A full-time traveler who wants to visit every country in the world has revealed the best destinations for aspiring backpackers.
Veteran backpacker Tom Grond quit his government job eleven years ago and has been traveling ever since.
The 39-year-old from the Netherlands has now traveled to more than 159 countries, documenting his adventures on his blog TravelTomTom and on various social media platforms.
His nomadic lifestyle has attracted many people and inspired people to embark on their own journeys and visit pristine corners of the world.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, Tom revealed some “cheap” and “affordable” places first-time travelers should visit – and revealed which ones to avoid.
Experienced traveler Tom Grond (pictured) shared his recommendations for places beginners should explore. Here the 39-year-old is pictured in Bali, Indonesia
The Dutch-born traveler said he always advises new travelers to visit Southeast Asia, explaining that the region is “aimed at tourism, youth and backpackers.” Above you can see Tom exploring Bali on a motorcycle
Tom said: “When it comes to taking your first steps into the big world of travel, I always recommend South East Asia.”
The traveler explained that the region, The program covers 11 countries, including popular destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, and is “aimed at tourism, youth and backpackers”.
He said, “Traveling in Southeast Asia is just hassle-free.” “You don’t have to be an experienced traveler.”
One of the main reasons travel is so easy, according to Tom, is that “it’s so cheap.”
He claimed that anyone can afford a trip to Southeast Asia if they save money, making Southeast Asia an ideal destination for first-time travelers.
“Safety is another reason it’s such a popular and sought-after destination,” added Tom, explaining that hundreds of thousands of other backpackers are all exploring the same region.
Tom said anyone can afford to enjoy South East Asia if they “save money” – claiming the region is “so cheap”. He is pictured here at the Oniria Resort in Bali
Tom praised the region’s simplicity, saying: “The weather is good and you don’t need to bring a lot of clothes.”
He said travelers can enjoy the “island life” and bring essentials.
“Save money and then travel to the countries that are affordable and avoid the expensive ones,” he said, adding that Nepal and Pakistan are among his personal favorite travel destinations.
He said both countries have “beautiful landscapes” and “super hospitable people” who are always “friendly and open to strangers.”
While exploring luxury destinations may seem tempting to inexperienced travelers, Tom explains that they are often too expensive to enjoy.
Tom said Nepal and Pakistan are some of his personal favourites. He is pictured above in Pakistan at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore
Tom advised would-be backpackers to avoid countries like Hawaii (pictured) and Australia as they are “too expensive” to enjoy
Comparing Australia to Southeast Asia, he said: “Australia is way too expensive and there really isn’t much to see or do.”
In addition, he described Hawaii as another expensive and overrated destination to visit as a beginner backpacker.
Recounting his own experience when he visited the US state, he said: “I went to Hawaii and thought ‘Wow, this is amazing’, but after five days I thought there was no point in staying here , because I didn’t have enough money to enjoy it. .’
He added that first-time travelers should also avoid the Middle East because “it’s more complicated and often very expensive.”
He said Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey, Syria and Iran were “really cool destinations” and explained: “You have to be a more experienced traveller.” There is more of a culture shock.
Tom cautioned first-time travelers from Middle Eastern countries, which he says are “more complicated” to navigate. He is pictured on the left in the Krak des Chevaliers, a medieval castle in Syria, and on the right in Turkey
“You can’t do what you want, you have to follow the rules and as a first time traveler it’s a bit more complicated.”
He said: “All the other continents are a bit more complicated, so I always send everyone on their first trip to Southeast Asia.”
Tom went on to argue that Southeast Asia has “beautiful landscapes and mountains that you won’t see anywhere else.”
He added: “The culture is very fascinating and the people are very welcoming.”
For more information from Tom, check out his blog at www.traveltomtom.net.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
