How to?

Backpacking

According to the most objectively reliable source of information, Wikipedia, "Backpacking" is defined as a term used to denote "a form of low-cost, independent international travel". Also, what sets backpacking apart from the usual form of travel is that "it includes the use of a backpack or other luggage that is easily carried for long distances or long periods of time; the utilization utilization of public transport as a means of travel; a preference for inexpensive lodging such as youth hostels,  a longer duration to the trip when compared with conventional vacations; and an interest in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights".

With Manon, Hanna, and Harleigh, just arrived in Pnom Penh. April 3, 2012

Backpack or Pull Luggage?

Personally, I don't sport the cliche backpacking backpack. Instead, I got myself an adventure travel luggage from High Sierra - a 26 inch Wheeled backpack that can be a wheeled luggage, a backpack, and has a detachable day pack. Material's very light, durable, and it also fits well in overhead plane compartment. 

http://hssc.com/product?number=AT506&lang=en

It's backpack function is actually used only for dire occasions - riding a tuktuk or going up or down long flights of stairs. Because unlike your usual mountaineering bag, the backpack strap is not designed ergonomically to be comfortable be carried for over 10 minutes. But this bag which cost me around 160USD (purchased at 20% off) has been with me in 10 different countries. And for most part, the surface i traveled is flat enough for its wheels.

Chill-cation


Similar but unlike "Chillax" (or Chill + Relax) which has found its way to the layman dictionary, "Chill-cation" (or Chill + Vacation) is a term that I invented to depict how a vacation should be: CHILL.

No I'm not talking about hammock on the beach front, with cool breeze and a fruit shake. I'm talking about a vacation that does not put much burden in pre-organizing and preparation. A trip that taken out of spontaneity. With just a plane ticket to point A, another ticket to go home in point B, a thousand miles away, some ball park research, a pinch of courage, vigilance & commonsense, and faith that everything will fall into place. No itineraries, no OC reservations. Just Chill.

Read through my day-to-day entries on how I "Chill-cationed" , just like that.