Backpacking Asia in your 50s and beyond

It's probably fair to say that the majority of people think of backpacking in Southeast Asia as something you can only do in your twenties. They may believe that it has to involve dingy hostel dorms, long and uncomfortable bus journeys and crazy parties.

But here's the good news: backpacking Asia in your 50s and beyond is absolutely possible with the right planning.

In recent years, more and more travellers of this age group have discovered that Southeast Asia has an abundance of incredible experience for all ages.

So, if you've ever dreamt of the rice terraces and rugged landscape of Vietnam, island hopping in Malaysia, or exploring ancient temples in Cambodia but you're unsure where to start, this post is for you.

Why Travel Asia in Your 50s+?

There are a multitude of reasons to venture to Southeast Asia, at any age, but here's just a few of the big ones:

• Value for money - Whether it's a $2 meal or a comfy room for $10-20, your money will go so much further in this part of the world. This allows for long stays where you can really immerse yourself in the places you visit.

• Incredible cultures - Southeast Asia offers such a different experience to anything in the West. From the vast temples and historical sites to the delicious food and bustling towns, there's always something to see and do here.

• Stunning nature and landscapes - Mountains, white sand beaches, lush jungles, beautiful islands - wherever you go in Southeast Asia, you're never too far from a breathtaking view, a great hike, or a relaxing swim.

• Friendly and welcoming people - After travelling this part of the world for over a year, I can safely say that the vast majority of locals are extremely nice, warm and friendly people. In the touristy areas, you may get some pushy market vendors or restaurant owners but other than that, the people are usually very kind.

  
  
  
  

  

The Differences Between Backpacking in Your 20s and 50s+

While we wholeheartedly believe that backpacking is for all ages - there probably are differences in how to go about it. For example, you more than likely to:

• Value comfort - Shared dorms and cheap overnight buses are the bread and butter of the gap year backpackers. Private rooms, clean bathrooms, and air conditioning matter to you, and are very affordable in Asia.

• Travel a little slower, and with more intent - Trying to tick every single thing off the box, constantly on the move, never getting more than a couple of days in one place - if this sounds like your idea of hell, you're not alone. Travelling slower allows you to absorb more, and get a deeper experience from each place you visit.

• Appreciate solid planning - Booking a flight 24 hours before takeoff, checking out of one place without having another place to stay at that night, approaching the end of a visa and not knowing where you're going next - these are common occurrences for the younger backpacker. While this living on the edge may sound fun to some, know that it's not the only way to do it!

  
  

Common Concerns about Southeast Asia

You may be reading this thinking "is this really for me?". Let's look at some of the common concerns, and why they shouldn't stop you:

• Safety: is it safe? - Short answer, yes. In my year or so of travels here, I've never really felt unsafe. There may be some petty thefts in the most touristy of areas (not that I've experienced it) but I'd argue that overall, it's much safer here than in Western cities.

  
  

• Hygiene and comfort: is it possible to have clean rooms and avoid food poisoning? - On both fronts, the standards can definitely vary, however, this is absolutely possible. The wide use of accommodation booking apps makes picking a nice place to stay much easier. On the food side, my best advice is to eat the local dishes - that's what they know how to make, plus most local dishes come straight out of red hot woks. In my time away, food has made me sick once, and it was in fact a KFC that did the damage!

  
  

• Age: will I be the oldest one there? - If you find yourself at the bar of a busy party hostel, you might indeed be the oldest person there, however, you may be surprised to see how many people your age are travelling these parts. While there may be more people under 30, you'll find other people your age most anywhere you go - be it a visit to a temple, a full day excursion or simply in around the restaurants and bars in a town centre.

  
  

• Planning: Where do I even start? - This is the big one. Planning a trip across multiple countries, currencies, cultures and languages, so far from home can be intimidating.

  However, you don’t have to do it alone. At Turas Tales, we help travellers like you create unforgettable adventures with a little added comfort and security. Get in touch to see how we can help you.

Tips For a Smooth and Enjoyable Trip to Asia

I've learned a lot of things the hard way during my time backpacking Asia. Here's a few of my top tips for a smooth journey:

• Pack light - When you see someone struggling with their humungous bags in the heat and humidity of Asia, you'll thank yourself that you listened to me! We travel very light, just a 40L bag each - and that is more than enough. If you find yourself saying "just in case" when you're packing, stop. Any "just in case" items can be picked up in a local market for next to nothing. Check out Clodagh's blog on packing for females - Female Backpackers Carry-On Only Packing List!

• Choosing the right accommodation - This can make or break a trip. The quality of accommodation can vary widely in Asia but there is always somewhere good to stay if you look in the right places. Apps like Booking and Airbnb are always a good choice - just stick to well reviewed properties. Also confirm that features like a private bathroom and A/C are included. While these are fairly standard, they're not always a given so it's worth checking.

• Don't over-plan your schedule - This one may be more of an opinion than anything else. I understand that if you're so far from home, and you only have X amount of time here, it can be tempting to try and jam everything in. I've found with this approach, you run the risk of losing appreciation for the things you're seeing simply because you're exhausted, and maybe a little cranky! If you've got a big day planned, maybe a full day tour, leave the next day free so you can relax and recharge a bit.

• Use the right apps - There are a number of apps that will help you on your travels in this part of the world. Some of the best ones include 12Go Asia - for booking trains, buses and ferries, Grab - like Uber for food and taxis, and Maps.me - for offline maps and hiking trails. Check out another one of Clodagh's blogs for more info on travel apps - Travel Apps & Phone Hacks That Completely Changed the Way I Travel

• Open your mind to street food - The best food in Southeast Asia is not found in fancy restaurants, it's found on the street, at markets, or in small family restaurants which are often people's homes in places like Vietnam. In Malaysia, there are even Michelin Guide street stands. I can understand someone having reservations about this, particularly when it comes to concerns about food hygiene, however this is something you'll want to embrace here to get the full experience. Like I said earlier, most food is coming out of a red hot wok so it is perfectly safe. If you're unsure, look for somewhere you can see them cooking your food.

• Understand your visa requirements - Last but definitely not least, make sure you know your visa requirements. Each country here has different rules for citizens of different countries. Visas can usually be processed in a week and they're usually cheap, it's just a case of being aware. Some of the countries here also require arrival forms with extra details to be filled out before landing in the country so it's worth checking if this is required for you. We had to fill one of these out in a panic while boarding a plane to Malaysia, only for it to not be checked in Malaysia. After this debacle, we knew to do this in advance heading to Cambodia and were able to bypass the other panicked backpackers with a grin on our faces.

  
  

How We Can Help You Plan an Unforgettable Adventure

Backpacking through Southeast Asia is absolutely something you can organise and do by yourself. However, if you're unsure where to start, or which destinations to choose, or how to make the most out of your trip - we're here to help.

Here's what we offer:

• Custom built itineraries - We plan a trip around your interests, preferences, time and budget.

• Comprehensive guidebook - Along with your itinerary, we write you a guidebook packed full of useful information and suggestions.

• Booking and logistics support - We assist with all accommodation, transport and visa booking.

• Deep local knowledge - We will not recommend a place that we haven't been to so you can be sure you're getting expert advice on your chosen destinations.

• Ongoing support - We'll be on hand during your trip if there are any issues.

• Proper adventure - This is not a cruise or a resort package tour - you'll be having all of the experience that Southeast Asia has to offer.

  
  

If you'd like to discuss a potential trip, we'd love to connect. You can book an introduction call using the button below. Also, check out our blog for some travel inspiration!

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