minus the crowds of Colombia’s more famous destinations. Don’t miss a night-time cave swim with fluorescent plankton – an experience you’ll never forget.
For the ultimate peaceful stay, choose Pacifico Hostel. It’s surrounded by virgin jungle and has its own private beach(!!), overlooked by a funky open-air bar. They choose sustainable options like growing their own veg and running their bathrooms with rain water, and they’ll lend you a kayak to explore the nearby mangroves. We’re starting to think city life is overrated.
5. Sendai – Japan
📸 :Rogério Toledo on Unsplash
Travellers will head to Japan in 2020 for the Tokyo Olympics, but if you’re not one to follow the crowds then Sendai is a great alternative. It’s made the list as one of next year’s best backpacking destinations. The best time to explore this modern city is in August, when the streets come alive for Tanabata Matsuri on the 6th-8th. This lively festival is held on the days when the stars Altair and Vega cross paths, and features live music, traditional dance, street food, fireworks, and most famously, thousands of colourful streamers decorating the city. If you can’t manage to time your visit to coincide with this, Sendai is still well worth a visit. It’s got bustling markets, wonderfully random nightlife options and a long list of impressive temples and shrines to check out.
Combining two of our favourite things, Orit Hostel & Café Bar Lounge has an on-site coffee shop with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s perfect for solo travellers on the hunt for new travel buddies, or digital nomads needing a quiet space to chill with their laptops. The facilities are super modern, and there’s a terrace to enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the city.
Nashy Panda 