19 year old aspriring backpacker

by Catherine
(Canada)

Hey! I just wanted to say first of all that your site is amazing and has helped me a lot. Not just with information but with reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. I just turned 19 last month so when I said I was going backpacking alone I've gotten a few head shakes and discouragement. At first I just shrugged them off because I'm doing this for myself not for anyone else but I have to admit after a while they were starting to get to me. That is until I saw your site.

Anyways just wanted to ask you on your opinion of whether I should travel to Australia or to Thailand from Indonesia because that is where my mom and I are first heading and also separating.

Answer:

Thanks for the nice words about my site, Catherine! I'm glad to hear you're finding some inspiration and courage here.

Of course people will discourage you from travel on your own - they care about you and don't want anything to happen. My parents were also concerned whenever I traveled on my own, and I'm glad they were. It made me try to do things in a way that would worry them the least.

One thing I found really helpful to my family was constantly keeping in touch. Wherever I went, I would Skype or email (or before the Internet, I'd phone) on a set schedule, usually a couple of times a week. It's comforting for them, and for me too.

As for your travel plans, there are pros and cons for both. Australia will probably be much more like home, so if this is your first time on your own, it might feel more familiar and be an easier transition. On the other hand, many of us travel to see new places, so the cultural change you'll experience with Thailand would be greater. Thailand is also a relatively safe country in which to travel, and it's full of foreigners so you'll feel right at home.

Both countries work, for different reasons. So just ask yourself - what are you looking for as an experience? That might help you decide.

Have a wonderful trip!

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19 year old aspriring backpacker

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Backpacking around the world
by: Mari

Hello Catherine,

I'm not sure how this works, or if you will ever see my comment (I hope you will though). I found this page when I looked around the internet for some tips and whatever about backpacking. I have this dream about backpacking around the world for a while, living «on the road». I admire you for going on your own! I wonder if you can tell me a little about it? That would be great! Just whatever you think is good to know.

This page is amazing by the way, I have found so much information and inspiration here, thanks! (I hope you anderstand my English, its not very good).

Mari, 19 years old, Norway
Money Matters..
by: Anonymous

As said before, both countries work for different reasons..
Personally I would go for Thailand at your age. I went there 2 years ago and I loved it :D

It also depends on money. Australia is very expensive for nice accommodation, Thailand on the other hand is cheap, cheap, cheap! I had stayed at the Bayoke Sky (Thailand's tallest) in the Presidential Suite (which included your own in-room mini golf - if the 18th floor's golf range isn't your thing lol) with my family of four. It was cheaper than an average suite in Aus.
The entire country is full of beauty from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi to Koh Samui.

Needless to say Australia is full of it's own beauty in many different ways to Thailand. It's really up to you to decide though :)

- P.S. If you decide on Thailand remember to always ask Taxi drivers to use their meter and invest in scented fans (trust me you'll be thankful when you come across a few 'colourful' scents while passing a drain or vent on the street).

Happy Traveling!!

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