While vanlife videos have been on mine and everyone's radar for some time, my eyes for solo backpacking was really opened by Christianne. I have been sat in lockdown for months dreaming, reading, watching travel content aspiring to explore and document my journey too! For someone with no travel experience, initial decisions are daunting. Therefore i ask the following question in a hope to find my starting point!
Where did you (or plan to) go for your first backpacking experience?
Sub Q's; Did you go solo? Highlights, lessons learnt? Air BnB/ Hostel? Working remotely/ finding casual work? Short/long term?
Thank you all x
I went on my first solo trip this Spring to Cuba, Nicaragua and Guatemala. While not being the typical destinations for first time trips, I had no problems at all. Cuba is not an ideal backpacking destination (a bit expensive, though manageable, and no hostels), but what an amazing experience. I loved being on my own discovering the country, and I really got to meet the Cubans in a different way being alone. They are very friendly, and because of the fact that they are very dependent on tourism, it is incredibly safe travelling there. Being solo I didn't even feel unsafe walking down dark alleys alone at night... Nicaragua has seen a major downfall in tourism because of political unstability some years ago, so there aren´t that many backpackers (but many more than on Cuba), even though the country felt just as safe as the others. Beautiful country with fun activities (think volcanoboarding and lava and volcanic lakes). Guatemala is a more popular backpacking destination. Being 19 I was the youngest the most of the time - most backpackers in Central America being in their mid-twenties. Probably my favourite country for backpacking of those three (even though I recommend them all). Incredible destinations ranging from active volcanoes (with lava) to one of the most beautiful lakes to jungle and Mayan ruins. They also have a Carribean coast, if you want some Carribean vibe without heading to one of the islands out there. Quite affordable as well.
If you do choose to go to Guatemala or Nicaragua, take a tour with Quetzaltrekkers. They are an NGO that help the local communities. The guides are professional and knowledgable, it is cheap, they have great tours, and there's a good vibe in the groups.