Out of Town loads up on the basics of backpacking.
 

‘Backpacking’ means carrying nothing but the essentials in one's backpack—and touring the world. The term usually connotes exploring countries under a very constrained budget—as low as PhP40,000 for a two-week trip, all in.

This is made possible by sticking to hostels, inns, or dormitories (instead of traditional hotels); exploring independently (instead of joining tours); and maximizing land-based public transportation. From Singapore, for instance, you can take the bus or railway to Malaysia, then Thailand, followed by Cambodia and Vietnam; or you can start in Vietnam, and go the opposite way.

Though it may sound easy, preparing for a backpacking trip is very laborious and requires lots of patience. You need to:

  •     Do your research to bone up on important country facts like:

          o Malaysia and Singapore can be traveled, via Bus No. 170, for only around PhP53.
          o In Macau, carry lots of coins; public transportation seldom has change for bills.
          o In Thailand, proper attire is strictly practiced in temples.
          o In France, residents will give you the cold shoulder if you speak English.

  •     Bring the basics, which will help save time and money. These include:

          o water: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and the cost of buying drinks to rehydrate adds up, in the long run.
          o little clothing, but lots of detergent: Packing just two or three sets of clothes that you’ll wash yourself will lighten your load, and maximize your spending money.
          o food: If you’ll be staying at places where you can cook, you can save more money by toting canned goods and other packaged foods.

  •     Go by budget—you’ll have to do even more research, to find the best rates for:

          o airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Zest Airways frequently offer cheap flights to various countries, particularly our Asian neighbors.
          o Budget inns, hotels, hostels, and dormitories can be as much as a thousand bucks cheaper than traditional hotels, but are still decent places to stay.
          o Local food outlets are better alternatives to expensive restaurants—not only cheaper, but often more of an authentic experience.

In a nutshell, while traveling is for everyone, backpacking is not. It’s not for your average Paris-Hilton-wannabe; you’ve got to have a tough constitution, a flexible mindset—and a strong back!

Here are a few, more specific tips for first-time backpackers:

  • Don’t rush your preparations. Read everything—from personal blogs to area websites—and know the geographical shortcuts, basic facts, and at least a little of the language.
  • Be flexible enough to travel when plane fare is cheaper. (Weekdays are cheaper compared to weekends. Booking two months or more ahead also saves lots of money.)
  • Be prepared for the worst. Since you want to avoid paying more than US$3 a night for a hotel room in Cambodia, don’t expect too much!
  • Pack light. You’ll be constantly on the move, so your bag shouldn’t be a huge burden. Pack products that come in convenient sachets. Definitely learn to wash your clothes.
  • Avoid engaging in unnecessary expensive activities—eating at a restaurant, taking the plane—and budget your money wisely. 
  • Be sensitive to cultural differences. After all, it is their country. 
  •  Bring cash. Some countries (like Cambodia) have only very few outlets that accept credit cards.

(Rachel Charisse Ong, 25, is a freelance writer. She considers writing to be not about the author or the reader, but about giving justice to the subject.)