Has anyone here ever travelled the world alone? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

iblade · 10-18-2005, 11:15 PM

I have this plan to travel by myself around the world for maybe a whole year someday, whether it is on bike or by foot. Has anyone here done this? Do you have any advice?

bollocks · 10-24-2005, 05:20 AM

I think its down to your personal preference. I went with a friend, because I have to share experiences to appreciate them fully. My older sister is completely the opposite, hence why she's just went off round the world on her own. Although, I guess if going alone is your only option, you will always meet people.

sailor · 10-24-2005, 05:49 AM

If you do end up doing it with someone, make sure it's someone you can stand spending that much time with, and perhaps even more importantly, someone who shares similar travel interests as you. You don't want to be arguing about whether to go watch the moon rise or go party in the local club.

aberkok · 10-24-2005, 08:32 AM

Definitely consider your ability to tolerate loneliness. Even though you will meet many people on the road, you may find that a whole year without somebody close, whether that be a significant other or a close friend, may drive you crazy.

Personally I'd never want to leave my close friends and loved ones for more than a few weeks.

iblade · 10-24-2005, 04:30 PM

Yeah, I've considered it, but this kind of journey is as much about learning about the world as it is about learning about oneself, that is why I was planning to do it alone.

Rodney · 10-26-2005, 05:52 AM

Just for a couple of months in Southeast Asia; but I met a lot of real travelers along the way. The person who really impressed me was a (very young) woman who'd spent four months backpacking and travelling in India, all on her own on a miniscule budget. She really knew how to take care of herself.

Anyway, it's pretty easy to hook up with other travellers, but they won't always be there, or wanting to head in the same direction that you do. And it's fairly daunting to face a new and strange country all by yourself, if you haven't already had solo travelling experience.

So before you do this, I'd first ask if you've at least spent a month or two on the road in countries where you don't speak the language and the culture is strange to you. If you have, great. If you haven't, you should do so: for the experience, to find out if you'd actually enjoy this, and to get a better idea of how you'd like to travel and what kind of things you want to find on the road.

That said, the one predictable thing is that things _won't_ go as you expect. That can be good or bad, but you should be ready for it :-).

iblade · 10-26-2005, 04:10 PM

Wow, thanks. I'm really attracted to the idea of travelling by oneself. I know it's dangerous, but I beleive it can be so rewarding. Thanks for your advice, I'll consider it.

What about your own experience, what happened?

Charlatan · 10-27-2005, 05:26 AM

I do a lot of business travel by myself. But have always wanted to do the backpack thing... The one thing I can say is, if you are going to go by yourself be aware that there are criminals in just about every part of the world.

A friend travelling in Turkey shared a drink with someone he met. The next thing he knew he "woke up" walking down a street. It was three days later and all he had were the clothes on his back. Everything was gone.

maleficent · 10-27-2005, 08:43 AM

I've done a ton of business travel by myself, where i'd go somewhere for weeks and months on end... generally leaving my weekends free to do whatever i wanted... Backpacking holds no appeal for me (I'm not high maintenance, I just lik e hot showers and plentiful hot coffee and clean sheets)

when i was stuck in London for 12 weeks (Hated london) but I managed to get to paris (hated it) brussels (loved it) Prague (loved it) edinburgh (loved it) and a few other smaller places... just did lots of wandering. 3 months in australia(over the course of 4 trips) was even better...

I don't mind being by myself.. I am the least social person I know and met virtually no one to befriend in my travels - but talking to people in hotels and getting tips on places to go was invaluable...

it's a big world out there with lots to see in it... but sometimes coming home to that which is familiar is nice too..

iblade · 10-27-2005, 03:52 PM

I'm talking more about the backpack thing... I mean, my opinion is that this is the best way to truly learn about the lives of the people in the country.

Wow, thanks, sure is dangerous. What did your friend do in that situation?

maleficent · 10-27-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

I mean, my opinion is that this is the best way to truly learn about the lives of the people in the country.

I think that will depend on where you go and what typeof people you want to learn about...

Charlatan · 10-27-2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

I'm talking more about the backpack thing... I mean, my opinion is that this is the best way to truly learn about the lives of the people in the country.

Wow, thanks, sure is dangerous. What did your friend do in that situation?

He was very lucky that local shop owner found him wandering and put him up in her home until he could get some money wired to him by his parents back home. He was supposed to travel the world for another 6 months but he returned home as soon as his parents bailed him out.

iblade · 10-27-2005, 09:09 PM

Wow, that is scary. But I guess that's part of the risk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

I think that will depend on where you go and what typeof people you want to learn about...

What do you mean? I mean, of course you can stay in hotels. But if you hit the road, you will eventually be invited by local people to sahre their lives. That is irreplaceable.

Charlatan · 10-28-2005, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

What do you mean? I mean, of course you can stay in hotels. But if you hit the road, you will eventually be invited by local people to sahre their lives. That is irreplaceable.

This is a rather whimsical idea. Largely what happens is you will stay in hostels rather than hotels and you will hang out with other tourists.

You see the thing is, in many eastern countries, in the smaller villages, much of the things that we consider private actions are done in public (food preparation and eating being two big ones). I have friends who tell stories of wandering into a small town or village and stumbling on peoples activities... they have pictures and anecdotes galore...

For a time, they though, "wow, we are having an authentic experience". Ultimately they came to see this for what it was, being nosy and ultimately exploitative.

Maybe I am being cynical but in my mind the only tourism that isn't exploitative is business travel. A business person arrives and has goods or services to exchange with the locals. There is a purpose to the visit.

I could be wrong on this and may even change my mind with more thought but it's the way I am seeing it these days.

Rodney · 10-28-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

This is a rather whimsical idea. Largely what happens is you will stay in hostels rather than hotels and you will hang out with other tourists.

You see the thing is, in many eastern countries, in the smaller villages, much of the things that we consider private actions are done in public (food preparation and eating being two big ones). I have friends who tell stories of wandering into a small town or village and stumbling on peoples activities... they have pictures and anecdotes galore...

For a time, they though, "wow, we are having an authentic experience". Ultimately they came to see this for what it was, being nosy and ultimately exploitative.

Maybe I am being cynical but in my mind the only tourism that isn't exploitative is business travel. A business person arrives and has goods or services to exchange with the locals. There is a purpose to the visit.

I could be wrong on this and may even change my mind with more thought but it's the way I am seeing it these days.

I agree with most of this, not quite all. "Hanging out with the locals" and being accepted by them isn't going to happen for most people. On the other hand, it does happen for some who are genuinely outgoing, caring, and respectful around the locals. These people the locals may see as "real" people rather than bothersome transients or sources of money.
Caveat: some countries are a little too rough for this to be safe, unless you know them well.

On the other hand, if you really want to hang out with the locals and be accepted, the best way to go is to join up with some charitable project. I know a guy who's very involved with Habitat for Humanity. A bunch of us went down to Costa Rica once for a standard tourist trip (we rented cars there), but when we were ready to go home he went on to Guatemala to join in a habitat build with villagers in the back of beyond. Not exactly a tourist trip, but he had a great time and _did_ get the trust and hospitality of the locals. How could he not? He was there to help.

DDDDave · 10-28-2005, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

I have this plan to travel by myself around the world for maybe a whole year someday, wether it is on bike or by foot. Has anyone here done this? Do you have any advice?

Around the world on bike or by foot ???? You won't see much.

I've been a lot of places. Experienced a lot of cultures. Not as may as a lot of others on this board though.

My suggestion is see the fifty states first. Travel from coast to coast in the same manner as you see yourself travelling the world. I guarantee you it will be an enlightening experience. There are distinct 'cultures' within America itself.
You will discover things about yourself and about other people. I think it would definitely make for a good 'warm-up' for future travels.

Good Luck.

Spiker439 · 10-29-2005, 04:29 PM

I went traveling for about 7 months, through southeast Asia and then to Australia and New Zealand, and I did most of it by myself - I've never done anyhitng more rewarding or frightening in my life. You've got to be reasonably thick skinned to get through that amount of time "Alone", that is to say, with no one you can really confide in and count on. I think it's very interesting to note that I had more trouble with malicious people in the first world countries than I did in the third world ones - just goes to show that getting outside your comfort zone can sometimes pay off.

Some random words of caution - don't play poker with Thais and win... they don't like that. But if you lose they'll spend all the money you just gave them and buy you Thai whiskey all night. Strange but true.

mirevolver · 10-30-2005, 08:24 PM

I haven't traveled the world alone, but I have been to parts of the world alone. Just last summer, I had some spare time on my hands while I was in Germany, so I hopped on a train to Budapest, Hungary. I spent a couple of days there and wondered around the city by myself.

Thing you should know about being on your own in foriegn countries, always be alert of those around you. Some countries like, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic have the best pick-pockets in the world. Then there are other parts of the world where things far worse than losing your wallet can happen to you.

I play things safe and keep things like cash, credit cards and passport in different areas around my body. Combining that with being constantly alert, and trying my best not to stick out like the average tourist has kept me pretty safe.

Pragma · 10-30-2005, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirevolver

I play things safe and keep things like cash, credit cards and passport in different areas around my body. Combining that with being constantly alert, and trying my best not to stick out like the average tourist has kept me pretty safe.

I can't second this enough. If possible, learn a few words of whatever the local language is and try to dress appropriately. When I was in Switzerland (business trip, actually) over the summer, I frequently got confused for a German college student - which is significantly better than being confused for a "dumb American tourist."

Even if you wouldn't fit in, at least don't play the role of the stereotypical wide eyed tourist, oblivious to the world just taking snapshots. It's a good way to get mugged - and that's not an experience you want to go through.

Cynthetiq · 10-30-2005, 11:06 PM

I've travelled SE Asia and most of the US, now I'm finally doing Europe.

As far as this romanticized idea you have about locals, well, it really all depends on where in the world you are. Some of the small islands of Malaysia and small villages in the Philippines you may find something like that but quite rare and you'll truly have to have a command of language in order to do so and even then that's no guarantee.

Quite honestly the most authentic local experiences have been when I've been able to contact locals beforehand and get them to put me up or at least get them to spend some time with me and invite me to spend time with their family. The only time I ever got to be deep with the families was because someone else laid the groundwork first.

I've heard good things about this site:

http://couchsurfing.com/

one of the founders is someone that I am to meet up with sometime this month because a friend of a friend situation, but I have to still confirm it all.

iblade · 10-30-2005, 11:34 PM

I just don't like the idea of staying in hotels. It's just too easy. You can eat your western food, stay in your western style room and basically never learn about the country. Travelling by foot or by bike, not knowing where you will spend the night forces you to make connections...

Plus there is something thrilling about becoming a wanderer. Just travelling. I am just thrilled by the idea of travelling alone, with my backpack, being totally free. With, of course all the risk it implies...

Charlatan · 10-31-2005, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

I just don't like the idea of staying in hotels. It's just too easy. You can eat your western food, stay in your western style room and basically never learn about the country. Travelling by foot or by bike, not knowing where you will spend the night forces you to make connections...

Plus there is something thrilling about becoming a wanderer. Just travelling. I am just thrilled by the idea of travelling alone, with my backpack, being totally free. With, of course all the risk it implies...

This could also end up with you spending some time in jail... many nations do not take kindly to people who do not have a place to stay...

Don't kid yourself about this. Plan ahead, to some extent. Trying to be Jack Kerouac in a county where you cannot speak the language will not be what you think. People do not just open their homes for you... would you expect people in the west to just open their homes to a wanderer with a back pack... why would you expect anyone else to do this?

mirevolver · 10-31-2005, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

I just don't like the idea of staying in hotels. It's just too easy. You can eat your western food, stay in your western style room and basically never learn about the country. Travelling by foot or by bike, not knowing where you will spend the night forces you to make connections...

What I find to be the best option is to stay in locally owned hotels. First of all they're cheaper than the big westernized hotels, and secondly they do allow you to take in the local culture. If they serve food, it's what the locals eat. If they don't serve food then the stores and restaurants nearby will have the local foods. And the rooms are often what a local would expect to see in a hotel, not what we would expect in a hotel room.

iblade · 10-31-2005, 05:41 PM

Yup that's true. Locally owned hotels could be a good solution. Or even home stays. But that would require to plan the trip in advance. What I really want to do is more like a day to day trip around the world. Plus that requires money, and if you're planning a six month trip, I don't see how it is affordable.

Cynthetiq · 10-31-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

Yup that's true. Locally owned hotels could be a good solution. Or even home stays. But that would require to plan the trip in advance. What I really want to do is more like a day to day trip around the world. Plus that requires money, and if you're planning a six month trip, I don't see how it is affordable.

It's called saving money for some time... people do it all the time. I save enough money for my 3 weeks of vacation every year to be able to go where and when I want to go and buy and do whatever activities I want to do. Some years it's cheap since sometimes I'm not paying for hotels, others it's expensive since there's hotels that I want to stay at.

Now, to your point of day to day trips... our honeymoon was day to day tripping. We had 3 weeks of prepaid hotels in 3 seperate countries, but we didn't just stay there we traveled to other locations because we didn't want to be bound to a single location. We just wanted to make sure that we had a homebase to at least regroup and have a safe place to store our gear.

iblade · 11-13-2005, 11:48 PM

Yeah but you and I do not have the same objective. When I was 7 years old, my school teacher asked the class what everyone would want to become when they grow up. Every little boy said "private detective" and every little girl said either "vet" or "TV show presentator". I however, said that I wanted to become a "wanderer".

So there is a true feeling of passion when I mention the term to "wander". That's what I want to do... just that. And for some reason, I feel that if I plan my trip too much, I'm betraying my childhood dream... That's why I don't want it to be planned too much.

I's like to meet someone with the same dream as me...

Cynthetiq · 11-14-2005, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

Yeah but you and I do not have the same objective. When I was 7 years old, my school teacher asked the class what everyone would want to become when they grow up. Every little boy said "private detective" and every little girl said either "vet" or "TV show presentator". I however, said that I wanted to become a "wanderer".

So there is a true feeling of passion when I mention the term to "wander". That's what I want to do... just that. And for some reason, I feel that if I plan my trip too much, I'm betraying my childhood dream... That's why I don't want it to be planned too much.

I's like to meet someone with the same dream as me...

I do think that we have the same objective. We just don't have the same methodology. You want to go without any funds and I do.

I go to countries without any itinerary of plans save a destination. Now when I was younger my plans of destination were a bit more rough where I'd stay in small huts on the beaches of Malaysia as I meandered the countryside, where the showerhead was over the toilet (which wasn't a western sit down toilet) and cost $1/day extra. Now I'd rather have a bed and a full private bathroom.

In Iceland I do specifically what you are talking about by going from small fishing village to small fishing village to see what the locals are like. The biggest difference you mention is that I plan it and you don't want to.

I like to wander as well, it's just that when I've decided that I want better than some straw in a corner of a barn to sleep on or eat something more than bread and cheese I can choose differently.

iblade · 11-14-2005, 05:23 PM

Yeah but going in without funding will force you to feel how terrible this world can be. It's one thing to go in hotels and wander around knowing you have a place to go if you're in trouble. It's another travelling without knowing where you will sleep tonight. You are forced to experience this world as hard as it truly is.

Cynthetiq · 11-14-2005, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

Yeah but going in without funding will force you to feel how terrible this world can be. It's one thing to go in hotels and wander around knowing you have a place to go if you're in trouble. It's another travelling without knowing where you will sleep tonight. You are forced to experience this world as hard as it truly is.

Been there done that... lived in my car in college for several months because I didn't want to have "funding" from my parents.

From what it sounds like to me you want to experience the world from the shoes of a homeless person.

I just came from the Philippines and India, and I live in NYC. I know how hard the world is. It can easily chew you up and spit you out.

iblade · 11-14-2005, 06:17 PM

Maybe. The wanderer is one that has no home...

Tell me more. The stories of your travel. I'm interested...

Sho Nuff · 11-20-2005, 03:59 AM

Ive done some traveling solo. The best advice I can give you is to register with the US embassy or consulate in whatever country you are in. They are in invaluable source of information on everything from travel advisories to restaurants.

Next make friends with the security and desk staffs at hotels. Drop in for a cup of tea and talk to them. They meet so many asshole guests that they are usually glad to have pleasent conversation. Some of the best nights out Ive had have been with employees of hotels I was staying in.

shrubbery · 11-25-2005, 06:00 AM

Two years ago, when i was 20 years old, I went backpacking around the world on my own. I'm not a loner, or extraordinarily independent, and I did just fine. It seem like people exaggerate what difficulities you will meet along the way. Things always works out. Loneliness wasn't really a big problem, but I did get a bit tired of temporary friendsships. There's plenty of people to hang out with, but they're all loyal to themselves and so will you be. But that's something you'll get used to and there's no problem keeping in touch with family and friends trough emails.

You seem like you're totally up for the challenge. If you kepp this attitude, this will be an exclusivly positive experience for you. You'll learn so much about yourself. What you see and do isn't the biggest experience; but rather being on your own and being free and independent. I came home with a feeling of increased self-efficacy.

You should however travel with some funds. There's no problem traveling on a shoe-string, but you should have some kinda bakcup if things get rough. Have at least enough money to get yourself an airticket from where you are and home. My second advice would be to carry money or means to get money seperatly. Say if you have two credit cards: keep one in your backpack and the other one on your body.

My travelroute was Norway - Netherlands - Mexico - Belize - Guatemala - L.A - Tonga (South Pacific) - New Zealand - Australia - Singapore - Malaysia - Thailand - Cambodia - Laos - Thailand- Norway. If you have any questions about any of these destinations, go ahead and ask. My route was maybe a bit too extensive; it was a lot of work moving that much around and it cost me alot more money but I got to see and experience so much more.

The US was the only place I didn't feel really safe actually. I learned that most people don't wander the streets of Downtown LA at night

iblade · 11-25-2005, 09:06 PM

Wow, thanks, exactly what I was looking for... You seem to have made the exact travel I wanted to do...

So did you have any dangerous moments?
How did you travel through countries? Train, plane, bus?
How long did it last?
How much did it cost?

Thanks for sharing...

shrubbery · 11-26-2005, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iblade

So did you have any dangerous moments?

Not a single one. I suppose I was lucky. Someone once told me that about 30 percent of all the backpackers travelling in central-america gets mugged, but I would take that with a grain of salt. Anyways; when I went out at night in unsafe cities I never carried anything more than the cash I intented to spend. So, if you get mugged you won't risk your life as you'll just give them what you've got and they'll leave you alone. I never heard of anyone that got hurt while being mugged. I wouldn't worry about travelling to unsafe destinations; just use your common sense and you'll be ok. Travelling alone does make you an easier target, but I for one would prefer that from travelling with my significant other. I met a guy that was travelling with his blond attractive girlfriend, and he was anything but comfortable with all the attention she drew from sleezy mexicans.

Anyways; if you're going to both safe and unsafe destinations consider going to the safe one first. Being a experiened traveller does not only makes you better equipped to make the right and safe decisions but it also shows. An unexperienced traveller makes an easier target.

I don't mean to scare you at all. Go whereever you want, I'm sure you'll be ok. Just be updated on the situations and current crimelevels so that you can adjust your behaviour accordingly. Anyways; you'll feel the vibe when it isn't entirely safe anymore. In the biggest Guatamalan cities for instance, the streets suddenly empties when it gets really dark.

Anyways .. don't worry about criminals. Food poisoning is a much more likely problem

The (horrible) tales I could tell...

Quote:

How did you travel through countries? Train, plane, bus?

A bit of everything, but I guess I was sitting on a bus 80% of the time. When you get there you'll quickly figure out the best way to get around. And you'll meet other backpackers ALL the time that will tell you where they recommend that you'll go and how you should get there. I didn't really have a plan when I got to a country. Sometimes I bought a guidebook and read up on the different locations, but most of the time I just talked to other travellers and got their advice.

Quote:

How long did it last?

I travelled for about 7 months. In some ways I wished I stayed longer, but at the same time I was looking forward to getting home and start an everyday life again. The last month or so I started to feel very unproductive; I was yearning for being useful. I suppose that coincided with the thoughts of soon going home and meeting my friends and family again. But be warned; most people suffer from post-travel depressions when they get home from a backpacking trip. Going from adventures everyday to working, watching tv and sleeping can be tough

Quote:

How much did it cost?

My total costs ended up somewhere around 8.000 USD. That's with airtickets and travel insurance included. I travelled on a roomy budget. I travelled like most other backpackers and stayed and ate cheap, but I did spend a lot of money on adventures such as skydiving, bungyjumping, sailing trips, black water rafting, mountain climbing, scubadiving license etc. How much you'll end up spending depends a lot on where you go (Asia is cheap, Australia & New Zealand expensive, Central-America is moderate). How many adventures you'll do and how much you'll party will also make an significant impact on your economy.

A really rough estimate of a budget for an average backpacker (that means it includes an unhealthy amount of alcohol) would be something like this:

Central-America: 700 USD a month.
Australia and New Zealand: 1200 USD a month (you'll end up doing a lot of adventures and partying alot in these countries)
South-East Asia: Anything between 200 USD and 800 depending on your need for luxury. Food and lodging can be dirt-cheap. Some days I got a bed and 3 meals for about 5 USD.

South-East Asia is great place to start your travels: it's beautiful, cheap, easily travelled, great infrastructure and has some of the best and cheapest meals you'll ever have in your life. But at the same time it's overpopulated by backpackers.

iblade · 11-28-2005, 04:05 PM

Wow, thank you, man. Really thanks for all the tips. Someone else also recommended to start with S-E Asia.

Damn, I was getting pretty depressed with all the "don't go, it's dangerous" thing...

ANyways, how did you put up all that money? Must be hard work...

shakran · 11-28-2005, 04:25 PM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/068...t=%2A&v=glance

perhaps you should page through that book before you go anywhere. What you are proposing to do is incredibly hard. I'm not saying it's not rewarding, because it is, but if you are not ready to work harder than you ever have in your life doing a different job every week just to earn enough to eat, and that's one of the easier points, then you are not ready to take the trip. Reading that book will show you what you are getting yourself in for - but keep in mind that you are going to have it tougher yet since you will also presumably have a language barrier.

iblade · 11-29-2005, 04:01 PM

Thanks, I'll definately check it out. Do you have any other books that talk about long journeys to recommend?

shrubbery · 11-30-2005, 12:05 PM

I worked in photography studio for about 5 months to save up money first. Shouldn't be a problem for you either, if you cut down on your living costs and keep your expenses on a minimum.

That book didn't seem to relevant for backpacking. If you want to do some research first I would recommend visiting the forum on the Lonely Planet website. That site also has short but useful guides to just about every (i think it is actually every) country in the world. It also has information about the current state of affairs if you have safety-concerns. Don't let the warnings get to you that bad tough. Just about every country has a warning, you just have to read them and consider how serious the safety threat really is.

10-18-2005, 11:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Has anyone here ever travelled the world alone? I have this plan to travel by myself around the world for maybe a whole year someday, whether it is on bike or by foot. Has anyone here done this? Do you have any advice? Last edited by iblade; 10-30-2005 at 09:07 PM..

10-24-2005, 05:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
bollocks Insane Location: Leeds, UK	I think its down to your personal preference. I went with a friend, because I have to share experiences to appreciate them fully. My older sister is completely the opposite, hence why she's just went off round the world on her own. Although, I guess if going alone is your only option, you will always meet people. __________________ Why's Snoop Dog carry an umbrella? Fo' Drizzle

10-24-2005, 05:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
sailor beauty in the breakdown Location: Chapel Hill, NC	If you do end up doing it with someone, make sure it's someone you can stand spending that much time with, and perhaps even more importantly, someone who shares similar travel interests as you. You don't want to be arguing about whether to go watch the moon rise or go party in the local club. __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." --Plato

10-24-2005, 08:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
aberkok “Wrong is right.” Location: toronto	Definitely consider your ability to tolerate loneliness. Even though you will meet many people on the road, you may find that a whole year without somebody close, whether that be a significant other or a close friend, may drive you crazy. Personally I'd never want to leave my close friends and loved ones for more than a few weeks. __________________ !check out my new blog! http://arkanamusic.wordpress.com Warden Gentiles: "It? Perfectly innocent. But I can see how, if our roles were reversed, I might have you beaten with a pillowcase full of batteries."

10-27-2005, 05:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I do a lot of business travel by myself. But have always wanted to do the backpack thing... The one thing I can say is, if you are going to go by yourself be aware that there are criminals in just about every part of the world. A friend travelling in Turkey shared a drink with someone he met. The next thing he knew he "woke up" walking down a street. It was three days later and all he had were the clothes on his back. Everything was gone. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

10-24-2005, 04:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Yeah, I've considered it, but this kind of journey is as much about learning about the world as it is about learning about oneself, that is why I was planning to do it alone.

10-26-2005, 05:52 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Just for a couple of months in Southeast Asia; but I met a lot of real travelers along the way. The person who really impressed me was a (very young) woman who'd spent four months backpacking and travelling in India, all on her own on a miniscule budget. She really knew how to take care of herself. Anyway, it's pretty easy to hook up with other travellers, but they won't always be there, or wanting to head in the same direction that you do. And it's fairly daunting to face a new and strange country all by yourself, if you haven't already had solo travelling experience. So before you do this, I'd first ask if you've at least spent a month or two on the road in countries where you don't speak the language and the culture is strange to you. If you have, great. If you haven't, you should do so: for the experience, to find out if you'd actually enjoy this, and to get a better idea of how you'd like to travel and what kind of things you want to find on the road. That said, the one predictable thing is that things _won't_ go as you expect. That can be good or bad, but you should be ready for it :-).

10-26-2005, 04:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Wow, thanks. I'm really attracted to the idea of travelling by oneself. I know it's dangerous, but I beleive it can be so rewarding. Thanks for your advice, I'll consider it. What about your own experience, what happened?

10-27-2005, 08:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	I've done a ton of business travel by myself, where i'd go somewhere for weeks and months on end... generally leaving my weekends free to do whatever i wanted... Backpacking holds no appeal for me (I'm not high maintenance, I just lik e hot showers and plentiful hot coffee and clean sheets) when i was stuck in London for 12 weeks (Hated london) but I managed to get to paris (hated it) brussels (loved it) Prague (loved it) edinburgh (loved it) and a few other smaller places... just did lots of wandering. 3 months in australia(over the course of 4 trips) was even better... I don't mind being by myself.. I am the least social person I know and met virtually no one to befriend in my travels - but talking to people in hotels and getting tips on places to go was invaluable... it's a big world out there with lots to see in it... but sometimes coming home to that which is familiar is nice too.. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

10-27-2005, 03:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	I'm talking more about the backpack thing... I mean, my opinion is that this is the best way to truly learn about the lives of the people in the country. Wow, thanks, sure is dangerous. What did your friend do in that situation?

10-29-2005, 04:29 PM	#17 (permalink)
Spiker439 Upright	I went traveling for about 7 months, through southeast Asia and then to Australia and New Zealand, and I did most of it by myself - I've never done anyhitng more rewarding or frightening in my life. You've got to be reasonably thick skinned to get through that amount of time "Alone", that is to say, with no one you can really confide in and count on. I think it's very interesting to note that I had more trouble with malicious people in the first world countries than I did in the third world ones - just goes to show that getting outside your comfort zone can sometimes pay off. Some random words of caution - don't play poker with Thais and win... they don't like that. But if you lose they'll spend all the money you just gave them and buy you Thai whiskey all night. Strange but true.

10-30-2005, 08:24 PM	#18 (permalink)
mirevolver Inspired by the mind's eye. Location: Between the darkness and the light.	I haven't traveled the world alone, but I have been to parts of the world alone. Just last summer, I had some spare time on my hands while I was in Germany, so I hopped on a train to Budapest, Hungary. I spent a couple of days there and wondered around the city by myself. Thing you should know about being on your own in foriegn countries, always be alert of those around you. Some countries like, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic have the best pick-pockets in the world. Then there are other parts of the world where things far worse than losing your wallet can happen to you. I play things safe and keep things like cash, credit cards and passport in different areas around my body. Combining that with being constantly alert, and trying my best not to stick out like the average tourist has kept me pretty safe. __________________ Aside from my great plans to become the future dictator of the moon, I have little interest in political discussions.

10-30-2005, 11:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	I've travelled SE Asia and most of the US, now I'm finally doing Europe. As far as this romanticized idea you have about locals, well, it really all depends on where in the world you are. Some of the small islands of Malaysia and small villages in the Philippines you may find something like that but quite rare and you'll truly have to have a command of language in order to do so and even then that's no guarantee. Quite honestly the most authentic local experiences have been when I've been able to contact locals beforehand and get them to put me up or at least get them to spend some time with me and invite me to spend time with their family. The only time I ever got to be deep with the families was because someone else laid the groundwork first. I've heard good things about this site: http://couchsurfing.com/ one of the founders is someone that I am to meet up with sometime this month because a friend of a friend situation, but I have to still confirm it all. __________________ 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!

10-30-2005, 11:34 PM	#21 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	I just don't like the idea of staying in hotels. It's just too easy. You can eat your western food, stay in your western style room and basically never learn about the country. Travelling by foot or by bike, not knowing where you will spend the night forces you to make connections... Plus there is something thrilling about becoming a wanderer. Just travelling. I am just thrilled by the idea of travelling alone, with my backpack, being totally free. With, of course all the risk it implies...

10-31-2005, 05:41 PM	#24 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Yup that's true. Locally owned hotels could be a good solution. Or even home stays. But that would require to plan the trip in advance. What I really want to do is more like a day to day trip around the world. Plus that requires money, and if you're planning a six month trip, I don't see how it is affordable.

11-13-2005, 11:48 PM	#26 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Yeah but you and I do not have the same objective. When I was 7 years old, my school teacher asked the class what everyone would want to become when they grow up. Every little boy said "private detective" and every little girl said either "vet" or "TV show presentator". I however, said that I wanted to become a "wanderer". So there is a true feeling of passion when I mention the term to "wander". That's what I want to do... just that. And for some reason, I feel that if I plan my trip too much, I'm betraying my childhood dream... That's why I don't want it to be planned too much. I's like to meet someone with the same dream as me...

11-14-2005, 05:23 PM	#28 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Yeah but going in without funding will force you to feel how terrible this world can be. It's one thing to go in hotels and wander around knowing you have a place to go if you're in trouble. It's another travelling without knowing where you will sleep tonight. You are forced to experience this world as hard as it truly is.

11-14-2005, 06:17 PM	#30 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Maybe. The wanderer is one that has no home... Tell me more. The stories of your travel. I'm interested...

11-20-2005, 03:59 AM	#31 (permalink)
Sho Nuff Addict Location: Harlem	Ive done some traveling solo. The best advice I can give you is to register with the US embassy or consulate in whatever country you are in. They are in invaluable source of information on everything from travel advisories to restaurants. Next make friends with the security and desk staffs at hotels. Drop in for a cup of tea and talk to them. They meet so many asshole guests that they are usually glad to have pleasent conversation. Some of the best nights out Ive had have been with employees of hotels I was staying in. __________________ I know Nietzsche doesnt rhyme with peachy, but you sound like a pretentious prick when you correct me.

11-25-2005, 06:00 AM	#32 (permalink)
shrubbery Tilted Location: North Europe	Two years ago, when i was 20 years old, I went backpacking around the world on my own. I'm not a loner, or extraordinarily independent, and I did just fine. It seem like people exaggerate what difficulities you will meet along the way. Things always works out. Loneliness wasn't really a big problem, but I did get a bit tired of temporary friendsships. There's plenty of people to hang out with, but they're all loyal to themselves and so will you be. But that's something you'll get used to and there's no problem keeping in touch with family and friends trough emails. You seem like you're totally up for the challenge. If you kepp this attitude, this will be an exclusivly positive experience for you. You'll learn so much about yourself. What you see and do isn't the biggest experience; but rather being on your own and being free and independent. I came home with a feeling of increased self-efficacy. You should however travel with some funds. There's no problem traveling on a shoe-string, but you should have some kinda bakcup if things get rough. Have at least enough money to get yourself an airticket from where you are and home. My second advice would be to carry money or means to get money seperatly. Say if you have two credit cards: keep one in your backpack and the other one on your body. My travelroute was Norway - Netherlands - Mexico - Belize - Guatemala - L.A - Tonga (South Pacific) - New Zealand - Australia - Singapore - Malaysia - Thailand - Cambodia - Laos - Thailand- Norway. If you have any questions about any of these destinations, go ahead and ask. My route was maybe a bit too extensive; it was a lot of work moving that much around and it cost me alot more money but I got to see and experience so much more. The US was the only place I didn't feel really safe actually. I learned that most people don't wander the streets of Downtown LA at night

11-25-2005, 09:06 PM	#33 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Wow, thanks, exactly what I was looking for... You seem to have made the exact travel I wanted to do... So did you have any dangerous moments? How did you travel through countries? Train, plane, bus? How long did it last? How much did it cost? Thanks for sharing... __________________ We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

11-28-2005, 04:05 PM	#35 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Wow, thank you, man. Really thanks for all the tips. Someone else also recommended to start with S-E Asia. Damn, I was getting pretty depressed with all the "don't go, it's dangerous" thing... ANyways, how did you put up all that money? Must be hard work... __________________ We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

11-28-2005, 04:25 PM	#36 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/068...t=%2A&v=glance perhaps you should page through that book before you go anywhere. What you are proposing to do is incredibly hard. I'm not saying it's not rewarding, because it is, but if you are not ready to work harder than you ever have in your life doing a different job every week just to earn enough to eat, and that's one of the easier points, then you are not ready to take the trip. Reading that book will show you what you are getting yourself in for - but keep in mind that you are going to have it tougher yet since you will also presumably have a language barrier.

11-29-2005, 04:01 PM	#37 (permalink)
iblade Crazy Location: Kyoto	Thanks, I'll definately check it out. Do you have any other books that talk about long journeys to recommend? __________________ We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

11-30-2005, 12:05 PM	#38 (permalink)
shrubbery Tilted Location: North Europe	I worked in photography studio for about 5 months to save up money first. Shouldn't be a problem for you either, if you cut down on your living costs and keep your expenses on a minimum. That book didn't seem to relevant for backpacking. If you want to do some research first I would recommend visiting the forum on the Lonely Planet website. That site also has short but useful guides to just about every (i think it is actually every) country in the world. It also has information about the current state of affairs if you have safety-concerns. Don't let the warnings get to you that bad tough. Just about every country has a warning, you just have to read them and consider how serious the safety threat really is.