Vagabonding

[TakeFive]

And health care: how often are you sick really. People always fear stuff what never happens.

Well that's largely true. We Americans are probably the most pampered and overprotected people in the world when it comes to health care. But I was thinking more of accidents (and food borne parasites!). Here in the US, you can crawl into any emergency room and by law they have to treat you regardless of abilty to pay. Don't know how this is in other countries.

But I suppose if you're of the mindset for a vagabond lifestyle, these kinds of calculations don't really figure in decision.

[DaveT]

How do you keep from getting stuck in some job along the way? Like, do you ever think "I need the money this job provides, so I can't leave it"?

I think that if you have a certain mindset about life you never think like this. What we need money for basically comes down to two main things - needs and wants. Your needs are shelter, food, clothing and health. Everything else is a want. I have yet to work in a job that didn't provide me with enough money to cover these basics. I guess it depends what's more important to you, being able to move around the world or living in a 5-bedroom home with a 52" plasma screen TV watching National Geographic channel about other people traveling around the world. When I first moved to Taiwan, I still had large amounts of debts built up during my four years at uni (college) - I'm talking about US$35,000 - and I was working in a well-paid job for an insurance comapny. There was no way I was going to stay working there just to pay off my debt, life's too short. This is the rat wheel so many of my friends have got on. They are working in a job to pay off their debts (first college, then mortgage/car/new kitchen etc.). So I talked to my bank manager, arranged payments that I felt I could afford based on the salary I expected to be earning as an English teacher, and left. My first year, I lived in a one-bedroom flat on a street that was in the red-light district of my city, and I was so much happier just because I was experiencing life to its fullest again. I think my backpacking when I was younger made me realise that you can have very little money, but you're always able to survive. This really got me over any fear of poverty, and made me realise how creative you can be when you're backed into a corner - there's always a solution, you just have to think of it.

And are you ever concerned about the health care you will receive in these countries, or how to pay for it?

If you're going backpacking for a year, then as others have mentioned, you can get worldwide medical insurance to cover you. Honestly (and you'll chuckle at this), the only time I felt the concern you mention above was when I traveled to the States - not the quality, but the paying for it. In the UK, when you buy worldwide medical cover, one of the questions they ask you is if you'll be traveling to the States, because if you are the premium goes up!

If you're going to live in a country, then hopefully you will do the research before you go to find out what the situation is. Invariably you''ll find that the local healthcare system is much better than expected, and there are nearly always good hospitals for expats. Living in Taiwan, for example, NT$800 (about US$23) is deducted from my monthly pay packet for medical insurance. If I'm sick, I can visit any doctor or specialist I chose and I will be charged NT$150 (US$5) per visit, the rest of the costs being picked up by the insurance system (this includes three days medication if required. You need to go back to the doc if you need another 3 days medication, so they can assess you again). This also includes the dentist btw, and I've had several friends get all their dental work done here (crowns, orthodentistry etc) before they return to the US or Canada, because it's so much cheaper. As to the standard of care, it can vary, but word of mouth advertising amongst the foreigner community quickly identifies the trusted doctors, so there's no real problem. In the five years that I've been here, the only time I have been in a hospital was to do my medical for my employer, and I've been to the doctor twice. I have been to the dentist every six months for a check up and the odd filling (and he waves the US$5 fee anyway because his son is in my class ), so really medical care is not a huge concern. If I had young kids I might be a little more concerned, but then I lived in lots of countries as a kid, and grew up healthy enough... so no biggy, really.

[Mehdi]

I think that if you have a certain mindset about life you never think like this. What we need money for basically comes down to two main things - needs and wants. Your needs are shelter, food, clothing and health. Everything else is a want. I have yet to work in a job that didn't provide me with enough money to cover these basics. I guess it depends what's more important to you, being able to move around the world or living in a 5-bedroom home with a 52" plasma screen TV watching National Geographic channel about other people traveling around the world. When I first moved to Taiwan, I still had large amounts of debts built up during my four years at uni (college) - I'm talking about US$35,000 - and I was working in a well-paid job for an insurance comapny. There was no way I was going to stay working there just to pay off my debt, life's too short. This is the rat wheel so many of my friends have got on. They are working in a job to pay off their debts (first college, then mortgage/car/new kitchen etc.). So I talked to my bank manager, arranged payments that I felt I could afford based on the salary I expected to be earning as an English teacher, and left. My first year, I lived in a one-bedroom flat on a street that was in the red-light district of my city, and I was so much happier just because I was experiencing life to its fullest again. I think my backpacking when I was younger made me realise that you can have very little money, but you're always able to survive. This really got me over any fear of poverty, and made me realise how creative you can be when you're backed into a corner - there's always a solution, you just have to think of it.

Great post DaveT.

[RichV]

Just wondering if anyone here surfs?

My dream is to go on a surfing trip for 6 months or so, around Indonesia, living cheaply off money i earn before i go. Just me, my board, surfing and meeting the locals.

Has anyone travelled around Indonesia, even if you don't surf? How much money would you need to travel for 6 months out there?

[DaveT]

Just wondering if anyone here surfs?

My dream is to go on a surfing trip for 6 months or so, around Indonesia, living cheaply off money i earn before i go. Just me, my board, surfing and meeting the locals.

Has anyone travelled around Indonesia, even if you don't surf? How much money would you need to travel for 6 months out there?

Indonesia can be cheap, depends where you go. I've been to Bali which is very touristy on the south side and has a lot of big hotels catering for Aussies and Kiwis and you're not going to find a really good deal there. Just traveling to the north shore will cut your costs and it's less crowded. However, if you travel to other islands you can live really cheaply, as low as $15 a day, if you're not to fussy about accommodation and eat the local food. One of the teacher's in my school is a keen surfer and he flies into Denpasar on Bali, but then gets a boat to Lombok (next island in the chain). You can fly to different islands but that increases your costs, better to island hop via ferries. He usually goes for Chinese New Year which is Jan/Feb, which he says is the tail end of the surfing season. Best months are Sept/Oct apparently, but Nov-Feb is also ok. Buy a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide for Indonesia - it will be worth its weight in gold for planning beforehand and when you get there.

[RichV]

couldn't have asked for more! thanks Dave!

[erebusii]

This is an awesome thread, anyone have a lot of first hand information geared towards the Middle East (I count Egypt as part of it as well as Israel, Iran, etc.), Europe and South America? Seems this is predominately geared towards Asia for the most part, but still interesting. Excellent resources, will read more thoroughly later.

[dylanamus]

South America? It's an alternative to Asia for those who plan to go on an English teaching program. It's the same deal with rates of pay compared to locals and all you have to do is be a native speaker and you are revered by everyone, especially your employer.

I'd advise to save up as much as viably possible before doing this and to clear your debts also. While your wages abroad will allow you to live comfortably in that country, (unless you go to Japan or one of very few others that have a strong exchange rate), the local currency will be very weak against your homeland currency and your repayments will take up most your wages.

[erebusii]

I don't have any debts for the simple reason that it wouldn't allow to come and go as I please. Likewise, I don't own a lot of material items for that fact too. Basically, at first, I'm just going to try using my vacation time for backpacking, then once I'm done with my contract, I'll figure out what to do from there.

[Mehdi]

Watched a map for saturday yesterday. It's like a documentary version of vagabonding. I liked it.

Trailer:


Official site:
http://www.amapforsaturday.com/

[natew]

Silly question I guess but still something I've been wondering: Is it totally unrealistic to try and train (maybe 2x/week) while trekking/vagabonding? Insights? As lame as it sounds, I'm nervous to lose all the gains I made in size/strength and would love to keep it up, but would also love to do some vagabonding, etc.

[Mehdi]

Silly question I guess but still something I've been wondering: Is it totally unrealistic to try and train (maybe 2x/week) while trekking/vagabonding? Insights? As lame as it sounds, I'm nervous to lose all the gains I made in size/strength and would love to keep it up, but would also love to do some vagabonding, etc.

I'll be vagabonding for 6 weeks soon and don't plan on training. I expect some weight loss from the daily walks with backpack and switching to eating 3x/week (expecting 40°C, probably won't eat much during the day).

Didn't train for 6 weeks in march/april and lost nothing physique-wise. I was eating properly though. Strength you lose about 15% year. The heck with it, it will come back faster than you built it.

[bigwhat62]

and the experience of backpacking is totally worth it Mehdi

[xsinner]

I'm a military brat, by the time I had finished high school I had lived in Virginia, Japan, Hawaii and Oklahoma. Turned 18, joined the military and spent 6 years in Germany with visits to Austria, France, Holland and Norway.

I used to leave the base on Friday night after work and drive for hours to go on some volksmarch. Sometimes I'd do 2 or 3 of the 10ks on a weekend. Beautiful country, loved the woods. Did castle tours, wine tours, anything to get away from the base.

Now, my life revolves around motorcycles, and lifting. I've completed a few certified Iron Butt Association runs; 1000miles/1600km in 24 hrs, 1500 miles in 24 hrs, 2000 miles in 48 hrs, to name a few. The rides are fast and furious but the ride home is an adventure. National parks, monuments, museums, roadside attractions. I usually ride the back roads and stay off the highways. You wind up eating in little hole in the wall cafes (where the townies hang out which usually makes you the center of attention) or over a camp fire in some state park. I carry a blanket during the warmer months and use my jacket for a pillow.

My craziest run was 500+ miles/800km a day for 7 days through 12 states. I have two goals yet to accomplish. A ride to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and a 50CC Iron butt run. The CC stands for coast to coast in 50 hours. I have the maps locked in my computer. Now I just need the time and the money.

Think of it as vagabonding at high speed.

[vibragreen]

To be a little off topic, I think the ultimate power of these forums is the no nonsense, grab life by the balls, you're at the helm, attitude. The success stories of all the people here in every aspect of life is very inspiring and the good nature heart warming. I only hope to emulate some of you.

On topic. This is something I have been considering now for years. I have been stuck on a small island in the Caribbean my whole life now, and it's time to move on. I'm still not sure where I will go or what I'll do but by next year something is happening. To mehdi, and everyone else here, I wish you the best of luck. If any of you plan anything please post in detail as I, and a lot of other members I am sure, would love to hear about it.