Sharing some inevitable questions we backpackers get in between our travels and home.
1.Which countries have you been to?
New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, US, and the Philippines (of course!)
2. Which country was your favourite?
This is always difficult to answer because I loved each places that I visit. But weighing in different aspects like the people, the culture, and the environment, by a landslide Japan captured my heart the most.
3. How can you afford to travel long term?
Aside from saving up 3 months prior, I worked in between my trips. Whether it was for money, free food or free accommodation, I worked. That and I also stuck to my daily budget of $20-$50 depending on the country I visit. It really helped!
4. Do you have any other source funding your trip?
I wish I did! But my credit cards were expired when I traveled which limited my “back up” money. I never asked my parents for support (contrary to what most people think) even when I was financially short because I didn’t want them to worry about me. Sometimes though, I would sell my clothes and gadgets when an opportunity to volunteer or work isn’t available.
5. Who do you travel with?
I began my journey of backpacking alone but I met a lot of interesting people along the way that were keen to travel the same country as I planned to go to. At one point my childhood friends invited me to join their trip to Vietnam so there’s that. I met Symon who was keen to travel South East Asia but didn’t really know where to start so I kinda dragged him with me to Indonesia and Japan. My travel company runs at random.
6. Do you ever feel unsafe or scared traveling alone?
I get asked this a lot especially by my mum since I lived in Australia. Honestly, there were times that I felt uneasy with the places that I go to and the people that I interact with. But that’s called instinct. I went by my guts and I still go and explore as soon as the feeling fades. I realized that bad things can happen anywhere, even in my own home (I lived in Surrey for 10 years, come on) so I didn’t let that menacing thought control my actions. 18 months later and i’m back to Vancouver in one piece!
7. Is it really safe staying in Hostels?
DEFINITELY! The most part of my trip was spent in hostels if not Couchsurfing. That’s where I met my friends. That’s where I got suggestions on my itinerary. That’s where I was able to afford cheap tours (since they all cater for travelers on a budget)! For the most part, my mates won’t consider staying in a hostel due to the idea of shared bathroom and an unorganized roommate but safety is never an issue! 🙂
8. Should I quit my job to travel the world?
I don’t wanna be a hypocrite and say no because it’s basically what I did. But it’s not always the solution for everyone. I found working as a Visual Merchandiser in Sydney a better career than juggling three jobs here in Vancouver to survive. Though I had the same position, working in Australia led a better career path for me.
If you are completely happy with your job right now and you see yourself doing the same thing in the future, please stay. Because not everyone can say that nowadays.
9. Do you purchase travel insurance for your trips?
Ahahaha, no.
10. So… where to next?
It’s a shame that I can talk so much about Japan and Australia yet know very little about my own country. So for the mean time, I’m working on wandering in my backyard, Canada. I’d love to see Montreal and do a road trip to Calgary to trek the mountains and lakes. Definitely considering a side trip to US as well. Just a little warm up in North America before I head to Europe next year!
PROJECT WANDERLUST 