How did you start backpacking?
A year and a half ago, I was just lucky enough to be bored. I wanted to go on holidays, but the problem was no one was coming with me. I talked to one of my friends, and she said, “Why not just go alone?” I said, “Being alone on holidays is sad and pathetic!” She encouraged me to give it a try anyway, and the next day I packed and went off to Tioman Island in the south of Malaysia. There I met an American girl, Sara, and an English guy named Chris, who had been to all the places I can think of. They showed me how to travel, and since then I haven’t stopped.
What’s the perk of traveling alone?
Freedom. No fixed schedules. It’s just me. Traveling alone also gives me the opportunity for reflection, which in real life I don’t really have time for. Backpacking is just a way of enjoying life. You don’t have to go very far or go to all the countries in the world; it’s always about enjoying the experience. How far you go and how many countries you visit are secondary.
What’s your most memorable travel experience?
I fell in love with a French girl in Bali. The sun was setting on the beach. I was taking photos, and she was standing beside me, so I started talking to her. We hung out for a few days. In real life, I wish I could date her. I think deep down everybody has this fantasy that they’ll fall in love during their travels, and once it happened to me, it was so great. It was short, but great all the same. This is the kind of thing I don’t get too much of in life, because I mostly have so little time. I didn’t think too much about it, just enjoyed it. You take whatever life gives you.
Why aren’t Thais that into backpacking?
The Thai concept of holidays is nice food, nice hotel and day-long shopping. Thai people don’t usually go out of their comfort zone. And you can’t go on an adventure if you’re not ready to rough it once in a while.
How did you fund your travels?
I usually do a paid internship and teach extra classes. I have some savings from my scholarship, and my mom was so kind as to support my travels, too.
How has backpacking changed your life?
I realize that the world isn’t the beautiful place I always imagined it to be. It has many aspects. Backpacking taught me that. Traveling is a great adventure, giving me experience and the chance to learn about people of the world. It encourages me to take more risks. If I can travel alone without plans, I should be fine in life. Those things become part of who I am. Backpacking widens my perspective and enriches my life.
