5 Backpacking Stop Points Across the Southern Hemisphere

photo from Flickr by: digitalpimp.

Backpacking through the Southern Hemisphere can feel like a bit of an odyssey. The weather is back to front (for those of us used to our winter in December) and everything seems a lot more rugged. If you’ve decided to go down below the equator, be sure to stop at the following backpacking hot-spots.

Bangkok

Flights to Thailand have always been very popular with backpackers. Once you arrive, and before embarking on your own ‘The Beach’ inspired island adventure, be sure to spend a few days in Bangkok to discover what all the fuss is about. Although drinking snake blood on the Khaosan Road may seem cliché, it is one of those experiences that you have to experience. If you don’t try it you will kick yourself later. Khaosan Road is a great place to meet other tourists, and many great travelling friendships have been formed here.

Australia

Heading on from Thailand, it’s easy to find Australia flights. There’s not one particular city or region of the land down under to recommend as a particular backpacker hotspot, as Australia itself is backpacker heaven. The country is vast, so when you’re not on the search for ‘goon’ (boxed wine) grab some friends, try to find a car, and embark on one of Australia’s famous road trips. It’s truly the only way to ‘go walkabout’ in the 21^st Century.

Christchurch

Backpackers heading onwards to Australia shouldn’t overlook Flights to New Zealand: the scenic land used for the shooting of Lord of the Rings has plenty to offer adrenaline junkies looking for their next fix, as well as diligent workers looking for their next WWOOFing opportunity. Take a break for a few days in Christchurch on the South Island: you can even stay in an award winning backpacker’s hostel that is a former jailhouse.

Rio de Janeiro

photo from Flickr by: paulgalbraith

Rio de Janeiro has been a favourite backpacker destination since travel began. A visit to the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is surely mandatory. The views of the city below are astounding. The ideal time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the Rio Carnival. Arguably one of the biggest parties in the world, this is the perfect place to dance the night away with beautiful Brazilians. Just remember to watch out for pickpockets.

Cape Town

It’s important to inject some culture into your trip. Visit South Africa to learn about apartheid, and the Nelson Mandela statue of Cape Town. You can also use your time to visit game reserves to meet with endangered species: and South Africa’s own Famous Five: Rhinoceros, elephants, buffalo, lion, and leopard.

James writes for cheap flights specialists Skyscanner.net. For more information about Skyscanner, check out the Skyscanner Wikipedia page.

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Aaron Bradford has written 62 articles. Aaron is the leader, mentor and chief geek of the Happytime team. He put together this crack team of travel writers known by codename “The Firm“. Twitter: @b4ubackpack | Google profile | More articles by Aaron