Yes, You Can Do It Too

Those who have never backpacked have this preconceived notion that it’s too difficult. Too expensive. Too far out of reach. But anyone who has ever backpacked knows all of these thoughts are false. If you are comfortable with the hostel life, then backpacking is easy, ridiculously cheap, and 100% within your reach.

Below is some advice disguised into a story on how anyone, even you, can travel.

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The following story is one I’ll never forget because it felt like a pinnacle moment in my life where I decided what I wanted and how I was going to achieve it. When I backpacked solo for the first time in August of 2018 I was around a week in when I arrived in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

I was walking around the small center of town when I saw the option to take a boat ride. It looked nice and cheap enough so I stood in the 3 person line and waited my turn. As I clumsily got myself on to the little boat I nodded hello to the man who would be rowing it for me.

When we started to move I turned around to see something a bit peculiar–he was rowing the boat with his feet.

He needed his hands free to hold the umbrella!

I smiled to myself, turned around, and took in the scenery. He took me through beautiful limestone mountains and caves. It was just me, him, and jaw dropping landscapes.

It was a hot sunny day so when it started raining I was a bit taken aback. And when I say rain, I mean rain. It down-poured so violently I could barely open my eyes. Rather than get upset at the fact that I was sopping wet, I couldn’t stop laughing. The rain truly came from nowhere. I looked back at the man rowing and he was laughing too. So there we were, two strangers, giggling together while being wetter than the water the boat sat upon. We eventually went under a cave for cover and just as suddenly as the rain came, it stopped.

My lovely boat man and I hiding in a cave

We emerged from the cave and there was not a cloud in sight. We simply continued along down the river, taking in the views. I was so unbelievably content that not even rain could ruin this moment. I just had the overwhelming feeling of pride for myself and my life. I was proud of myself for fully funding this trip and getting myself here. I was also proud that I maturely handled a 4.5 year breakup and had arrived at a point in my life where I finally felt okay being single. To put in plainly– I was happy.

happy 🙂

I had nothing to complain about and I didn’t want to be anywhere else but exactly where I was. I don’t know if you have ever felt that feeling but it feels damn good. It felt as if my soul had finally landed in the spot it was always meant to be. I felt refreshed.

I felt so deeply that I needed to travel for more and for way longer than just a month. So I promised myself right then and there that I must return to this exact spot on my next trip. I would graduate college, make as much money as I could, and come right back here.

And god dammit that’s exactly what I did.

The same boat trip, a year and change later…

Fast forward to after my college graduation and there I sat, on the same boat, with the same amazing views, and the same man rowing.

Just kidding hehe it was a different man, but that would have been cool right? 

As this new man took me down the river, through the limestone mountains, I cried. I cried tears of happiness, of relief, of gratitude for myself. I did this. I made a promise to myself and I kept it. I put my future into my own hands and look at what happened. I’m here, exactly where I want to be.

Post boat ride: Enjoying a drink at the $7 a night hostel

I encourage anyone reading this who feels like traveling is some far away expensive day dream thats too complicated and intense to just throw those worries in the trash.

It’s as simple as this:

Make the money.

Buy the plane ticket.

That’s it.

Once you land in whatever country you choose, the rest is easy. The friends and the amazing experiences will come naturally. The hard part is just committing to getting yourself there. When I committed to solo backpacking after graduation I dedicated my whole senior year to it. I skipped out on the newest phone, clothes, and concerts so that I could save up. I skipped events and birthday dinners so I could work on Saturday nights instead. I made the sacrifices knowing it would pay off in the future… and I promise you, it will pay off. If traveling in Southeast Asia you only need to spend $1,000-2,000 a month, depending on your style of backpacking.

If a career, a lover, or a lease is holding you back; I understand the commitment to travel is a lot more difficult. But even if you can only do 2 weeks, do it. Even if you have to quit your job and not see your doggy for a while, DO IT. You will not regret it and you can always get another job and make more money in the future. You will never be as young as you are right now so live in the moment and stop thinking about your 401K.