Europe and Asia are two very different continents, but they both offer so much. Follow along as I tell you the pros and cons of both places and some reasons why one of them may be better for you than the other one.
Europe
Europe is the most expensive choice of the 2 continents, but in my opinion, it is the most “reassuring” for a first backpacking trip. People in most countries speak English very well and there are so many solo travelers no matter the season. If you choose to go to Europe, you can also go to more than one country. In Asia, it takes about 3–4 weeks to fully explore a country, since they are so much bigger than in Europe.
Where to go
The countries that I recommend for your first backpacking trip are Portugal, Spain, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Montenegro. Of course, there are many more countries in Europe, but I haven’t visited all of them yet. That’s why I am giving you my opinion on what I experienced.
Countries I have visited solo and always felt safe:
- Portugal is one of my favorite countries. The people are so nice, and it’s easy to get around different cities.
- Spain is a great country for partying and meeting lots of people.
- Albania is an underestimated country that is absolutely beautiful and inexpensive.
- Montenegro is honestly the same as Albania, underestimated and inexpensive.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the countries that touched me the most because of its grand history. This country had a positive impact on me. Once again, not expensive.
The country I visited with friends:
- Italy is a bigger country with more dispersed cities to visit. It remains a classic to do, but it is perhaps less “fun” alone.
For an estimate, I would say that with Portugal, Spain and Italy, it would cost you around $60-$70 (CAD) per day (hostel, food, transportation included). It varies from country to country. However, the majority revolves around that IF you travel in a less touristy season. In summer, prices are much more expensive for hostels.
For Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia, I would say around $30-40 (CAD) per day. Hostels are way less expensive. I went in June and July and prices were around $15-20 per night (which is excellent for Europe in the summer).
Pros of Europe
- Like I said, you will be able to travel in more than one country, even if your trip is only 2 weeks. Europe has so many countries, and most of them are very small. That’s my favorite part of this continent. The proximity of other countries. You can wake up in France and go to sleep in Spain, I find that to be insane!
- Very easy to travel from country to country by using Omio.
- Lots of history no matter the city you are in.
- Europe is close to Canada. Portugal is only a 6 hours flight from Montreal.
- It feels a lot like Canada. You won’t be disoriented.
Cons of Europe
- The prices. During the summer, the prices for hostels and food in restaurants can be very expensive.
Asia
Asia is my favorite continent: the way of living, thinking, the temperature, the activities… I would always recommend Asia to new travelers because contrary to certain stereotypes, it is THE continent I always felt good and safe in. If you choose to go to Asia, depending on the length of your trip, you may only be able to visit 1 country. It takes about 3–4 weeks to fully explore a country since they are so much bigger than in Europe.
The countries that I recommend for your first backpacking trip are Indonesia (Bali, Gili Trawangan & Nusa Penida) & the Philippines. These are the only 2 countries that I have done solo and I had a great time.
The Philippines is my favorite country. There are so many islands. You can choose depending on your interests. The food, the people, the hostels, and the landscapes are amazing. There’s no way you’ll go to the Philippines and not love it.
Bali is also incredible. What makes this country so wonderful is the locals. They are so welcoming and kind. This is one of the reasons why I consider Bali to be the best destination for a first solo trip. You will always feel safe. Life there is very easy to follow. There are so many activities to do for everyone. I (Léonie) went to Bali for relaxation and calm, and it was exactly what I needed. Jezabel went to explore, party and make friends. Let me tell you she was never bored.
For an estimate, I would say that with a good $30-40 (CAD), you are doing very well in both countries. Hostels are around $10 a night and the food is very reasonable
Pros of Asia
- The cost of life is so cheap compared to Canada. You can eat a full delicious meal with only 5$ CAD.
- Very easy to travel by using Grab or Gojek (Scooter and/or car rides) and 12Go Asia (Train, buses, ferries, transfers and flights everywhere).
- When you travel in Asia, you normally explore 1 or 2 countries maximum per trip. It makes you appreciate even more where you are when you are not too tight on schedule.
Cons of Asia
- Getting to Asia from Canada takes at least 2 days.
- The time difference is a huge change. In Indonesia, the time is +12h than in Montréal, Canada.
- Most people don’t speak English. It can be harder to communicate with the locals.
- It’s very different from Canada. You might feel disoriented.
- If you want to travel in more than 1 country, chances are that you’ll need to take the plane. You cannot travel from Indonesia to the Philippines by bus.
I hope this article helped clear your mind. Whatever choice you make for your first backpacking trip, you won’t regret it 🙂
