How does one backpack across multiple countries?
Posted by Americanidiot29@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 69 comments
I have never travelled alone(outside the USA). How would I backpack across many countries? Would language barriers be a big issue? Are there any things to be on the lookout for? Any tips and tricks?
AltruisticWishes@reddit
Google this. Read Rick Steves general travel advice.
Curried_Orca@reddit
Take twice the money and half the clothes.
hth
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
This actually is something I had never thought about. Also as an american are there anythings I can do to avoid being ripped off or up charged? I have heard people take advantage of Americans because of our money
Safe_Application_465@reddit
Nothing to do with " our money "
Americans get ripped off because they let everyone know they are American by their ( often loud ) behaviour and by splashing cash around trying to impress the natives.
Tipping is NOT A THING outside the USA.
Best to blend in, mouth and wallet closed 👍
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Ah ok so I should be fine right. I’m a talkative guy but also very frugal and don’t like to spend money unless I deem in worth it. I just worry people will ask me “where I am from” and I respond with “USA” and they react differently(this happened in Paris)
Individualchaotin@reddit
Do you understand why US Americans might currently not be liked?
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Traditionally we have not really been liked since the 2003 iraq invasion. Also not sure how that is my fault
Individualchaotin@reddit
It's not about fault, it's curiosity. Outside the US you represent your country and people wonder how things could go so far.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
I just tell them its the will of the people. As much as I hate trump. There are a lot of real issues that people are frustrated about that he tries to fix
AltruisticWishes@reddit
Ah, you've outed yourself
JF42@reddit
Last time I travelled abroad people said "Who do you think will win, Trump or Hillary?"
My prediction was that Trump would never make it to the real ballot, and Hillary would lose to anyone they ran against her. I guess I was right on 1 out of 2.
What I liked is that the people who asked me this usually asked first whether I was comfortable talking about American politics. They didn't launch right into it -- they were polite. This was in Germany specifically.
Ok_Gas_1591@reddit
Tipping is a thing outside of the USA. It’s not as BIG outside, but it’s 100% present outside the US.
Americans get ripped off because they look Western, and Westerners get ripped off, because they are richer, on average. It’s not American specific-I’ve watched Aussies getting ripped off blatantly, because they were white Westerners.
Honestly, you sound like you haven’t actually traveled much.
Safe_Application_465@reddit
Obviously tipping is a" thing" esp in tourist locations but generally is happily accepted - not demanded like in the USA. A venue that has high tourist numbers will push for tips and charge more as the tourists are more willing. ( looking at you Miami )
Generally in the rest of the world, tipping is done as an appreciation of service , a rounding up of the bill or leaving the change .
Not the min 15% up to 30% " suggested in America and getting worse
Check out
https://www.reddit.com/r/EndTipping/
AltruisticWishes@reddit
Says the short, poor guy. 😂
Ok_Gas_1591@reddit
It’s not compulsory in the US, either. There is not one single law or regulation to enforce it. However, 18% “service charges” or 5 euro “copertos”, etc, ARE compulsory in other places.
I’ve not been to Bali yet, despite living extensively in Australia and NZ. I’ve been to 4 other countries in the region, though; and a good handful in other regions. The claim you made was that the reason Americans were ripped off was because of the loudness (if you are using Bali as an example, that’s hilarious-being a party destination for Aussies..), money, etc..and I’m refuting that. Any Westerner will be flagged for scamming - nothing to do with “American”.
Safe_Application_465@reddit
Read what I actually wrote 😔
1.Bali was in reference to your insult about my travel . Nothing to do with the original conversation as indicated by the line seperating the comments .
2.Tipping in the USA is widely accepted , even by Americans as out of hand. Go to the end tipping sub and see how pissed off they are about how tipping has now intruded into every aspect . May not be " compulsory" as in law , but is considered a requirement in F&B establishments to the point, people will be abused or chased down the road for no or bad tip.
3.Obviously everywhere has taxes and service charges. In the US , tips are expected on top of those . American tipping culture from yanks throwing $$$ around is invading the tourist world so locals are now expecting everyone to tip.
4 . Americans are widely acknowledged as being loud and obnoxious just like Australians are as being pissheads .By drawing attention to themselves , they make themselves a bigger target .
funnydumplings@reddit
Yep totally, this is the main difference. Its happily accepted eg:Bali(im a local indo) so basically you give whatever you think you want to give/esp if you’re happy with the person, either restaurant or your driver or cook or bellboy, but it’s no way demanded or they going to show unhappiness or throw a fit. And doesn’t matter if you’re a foreigner or local people, you give whatever you think you want to give/if you re happy with the job etc etc.
AltruisticWishes@reddit
Ha ha, jackass, the pickpockets so numerous in so VERY many European cities can tell who the Americans are by their height and attire. They especially like to go for the tall men because they know they're not used to "watching g their back."
But f**k you very much for the unhelpful advice. Bet you're short. Obviously, you're broke. 👍
Individualchaotin@reddit
Tipping approximately 10% is a thing in Germany.
Sufficient-Diver-327@reddit
You might want to look it up though. In my city (Bogota) tipping has started to feel a bit more compulsory, especially if you're foreign. Regardless, never more than 10%
the_muscular_nerd@reddit
Well in some countries they do it to all white people. The trick is to haggle, find out what the price generally is for locals or something and then use also common sense. Don't be afraid to haggle in the countries where haggling is the norm, don't pay 100x for everything you come across but also understand that they are there to make money.
Also unfortunately you're going to have to say no to a lot of people. Some people are really good at pushing all your emotional buttons to get you to give them money, but you have to stand your ground. Unless you're really rich or want to have a really bad day looking at your bank account, hold on to your money. It's going to sting especially if you're a really nice person, but ignore that.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
I am empathetic to a point, but I don’t just give out money. I just worry that bc I am white it may feel like I am rich in these nations
the_muscular_nerd@reddit
You worry about feeling rich? You will feel that for sure
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Not worry about feeling rich, but worry about people upcharging me bc the dollar goes so far in most countries
the_muscular_nerd@reddit
Oh yeah it will happen. But don't worry, think of it as an amazing practice to bargain that you'll learn for the rest of your life!
Curried_Orca@reddit
Username checks out.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Am I wrong though?
AltruisticWishes@reddit
Watch the Rick Steves "how to travel" videos
Sufficient_Stock_584@reddit
Use a cell phone that actually has service in the countries you plan to visit and use a language translation app.
RainInTheWoods@reddit
Where do you want to go?
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Southeast asia, east europe, or south america
Prize-Restaurant-968@reddit
I'm not sure why budget travellers are so obsessed with the idea of backpacks, I used to always take a backpack until a couple years ago I thought, why don't just take a regular luggage with wheels and it's been life changing.. so I'd recommend not necessarily taking a backpack. It's not more expensive to take a regular luggage.
But anyways it's very easy to travel across multiple countries, you just book your trip and go. Yes there are language barriers but most countries have some English speakers and touristy places almost always do. Also you have a phone so you can easily use google translate to get around any language barriers, I'd recommend getting an e sim so you have data the whole time you're away without having to pay for roaming.
mbrasher1@reddit
Language is not an issue in any reasonably capitalist country.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Even in places like south america?
mbrasher1@reddit
I have never been in rural SA (except for Venezuela). Plus, I speak Spanish. I guess I am the wrong person to ask.
DVsKat@reddit
With up Google translate, you'll get by
Gonzo_B@reddit
What do you mean by "backpack"? Do you mean grabbing a bag and walking across entire nations, one to another? That's a wholly different definition than "traveling to different countries as cheaply as possible."
If you want to do what many of us do, it's easy: Go on Google Flights, find out how much it is roundtrip to a city with a big hub airport, find out how much roundtrip tickets from that airport to nearby countries costs, narrow down your choices based on (1) how much hostels cost where you want to go, what the weather will be like, and whether there's availability for the dates you're considering; (2) how much visas cost and how easy they are to get on those countries; (3) and whether those places have anything you want to see.
That's the plan you need to make. Then book tickets, get whatever visas you need, and go.
If you stick to big cities with plenty of tourists, you don't need anything but English. It's helpful to at least learn "hello" and "thank you" in local languages, if nothing else, but you can learn that when you arrive.
Be friendly, open, and outgoing in hostel common rooms. That's how you find people to hang out with and explore the place anytime you want company. Make some friends.
Take advantage of hostel staff: They know their home better than any guidebook, can point you towards hidden gems, steer you away from sketchy places, can tell you how much you ought to pay for local travel so you don't get ripped off, and can help set up any travel by any mode you want.
Remember that this isn't a competition. You won't, and shouldn't, be able to see and do everything. You'll enjoy none of it if you try. Take it slow, appreciate what you get to see and do, and move on.
You will get tired and burnt out after a while. Travel is often exhausting, dealing with people who speak a different language is often exhausting, trying to function in what may be an entirely alien culture is often exhausting, so schedule breaks for yourself. Me, I try to take one day a week to rest. I hang out in the hostel relaxing, chatting with staff and other travelers, venturing out as little as possible, and recharge for the next week.
The best thing to do is to just do it. Just do it slowly and carefully and enjoy all of it. Good luck!
Illustrious-Ice6336@reddit
Thanks for this. Great summary. I am selling my house in the next two months and getting out of the US. I am considering: Mexico City and surrounding cities, Cordoba Argentina, various cities in Japan and possibly northern Portugal or Spain near the ocean. As you can see, 😉, I have put a lot of planning in and have a specific goal in mind. 😂
gltch__@reddit
Depends on the countries but it’s all pretty easy if you research a little and just hop on a plane/train/boat and go there.
Most places you will find you can get away with speaking English and maybe learning a few basics of the local language. It’s shockingly easy to get by just with English, to be honest - nearly everywhere in the world basic English is spoken, particularly in service jobs in touristy areas you’re likely to be travelling in.
The only things you really want to be on top of are visa rules and regulations - do you need to apply for a visa in advance, if so how far in advance, what’s the cost, etc? Do the visa requirements change when crossing a lad border from a nearby country vs if you fly in? How long can you stay for? Can you re-enter if you duck out to another country, etc?
After that…just pack a bag and go.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
I always forget about visa
RainInTheWoods@reddit
That’s bad. Never forget about visas or the dates attached to them. If your visa exprires tomorrow, leave today or yesterday.
SunQueenie@reddit
Take overnight trains and buses to save on accommodation, wait til you get anywhere to book anything (you can walk around, shop around, compare prices), and everything is way easier than you think. You just have to arrive somewhere and you’ll meet people, you will see places to book things everywhere (if you’re in a populated area), and go with the flow, follow your heart. ❤️
Educational_Life_878@reddit
What do you mean how?
Pick a destination, book a flight and a hostel.
In most major European cities, English is widely spoken.
Outside of Europe there will be more variance, but people working in the tourism industry will reliably be able to speak English pretty much anywhere in the world.
Cheapest destinations will be mostly Southeast Asia, Balkans or LatAm. SEA and Balkans are probably better for a beginner backpacker, and I would recommend learning some Spanish if you go to LatAm. There’s cheap destinations in Africa too but a lot of countries don’t have many hostels so it can get pricier. Probably Morocco or South Africa are your best bets for backpacking but neither are really great for beginners. Western Europe isn’t really doable anymore on a true “shoestring” budget as hostels there have tripled in price over the past 5 years.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Btw how much did y’all take to spend on your trip?
64-matthew@reddit
I have absolutely no idea what it cost. I just got money and carried on. Travelling in third world countries when l was travelling was really cheap. I do remember India only costing $20 US a week.
64-matthew@reddit
Get a backpack no bigger than hand luggage size and just go. Backpacked around the world and visited 48 countries. What started out as a six months sojourn turned into 13 years
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Ok I couldn’t do more than a year or two
64-matthew@reddit
I hadn't meant to go for that long, but l kept finding work that supplemented my money. Found work with NGOs. I took any job offered. Met a woman in Auckland who travelled with me two days after meeting her. We are still together 50 years later.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Ok that is adorable. Also what did you do for ngos? How did you find these jobs?
64-matthew@reddit
It was a lot easy to find work with NGOs when overseas than applying at home. I taught English in China. The only qualification needed was be a native English speaker. Applying at home in Australia a degree was needed or a teaching qualification. The other two jobs was driving trucks across the Kalahari Desert and working and training people with disabilities in Otse in Botswana. What a magic experience that was. Both the work and the country. Most of my work was officially illegal. I also taught English in India. I was in a railway station and this woman started talking to me and asked if l would go to this really small village and teach English. Payment was full board and a small room while there. Stayed six months.
Aranka_Szeretlek@reddit
To judge language barriers, we need to know what languages you speak and where you are going. A Spaniard will have no language issues in Chile.
seancho@reddit
You walk across the border out of one country into another. If they don't understand you there, wave your hands around in the air until something interesting happens. Be on the lookout for fun and adventures.
UnCommonSense99@reddit
At the start of my round the world packing adventure I learned basic Spanish in a Spanish school in Guatemala
VeganNutJob31@reddit
language barriers - NO
I speak english, and only english, and if you are sticking to traditional backpacking routes or vaction routes in SEA or SA , you wont have a problem. Google translate exists and through google you can scan text through your camera and it will translate for you (helpful in supermarkets/pharmacies)
Tip: Pack half what you need. 10 tops and 5 bottoms is enough clothes for about 10 days, without washing, and provides unique 50 outfits if everything goes together
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
What are the traditional backpacking routes?
Individualchaotin@reddit
Where backpackers traditionally go. I feel like you'd profit from reading some books for example about the hippie trail.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Also true
mbrasher1@reddit
I traveled for a year backpacking. Go to Asia and your money lasts great. Africa too but Asia is safer. Tips: pack light. Throw away clothes as you no longer need them. Buy cheap local clothes when needed. Avoid "travel clothes" of exotic fibers. No jeans. Talk to an emergency medicine expert. Build a life saving med kit: anti biotics, thermometer, oral rehydration salts. Go slow and enjoy. Take detours to see cool shit. If someone offers you a trip to their home village, take it. Those places are changing fast.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Why no jeans?
BubbhaJebus@reddit
Jeans are heavy and take days to dry in humid climates.
mbrasher1@reddit
You want lightweight that dry fast. One pair to wear when the other is being dried. Jeans are heavy and dry slow.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
Noted
Ok_Gas_1591@reddit
Heavy and bulky AF. One pair of jeans, or two pairs of quickdry pants in the same space.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
One pair of jeans is probs fine I think
mbrasher1@reddit
I have never had a problem in SA. Only in rural Asia (Laos/Burma). We bought a canoe and sailed down the Mekong R. Locals spoke not a lick of English.
Americanidiot29@reddit (OP)
That’s awesome
mbrasher1@reddit
Honestly, it really was.
Pop-metal@reddit
Train. Bus. Hitch hike.
heyheni@reddit
join r/onebag and learn how to avoid check in bagage fees and save on travel cost.