My top 5 favourite travel destinations so far

(So far!) – From a solo female backpacker

As a solo female backpacker travelling on a budget, I’ve been lucky enough to explore some pretty unforgettable corners of the world. So, these are the five destinations that have truly left their mark on me, not just because of their beauty, but because of how they made me feel, what I learned and the memories I made along the way.

1. A whole different world in China

China was unlike anywhere I have ever been before. It pushed me way out of my comfort zone and I absolutely loved it. From the bustling energy of Beijing to the spicy eats in Chengdu. The food was next-level delicious and it was also one of the most affordable trips I’ve ever done. The people in China are so friendly and willing to share their culture. They’re also so happy to meet you too. Watching the way they live their life in cities and the countryside really gives you a perspective on the finer things in life.

And not to sound dramatic, but I do think my life changed for the better in Xi’an, where I tried Bieng Bieng noodles for the first time. The whole trip was an adventure from start to finish. I decided to do a group tour with Intrepid Travel and I’m so happy that I did that. China isn’t the easiest country to navigate as a solo traveller. Everything is so different to the Western world down to the way you pay for things. Also, English isn’t widely spoken and the culture is very different from what I was used to, but going with a group made it so much more accessible. Being in a group was a safety blanket as I explored somewhere so different from home. However, saying that, I have met a number of people who did China by themselves and were absolutely fine.

Would I go back? 100% and I now feel way more confident to tackle it solo. China is so big as well, so there are other areas in the country that I would like to visit.

2. A natural wonderland in New Zealand

After doing some research, I ended up signing up for a group tour with Intro Travel to explore New Zealand for a few weeks and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I have only done a few group tours in my time, but this is the best one I’ve done by far. The tour took us from Auckland to Queenstown, with unforgettable stops in Rotorua, Hobbiton, Lake Taupo, Wanaka and Milford Sound.

New Zealand is honestly a dream for nature lovers. Think snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and more sheep than you can count. It felt like every single day we were discovering a new postcard-worthy view. New Zealand has such an incredible history and culture. It was refreshing to see the amount of respect and acknowledgement for their natives.

The group vibe was awesome too, I made some great friends along the way. New Zealand is such a special place with an incredible heritage that the country is so proud of and ready to share with you.

3. Culture, calm & chaos in Japan

Japan completely stole my heart. The technology, the food and the incredible culture. I spent six weeks there and it wasn’t enough! I started with a two-week tour with TruTravels, we went to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Koyasan, where we stayed in a temple with Buddhist monks. Then I headed to Okinawa to chill and work for three weeks (aka the Hawaii of Japan). Okinawa is stunning and there are so many beautiful islands to explore. I wrapped up with a week in Fukuoka, where I ate my body weight in ramen and experienced my first-ever earthquake.

4. A raw & real experience in Vietnam

Vietnam was a trip I did with my best friend, travelling from Hanoi all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City. What struck me most was how authentic it felt. Vietnamese people don’t cater to tourists in the same way you might find elsewhere. They just live their lives, and we get to witness that. It made the whole experience feel real and unfiltered.

There were so many beautiful places to visit, from Ha Long Bay to the Cu Chi Tunnels and so many new experiences. Vietnam was the first time I really felt out of my comfort zone, but in a great way. Although a miscommunication at a hotpot restaurant led us to be served a raw brain.

The highlight? The Ha Giang Loop. If you know, you know. Winding roads through towering mountains, friendly locals waving from the side of the road, and the kind of freedom you only get on a motorbike.

5. Australia is a place that feels like home

Australia is a place that will always have a piece of my heart. I have a lot to say about it after spending nearly two years there overall. I lived and worked in both Melbourne and Cairns, spent a few amazing months working remotely in Broome, and travelled the iconic East Coast on a classic backpacker trip.

Obviously, I can’t sit here and tell you about everywhere I went and did over those two years, so here are some highlights.

• A Broome to Melbourne road (Greyhound bus trip) trip via Darwin, Alice Springs, Uluru (with Mulgas Tour) and Adelaide.
• A solo Tasmania road trip.
• A tour from Perth to Esperance and another from Perth to Exmouth.

What I love most about Australia is how much there is outside the cities. The landscapes are jaw-dropping from red desert to turquoise oceans, and there’s this laid-back energy that just makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.

So there you have it, 5 of my favourite destinations so far…

You might notice that all of these destinations are in Asia or Oceania and that’s no accident. That’s the part of the world I’ve explored most so far, but I know my list will evolve as I travel more. South America, Europe, Africa and my ultimate goal, Antarctica, I am coming for you!

Until then, these five places represent some of the best moments of my backpacking life. If you’re planning your own trip, I hope this gives you some inspiration or at least a few ideas to add to your list!