The Top Backpacking Hotspots Around the World

Backpacking Winners List

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Backpackers are a legendary breed of intrepid travelers. Exploring new cultures and places with abandon and without dropping a fortune on luxury hotel accommodations or some of the other high-end trappings that so many other travelers are beholden to.

However, even when backpacking around the globe there are some logistical details to consider. For instance, you want to ensure that you're safe; and that you obtain good prices for your budget and have access to the internet when necessary. So, where in the world can you get all of this?

The researchers at Globehunters recently engaged in a serious amount of research to identify what they consider to be the world's top backpacking hotspots based on all of those factors. Read on to find out what they deem to be the best backpacking countries in the world.

Finland

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Finland came in number one in the study, thanks in large part to being a place where the household internet score is a stellar 87.8 percent, while 3G coverage is 99.9 percent. The country also scored high on the Global Peace Index, making a particularly safe place to travel. And it regularly comes at the top of the World Happiness Index.

Denmark

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Denmark follows closely behind Finland when it comes to places backpackers should put at the top of their list. The level of household internet coverage is a stellar 93.7 percent, while 3G coverage is a whopping 100 percent. The country also appears to rank well for safety.

Canada

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The leader among the North American options, it's no surprise Canada does so well. Our friendly neighbors to the north are known for not only being a safe and peaceful country, but also for their concern for the environment and thoughtful political leadership. Canada also has 99.5 percent 3G coverage and a household internet score of 87.4 percent.

Czech Republic

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Next up, the Czech Republic, which was found to have a household internet score of 77.16 percent and 3G coverage of 99.4 percent. The country's ranking on the Global Peace Index (which is the source for the data's safety scores) is even higher than that of Denmark and Finland.

Sweden

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Yet another Nordic country scoring well, which is not exactly surprising given how much emphasis the countries place on the quality of life. In Sweden, the household internet coverage is 93 percent, 3G coverage is 100 percent, and its ranking on the Global Peace Index puts is in the "high" category, making it a safe place to travel.

The Netherlands

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In the Netherlands, the household internet coverage is a notable 96.15 percent, while 3G coverage is 99 percent and it ranked in the "high" category on the Global Peace Index.

Austria

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Another European destination in the top 10, Austria receives high marks as well for its internet coverage and 3G network, earning scores of 88.79 percent and 98 percent respectively. It's ranking on the Global Peace Index is in the high category.

United Arab Emirates

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While the United Arab Emirates might not necessarily be the first place that comes to mind for backpackers, according to Globehunters it should be a top choice, that is if Internet and 3G are among your driving factors. Household internet levels in the country are 96.94 percent and 3G coverage is 100 percent. The country's ranking on the Global Peace Index is also in the high category.

Australia

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Backpackers will find 99.4 percent 3G coverage in Australia and household internet levels of 86.11 percent. The country's ranking on the Global Peace Index meanwhile, is in the "very high" category.

Singapore

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Singapore rounds out the top ten destinations backpackers should keep in mind, according to Globehunters. "Singaporeans feel the most secure and believe that they have higher levels of order and peace than any other neighbors," states the report. Just make sure you don't litter while you're there, or discard your chewing gum in the wrong place.

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Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

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Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me