Learn how to ride a motorbike – In our experience, exploring a region by motorbike is one of the best ways to see a country. Sure, renting a bicycle is best if you’re only going a few kilometers out of town or if you’re into the physical challenge. But if you are lazy like us and want to get further afield, a motorbike is key. You aren’t pinned down by bus routes and don’t have to deal with greedy tuk-tuk drivers. Instead, you have the freedom to go wherever the hell you want – whether it be down back alley city streets or bumpy dirt roads in the countryside. Don’t be scared. If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a motorbike. Just take it for a few test runs and go at a comfortable pace. Also, opt for the manual versions, as they have easy clutch-less pedal shifters, saving on gas and cheaper than automatics. Neither of us had ridden back home but now we’re old pros.
If traveling long-term, go to the difficult countries early – Perhaps you’re thinking, “But I thought I should ease into travel by going to places like Europe first?” This may seem counterintuitive, but when presented with sink-or-swim situations, you’ll learn more than sitting in Paris eating croissants for a week. For example, once you get used to travel in India, nothing else with faze you. Dirty guesthouses, hectic train stations and questionable food hygiene in other places won’t send you into a hair-pulling frenzy. You’ll appreciate the little things like clean sheets and hot showers – and TV or air-conditioning will make you feel like goddamn royalty. So if you’re gonna do it, go big or go home.
Don’t be a one-upper asshole – Everyone who travels has stories, but there is a certain kind of backpacker who thinks his/her anecdotes are more important and interesting than yours. You may be in a group conversation about border crossings in Cambodia. This douchebag will interrupt with, “Well, this one time I was hitchhiking in India…” or “When I was living with tribal peoples in the Amazons…”. Yes, your adventures may be interesting but providing unsolicited 30-minute non-sequiturs is just plain obnoxious. People don’t give a fuck! Conversations aren’t a one-way street, so stop thinking you’re god’s gift to backpacking, shut up and listen for a change. You might actually learn something.
Learn useful skills, buck up to the experience, and be open to others. Sounds like that’s a winning formula for life, too. If only more people would adopt this; my life would be so much more fulfilling.
Also, my cow-orker would like you to visit more nude beaches. He claims that it would make our viewing of your travel pics more interesting. Thanks!
😛
i love the last tip!
Super cool post, thanks for sharing your tips, second one is very sensible and last one is just brilliant!
Kids have learned quite a lot. dp
Reading about your adventures and what not makes me resent moving to South Korea for a year instead of just exploring the world like you two are doing…amazing!
We just got back from our trip around the world and I have one advice for you. KEEP ON TRAVELING. REAL WORLD SUCKS! We will keep on living vicariously through you.