Europe or Southeast Asia - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

ironchefkorea · 06-07-2004, 08:28 PM

As a graduation gift, my parents have offered to pay my way for a backpacking trip through either Europe or Southeast Asia. It's kind of up to me to get things organized, which isn't so much a problem, except for the fact that I'm totally torn on which vacation I should choose. Both trips are opportunities of a lifetime, and I don't want to miss out on the chance, but I really have to decide. Off the top of my head, here are a few things that both trips offer...

Europe - Absinthe, Mushrooms, Amsterdam [and its great pot]. European women. Excellent food.

Southeast Asia - Beautiful Weather. Excellent food. The prospect of having a dollar bill picked out of my teeth by a stripper's vaginal muscles. Thai sticks. Asian women.

As you can see, it's a tough decision to make.

In addition to asking your help on which trip I should take, I have a few questions to ask for those who have gone backpacking before. I know about the ISIC card, which gives discounts and stuff for students. But what would be an ideal number of friends to go with, how much money should I take, and what are essential items that I need for the trip itself? Also, what kind of luggage should I be using, (I'm sure this question sounds retarded) and if it's reccomended that I get an actual big backpack, what are some good brands/styles to look into?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out.

maleficent · 06-08-2004, 05:43 AM

Don't take all your money with you at once, you are screwed if you lose it or it gets stolen. ATMs are available throughout Europe, probably Asia too, you can get money as you need it, and mom and dad can fill up your bank account as needed.

Make a copy of your passport and other identification and keep it somewhere else other than where your passport is kept.

I've never been to SE Asia, and would love to some day, it just looks like a beautiful area. Most of Europe is quite Americanized, there's a Gap, and a Starbucks in practically every community. Asia you'd probably be there before Starbucks.

If you have an interest in history, Europe can't be beat.

guinnessgurl · 06-08-2004, 07:59 AM

Here's my thought. I was once seriously looking into going on a trip throughout SE Asia. I researched Everything and had everything planned except for my money. Things came up so I ended up not going, but if I have the opportunity again I definitely will, its an amazing place. But if your parents are the ones who are paying, I would take them up on Europe, simply because it is Much more expensive and it'd be better to see it, if you didn't have to pay. That way, later on, you can pay your own way to SE Asia if you want (super super cheap, you can live in Thailand for a month on $2000 - less even) and you won't break your wallet.....just a thought....

oh and i'm not sure about your other questions, as I have never backpacked before, but I think maleficent has the general idea. I've always been told by friends who have backpacked, that you should lay everything you intend to take on your bed and then cut it in half. You don't need everything you think you do

I would do some searches on sites with info for first time backpackers. I know there's lots out there as I came across them while doing research for SE Asia....

Let us know what you decide

maleficent · 06-08-2004, 08:09 AM

The Lonely Planet has a series of books, I'm sure there's a Southeast Asia book, and I know there's a Europe book - -head to your local Barnes and Noble and read up on both

Google is our friend...
So you wanna backpack thru europe

BAckpacking Travel Tips

Answers to Safety with regards to backpacking thru Asia - -their suggestion to check the state departments travel advisory site is probably a good one
Backpacking thru Asia

bundy · 06-08-2004, 10:50 PM

1. backpacking through Europe is still FAR more expensive than backpacking through SEA...

2. you said your parents are shouting you the trip... so go to Europe with their money, and use your own for, um, 'treats' (judging by your description of each possible destination, you'll be wanting to indulge in a variety of 'treats'...haha).

3. as for friends, try to travel with friends who have similar expectations of the trip as you. numbers aren't that important, just so long as you don't want to kill them by the third night.

4. there's no such thing as a retarded question. luggage; yes, go with a decent sized hiking pack. they are so much more practical when travelling around, they hold heaps and they also limit the amount of shit that you might want to bring home. can't help you with brands, since i don't know which brands are sold in your area.

**MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL**

Do your homework, and be respectful.

know where you're headed and how you might get there. get an idea of some of the customs of where you're going. sort out an adequate arrangement for your money. understand the possible dangers. and don't be afraid to try new things.

please don't be yet another clueless foreigner who kicks up a stink because they can't figure out simple things.

and don't be like that horrid Yankee tourist i saw recently yelling at a Balinese shop owner because he, "didn't want to pay with their 'Mickey Mouse' money".

that was disgusting to witness.

qwe · 06-11-2004, 08:55 AM

in my opinion as someone who stays in s.e. asia and has traveled to most countries in the region, i think s.e. asia would be an eye opener but only if you're rather adventurous. guessing that you're from north america i think culture shock is probably expected once you come to this region. but yes once u get over a few things it can be quite accomodating for foreigners. as bundy said, as long as u respect people's customs and local traditions you're fine.

price wise, s.e. asia can be dirt cheap. just avoid the luxury hotels, scams etc. prices in most places like night markets and taxis in most s.e.a. nations are hiked up a few hundred percent once they can tell you're a foreigner. be smart. bargain as much as possible.

btw. we have plenty of starbucks here too. in urban centres in malaysia, especially singapore, thailand and the phillipines u can almost get everything thats available in the states/north america. but what fun would backpacking be if it wasnt different from your usual surroundings?

follow the crowd. be smart. and dont hesitate to ask. u should be alright.

btw. as for the bag. most backpackers use something with a metal frame. supposedly takes some strain off your back. -_-

ironchefkorea · 06-11-2004, 05:21 PM

well, being of Korean descent (but American born), I've seen a pretty good part of the world, and culture shock isn't too big a thing for me. I've seen South Korea (which is, for the most part, repulsive), parts of China (Beijing, Shanghai, Qinhangdao where my father's factory is located, Xian, Guilan, and a few others - including the Terra Cotta army, which is incredible), and a bunch of the Carribean. While I'm really eager to see Southeast Asia, I think I may wait, and like guinessgirl said, go to Southeast Asia using my own money. So I guess Europe is the plan.

Now, I just need to figure out my plan of travel. I plan on landing in London, seeing a few sights, then taking a train to Paris - from there, it's either east to Amsterdam or west to Spain, and I know that I'll be seeing both, as well as Germany, Italy, and possibly Greece. It's just a matter of which way I should start my big circle. I also need to figure out where to leave from - I'm thinking Paris, because it would be the most logical stop using my Eurail pass - going back into London would be a bit expensive.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice you guys have given, and thanks in advance to anyone else who offers more.

diddagirl · 06-16-2004, 10:09 PM

South Korea is repulsive? I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it and how beautiful it is. I am actually planning a trip to Asia and plan on stopping in S. Korea for a couple days. What did you dislike so much (if you dont mind answering)

zenmaster10665 · 06-17-2004, 01:52 AM

My vote: SE Asia.

That being said, I live in Europe and have seen a lot of it.

I will be travelling through SE Asia for about 4-5 months early next year and I just got back from 10 days in Thailand, which I absolutely loved...we are going to spend 3 months in Ko Tao chilling on the beach and writing some music next year...if you are interested in diving, Ko Tao and Thailand in general is a great place to learn as it is incredibly cheap.

You will also find that whatever budget your parentals give you will go much farther in SE Asia...

Accomodations (i.e. beachfront bungalow in Thailand) will only run you about 10-15 bucks/night (500-1000 Bhat.) Food is incredibly cheap and incredibly tasty...budget about a 5 dollars/day to eat nicely....

Keedo · 06-25-2004, 09:10 AM

Enjoyed Europe, been there numerous times.

Cynthetiq · 06-30-2004, 01:17 PM

stop in iceland on your way to Europe.. Iceland air usually has a good fare that stops in iceland on the way to europe for 3 days no extra charge

ironchefkorea · 07-06-2004, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by diddagirl
South Korea is repulsive? I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it and how beautiful it is. I am actually planning a trip to Asia and plan on stopping in S. Korea for a couple days. What did you dislike so much (if you dont mind answering)

my dislike for it mainly stems from being Korean myself. Aside from the people there, who are complete assholes to Korean- Americans, especially Korean- American women, the cities themselves are filthy, and the little things like sanitation are several decades behind, when Korea claims to be a modern nation. But to the casual traveller, I'm sure it's a nice vacation spot.

shrubbery · 07-26-2004, 03:10 AM

If you do go to Europe, I would recommend focusing on the East-European contries and the mediterranean A lot cheaper, and you'll find a lot of intersting history in Greece and Italy especially. And, go in the summer months, between May and September. If you go in the winter time, you might want to make it a skiing holiday and then I'd focus on the alps (austria, switzerland, etc..) and Scandinavia. But be warned, it's ridicoulosly expensive.

Oh, and get a lonely planet guide book on Europe and read the first chapters. Usually explains how you should pack your bags etc.

As for ISIC cards, they are a complete waste. I haven't backpacked europe tough, but I can tell you that they are completely useless in South East Asia, Oceania and Central America.

As for getting a backpack .. I can recommend getting a 70 liter one. Mine was 90, and I always had plenty room. I had a Karrimor backpack and was very happy with it. The most important thing is that it is comfortable to wear and that it can be zipped up all the way, it's hassle to pack everything from the top. Oh, and you'll probably never going to carry it for more than one hour, so it won't be necesarry to get those trekking packs.

06-07-2004, 08:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
ironchefkorea Insane	Europe or Southeast Asia As a graduation gift, my parents have offered to pay my way for a backpacking trip through either Europe or Southeast Asia. It's kind of up to me to get things organized, which isn't so much a problem, except for the fact that I'm totally torn on which vacation I should choose. Both trips are opportunities of a lifetime, and I don't want to miss out on the chance, but I really have to decide. Off the top of my head, here are a few things that both trips offer... Europe - Absinthe, Mushrooms, Amsterdam [and its great pot]. European women. Excellent food. Southeast Asia - Beautiful Weather. Excellent food. The prospect of having a dollar bill picked out of my teeth by a stripper's vaginal muscles. Thai sticks. Asian women. As you can see, it's a tough decision to make. In addition to asking your help on which trip I should take, I have a few questions to ask for those who have gone backpacking before. I know about the ISIC card, which gives discounts and stuff for students. But what would be an ideal number of friends to go with, how much money should I take, and what are essential items that I need for the trip itself? Also, what kind of luggage should I be using, (I'm sure this question sounds retarded) and if it's reccomended that I get an actual big backpack, what are some good brands/styles to look into? Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out. __________________ If it wasn't for microsoft, if we lived in the middle east? Y'all wouldn't have no hands....

06-08-2004, 05:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Don't take all your money with you at once, you are screwed if you lose it or it gets stolen. ATMs are available throughout Europe, probably Asia too, you can get money as you need it, and mom and dad can fill up your bank account as needed. Make a copy of your passport and other identification and keep it somewhere else other than where your passport is kept. I've never been to SE Asia, and would love to some day, it just looks like a beautiful area. Most of Europe is quite Americanized, there's a Gap, and a Starbucks in practically every community. Asia you'd probably be there before Starbucks. If you have an interest in history, Europe can't be beat. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

06-08-2004, 07:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
guinnessgurl Crazy Location: here and there	Here's my thought. I was once seriously looking into going on a trip throughout SE Asia. I researched Everything and had everything planned except for my money. Things came up so I ended up not going, but if I have the opportunity again I definitely will, its an amazing place. But if your parents are the ones who are paying, I would take them up on Europe, simply because it is Much more expensive and it'd be better to see it, if you didn't have to pay. That way, later on, you can pay your own way to SE Asia if you want (super super cheap, you can live in Thailand for a month on $2000 - less even) and you won't break your wallet.....just a thought.... oh and i'm not sure about your other questions, as I have never backpacked before, but I think maleficent has the general idea. I've always been told by friends who have backpacked, that you should lay everything you intend to take on your bed and then cut it in half. You don't need everything you think you do I would do some searches on sites with info for first time backpackers. I know there's lots out there as I came across them while doing research for SE Asia.... Let us know what you decide __________________ Don't go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail - George Eliot

06-08-2004, 08:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	The Lonely Planet has a series of books, I'm sure there's a Southeast Asia book, and I know there's a Europe book - -head to your local Barnes and Noble and read up on both Google is our friend... So you wanna backpack thru europe BAckpacking Travel Tips Answers to Safety with regards to backpacking thru Asia - -their suggestion to check the state departments travel advisory site is probably a good one Backpacking thru Asia __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

06-08-2004, 10:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
bundy . Location: Tokyo	1. backpacking through Europe is still FAR more expensive than backpacking through SEA... 2. you said your parents are shouting you the trip... so go to Europe with their money, and use your own for, um, 'treats' (judging by your description of each possible destination, you'll be wanting to indulge in a variety of 'treats'...haha). 3. as for friends, try to travel with friends who have similar expectations of the trip as you. numbers aren't that important, just so long as you don't want to kill them by the third night. 4. there's no such thing as a retarded question. luggage; yes, go with a decent sized hiking pack. they are so much more practical when travelling around, they hold heaps and they also limit the amount of shit that you might want to bring home. can't help you with brands, since i don't know which brands are sold in your area. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL Do your homework, and be respectful. know where you're headed and how you might get there. get an idea of some of the customs of where you're going. sort out an adequate arrangement for your money. understand the possible dangers. and don't be afraid to try new things. please don't be yet another clueless foreigner who kicks up a stink because they can't figure out simple things. and don't be like that horrid Yankee tourist i saw recently yelling at a Balinese shop owner because he, "didn't want to pay with their 'Mickey Mouse' money". that was disgusting to witness. __________________ Ohayo!!!

06-11-2004, 08:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
qwe Upright	in my opinion as someone who stays in s.e. asia and has traveled to most countries in the region, i think s.e. asia would be an eye opener but only if you're rather adventurous. guessing that you're from north america i think culture shock is probably expected once you come to this region. but yes once u get over a few things it can be quite accomodating for foreigners. as bundy said, as long as u respect people's customs and local traditions you're fine. price wise, s.e. asia can be dirt cheap. just avoid the luxury hotels, scams etc. prices in most places like night markets and taxis in most s.e.a. nations are hiked up a few hundred percent once they can tell you're a foreigner. be smart. bargain as much as possible. btw. we have plenty of starbucks here too. in urban centres in malaysia, especially singapore, thailand and the phillipines u can almost get everything thats available in the states/north america. but what fun would backpacking be if it wasnt different from your usual surroundings? follow the crowd. be smart. and dont hesitate to ask. u should be alright. btw. as for the bag. most backpackers use something with a metal frame. supposedly takes some strain off your back. -_- Last edited by qwe; 06-11-2004 at 08:58 AM..

06-11-2004, 05:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
ironchefkorea Insane	well, being of Korean descent (but American born), I've seen a pretty good part of the world, and culture shock isn't too big a thing for me. I've seen South Korea (which is, for the most part, repulsive), parts of China (Beijing, Shanghai, Qinhangdao where my father's factory is located, Xian, Guilan, and a few others - including the Terra Cotta army, which is incredible), and a bunch of the Carribean. While I'm really eager to see Southeast Asia, I think I may wait, and like guinessgirl said, go to Southeast Asia using my own money. So I guess Europe is the plan. Now, I just need to figure out my plan of travel. I plan on landing in London, seeing a few sights, then taking a train to Paris - from there, it's either east to Amsterdam or west to Spain, and I know that I'll be seeing both, as well as Germany, Italy, and possibly Greece. It's just a matter of which way I should start my big circle. I also need to figure out where to leave from - I'm thinking Paris, because it would be the most logical stop using my Eurail pass - going back into London would be a bit expensive. Anyway, thanks for all the advice you guys have given, and thanks in advance to anyone else who offers more. __________________ If it wasn't for microsoft, if we lived in the middle east? Y'all wouldn't have no hands....

06-16-2004, 10:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
diddagirl Addict Location: Calgary, AB	South Korea is repulsive? I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it and how beautiful it is. I am actually planning a trip to Asia and plan on stopping in S. Korea for a couple days. What did you dislike so much (if you dont mind answering) __________________ "Is it so small a thing to have enjoyed the sun, to have lived long in the spring, to have loved, to have thought, to have done." -Matthew Arnold

06-17-2004, 01:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
zenmaster10665 Bokonist Location: Location, Location, Location...	My vote: SE Asia. That being said, I live in Europe and have seen a lot of it. I will be travelling through SE Asia for about 4-5 months early next year and I just got back from 10 days in Thailand, which I absolutely loved...we are going to spend 3 months in Ko Tao chilling on the beach and writing some music next year...if you are interested in diving, Ko Tao and Thailand in general is a great place to learn as it is incredibly cheap. You will also find that whatever budget your parentals give you will go much farther in SE Asia... Accomodations (i.e. beachfront bungalow in Thailand) will only run you about 10-15 bucks/night (500-1000 Bhat.) Food is incredibly cheap and incredibly tasty...budget about a 5 dollars/day to eat nicely.... __________________ "Beware of the man who works hard to learn something, learns it, and finds himself no wiser than before. He is full of murderous resentment of people who are ignorant without having come by their ignorance the hard way." -Kurt Vonnegut

06-25-2004, 09:10 AM	#10 (permalink)
Keedo Tilted	Enjoyed Europe, been there numerous times.

06-30-2004, 01:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	stop in iceland on your way to Europe.. Iceland air usually has a good fare that stops in iceland on the way to europe for 3 days no extra charge __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

07-26-2004, 03:10 AM	#13 (permalink)
shrubbery Tilted Location: North Europe	If you do go to Europe, I would recommend focusing on the East-European contries and the mediterranean A lot cheaper, and you'll find a lot of intersting history in Greece and Italy especially. And, go in the summer months, between May and September. If you go in the winter time, you might want to make it a skiing holiday and then I'd focus on the alps (austria, switzerland, etc..) and Scandinavia. But be warned, it's ridicoulosly expensive. Oh, and get a lonely planet guide book on Europe and read the first chapters. Usually explains how you should pack your bags etc. As for ISIC cards, they are a complete waste. I haven't backpacked europe tough, but I can tell you that they are completely useless in South East Asia, Oceania and Central America. As for getting a backpack .. I can recommend getting a 70 liter one. Mine was 90, and I always had plenty room. I had a Karrimor backpack and was very happy with it. The most important thing is that it is comfortable to wear and that it can be zipped up all the way, it's hassle to pack everything from the top. Oh, and you'll probably never going to carry it for more than one hour, so it won't be necesarry to get those trekking packs.