Any backpacker traveller here ?

Leogirldreamer SG

hi i am looking for any backpacker who can share experiences about their journey.

I plan to backpack earliest one year later and am collecting information on the preparation , like where is the shop to buy the best lasting backpack walker shoes/bags.

How do you use the money in your bank overseas to pay expenses? Do you use only traveller cheques? or there are banks where we can go to cash out our singapore a/c money?

Kuali Baba SG

You can use your credit card to withdraw money, and pay for stuff, just be careful about who you give it to. I tried getting traveller's cheques but as of last year none of the local banks issue them.

I've seen shops in the malls here that sell massive backpacks, and I use my own trainers. Don't bother with sleeping bags unless you're camping, most dorms provide bed linen and won't let you use them.

Leogirldreamer SG

i don't have credit cards just debit cards. Can i use that ? so happy someone replied here.

Can you suggest where i can buy cheap and good backpacker walking shoes in Singapore? Backpacker bag too.

Thanks in advance.

by the way, you mean travellers cheque is no longer in use ?

deathmaster SG

you need to provide more information about the nature of your backpacking trip.

1) Which country(s) do you intent to visit? Duration?

2) Where would you be staying? E.g. camping out, Staying in hostels etc.

3) Budget

4) What will you be doing? Sightseeing, visiting free attractions, shopping etc

Leogirldreamer SG

it will be like a temple visiting pilgrimage. I plan to go to Korea, Japan, China, Mynmar and Taiwan to pay homage to the ancient temples there. Tibet too. Bhutan if possible.

1) plan to travel by train , subway, cycling, the country coach transport and walking.

. Most likely stay in homestay if possible. If not hostel in a single room. Not domitary.

2) Budget about $1200 per month.

3) About one month in each country

Kuali Baba SG

i don't have credit cards just debit cards. Can i use that ? so happy someone replied here.

Can you suggest where i can buy cheap and good backpacker walking shoes in Singapore? Backpacker bag too.

Thanks in advance.

by the way, you mean travellers cheque is no longer in use ?

No idea about the bags and shoes - I either use what I already have or borrow.

Debit cards work depending on the bank and city you're going to.

Leogirldreamer SG

seems like not many Singaporeans backpack. Nobody can suggest which website to read for info , what kind of shoes good for long walk and how do you withdraw money for use in other cities.

Singaporeans really lack the courage and adventurous spirits , unlike so many China Nationals who backpack to even North Poles.

Sigh !!!

alize SG

seems like not many Singaporeans backpack. Nobody can suggest which website to read for info , what kind of shoes good for long walk and how do you withdraw money for use in other cities.

Singaporeans really lack the courage and adventurous spirits , unlike so many China Nationals who backpack to even North Poles.

Sigh !!!

tripadvisor.com (hotels)

seat61.com (worldwide train journeys)

cash: Cash is king. Some countries don't have ATMs and don't take cheques. ATMs must be credit card compatible and will charge about $5 per withdrawal.

accomodation: have you considered sleeping in the temple?

food: as above

Loor SG

i dunno anything about the route of the pilgrimage, but i'd say it'd be best to buy shoes and clothing that bests suits the terrain and climate at the time of travel. Lots of choice for backpacks, shoes etc.

I agree that cash is handy, but you may want to consider how safe this is given you'll be travelling across various countries and away for a long time in general.

With the list of countries you've provided, you might want to be sure about all your visas, border crossings etc., as well as general country information. e.g. I think Bhutan mandates you to spend $200 a day, which'll blow your budget out of the water.

alize SG

Bring some friends

Kuali Baba SG

seems like not many Singaporeans backpack. Nobody can suggest which website to read for info , what kind of shoes good for long walk and how do you withdraw money for use in other cities.

Singaporeans really lack the courage and adventurous spirits , unlike so many China Nationals who backpack to even North Poles.

Sigh !!!

You can also post your questions on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forums. I think you'll find more info there. I could tell you lots about places, just not the ones that you're going to. I have no idea what kind of terrain you'll encounter and thus what shoes you'll need.

Loor SG

Bring some friends

what kind of shoes and backpack they use?

alize SG

I was going to say his precious cargo was wrapped in leather and hide, but then he should be vegetarian. No idea.

His shoes were Clarks, this guy could fly but wanted to walk.

Loor SG

and their budget?

another thing to consider is that many of the areas that probably would be on the pilgrimage won't have anything close to an ATM machine or card-associated facilities. Might even be hard to come by in some of the capitals of some countries also.

Have you (TS) been backpacking or trekking b4?

alize SG

and their budget?

Have you (TS) been backpacking or trekking b4?

They had to sleep in temples cos that pig spent all the money on hookers.

Leogirldreamer SG

thanks for all your info have anyone here tried the couch stay before.

Kuali Baba SG

thanks for all your info have anyone here tried the couch stay before.

Yep, couchsurfing's good fun. If you want a reliable host, search for one who has been verified, 'vouched for' and has testimonials. Try not to look for a couch at the last minute, get to know your host before going, and of course, pack something for him/her.

Loor SG

They had to sleep in temples cos that pig spent all the money on hookers.

couchsurfing?! Unlikely along the pilgrimage surely?

Leogirldreamer SG

Kuali Baba thanks a lot for your sharing .

Loor , couch stay is the cheapest way to travel, you sleep in the sofa or floor of someone's house in another country. No need to pay anything. It's very common in the West and Europe, i am not sure how about Asia though. There is a website for this couch stay organsiation.

Loor SG

Kuali Baba thanks a lot for your sharing .

Sure, I'm aware of it. I just thought thgat it wouldn;t be very common in the countries/areas on ur pilgrimage.

Howz the planning btw?