Comments on: How to Become a Backpacker?

By: Tanya

Tanya — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:57:38 +0000

I totally agree with you! You start with one destination and then you keep on going forever- it’s difficult to stop because there are so many places to visit and discover and learn from! Don’t see it as not having any money in the bank, you should consider it as money invested in you! You don’t grow from things you own (house, car, etc), you grow from your experiences. And the house will always be there whenever your ready to invest in it. Its all about what your priorities are.
If it makes you feel better, I’m a certified addict too! You’re allowed to be addicted, but what you can do is cut the budget you reserve for traveling and put some aside for other investments you want to make. You can do it! Thanks for your post!!

By: treiffus

treiffus — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:34:20 +0000

I started backpacking ten years ago– just a little trip to Morocco for a month. Then three months in the middle east later that year. And so on until this last year I spent seven months in Central Africa. I’ve been to a ton of countries and had lots of great experiences, but I agree with what Tanya says– it should come with a warning label. My resume looks like moths got at it and despite intermittent work as an Army contractor in Kabul, I’ve barely got any money in the bank. I own nothing but what’s in my backpack, even after all these years. I’ve been gone so long, the concept of a home has become a murky one indeed.

What some might see as a life of freedom is to others a liability. Do this long enough, and sacrifices come into the equation. Some of them are not small. Me, I’m a certified addict. That’s the trouble with this lifestyle– like all drugs, it must be taken in moderation.

By: Tanya

Tanya — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:32:26 +0000

I agree with all 3 of you. It should def come with a warning label! It’s easy to keep on wanting more and more. And yes, once you’re part of the corporate world, it’s a matter of sacrificing yourself for 49 weeks in order to get 3 weeks off in a row! Lastly, we are extremely lucky to have the opportunities we have. We all choose to spend our $$ the way we want. I’m making the hostels survive around the world!! Thanks for your comments

By: Denis

Denis — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:24:39 +0000

when you strip everything away from life, it comes down to a matter of choices. for those of us born into fortunate societies in the first world, these choices are evident in our everyday lives.
we choose to travel as do we choose to buy a new four piece leather lounge suite.

choose life. choose travel.

choice is a very fortunate luxury we have at our fingertips…

nice post chica, keep it rolling…

By: Kunu M

Kunu M — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:24:19 +0000

Ya, if anyone asked me I’d just say “Whenever you decide to”.

Of course it’s hard and takes sacrifices and questioning social norms if you’re stuck in the “successful 9-5 with 3 weeks of vac a year” routine or other similar ones, but it’s just a matter of making it a priority in your life and taking advantage of and creating opportunities to do it!

By: Ahimsa

Ahimsa — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 07:59:58 +0000

I agree completely. Travel–living the life of a backpacker–is so addicting it should come with a warning label.