It’s an easy trail to follow and even easier to get caught up in the trail as a backpacker. Costa Christ of National Geographic Adventure says towards the end of the video “Backpackers are not the bad guys. It really boils down to how we travel, what the legacy is of that. We are guests in another culture. So the issue isn’t how do we stop travelers, stop tourism – the issue is how do we get it right“.

The full moon party is mentioned in the video which we featured here before. Another gringo related hot spot is Vang Vieng, Laos for tubing which we discussed if it’s changing for the better or worse.

What is the gringo trail? A trail that is so common, that it makes the world much smaller than it seems. It’s the most most beaten path a traveler can take. Wikipedia has a short description referring it to a string of the most frequently visited places. Seeing a friend months later in another country becomes normal because the trail is followed by many backpackers.

This project is being directed by Pegi Vail. Gringo Trails is her first feature film, funded in part by NYSCA and fiscally sponsored by Women Make Movies. Currently it’s still being worked on from what I can tell in the post production stages in Bolivia.

Gringo Trails is about one of the most powerful global industries of our time: tourism, and it starts with backpackers. They are the key to opening the door in developing countries. The documentary looks at the long term effects of travelers on cultures, economies, and environments worldwide through their most important souvenirs… their stories. Pegi Vail explores the topic through both personal and professional perspectives: she is a former backpacker, now an anthropologist whose research focuses on backpacker tourism.

What will become of the backpacking culture in the years to come?

Today’s guest post is by stevewade from the TravelPod forums. He wrote a topic that created some interesting opinions. Is travel the easy way out? He agreed we could share his thread here and is looking for more feedback on what others think as well. The thread has great discussions and is definitely worth a read. One opinion in particular that I liked is what ScottWoz said.

“I know so so many people who choose to live an unfulfilled 9-5 clockwork existence and complain and complain about it. Yet they continue to sit around marinating in it. They are simply scared, which is perfectly natural and definitely not a criticism. And OBVIOUSLY I’m not criticising staying put in a place and working hard either. I did it for ten years in one place and now I do it intermittently on the road. Like Sianeth said ‘Each to their own’and all that. It’s just the times I hear the constant chirping about being lucky just ribs me. Luck? Grow up. Choice, yes.”

With Meet, Plan, Go coming up next month, I felt this couldn’t have been brought up at a better time. Below is the threads topic.

Backpacking on St. Joe's by obscure allusion

This is something I’ve been thinking about recently. A lot of people particularly parents for example think that when their kids choose to take a gap year or go traveling around the world for a pro-longed period of time instead of settling down, getting a job and starting a career etc that they are ‘taking the easy way out’ and going galavanting and enjoying themselves choosing fun over the ‘real’ world so to speak. So many people see traveling as some silly little thing for people who don’t want to take control of their lives or have responsibilities.

When you actually think about it, finding a career / job is the easy option. It’s the people who left education and went straight into their career that have taken the most obvious route, they did something that everyone does. It’s not a difficult decision to make, you just find a job and work. It’s not something that requires much thought or planning generally. It’s certainly not something that takes much courage to do. It’s the people who choose not to take a career break and travel but continue with the 9-5 daily grind all their lives who have taken the easiest option.

Where as taking a year out for traveling requires a lot of courage. You need to be determined, independent, very sure of yourself and the decision you’re about to make, confident that you can go away for such a long period of time in far away and foreign places and it takes a bit of forward thinking and planning. It’s certainly not for the faint hearted.

So many people see travel as the simple option or the ‘easy way out’ but is it?

Opinions please…

Backpackers seem to be living the life, right? They’re living the life of a reckless abandon, galavanting throughout unknown destinations and always seem to be in shape. Through observation, although the above statements might be true, there are downsides to this chosen lifestyle. (I didn’t sign up for anything less of this life!) Hopefully, most backpackers can identify themselves in these scenarios.

In no particular order, the 25 Travel peeves Backpackers can agree on:

25. Lack of hot showers in a hostel

It’s okay if there isn’t a hot shower on a hot summer afternoon in Greece. But, when you’re in a freezing cold Salt hostel in Uyuni, Bolivia; we miss lukewarm showers.

24. Not being able to flush toilet paper down the drain.

In fear of destroying the entire Peruvian toilet system with just one toilet paper square.

23. Waking up early for scheduled transportation days.

alarm clock 02 by AXEHD

I thought being a backpacker meant everyday feeling like a Saturday. Sorry, but if everyone acted like it was a Saturday, especially like the Washington D.C. Metro line, backpackers might just stay home.

22. Having to wash clothes in the sink.

I’ve ruined a lot of great shirts, and other people’s great shirts. This is when Lavanderias or having locals do your laundry might be worth the pretty penny if you suck at washing clothes with floor cleaner.

21. Having to dress up for something when you’re already limited to your backpacker’s waredrobe.

You’re trying to impress that cute backpacker at the bar. Wait, we’re all going to a swanky club afterwards. Oh no. I didn’t pack club clothes. This is supposed to be a nomad experience! All of a sudden, you’re shopping like you’re on Rodeo Drive in California. Limit yourself to one or three cute outfits.

20. Returning from a trip and realizing you didn’t get sick abroad and feeling like you wasted money on travel insurance.

19. Going off budget.

It happens to the best of us, but it makes for interesting calculations post backpacking trip.

18. Travel days gone wrong.

day before songkran at the bus terminal in bangkok by adametrnal

Traveling to a destination and unexpectedly getting stuck in between because of schedules and or availability. This happened to me in Villazon, Bolivia where the train to Uyuni ran on certain days. Got to spend an interesting night in Villazon. Just so happens that day was “Power and Water failure day.” Travel failure day as well.

17. Having drunk hostelmates disturb your sleep on an upcoming travel day.

Even when you’re guilty of being that drunk hostelmate, you can’t help but grunt when it happens to you.

16. Having to pay for wifi in a hostel or having terrible wifi in a hostel.

Must. Update. Facebook. Status.

15. Two words: Travelers Diarrhea

14. Being jealous of a flash packer and their super cool travel geek toys that you miss.

weary traveler by hensever

It’s okay to give the flash packer dirty looks as they breeze through the internet on their iPad. Or, as they take super cool photographs with their obsolete digital camera. And even as they blog about how cool it is to travel with these items on their petite net-book.

13. Being robbed or losing items during travel

After having it happen to me, I’m not that upset about reason number 14.

12. Carrying souvenirs or trying to orchestrate how to carry souvenirs.

Sorry mom; I really don’t think I can bring you an elephant from India. Maybe next year.

11. (Girls only) Lack of sanitary feminine products in particular countries

Thank you mom for sending me what Bolivia did not have.

10. Packing and repacking.

Repeat 2348234 times.

9. Getting stuck in a place and reverting to old habits.

Taxi? by Mazda6 (Tor)

These habits may include Facebook updates more than 3 times a day. Being able to catch #TNI: Travelers Night In on Twitter. Taking taxi’s around town just because it’s only the equivalent of $2 USD.

8. Trying to upload pictures to send back home.

This can sometimes take so long it might be better to just wait till you return from backpacking as that might be quicker.

7. Getting lost

Which is often the fun part of backpacking; but can turn ugly when you’re spending extra money or getting lost in a not so backpacker friendly area.

6. Finding awesome purchases abroad that you know you shouldn’t make.

Typewriter. by Joe furini

Relative to number 12. I saw a gorgeous antique typewriter in La Paz, Bolivia for less than a lunch special in New York City. Needless to say, backpacking with a gorgeous antique typewriter isn’t travel friendly.

5. Having to adjust to timezones.

This past year, Buenos Aires, Argentina had a frenzy with choosing and picking time zones. Sometimes, I’m still not sure what time or day it was when I was there.

4. Not having a normal sleep pattern.

Thanks to reasons 5 and 13. I don’t think anyone could sleep normally on a bus or train after being robbed. Or, especially after reason 17.

3. Having to purchase useless items that become useful

Items like a nail clipper, a wine bottle opener, ear wax remover, hair ties, nail polish remover, baby powder…

2. Being unable to overcome language barriers.

There’s lots of fun trying to understand a Russian pharmacist. But, you have a headache and you’re looking for Acetominophen at the local pharmacy. You’re looking for Tylenol; which is Acetominophen in the United States.

Then you realize Tylenol in the United States is actually Panadol in Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain,Bulgaria, British West Indies, Central America, Croatia, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom

I’ve got a headache just reading that list. Give me anything that won’t kill me!

And last, but not least.

1. Wanting to travel forever

Four backpackers walking on gravel road by NordicPhotos

If only the backpackers of the world could join together and travel forever like one big happy family. Or, join together and win the lottery so we could really travel forever.

Do you have any pet peeves while traveling? Leave us a comment and let us know!

I have thousands of pictures of me standing in front of moments, landscapes, and buildings from my travels. Since I’m backpacking, I don’t have much of a selection of clothes. They look as if I’ve been standing in front of a blue screen changing the scenery on Photoshop. It get boring after awhile. What about the people you meet, the partying, and random encounters? These moments need to be captured.

When appropriate, I think it’s important to add some funny to your pictures. I like to express what I’m feeling and what I’m doing in my pictures. Entertain your family and friends at home that it’s more than just the scenery that you’re discovering.

Buenos Aires, Argentina for Bomba De Tiempo. There’s a vendor selling burrito’s outside the venue. He brings his hat every week and I know this because I was a frequent customer of his. I’m also drinking on the streets to prepare to drink more inside the venue.

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Great Ocean Road, Australia wondering what animal that is on the sign.

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Marine Life: Exploring Our Seas Museum in Melbourne, Australia. I didn’t taste good.

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This was at a Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia mall. I couldn’t figure out what they were trying to promote but there was a whole range of clothing and a photographer taking pictures of them. I asked if I could join which led me putting on the tightest shirt possible, scarf, and the beautiful wig. I look pretty good in that outfit. Think I could pull this off on a regular basis?

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I never met kids more excited to take pictures than them. Volunteering in Misiones, Argentina.

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Randomly stumbled upon this wonderful group in Iguazu, Argentina. Take a closer look at the picture. Females are males and males are females. Not a clue why.

A lot of what I write here is essentially what I had already broken down as a draft on my personal blog. I later include it here with more details, tips, and advice. Don’t be confused if you’ve seen this posted already from my other blog.

I’ve finally been able to get a cost summary of how much I’ve spent. It would require way too much work to get it broken down by country though. The money took me throughout Asia, Australia, and South America. I know one things for certain, I’ve spent over the intended budget (Usually happens doesn’t it?) and I’m blaming it entirely on Australia and Buenos Aires (had to blame it on something). Though my plans are hardly a plan, originally I was supposed to go to Australia to work a year and then continue traveling after. Something told me however to go visit my family in Buenos Aires, Argentina for Christmas. Without work in Australia, it gets extremely expensive. The one and a half months in Australia put me over budget including the flight from Sydney to Buenos Aires.

ORLY?

A few tips before I begin… If you’re going to bring to a credit card, don’t or limit how you use it no matter how much you think you may need what you’re paying for. Spend your real money. For my next tip: be cautious with your next destination if you’re on a strict budget. Don’t end up in an expensive country with little money then have to pay even more just to get out. That’s where my poor planning murdered me.

I spent a grand total of $19,568.73USD from May 12th till April 7th.

$1,778.97 per month at an average of $60 per day. That’s more than expected for the destinations I’ve been to.

Why so much?

• Over $800USD for a one way flight from Sydney to Buenos Aires. It was last minute and I wanted to visit family.
• Canceled a flight (Stupid move) going from Singapore to India and changed it to Australia because I wasn’t feeling well in Singapore. Hospital visits and the works. Instead, I decided to visit a friend in Perth. Though I used Tiger Airways budget airlines, it got me throwing away money.
• Asia was cheap. I spent very little and did a whole lot. Once I got to Australia, I did very little and spent a whole lot more.
• I got scammed in Buenos Aires for $630USD on the deposit for my apartment. The landlord blamed me for a leak. I was supposed to get that money the day I left but he said the money was going to go to my Uncle who lives in Buenos Aires then to route to me and not to worry. That same day I was leaving for Salta up north and I actually trusted him including my Uncle. Well, in summary, he ran with my money and is now saying the leak was my fault. How’s a pipe breaking my fault? It’s his apartment, not mine – I only rented it. Bastard.
• I lived in Buenos Aires as my home base with an apartment for 4 months. I made frequent trips though to all the places around it. Somehow living there, I actually spent more than intended. Big cities can do that.
• Camera broke and I bought a new one for $300 in Sydney. Eventually that broke as well.
• Since I used my credit card a few months in, I started having to pay that per month. Not fun.

Though I could have done it cheaper, everything couldn’t have fallen more into place. It seemed as if someone up there was guiding me along to meet unforgettable people, eat delicious food, and see unbelievable sights. Everything was meant to be. Do I regret anything? Nope…

Coming up is where I spent that nice total of $19,568.73USD.

Whether you’re a lifelong backpacker on a grand journey, or you’re a total noob to this idea of budget travel, if you happen to be in the Philadelphia area, Meet, Plan, Go 2010 should be on your agenda! On September 14th, 2010, your Art of Backpacking guru’s will be hosting the first Annual Meet, Plan, Go event in Philadelphia. If you’re intrigued by the idea of breaking out of your routine and taking the road less traveled, you might want to stay tuned.

This Nationwide event sponsored by Briefcase to Backpack and Three Month Visa will celebrate the idea of people like us at Art of Backpacking, and other travelers to motivate and inspire others to travel.

The idea of backpacking in the United States isn’t as common as gap years, or time off before University studies in the UK and Australia. Therefore, the idea of Meet, Plan, Go is to provide stories, insight and information to reinforce these ideas. It’s to unite travel aficionados Nationwide on this day to socialize with others about what else? This life changing experience called travel!

Art of Backpacking will be hosting along with Keith & Amy Sutter of Green Around the Globe to discuss our personal travel experiences. We hope our stories, pictures, videos and thoughts on travel will get everyone to plan a trip abroad!

For our followers who have read about Michael’s plans to China, you must be wondering how he could be in two places at once. (Magic, right?) Since Michael will be in China, I’ll be representing as the Art of Backpacking host.

If you’re ever thought of the idea of taking time off to travel, feeling like your life batteries need to be recharged, or you want to meet and greet with other travelers, meet us and plan to go!

Information:

Update as of 7/22/2010

• Date: September 14th, 2010
• Location: Vango Lounge & Skybar on the rooftop - 116 S. 18th St, Philadelphia, PA (Google Map)
• Cost: Free! Because the best things in life are free.
• Time: 6:30-9pm
• GET TICKETS BEFORE THEY RUN OUT!

Get your ticket with Event Brite to guarantee your FREE spot at our first annual Meet, Plan, Go!

There are 41 tickets left, so make sure you sign up and don’t miss your chance to hear REAL LIFE travelers share their stories about how they were able to travel abroad.

If you’re not in the Philadelphia area, check out the list of other locations in cities like Chicago, Dallas and even San Francisco.

Staying Updated

• Register to our RSS Feed
• Follow us on Twitter for more up coming announcements.
• Follow the #MeetPlanGo hashtag on Twitter
• Most importantly, sign up for the Meet,Plan, Go newsletter

I love inspirational quotes. I’m frequently posting quotes I’m inspired by on Art of Backpacking’s Facebook Page that may relate to travelers. These signs were spotted in Chiang Mai, Thailand. There were plenty of these signs at this particular park but I took shots of my favorite ones.

Eat to live but live to eat.

Anxiety shortens life

The skilled man does not show off, but the man without knowledge usually show off.

Clean, Clear, Calm; these are the characteristics of a noble person.

Don't escape when you have a problem because there always is a way to solve it.

A group of filmmakers started a journey traveling around the world recording video of music artists and putting it all into one song. I’ve featured Playing For Change before for their Stand By Me video. The organization is creating peace, hope, unity, and inspiration around the world with the simply music. In this video they take a trip to Italy, South Africa, France, Nepal, Israel, Congo, India, and Zimbabwe all playing in unity.

As a travel lover, I can honestly spend hours reading every single book on the shelf. Regardless of the fact that the Travel section in any bookstore doesn’t fulfill me enough. Even if you’re the backpacker on the go that refuses to plan a single aspect of your trip, you can’t help but shift your curious eyes towards South America on a Shoestring. Or, you can’t wait to get your hands on “The Lost Girl’s” latest novel to see if they have been found. (Find out if the Lost Girls have been found.)  Travel literature is not only great for planning, but for inspiring and motivating travel noobs and travel experts to get up and go!

On the platform, reading by moriza

“The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner

Technically, I am still in the middle of this book. Since I am so captivated by it, I feel it deserves a shotout. One’s voyage can be about many things, a life sabbatical, a thrill for adventure, or to find happiness. (In many shapes or form.) The Geography of Bliss does a great job illustrating one’s search for happiness abroad. He makes travel his scientific experiment navigating cities and discovering if it basically, makes him happy.

I still get a chuckle that the World Database of Happiness is in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Americans, you have been clearly misinformed that Disney World is the happiest place on earth! Of course, my motto is:

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”

“Bad Lands” by Tony Wheeler

If you’ve never traveled in your life and you’re worried about unfortunate events abroad, you should read Bad Lands. For those who have read it, they know I am being a tad sarcastic. But, in all honesty, the world is nothing to be scared of. And neither are the destinations author Tony Wheeler visits. “Dangerous territories” such as Cuba, Afghanistan and North Korea seem like a regular day in a backpackers life. His experiences are more than proving a point, but to reveal overlooked wonders that any traveler should look for.

For many who might have traveled already or anyone in touch with the media would even question how bad these bad lands are. Not to give away the entire book, but Wheeler makes an assesment about this question and leaves the reader thinking about it as well. Though I haven’t traveled to many of these bad lands myself, given the opportunity, it is another chance to cover more ground on this earth.

“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer

When you read the first chapter of a book and you find yourself already in tears, expect it to be one you’ll zip through in a few days. Into the Wild sucked me in for one wild, heartbreaking adventure. Without giving too much detail away, the true story of Christopher McCandless puts adventure travel in perspective. Traveling in the 90’s during his 20’s, McCandless sets out to live in the wilderness as a nomad.

This isn’t just another story of a traveler, it is the memento of a young man’s journey to seek more than what life has to offer, and what obstacles one must overcome in the face of adversity. And though some reviewers criticize his lack of knowledge as a traveler, to just pick up and galavant around the Alaskan wilderness, you can’t keep your jaw from dropping at the stories illustrated in this novel.

What travel books have you read/could you recommend? Have you read any of the following mentioned above?

Living the hostel life is one to be envied. Once you get over getting used to strangers, crazy sleeping patterns and funky smells; you remember the great part about this budget lifestyle. From experience, staying in hostels means you will run into occasions of random nights at the bar. (Hostel bar usually) Most likely, these will be moments you’ll never forget, or will try to remember. In the age of American Idol and America’s Got Talent, we’re not surprised that singing usually occurs during these moments. If you’ve stayed in a hostel, you’ve more than likely heard the following eight songs.

Our hostel bar in Amsterdam by Teppo Soininen

“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon

When I think about sex being on fire, it makes me question sex in general. (I don’t think sex should feel like its on fire!) Regardless of that precognitive thought, if you’ve stayed in a hostel in 2009, you have heard this song. I repeat: You have heard this song. Unless you spent your backpacking nights under the covers, this Kings of Leon hit played in every hostel bar around the world. The catchy uplifting beat is perfect for hormonal backpackers who want their sex to be on fire. (In the good way of course.)

“Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey

“Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Took the midnight train going anywhere” Anytime you hear that lyric, I’m sure it brings chills down your spine as well. There is nothing like the image of huddling strangers clanking their drinks and belting out these infamous lyrics.

“Poker Face” by Lady Gaga

When you’ve got a handful of hits, its hard to pick just one to be addicted to. Lady Gaga’s infamous ode to a card game seems to not only get people singing, but dancing. Why? Because you can’t read my, can’t read my, no you can’t read my Poker face! It’s easy to find yourself covering your face and doing some Gaga moves to this song.

“Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

Although I was too young to backpack in the 80’s (Technically, too not even born yet, at least until the mid 80’s that is.) I wonder if this Bon Jovi classic was as popular as it is now. It’s a top karaoke hit for getting the night started, since everyone seems to know the chorus. Try not to sing along to this song.

“Sexy Chic” by David Guetta and Akon

Whether you are the sexy chic or the guy trying to get the sexy chic, I’m sure you’ve found your hips moving to this song. And if you’re just as sick of this song as I am, you are most likely ordering another drink and begging the DJ to change it up!

“Summer of ‘69″ by Bryan Adams

Just like the experience of backpacking in itself, “Those were the best days of my life” seems to capture the essence of the idea. Once again, another tune with great sounds, great vocals and makes you wonder what they did that Summer of ‘69. Makes you wonder what you’ll do the Summer of ‘10.

“I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry

If you’ve kissed a girl and you liked it, we promise we won’t tell. Maybe it will make for a great travel confession for Brooklyn Nomad. Nonetheless, Katy Perry sings it and we hear everybody else singing it too.

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

The music world changed after the passing of the King of Pop. Luckily for us, his music lives on and continues to move and shake everyone. Billie Jean is a name you won’t forget after hearing this song over and over. It’s hard to get sick of it with such a great guitar solo at the end. I’ll drink to that!

Do you agree with this list? Think you could come up with better songs you’d drink to?