Interest in backpacking travel is on the rise in 2023 with Google searches up by 49% year-on-year, according to new findings from Post Office Travel Insurance.
The insurer partnered with travel expert Monica Stott, better known as The Travel Hack, who has travelled around Europe and Asia for over 11 years, to provide her backpacking and gap year recommendations.
Monica comments: “Choosing your gap year destinations is the most exciting part of planning your trip. Most backpackers choose destinations that are totally different to home, giving them a unique experience and an insight into new cultures, but it’s also important to choose destinations based on safety.”
Post Office Backpacker Travel Insurance is available for travellers aged 18 up to 60 years old. It covers one trip for up to 18 months. You can also return home for up to seven days on three occasions.
Paul Paddock Head of Travel and Protection at Post Office says: “Taking a gap year is one the most exciting trips an adventurer can experience in life, especially if you’re going backpacking.
“There are many excellent destinations to consider, as indicated in our previous Travel Safety Index. But even with those recommendations, it is vital to pick a suitable travel insurance cover before your trip whether it’s a backpacker, multi-trip or a single-trip policy to give you peace of mind whilst on your trip.”
Monica’s top five places to go backpacking are:
- Thailand
“Thailand has been a popular destination for backpackers for years thanks to the incredible beaches. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they know how to cook and throw a great party. Thailand is also affordable, and you’ll make friends with backpackers from all over.”
- Australia
“Australia is a great option for UK backpackers looking to earn some extra money while they travel. If you’re under 30 you can easily apply for a Working Holiday visa, which allows you to work for one year in Australia.
Try something new and work as a fruit picker in a rural farm, be a city slicker in Sydney or join the cool kids in Melbourne. I was scuba diving by day and waiting tables by night, the island life was a great way to save money.”
According to previous research done by the Post Office, Australia ranks the highest in a food safety. It also has a great connectivity, with a broadband speed of 87.34 mb/s, that is useful to stay in touch with close people while traveling.
- Bali
“Lots of backpackers will tag on a trip to Bali while they’re in Australia. Work your way around Australia and then spend those hard-earned dollars in Bali where you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck. It is an Instagram dream with infinity pools looking out over tropical jungles, waterfalls, white beaches, and romantic little huts tucked away in lush gardens. What’s not to love!?”
- New Zealand
“If you’re looking for adventure during your gap year, then New Zealand is the place to go. From exciting sports to awe-inspiring activities, you name it, New Zealand has it. British backpackers under 30 can also apply for a 23 month Working Holiday Visa so you can fund your travels as you travel.”
The wide variety of nearby medical facilities found in the Post Office research, as well as the highest (87) coverage index for essential health services, makes New Zealand a safe place in case of any medical emergencies.
- Slovenia
“Slovenia is one of the most affordable destinations I’ve visited as a backpacker. It’s also one of the most underrated and safest destinations in Europe. Explore beautiful cities like Ljubljana and natural attractions like Lake Bled for a fraction of the cost of other European countries.”
Slovenia was found to possess one of the lowest crime rate indexes among other countries, which is crucial to know before deciding on a gap year travel destination.
