Backpacking: By the Numbers

34 DAYS. 7 COUNTRIES. 14 CITIES. 4.8KG BACKPACK. 6 BORDER CROSSING. 16 IMMIGRATION STAMPS. 2 AIRPLANES.  5 OVERNIGHT TRAINS. 3 BORDER BUSES. 109 TRANSIT HOURS. 13 GUESTHOUSES/FRIEND's PAD. 8 CURRENCIES.

BACKPACKING. For many Filipinos, backpacking is not in their vocabulary.  It seems like this 'thing' is not within their reach. They think that people doing it are crazy or stupid or rich. But I would say, not all.

It was once not in my vocabulary as well to do a backpacking trip. Not after one of my lady friends (yes, you read it right, a lady) have done it in SouthEastAsia. She traveled for 27days in 5countries. As an adventurer, I was inspired by her trip and thought of doing it myself too. Since I have 2months break from school, might as well do it during that time, while I'm still a student. Take note: It's a VERY shoe-string budget.

And so I made the biggest move! Reserve a plane ticket. And the next steps are: Bahala na si Batman! And so I booked a Manila - Ho Chi Minh ticket last January 20, 2012 for a flight on July 25, 2012 and Singapore - Manila on August 27, 2012. Yes, the travel dates were still far but needless to say, it's a promo ticket.  By the way, my parents knew about my idea after I booked the ticket. So they can't do anything anymore.

MY ROUTE? Philippines - Vietnam - Cambodia - Thailand - Laos - Thailand - Malaysia - Singapore - Philippines. You might wonder why I visited Laos and go back again. Well.. A very good Lao friends of mine invited me to visit their country, and so I went there. And I would say I made the right decision. I really enjoyed my trip there and they totally welcomed me with open arms.

My backpacking route

MY EXPENSES?  Believe it or not, I only spent US$813 dollars or Php 35,000  for the entire trip (YES! it's not a typo error). And it includes my round trip ticket, the very expensive travel tax and terminal fee, border crossing fares, my accommodations and food, some souvenirs and some necessities during the trip (Yes, like I bought additional shirts for me in the middle). Although, it doesn't include some biscuits for my own consumption and dried mangoes as tokens to my friends, hosts or the people I met in the road (I bought it in the Philippines. haha). Indeed, it's a SHOE-STRING trip!

MY BACKPACK? You might be wondering how I fit all my things in a 4.8kg backpack. But I have clothes good for a week, long pants for my Sunday Masses (Yes, I still attend Mass every Sunday, it's a must), tokens to my friends as I've said earlier, some survival food, toiletries of course, and the most important travel things, my PASSPORT and money (I didn't have credit card, by the way).

My 4.8kg backpack

MY LIFESTYLE? I lived like a local, learned and understand their culture. I ate their food, took public transportation, walked for miles everyday. I didn't have any fancy meals (except when my friend treated me) and the souvenirs I bought was just for my dearest who allowed me to embark on this trip. HAHA!

MY COMPANION?  I was alone. Not that I'm a loner, but I can be very flexible if I travel by myself. I can follow my own pace and I don't have to worry about the others. But I met my ASEAN friends in all the countries I visited. In fact, it was one of my purpose, to meet my old friends in their homelands. And I met new people in the middle of the road. Aside from the locals, I also met people from Australians to Europeans: Italian, Germans, French, Austrian, Polish, Americans to Latin Americans, and fellow Asians like Japanese, Koreans and Chinese, to name a few.  And each of them has their own backpacking stories -- it ranges from a one week holiday to a real RTW (round the world) backpacking that lasts for months or even years (Hopefully, I can tell some of their stories next time).

Indeed, the trip was worthwhile! It definitely widened my horizon and not just think within the four corners of the classroom. It's a must try before you get your job (some even quit their job to do this; but I'm not saying you do it) or get married or with your partner, or at least before you kick the bucket. Yes, you should include it in your bucket list!  As for me, a European backpacking trip. But might do Indo-China first, it's more attainable short term ;]

Now, what do you think? It's not a leisure trip at all.