Here are the top 10 best places in the world for backpackers

Those considering a backpacking trip might want to take a look at a recent report by UK-based travel website Globehunters. 

Combining current reports related to global happiness scores, safety levels, inclusive internet index and cost of living, Globehunters has come up with a list of the "world's best backpacking destinations".

The list was dominated by Scandinavian countries, with Finland being recognized as the top destination. 

The United Arab Emirates is the only middle eastern country to make it into the top 10, while Singapore in 10^th place was the only representation from Southeast Asia.

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Additionally, as reported by the Evening Standard (https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/best-place-to-backpack-in-world-a4221801.html), the report suggested Pakistan, Tunisia and India for those on a very low budget. Meanwhile, backpackers who prioritize safety should consider exploring Singapore, Switzerland and Japan.

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    1/ Finland
    2/ Denmark
    3/ Canada
    4/ Czech Republic
    5/ Sweden
    6/ Netherlands
    7/ Austria
    8/ United Arab Emirates
    9/ Australia
    10/ Singapore
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Source - TheJakartaPost

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Hong Kong named world's most-visited city once again

Although its top position was nearly usurped by Bangkok, Hong Kong remained on top, but it still has to face the growing number of tourists in the Thai capital and London, the United Kingdom. 

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When people think about Hong Kong, they probably think of high-class shopping and spectacular cityscapes that can be viewed from high-up gondolas. It's not surprising then that the city is the most-visited city on earth.

According to South China Morning Post, Euromonitor International’s latest Top 100 City Destinations Ranking has put Hong Kong at the top of the list for the eighth time in a row.

Although its position was nearly usurped by Bangkok, Hong Kong remained on top, but in the years to come, it still has to compete with the growing number of tourists in the Thai capital and London in the United Kingdom.  

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But even as Hong Kong’s relations with China worsen, which caused a slight decline in 2017, there is still tourist growth expected in the coming years for Hong Kong.

As reported by CNN, below are the top 10 most-visited cities (number in 2016/expected number in 2017):

1. Hong Kong: 26.55 million/25.7 million

2. Bangkok: 21.25 million/23.27 million

3. London: 19.19 million/19.8 million

4. Singapore: 16.6 million/17.6 million

5. Macau: 15.39 million/16.3 million

6. Dubai: 14.9 million/16.57 million

7. Paris: 14.39 million/14.26 million

8. New York City: 12.65 million/13.1 million

9. Shenzhen, China: 12.57 million/12.96 million

10. Kuala Lumpur: 12.29 million/12.8 million

Source - TheJakartaPost

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Thai start-up wins place on Booking.com’s booster program

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Booking.com recently announced the top 10 finalists for its Booster Program focusing on sustainable tourism and one of the lucky participants is Local Alike, a Thai online travel platform that provides travel experiences around Southeast Asia.

The aim of the programme is to identify, mentor and fund enterprising start-ups from around the world that are seeking to have a positive impact on the global tourism industry.

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The 10 selected ventures will participate in a three-week program in June in Amsterdam that culminates with a chance to make a pitch to a panel of Booking.com and industry experts for grants of up to Bt19 million from Booking.com.

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“We are so impressed with the amazing diversity and quality of applications that we received for the Booking.com Booster Program. The incredible passion and genuinely innovative business concepts we saw from start-ups from practically every corner of the globe was truly inspiring,” says Gillian Tans, CEO of Booking.com.

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 “I can’t wait get to know these 10 start-ups better and see how we can help them to accelerate their growth plans in order to bring their vision for sustainable tourism to even more destinations around the world.”

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Nearly 700 start-ups from 102 countries applied to the programme, Local Alike will be joined by other nine teams from the United States, India, the Netherlands, Russia and Italy.

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Local Alike exists as two business entities: Local Alike Travel tour company operates community-based tourism tours in Thailand and soon across Southeast Asia and Local Alike website is a sustainable tourism online marketplace where travellers around the world can find local and authentic experiences.

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“After four years in the business, we succeeded in developing 70 communities in Thailand and this year we are expanding into communities in Vietnam and India. What makes us unique is that we establish long-term partnerships with local communities. We bring in more income and educate them to optimise resources from tourism to further develop their societies. We encourage them to fix community issues from the root cause,” says Somsak Boonkam, founder of Local Alike. 

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“What we are most excited about is to personally connect with other like-minded fellows from the other nine teams, as well as the team at Booking.com.” 

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