Top 5 Backpacking Destinations We Desperately Wish We Were Right Now
Travel is usually associated with adventure and discovery but it’s no secret that, this year, the concept of travel has taken on new weight and doesn’t inspire quite the same excitement that it would have at another time. At More than a backpack, we love to travel, and the lack of it has left us feeling a little nostalgic. We wish we could be out there exploring but, for now, we’ll have settle for what might be in the future. The team have compiled a top five list of our favorite backpacking destinations we desperately wish we were at.
- The Drakensberg, South Africa
Cool and dry, but absolutely teeming with life, the Drakensberg (Afrikaans for “Dragon’s Mountain”) is named for its long, jagged peaks and valleys, taking the shape of a giant dragons crested back. This dragon lies at the border between South Africa and the tiny, enclaved nation of Lesotho. The nearest city isn’t for two hundred miles, so to step out there and enjoy the peace and quiet in the shadow of these giant hulking peaks is an experience to be sure. Don’t worry about being jumped by lions or leopards though – all big game like that are kept safe in game reserves. You’ll see plenty of buck, a few zebras and lots of monkeys though, so be careful! More than one sandwich has been lost to those sneaky devils.
- The Alps, France
Whether you’re somewhere hot or cold, the winter months always bring snow to mind. Right now, the French Alps are covered with it, along with vast forests, glaciers and gorgeous little towns to be explored. Ready for a winter hike? We wish we could! A mug of hot chocolate at the peak of Mont-Blanc and some fondue and a stein of beer at the foot sounds like a dream right now.
- Yosemite National Park, California
As far from wintery as you can get, Yosemite National Park in California is hot, dry and beautiful. Great wooded peaks with gigantic redwood trees and white waterfalls make for an incredible path, no matter the direction you take. Stick to those paths, however, as bears and mountain lions roam freely in the park. There are rangers who can tell you where to go and where to avoid. A sight to be seen, all the same.
- Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska’s biggest city, with 40% of the state’s population, Anchorage serves as a base camp for exploration of a variety of National and State parks and preserved wilderness. After the year we’ve all had, there’s something tempting about a wander in the wilderness, at least for a little while. Huge mountains, green plains, volcanoes and glaciers are all within walking distance – if you’re willing to walk far. Fortunately, there’s plenty of space in which to do so.
- Hobbiton, New Zealand
For those wanting to get away, not just from this year, but from this world altogether right now, there’s Hobbiton in matamata, New Zealand. The actual set used in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies, the “town” is fully preserved and maintained to transport you to another world, one of fantasy and magic. The films themselves are as good an advertisement as any for the beauty of the country, with green lands and mountains, as far as the eye can see. Sign me up, Mr Frodo!
We hope this list has given you a bit of inspiration for your travel planning. We can’t wait to get back out there and see the world again!