Big Tours
Long backpacking travels
Get rid of everything, pack your essentials into a backpack, secure your passport, credit card and cash in money belt, prepare your diary and camera ready and venture into the world with a one-way ticket or without a return plan until you run out of money. Is this a definition of a “big trip” or a reflection of my nostalgic memories of exploring the world?
Where is the line drawn between travel and a trip? How do you differentiate a tourist from a backpacker?
One-way ticket to adventure
I set the boundary at the three months. In the pre-internet era time was running slower, airplane tickets were less accessible, long distance communication was prohibitively expensive and access to information limited.
For me, at the beginning of travelling career, embarking on an overseas trip for a few weeks was never a viable option. I preferred to wait, accumulate sufficient funds, quit my job, and travel until I run out of money.
THE BIG 3
There were three very extensive journeys in my lifetime that I consider real adventures, marked by crossing of continents.
In 2008-2009 I also spent 2.5 months navigating the deserts, overcoming potholes and exploring sideways of West Africa, from Mauretania to Ghana. While this could certainly be classified as an adventurous undertaking, it is uncertain if it qualifies as a Big Tour.
The logistics associated with backpacking for these extensive travels were specifically adapted for each journey, driven by the rapid changes in technology and communication, as well as my increasing experience and focus on optimization.
Significantly different travel experiences
My luggage reduced drastically throughout the years in the process of traveling light with only hand baggage when the weather was allowing lighter clothing.
Traditional cameras that used roll films for slides have been replaced by advanced digital cameras, emails and recently social medias have taken over the role of handwritten diaries.
Furthermore, a higher budget has provided me with additional comfort while on the road. My initial long trip to the Americas resulted in a heavier backpack, as I was engaged in camping and motorbiking; the helmet, biking attire, and camping gear were heavy and bulky.
Comparing the three big tours presents a challenge, as the world underwent significant changes over the nine-year period from 1996 to 2005, including my own experiences.
While securing visas for every country in the Americas, apart from Ecuador, was quite challenging, the process in Asia was notably more straightforward, free from extensive bureaucratic obstacles. In Africa, obtaining visas is consistently a difficult and costly process; nonetheless, I was never denied entry or rarely directed to alternative embassies. In the mid-nineties, credit card usage was limited, leading many travelers to rely on travelers checks as the safest means of cash access while on the move.
Another significant change over the years, in addition to the accessibility of information, the internet, affordable flights, and overall accessibility, is the evolution of accommodation planning and the ability to communicate with locals and fellow travelers.
In earlier times, I would create a list of two to three hostels to consider for my stay, relying on Lonely Planet‘s recommendations, always choosing the most affordable options. Upon arriving at new destinations, I would either walk or take public transport to the guesthouse, knock on the door, and ask for a bed. Most of the time, I found that a room was available. If not, I would continue my search at nearby locations until I was satisfied with the accommodations. There were occasions when the search could take hours.
In contrast, today, most accommodations are reserved ahead of time, except in some exotic countries where accommodation platforms do not function. This process is more transparent, easier, and especially more comfortable.
From language barriers to smart phones
There were instances where I spent weeks without speaking any English, as the local population did not comprehend the language and there were no other foreigners in sight. This created considerable difficulties in ordering food, selecting the right bus, or securing accommodations, particularly in the more secluded parts of China, for example. Presently, English is more prevalent, and the availability of applications for instant translation enables seamless communication across multiple languages in real-time.
In the past, there were much less backpackers and conversation, exchange of information or socializing was more frequent. In today’s world, smartphones often allow for free communication with people across the globe, provide answers to various questions, and can replace personal interactions with those nearby. I still find it refreshing to visit remote places that do not offer internet access in this era. Such environments encourage more authentic connections, granting individuals the opportunity to invest time in developing meaningful relationships with strangers.
In conclusion, my love for travel persists, and I take advantage of every chance to pack my backpack and explore the globe.
My recent trips have been shorter, better structured, and less regular, yet the primary goal remains the same: experience various cultures, appreciate the beauty of nature, taste local delicacies, and observe my surroundings with an open mind.
This passion is reminiscent of my teenage years in the 1990s, when I first ventured into backpacking.
