Travel light. Travel cheap. Be free. If this is your philosophy of travelling, then there’s a good chance you’re a backpacker.

You might take on a bit of discomfort, but for that you have the versatility to head out to many places only backpackers can discover. Here are five top backpacking destinations that will fit your needs:

Thailand and Southeast Asia

Thailand is unquestionably the classic budget-travel destination in Southeast Asia, and has been for more than 30 years.

“Mass tourism does dominate many places, but there are still islands and beaches to discover,” says one German travel blogger and Southeast Asia specialist, Stefan Diener.

And those really wanting to avoid the crowds might find Vietnam a great alternative, citing the open-air tourism buses, the rail line along the coast and cheap cook shops and well worth experiencing.

India and Sri Lanka

India is more a continent than just a country, a destination of rich colours and many facets, often creating a culture shock for first-time Western travellers. But it’s also extremely affordable to travel in.

“India offers cheap transportation, great food at low prices and a good price-to-quality ratio for its rooms,” says Diener.

But he also advises not to overlook Sri Lanka, the island-nation just off India’s southern coast. It offers paradise-like beaches, scenic high-elevation tea plantations and a great many temples and cultural sites.

Morocco

For many people considering a journey near Europe, the proximity of North African destinations don’t immediately come to mind.

And yet, as near as it is, the culture in destinations like Morocco is far removed from Europe. The further off the beaten mass-tourism paths you venture, the more you will experience at very little cost.

South Africa and Tanzania

South Africa has a capable infrastructure offering relatively cheap hostels, though still more expensive when compared with Asia.Many backpackers these days find themselves heading to Tanzania. With the Serengeti park, Mount Kilimanjaro and the island of Zanzibar, this country has a lot to offer. Prices are low, but this also comes with less practical infrastructure compared to South Africa.

Bolivia

A showcase for nature’s miracles, South America has a lot to offer, and Bolivia in particular has a landscape of great variety.

“Within just a few miles you can go from the wild jungle where jaguars are hunting tapirs, to the Altiplano, or high plateau, at 3,600 metres elevation,” says a blogger who spent two years backpacking around South America.

Further highlights of Bolivia are the salt desert Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca. A room there will cost around US$2 (Bt70) a night, underscoring Bolivia’s reputation as one of the continent’s most affordable destinations.