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How to Start Your Own Backpacking Trip

Posted on December 18, 2010 by journeyingjames 25 Comments
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This post was published in the maiden issue of CAB Urban Magazine

Months ago I received a message from a friend of mine who is starting to love traveling through reading my blog posts (sample: 14 Days of Backpacking Western Visayas plus hitchhiking on the top). His message was,

kuya james,

i am also planning to have my own solo backpacking soon (maybe october or november)… i need your help to give me suggestions or ideas on how to do it. how to spend wisely, what to do, where to go… i want to visit surigao, cdo, bohol, cebu.:)

thanks!

alvin

Thanks for the idea Alvin! Before I offer some help, I want to share my own definition of what “BACKPACKING“ is.

“Backpacking is simply traveling with a tight budget carrying light backpack for a week or more. You are not a tourist but more of a curious observer. The motive is to experience the ‘other-side’ of the world by trying the road less traveled. You get to learn from the locals, sleep on guesthouse (rather than on hotels), buses, trains, tent or hammock.”

-JourneyingJames

Here in the Philippines, backpacking doesn’t have that attention as compared to US and Europe, but a lot has been doing underground trips already. More blogs are into backpacking and do-it-yourself trips. That’s good news because Philippines is a backpacker-friendly country.

So, how do you start your own backpacking trip? My mind is on backpacking the Philippines but the principles are the same if you are going to other countries.

Exploring Panglao Island during my first ever solo backpacking trip, Bohol

1. Choose your destination.

This could be one province or one big island like Palawan or Panay or Batangas. In my case, I always do it by region (West Visayas, Region 7 or Calabarzon). I choose by these categories- the people, the food and the site. You can start by your dream destination then connect the dots.

Examples: You want to go to Cebu. Now Cebu is a big island surrounded by islets, you might want to include Bohol, Siquijor and Dumaguete. This trip would require a week or more to really experience the nature, food and culture.

Or you want to try Palawan, another big island. You can start by flying your way to Puerto Princesa City then Sabang-Roxas-San Vicente-Port Barton-El Nido-Coron then fly back to Manila.

For those who have more time and resources, it could be by group of countries say for example Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand-Laos or Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand.

2. Mark your calendar.

For starters, you can start with 4-5days but I encourage you to make it a week, so you got the feeling of a ‘real’ backpacker. Your VL would mean a lot of help here. Also, a long weekend is your best friend. Seize that opportunity before it’s too late. In my case, I book my flight ahead of time (say 6 months ahead) so I get the cheap fare then just plan my way as the D-day nears.

3. Research, Research and research more.

Since what you are going to do has been done many times by others, try doing some Google search. You will be surprised to know that there are useful pieces of information that can save you a lot of time and resources. Start with its history, language/dialect, weather conditions, transportations and inns/guesthouse. Government websites and travel blogs are replete with basic information. Just avoid those websites that offer a fixed itinerary as you are robbing yourself the experience of really planning your own trip. The adventure starts while planning and research so make this fun. Research more.

4. Ask a local.

 

My friend, Runnel, asks a Vietnamese local where the bus station is

I started to travel those places where I have friends. Its a big help because you get to ask them where are the must-see places and must-try foods. But then there will come a time wherein you have to get out of your comfort zone and try those places which you haven’t heard existed. Next year, I will try backpacking Calbayog and Virac. Where’s is that? What’s in there? I still don’t know. I think I will do number 3. When you arrive at your destination, trust the locals. I saved PhP125 when I ask a local how to get to Bacolod City from Silay airport other than taking the van.

Wonderin how? I asked a local in Negros Occidental.

5. Make a checklist and print a map.

Have yourself a checklist of the places you want to see (how many hours/days/weeks you will spent there), foods you have to try and adventures you want to do. If you are visual like me, a map is very handy as it aids you in specially when you are already doing the trip. Don’t forget to drop by the tourism office before starting your travel. They give helpful information and free maps. Don’t go to them if you haven’t done your assignment yet it will make things complicated. If you already have a checklist and map then you are ready to go. Just make room for misadventures and make your itinerary flexible. You can view a FREE MAP! Yes, FREE map and find out my trick  on maps.

Example: Backpacking Puerto Princesa should include this in a week’s IT (Underground River thru the monkey trail, Honda Bay, Try Chaolong, Night-out at Kinabuch, Swim in Irawan Waterfalls, Beach bumming at Nagtabon and stroll at the Baywalk).

Lastly, remember to enjoy the journey more than the destinations.Do not leave your destinations without experiencing something worth sharing with others. I have lots of memorable experiences while talking with some locals and I have made friends with them allowing me to go back anytime I choose to. You know, you are not on your own. Learn to trust them so they would trust you back.

Enjoying Vietnam, train from Saigon to Hanoi

***This article was published in the maiden issue of CAB Urban Travel Magazine. Just wanna thank Alvin for the idea and question, Jerem & Kat for including my article, hope to travel together with you guys someday! 🙂

If you have a question about backpacking or want to start your own trip, just CONTACT me, I’m not a pro, but who knows, I might be of help.

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25 thoughts on “How to Start Your Own Backpacking Trip”

  1. Red Nomad OZ said:
    Reply
    December 18, 2010 at 9:41 am

    You’re right – the principles are the same anywhere in the world! Thanx for the great advice – backpacking is also very popular down under, here in Australia!!

    Happy travels!!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 19, 2010 at 4:35 pm

      oh red, i was thinking of that too, sorry i missed out ‘down under.’ i met a lot of Aussie backpackers but wasn’t able to hang out with them, maybe some other time. thanks for dropping, hope you can visit back. happy travels too!

  2. Eric said:
    Reply
    December 18, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Hmmm….thanks for this backpacking tips….and I like your term ” Curious Observer” instead of a term tourist.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 19, 2010 at 4:37 pm

      thanks eric! that “curious observer” should also become an “active player” and experience the people in a specific place. that is why travelling is transforming, informative and humbling.

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  4. Rovie said:
    Reply
    December 26, 2010 at 2:35 am

    Since Im a girl, doing a solo backpacking for me is a bit hard coz I cant trust anyone. I have a hard time trusting new people. How can I continue with my adventures without getting hurt by bad guys?

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 27, 2010 at 12:36 am

      hi rovie, i understand you issue of trust. we are thought not to “talk to strangers, let alone trust them.” i have been held up while backpacking once, been ripped off more than once still my trust for strangers are in its highest. i still believe that there is good in every human’s heart. we can balance trust with safety by being vigilant. i always look into their eyes.

      • tootsie said:
        Reply
        January 23, 2013 at 7:56 am

        hi james, i love this reply of yours. we know that out there is a cruel world. and i don’t think or worry about being robbed, held up or any bad things that might happen (i pray for it not) it’s like entertaining those negative energies and attracting it to happen. and yes, i alwasy think that there is always good in every human’s heart. just learn to trust them and listen with our instincts.

        • journeyingjames said:
          Reply
          January 23, 2013 at 12:41 pm

          indeed, there is always good in every human’s heart. i always trust the good in humanity

  5. Marky said:
    Reply
    January 14, 2011 at 1:31 am

    Kuya James

    how much budget mo nung ng Cambodia ka and how many days…

    thanks pOh

    – Marky

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 15, 2011 at 5:15 pm

      kulit mo marky! hahaha
      250 US$ vietnam-cambodia-vietnam for 8 days.

  6. Marco said:
    Reply
    November 4, 2011 at 1:19 am

    Very helpful tips, James! Thank you for sharing this. I wanted also to try solo backpacking maybe next year. I like your quotes and shared it in my FB wall. Thanks!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 5, 2011 at 8:42 am

      hi marco! glad this helped.
      thanks for sharing the quotes and blog. i hope lots of readers would do the same. yan ang mga reason why i can still blog and travel.

  7. Albert said:
    Reply
    June 2, 2012 at 3:48 am

    hehe.. I love the thought of enjoying the trip than the destination.

    This is the simplest but the perfect moment other travelers do not possess.

    Mabuhay ka James!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      June 3, 2012 at 8:01 am

      yes, the journey, its still the journey!
      salamat kaayo!

  8. DTraveler said:
    Reply
    June 2, 2012 at 3:52 am

    I agree with the 3 Rs..Research Research Research.
    Being able to know more of the site even if you are foreign in the place, feels like you have been in that place before.

    Still, i believe on knowledge is power.

    Keep us hydrated in your travels James!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      June 3, 2012 at 8:00 am

      sure thing Deviant traveler! happy journeys!

  9. Weng Bulaon said:
    Reply
    September 24, 2012 at 2:40 am

    I thought backpacking is too late for me…but reading your blogs makes me more enthusiastic in pursuing my dream…realizing that traveling does not requires age, it only requires your guts and willingness to do it and enjoy…
    Thanks for sharing your experiences, goodluck on yuor journey! godspeed!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      September 25, 2012 at 2:44 am

      good thing you realize po that its not too late to travel.
      thanks for reading the blog and continue to share your experiences sa blog nyo

  10. Shera said:
    Reply
    October 27, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    Hi James,
    Your blog really inspires me. Galing! I enjoyed reading them and pick down all the informations I can gather for my future trips. Actually i’ve been to different places and mountains na din. Kaso syempre iba yung sa experience mo. Mas adik ka sa galaan kesa sakin hahaha! The best and site mo. Keep traveling man! More power to you!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 11, 2012 at 3:55 am

      thanks for the warm words shera. hope you continue following my crazy adventures

  11. adventurouskikay said:
    Reply
    February 21, 2013 at 6:20 am

    I’ve been planning to try to be a solo backpacker kasi mostly ng travel ko was with a group…..thanks for these tips 🙂

  12. joyce said:
    Reply
    April 9, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Hi, I’ve been reading your blogs, I’ve watched your videos in youtube and your tv interviews, I admire everything you have done, your travels, your thoughts, thanks for sharing your experience. You inspired me so at dahil dyan I wish to see you and take photos with you. 😀

  13. Tricia said:
    Reply
    May 12, 2014 at 5:19 am

    HiJames!i just started backpacking last month. I went to Baguio,Sagada,Buscalan & Tinglayan. Last week it was Batangasand Puerto galera. It’s my first time to travel alone and it was so liberating and im starting to get addicted travelling. Maybe someday i will meet u somewhere. Hehe

  14. jennyfer habab said:
    Reply
    February 22, 2016 at 5:18 am

    Good afternoon
    Nabasa ko po ung blog m about sa caramoan 🙂 at nag paplano kami ng husband ko po pumunta.paanu p ba mag punta sa caramoan please help me po dun po namin plano mag celebrate ng anniversary namin with my daughter thank you so much this is my ccontact number 09491811744

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