This is part 2 of my Backpacker Chat with Kate who talks more about travel finances and the logistics of planning a trip. Corona life may have stopped all of her travel plans but we can still squeeze out all the details of past trips!
This is part two of her interview. Check out part one for in depth talk on her trip around South America and Brazil, plus the stories that made my jaw drop. Brazil & South America: Scrapes, Bruises & Moqueca.
Continue reading for details on planning itineraries, managing travel finances for such a long trip and the necessities for travel.
For more on Katie’s travels head to her travel blog or check out her Instagram @KatesGlobe.
Do you prefer planning a trip or joining a tour?
I think both options have their pros and cons and to an extent it depends on where you are going. I travelled for 10 months prior to starting a Working Holiday Visa in Australia, and aside from the tour in South America, everything else was planned ourselves as we went along. Sometimes this meant we missed things that we perhaps should have seen, but doing your own planning certainly gives you more flexibility and freedom.
For South America specifically, I don’t think I would have seen or done nearly as much on my own as I did on the tour. We had a lot of off-road experiences which would have been less accessible as a solo traveller. It was nice being a passenger, knowing that each day you could sit on the truck with the route already planned. Plus, it was a huge help to have Spanish speaking leaders with us to negotiate prices.
A tour can mean that you are restricted to a schedule with lots of up-and-out early starts. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t change it and I feel very grateful to have experienced it. I was lucky with the people on my tour, as I came away with new friends that I have met up with in various other places over the last three years.
How did you support yourself travelling without working?
I didn’t go to University and started a full time job straight after my A-Levels. Travel was something I always wanted to do and I began saving as soon as I could. It’s impossible to ever know how much money is enough to travel. Despite having saved thousands over the years, the money quickly diminished on flights, the pre-booked Dragoman tour, travel insurance and equipment before I’d even left the UK.
I ended up taking out a loan with a five year payment plan. I borrowed more than I needed so that the loan could essentially pay itself for as long as possible. This would mean that I didn’t have to worry about the repayments. I managed to sustain myself without working for almost a year, and then began working as soon as I could once I reached Australia.
Travel Loan – The Finances
The thought of taking a loan out always sparks judgement that it’s risky, irresponsible or a bad move to make. I must admit that I was nervous taking the plunge and sending the application. I’m still glad I did. It was well planned out and I didn’t have to worry about earning enough to meet the repayments until I came back to the UK, almost two years later. I am currently paying this off, but there’s not long left and you really can’t put a price on experiences. You can always make more money but you can’t replace time.
That’s not to say that to travel you need heaps of money. I knew I wanted a real break from work, so the loan was the right decision. There are various ways of travelling on a tight budget, for example, you could work in a hostel in exchange for free accommodation and meals.
What’s the one item you wouldn’t go travelling without?
Gym leggings – I don’t know why I didn’t pack them. I packed my backpack as if I was going on a two week holiday to Greece. So clueless! It’s not easy finding a decent pair of gym leggings in Central/South America. Most pairs I purchased only lasted a short while before falling apart, despite my attempts at sewing them back together. I was kicking myself to know I had a good pair at home!
Travelling is all about exploring, which often includes walking long distances, sometimes with your backpack. Sometimes for hours on end because you’re lost – it can be like a constant workout at times. No one wants chafing or shorts riding up their backside. Two very real problems I experienced!
Name an item you took to Brazil and never used?
Stanley knife. It was on the trip notes as a suggested item to bring and seemed like a good idea at the time, but we didn’t have any Bear Grylls moments.
Where was your last trip?
Australia in February this year – I managed to squeeze in a trip just before the Coronavirus outbreak escalated and shut everyone down. I had limited annual leave days and by the time you deducted hours spent travelling, I only had 9 days in the country. The trip was initially to visit my friends in Melbourne, but of course you can’t escape the travel bug once it’s bitten you. I ended up darting to Queensland on my second day to see Fraser Island, as it was one of the only places I’d missed out during my year of living in Australia.
Everyone said I was mad for going ‘all the way’ to Australia for the sake of 9 days, but it was better than not going, that’s for sure! Of course, it depends on how you are with long haul flights but time doesn’t have to be an obstacle if you really want to do something.
Have you already made plans for your next trip?
I was supposed to go to Lisbon for my birthday weekend back in May, and had also been planning a tour around Sri Lanka in September. Both of those plans seem like they will be pushed back to 2021 now. Camper van tour of the UK perhaps? I’ve still never been to Cornwall, surprisingly.
The ultimate goal would be to live in Australia, but since long term visas are hard to come by, I may give New Zealand a crack in the future.
What’s your favourite aspect of backpacking?
The sense of adventure, especially when there’s no planned end date! It’s such a different feeling to a holiday. I loved waking up each day truly feeling like the world was my oyster! I know some people would roll their eyes to hear that quitting my job to travel was the scariest and best thing I ever did because so many people say it. It honestly changed my entire outlook on life.
Some aren’t that way inclined and that’s okay, but I think if there’s any part of you that is niggling at you to travel, I’d encourage taking the leap. It’s not all about long haired dudes with guitars on gap years. Although if you do take the time to talk to them, they can have some pretty amazing stories to share! You can learn a lot in all aspects. I was shocked at some of the stunning places with interesting history that I’d never even heard of. Travel really does open your eyes to the bigger picture!
Don’t Forget Part 1!
If you haven’t already, make sure you read part 1 of this interview for South Australia specific details. We talk spontaneous travel moments getting caught up in currents and catching rides with strangers. Plus, some great spots to add to your itinerary.
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