The case for backpacking destinations that don't appear on the standard Southeast Asia/Eastern Europe circuit.

Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are already mentioned elsewhere. I want to add Kazakhstan specifically. Almaty is a surprisingly sophisticated city with good infrastructure, a thriving arts scene, and extremely cheap accommodation and food. The Tian Shan mountains are a day trip from the city. The Charyn Canyon (often compared to the Grand Canyon) is 3 hours by shared taxi. Total daily budget in Kazakhstan: $25-35.

The Caucasus beyond Georgia: Armenia is deeply undervisited. The monasteries (Geghard, Noravank, Tatev) are world-class architecture in stunning mountain settings. The country is genuinely cheap and the hospitality is extraordinary. Azerbaijan is harder to reach for some nationalities but Baku's old city and the fire temples at Ateshgah are worth the administrative complexity.

The Western Balkans beyond Croatia: Serbia specifically. Belgrade has one of the great nightlife cultures in Europe, a vibrant street art scene, excellent food (the burek and ćevapi are better than Croatia's), and prices dramatically lower than its neighbour. Niš, Novi Sad, and the Fruška Gora monastery circuit provide excellent day trips.

Eastern Europe beyond the usual circuit: Moldova (the wine country at Cricova is extraordinary and the country is the cheapest in Europe), Belarus (limited accessibility currently but remarkable Soviet architecture and genuinely warm people when accessible), and the Baltic states of Lithuania and Latvia which are more affordable than their Estonian neighbor.