Hi,
My name is Catriona. I'm a University student from England. I'm doing research on Backpacking and would like any opinions, facts or worries people have experienced when they are travelling.
Where did you go? And why?
Did you do anything considered "dangerous"?
What problems did you face? (ie safety, illness, cultural problems)
Is there anything that you missed while you were away?
Is there anything existing or not yet invented that would have made your travels better?
Or any other suggestions. I hope you can give me just a minute of your time to help.
Many Thanks,
Catriona
Reply to this Hey Catriona saw you had no replies yet and know personally how frustrating it is collecting research information, so thought I'd share some of my experiences.
I love travelling, on my current trip I have travelled around Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, currently teaching in China for 6 months to get some money before I head on again, Australia is next I think!! This is my first bit of advice do a TEFL course before you travel really useful for funding long term backpackers/travellers.
Tubing in Laos was definitely the most dangerous thing I have done so far. Loved every minute of it, did 3 days of it but if you look at the safety issues involved it's amazing more people don't die every year. But would risk it all again as it was amazing!! But just to break it down simply, buckets of alcohol, evryone drunk and carefree on rubber tubes going down a river with a VERY strong current... fantasctic but madness at the same time 😊
A proper transport system in SE Asia geared towards backpackers is definately a niche in the market. Have been on many a bus around SE Asia and there is just no similarity between any of them. Also VIP buses means nothing as it could be brilliant or terrible, it was all part of the experience but it would definitely have made things a lot more convenient and comfortable with a more reliable service.
Any more specific questions feel free to ask. Best of luck with your studies!!
Reply to this Thank you so much for your help. It is really appreciated.
One thing I would really like to know is: What did you take with you and what did you wish you had with you?
Thanks again!!!
Reply to this One thing Im very glad I had with me is my netbook it is very useful for lots of things to have the internet with me and it is so compact I wouldn't be without it. Also it has all my music on it and is great for storing photos.
Also travelling light with just one backpack and a small handbag/carry on bag is an essential for me when travelling. I only packed for one season; Summer and just layered up my clothes for the colder seasons buying a few warmer items when I needed them! Another thing I brought with me is smaller bottles of shampoo's etc this really lightened the load.
What did I wish I had with me, tough question... more money or a pocket translator perhaps!! On a more serious note would loved to have brought an underwater camera will probably purchase one before I go to Australia. But in general I think there is nothing that you really need to bring from home that you can't buy along the way.
Hope this helps!
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