Europe and Asia are two vastly different continents, each offering unique experiences for travelers. Europe captivates with its stunning architecture and rich diversity of cultures. Walking the streets of popular cities like Paris and Rome is certainly less of a cultural shock compared to cities like Bangkok. However, Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, is equally breathtaking with its turquoise waters and unique lifestyle, even though it’s quite different from what we’re used to in Canada.
In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of both destinations to help you decide which might be better suited for your first backpacking adventure.
Europe
Europe is generally the more expensive of the two continents, but in my opinion, it’s also the most “reassuring” choice for a first backpacking trip. English is widely spoken in most countries, and there’s a strong community of solo travelers year-round. Another advantage is that you can easily visit multiple countries during your trip. In contrast, exploring a single country in Asia can take 3–4 weeks due to the larger size of the countries.
Where to Go
For your first backpacking trip in Europe, I recommend Portugal, Spain, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro. While there are many other great countries in Europe, these recommendations are based on my personal experiences.
Countries I’ve Visited Solo and Always Felt Safe:
- Portugal: One of my favorite countries. The people are friendly, and it’s easy to travel between cities.
- Spain: Ideal for partying and meeting new people.
- Albania: A beautiful and underrated country that’s also very affordable.
- Montenegro: Similar to Albania—stunning and budget-friendly.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: This country deeply moved me with its rich history and impact on my perspective. It’s also very affordable.
Country I Visited with Friends:
- Italy: A larger country with more dispersed cities to explore. It’s a classic destination but might be less enjoyable if traveling alone.
Cost Estimate:
- For Portugal, Spain, and Italy, expect to spend around $60-$70 CAD per day (including hostel, food, and transportation). Prices can vary by country, and it’s generally cheaper if you travel during the less touristy seasons. During the summer, hostel prices increase significantly.
- For Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia, you can budget around $30-$40 CAD per day. Hostels are much cheaper, with prices around $15-$20 per night in June and July, which is excellent for Europe during the summer.
Pros of Europe:
- You can visit multiple countries even on a short trip, thanks to the continent’s compact size. The proximity of countries is one of Europe’s biggest advantages. For example, you can wake up in France and go to sleep in Spain—a truly unique experience!
- Traveling between countries is easy with platforms like Omio.
- Europe is rich in history, no matter which city you’re in.
- It’s relatively close to Canada—Portugal is only a 6-hour flight from Montreal.
- The cultural familiarity with Canada means you won’t feel too disoriented.
- Activities in Europe tend to focus more on history and culture, such as visiting museums, exploring Roman temples, and wandering through centuries-old castles and cathedrals.
Cons of Europe:
- Prices can be high, especially during the summer when hostel and restaurant costs soar.
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Asia
Asia is my favorite continent, offering a distinct way of life, warm climates, and diverse activities. Contrary to some stereotypes, Asia is where I’ve always felt the most comfortable and safe as a traveler. However, given the size of the countries, a typical trip might only allow you to explore one or two countries fully.
Where to Go
For your first backpacking trip in Asia, I recommend Indonesia (Bali, Gili Trawangan, and Nusa Penida) and the Philippines. These are the two countries I’ve explored solo, and I had an amazing time in both.
- The Philippines: My favorite country. With so many islands, you can tailor your trip to your interests. The food, people, hostels, and landscapes are incredible. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the Philippines.
- Bali: Bali is incredible, largely due to the welcoming and kind locals. This makes it an ideal destination for a first solo trip. The lifestyle is easygoing, and there’s something for everyone. I went to Bali to relax, while Jezabel went to explore, party, and meet new people. She was never bored.
Cost Estimate:
- In both countries, you can get by on $30-$40 CAD per day. Hostels are around $10 per night, and food is very affordable.
Pros of Asia:
- The cost of living is significantly lower than in Canada. You can enjoy a delicious meal for just $5 CAD.
- Traveling within countries is easy using apps like Grab or Gojek for scooter and car rides, and 12Go Asia for trains, buses, ferries, and flights.
- Since you typically focus on one or two countries per trip, you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture without feeling rushed.
- Activities in Asia tend to focus more on religion and natural beauty. You can explore stunning temples, embark on scooter loops, enjoy snorkeling trips in crystal-clear waters, and discover hidden lagoons.
Cons of Asia:
- Getting to Asia from Canada can take at least two days.
- The time difference is substantial—Indonesia is 12 hours ahead of Montreal, which can be a tough adjustment.
- English is less widely spoken, making communication with locals more challenging.
- The cultural differences are more pronounced, which might make you feel disoriented.
- If you want to visit multiple countries, you’ll likely need to take flights, as overland travel isn’t always possible (e.g., you can’t travel from Indonesia to the Philippines by bus).
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped clarify your decision. No matter which continent you choose for your first backpacking trip, you won’t regret it. If you’re looking for more information about the countries in these two continents, be sure to check out our Asia and Europe sections at the top of the blog. If you still have questions and would like more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram or TikTok, or send us an email at yourfavoritecanadiangirl@gmail.com !
What’s Next?
Now that you know where to go for your first backpacking trip, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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