When it comes down to it, what really makes an experience unforgettable is how it makes us feel and the greater impact it has on our lives. As a whole, my backpacking experience was exciting, a little bit scary, and challenging, all at once. To illustrate the significance of these feelings within my own travels, here are a few of my favourite travel memories that I feel really sum up the backpacking experience and these feelings.
…my backpacking experience was exciting, a little bit scary, and challenging, all at once.
As a whole, visiting new places, trying new foods and experiencing more of the culture and society within a place is what I would consider exciting. I especially love the hustle and bustle of busy cities. A particularly exciting feature of them is the night markets that are prevalent in many places in Southeast Asia. With food, clothes, and souvenirs, in this tangle of vendors and buyers, you can find everything you want and much more!
I would recommend backpacking a thousand times over, however, there are pros and cons of all things. As fun, exciting, and adventurous as it is, there are also many risks and dangers involved. Simply from the planning of visas, getting through immigration, etc., but also staying safe, going out alone and/or with valuables, there’s a lot to navigate. In certain places, especially Vietnam, even crossing the road can be a bit scary with masses of motorbikes that never seem to stop!
Going backpacking is all about getting out of your comfort zone, but at times, that can be the problem. Backpacking comes with many different challenges, especially as you are so far away from home and have so many new things to navigate. Making friends while travelling can be difficult, as can keeping in contact, making you feel homesick or isolated at times. Additionally, with all the exciting and scary experiences, it can be a lot to process, even when you’re enjoying yourself. Having travelled for so long, I felt like this quite a few times, but I made sure to call family and friends regularly and this eventually became the highlight of my week.
Even with all the challenges, it is something that I hope I am luck enough to be able to do again.
My own backpacking tales began on 6th January 2024 at the airport, snuggled in my 5 layers of clothes and between hugs as my family saw me off. I carried only one rucksack filled to the brim with everything that I couldn’t wear and another much larger backpack that I would soon fill with new clothes, souvenirs and a world of memories.
Even with all the challenges, it is something that I hope I am lucky enough to be able to do again.