Why I Left

On that morning in early 2024, I stood at the foot of my company building, looking at the familiar structure with mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety. I had just submitted my resignation the day before, ending my three-year career at a major internet company. When saying goodbye to my colleagues, their eyes were filled with confusion: "You're giving up a job with an annual salary of 500,000 yuan just like that? Are you crazy?"

To be honest, I wasn't sure if this decision was right or wrong. But I clearly remember during countless nights of overtime work, I would unconsciously open my phone and look at those exotic photos of Southeast Asia. Snorkeling, surfing, hiking, camping - experiences I had never tried before were like seeds quietly sprouting in my heart.

Young people today are no longer satisfied with superficial sightseeing tours. Ctrip's latest "2023 Chinese Youth Outbound Travel Report" confirms this. The report shows that those born in the 90s and 00s have become the absolute majority of outbound travelers, accounting for 68% of the total. More interestingly, the number of young people choosing backpacking has seen explosive growth, increasing by 156% year-over-year.

Why are so many young people choosing to backpack? Perhaps it's because our generation craves freedom more and is more willing to try different lifestyles. Maybe it's because we're tired of the 996 work schedule and want to give ourselves a chance to rediscover the world. Or perhaps we just want to bravely do all the things we want to do while we're young.

Preparation

Many people think backpacking is particularly difficult, requiring strong independence and rich travel experience. But that's not the case. In this information age, anyone can become a qualified backpacker if they're willing to spend time doing their homework.

After deciding to leave, I spent two whole weeks preparing. Every day after work, I would immerse myself in various travel forums and guides, carefully studying all the information I could find. I chose Thailand as my first destination because it's not only easy to get a visa but also relatively inexpensive, making it very suitable for beginners.

Regarding visas, you can now apply for a Thai e-visa online, which can be completed in less than 3 days. I booked my flight tickets two months in advance on Tianwu.com, spending about 1,800 yuan round trip. For accommodation, I mainly chose hostels, which can be found on Booking and Agoda with many good value options.

Speaking of budget, I recommend making detailed plans. Taking Thailand as an example, my monthly expenses were as follows: accommodation in 8-bed or 4-bed hostel dorms averaged 60-100 yuan per night; for meals, eating mainly at local shops, breakfast around 20 yuan, lunch and dinner about 40-50 yuan each; transportation costs depend on specific itineraries, with city transportation about 30-50 yuan per day, intercity transportation calculated separately, averaging about 80 yuan per day; entrance fees and special experience activities like diving and massages, about 1,500 yuan per month.

Besides these basic expenses, I also set aside some emergency funds. Abroad, you might encounter unexpected expenses, like seeing a doctor when sick or suddenly wanting to participate in special activities. My suggestion is to prepare an extra 3,000-5,000 yuan as backup funds beyond the basic budget.

To manage funds conveniently, I got a credit card with no annual fee for overseas use and bought an international data SIM card online. Taking care of these small details in advance can save a lot of trouble during travel.

Equipment List

Regarding luggage, my experience is: if you don't need to bring it, don't. I've seen many first-time backpackers trying to bring their entire home with them. As a result, their suitcases are packed full, most items go unused, and become a burden instead.

After careful selection, I ended up with just a 28L backpack. The clothing inside was simple: 4 quick-dry T-shirts (easy to hand wash and dry), 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of long pants (for mosquito protection and temple visits), 7 sets of underwear, 1 pair of sports shoes, 1 pair of slippers. These clothes can be freely mixed and matched, and they're all solid colors, so they can't go wrong however you combine them.

Besides clothing, I brought some essentials: phone charger, power adapter (Southeast Asian outlets are round two-pin), power bank, sunscreen (local sunscreen may not suit Asian skin), mosquito repellent (tropical regions have lots of insects), common medicines (anti-diarrheal, cold medicine, band-aids, etc.).

Many people worry that bringing too little won't be enough, but there's no need to worry. In Southeast Asia, from 7-11 to large shopping malls, basic daily necessities are available everywhere, and prices are generally cheaper than in China. For example, I bought a local beach dress in Chiang Mai for only 100 baht (about 20 yuan), which was both lightweight and practical.

Particularly worth noting is that important items like passport, cash, and bank cards must be carried with you, preferably kept close to your body. I would distribute cash in different places as a precaution. Also, all important documents should be photographed in advance, with one copy stored on your phone and another backed up to the cloud.

Accommodation Guide

When it comes to accommodation, hostels are definitely the top choice for backpackers. Not only because they're cheap, but more importantly, in hostels you can meet travelers from all over the world, which often brings unexpected surprises.

In Chiang Mai, I stayed at a hostel called Old City Hostel. Located in the old city, it's within walking distance of most attractions. An 8-bed dorm was only 58 yuan per night, and although the conditions were simple, it was clean and tidy, with a particularly good atmosphere. I'll never forget that night when a group of us from China, Korea, Germany, and the United States set up a portable induction cooker on the rooftop to make hot pot. Everyone ate and chatted, someone played guitar impromptu, others shared their travel stories, and we reluctantly returned to our rooms only at dawn.

However, when choosing a hostel, you need to pay special attention to several points: First, look at the ratings and reviews. In my experience, hostels with ratings below 8.5 on Booking.com usually have issues with hygiene or safety. Second, check the location, preferably choosing areas with convenient transportation and nearby convenience stores and restaurants. Finally, look at guest reviews, especially details like Wi-Fi signal, hot water supply, and bed linen cleanliness.

When booking hostels, I usually choose female dorms. Although mixed dorms are cheaper, it's worth paying extra for a female dorm for safety and privacy considerations. If budget allows, you can also consider 4-bed or double rooms, which will be quieter and more comfortable.

At each new hostel, I first familiarize myself with the environment, checking where the emergency exits are, confirming if the front desk is staffed 24 hours, and locating the safety deposit boxes for valuables. These details may seem trivial, but they're crucial for personal safety and must be taken seriously.

Transportation Guide

In Southeast Asia, transportation methods are diverse, from traditional tuk-tuks to modern metros, from long-distance buses to overnight sleeper trains, offering many choices.

Taking Bangkok as an example, for city transportation, I most frequently used the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (subway). The BTS covers Bangkok's main commercial districts and attractions, with single-trip fares between 20-60 baht. If you plan to stay in Bangkok for an extended period, I recommend getting a Rabbit card (similar to our transit card), which not only offers discounted prices but also helps avoid queuing for tickets each time.

For short trips, I often used Grab (Southeast Asia's version of Didi). This is much safer and more reliable than traditional tuk-tuks, with more transparent pricing. However, note that Bangkok often experiences traffic jams, so allow plenty of time.

For intercity travel, I most recommend overnight sleeper trains. A second-class sleeper ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs about 600 baht. Although slower than flying, you save one night's accommodation and can enjoy the scenery along the way. I remember once meeting an Australian couple on the train who had been traveling around Southeast Asia for three months. Hearing about their experiences made me excited about my upcoming journey.

When taking night trains, remember to book lower berths; upper berths are about 100 baht cheaper but more cramped. Also, be sure to book tickets in advance on 12go.asia, as popular routes often sell out early.

Food Exploration

To be honest, I had some trouble adjusting during my first few days in Thailand. Although I had eaten Thai food in China before, authentic Thai cuisine is often more intensely flavored than we imagine. But gradually, those street-side seafood noodles and green curries became the tastes I miss most.

In Bangkok, my favorite was a hidden street stall in a Siam district alley. The owner was a Thai lady in her 50s who started preparing ingredients at 5 AM every day. Her Tom Yum Kung soup had the perfect balance of sour and spicy, with a rich broth complemented by fresh shrimp and lemongrass, which I ate for a month without getting tired of it. Every time I ate at her stall, she would chat with me in broken English, asking where I'd been that day and where I planned to go tomorrow. Gradually, we became friends, and she taught me some simple Thai phrases, making me less awkward when communicating with locals.

In Chiang Mai, the night market is a must-visit. Nimman Road's night market has different themes each day, offering everything from traditional snacks to creative cuisine, from Northern Thai dishes to international food. My favorite was a stall specializing in grilled pork neck. The owner would skewer marinated pork on bamboo sticks, slowly grilling it over charcoal until golden, then serve it with special chili sauce - spicy and delicious, leaving a lasting impression.

However, when trying street food, pay attention to hygiene. My suggestions are: 1. Watch if the vendor follows proper procedures and wears gloves 2. Observe if ingredients are fresh 3. Try to choose food cooked to order 4. Avoid raw and cold foods 5. Don't drink unboiled water or drinks with ice

Safety Tips

As a solo female traveler, safety always comes first. During my three-month journey, I compiled some practical safety tips.

First is financial safety. I distributed cash in different places, carrying only enough for immediate use. Credit cards and backup cash were stored in hidden compartments of my backpack. Passports are best kept in secure places like hostel safes, carrying only photocopies with you.

Second is personal safety. I generally avoided going out alone after dark, and if I had to go out, I stuck to main roads with lots of people, avoiding secluded alleys. When out exploring, I made sure to stay in touch with travel companions and let them know my whereabouts.

Accommodation safety is also important. I usually chose hostels in good locations, preferably with 24-hour front desk service. After checking in, I would familiarize myself with the environment and locate emergency exits. I preferred beds away from windows and avoided top bunks (for easier escape).

Regarding transportation, I tried to use official transport options. When taking taxis, I always used apps that could track routes, like Grab. For long-distance travel, I chose buses departing from official stations, avoiding unofficial vehicles even if they were cheaper.

Most importantly, maintain contact with family. I messaged home daily, telling them where I was and where I was staying. This not only reassured my family but also made it easier to seek help in emergencies.

Money-Saving Tips

During my three-month trip, I spent less than 30,000 yuan in total. This budget might surprise many people as being too low. The key is learning to live like locals.

First, for accommodation, hostels are the most economical choice. But note that different booking sites may have different prices for the same hostel. I usually compare prices on Booking, Agoda, and Hostelworld, choosing the cheapest option. Sometimes directly contacting the hostel might get you an even better price.

For food, I rarely went to upscale restaurants. Local shops and night markets are not only affordable but also offer more authentic food experiences. During hot midday hours, I often bought simple food from 7-11, which was both economical and convenient.

Transportation costs are also a significant expense. My advice is to walk when possible, as walking is also a good way to experience local life. If using public transport, getting a transit card is recommended for discounted fares. For intercity travel, booking early usually means better prices.

Attraction entrance fees can also be a major expense. Many sites offer student discounts, so bring your student ID if you have one. Additionally, many attractions have special promotional periods - knowing about these in advance can save money.

For shopping, my principle was: don't buy non-essentials. If you want to buy souvenirs, local markets are better than tourist area shops. When shopping at markets, negotiate - you can usually get about half off the marked price.

Unexpected Gains

The biggest gain from this trip wasn't how many sights I saw, but the diverse people I met and the many unexpected stories I experienced.

At an artistic café in Chiang Mai, I met my current business partner, Lisa. She's a designer from Germany who was seeking inspiration across Asia at the time. We hit it off, discovering we shared an interest in sustainable fashion. Later, we had an idea: why not combine Southeast Asian traditional crafts with modern design to create unique clothing?

That's how our collaboration began. In a small village in Laos, we found an aunt who practiced traditional weaving. She taught us much about natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques. In Vietnam, we met a group of young designers experimenting with eco-friendly materials for clothing. These experiences gave us a clearer positioning for our future brand.

After returning to China, we officially started our business. Although the process has been challenging, seeing designs turn into products and customers' satisfied smiles makes it all worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on these three months, I encountered difficulties and experienced loneliness, but there were more surprises and touching moments. Backpacking taught me independence, helped me enjoy solitude, and showed me that the world is far bigger and more wonderful than we imagine.

Everyone deserves to take an impromptu journey, to experience a different kind of life. You might face setbacks and feel lost along the way, but it's these experiences that help us grow and understand life differently.

So, if you're thinking about starting your own backpacking journey, don't hesitate - pack your bags and go. Remember, the meaning of travel isn't about how many places you visit, but who you meet along the way and what you learn. Trust me, when you actually begin your journey, you'll find that everything isn't as scary as imagined, but rather full of surprises everywhere.