I’ve never actually done a full update on my status and that of the blog, but after 5 solid months on the road (Jan 9th start date), I’m thinking there’s no better time to start than now. A lot has been happening of late, so here goes nothing:
First off, here’s a quick summary of my travels up to this point:
Hong Kong – 1 week
Thailand – 1 1/2 months
Laos – 1 month
Cambodia – 1 month
Thailand – 1 week
Myanmar/Burma – 2 weeks
Thailand – 2 weeks
Malaysia – Currently
I’ve really loved how, with the exception of Myanmar, I’ve spent over a month in each country. It’s really allowed me to get to know each place before moving on and makes subtle differences between countries much more apparent. So what’s next? Well, tentative future plans include a few months split between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia (recommendations welcome), but I’m actually coming to a big turning point in my trip which is a bigger development. The people I started my trip with are now home or about to head that way. Daniel and Corey, two good friends from California that I met up with sporadically the last few months, recently returned to LA. They were always a welcome slice of home and a little break from traveling if you will. I’ll miss our monthly run ins in which we’d share some good stories over a few beers and talk about the food we miss so badly (mainly Goldfish Crackers for Daniel and myself). On the same page, Austin, my buddy from San Diego who I traveled with through Northern Thailand, Laos and much of Cambodia, has bought his flight home for mid June. We’ll be meeting up again in a few days for our last hoorah before parting ways, leaving me out here in Asia on my own. On one page, it sounds slightly lonely, but on another, I’m quite excited. Once Austin takes off, I’ll truly be completely unattached and free to take any path, all without any sort of time frame. I’ll need to get creative. One idea that’s been churning in the back of my mind is working on sailboat. I need to do some more research, but it’s possible for someone without any experience to trade daily work for room and board aboard a ship. Sounds like an awesome way to see a few Southeast Asian islands, eh?
A Sad Goodbye: Corey and Daniel's last night in Bangkok
On a different note, I’ve put a lot of time into the blog lately and been seeing some awesome results. Monthly uniques are at an all time high and pageviews have hit nearly 2,000 a week. I’m really stoked, but not at all satisfied. Along with my normal blog posts, I’ve put up a bunch of articles with helpful information. These include things like how to cross certain borders and what a normal budget should look like, etc., but will soon include tips on how someone sitting in a cubicle from 9 to 5, can set off on their own trip of a lifetime, like myself. I’ve also recently published the Southeast Asian Currency Converter for backpackers, but I’m thinking an embeddable sidebar widget is the next logical step so keep an eye out for that. Finally, I’m almost finished with a complete revamp of the photography section of the blog. Currently, I post one picture at a time, showcasing just a few favorites, but I take so many on a daily basis that this approach didn’t seem to be fitting my needs as well as it could have been. I wanted to display more pictures and gives readers a better feel for my experience in each country. Five photos can’t do that, so I felt change was in the air. Keep an eye out for the update.
So, to sum things up, the blog outlook is looking up and my travels are in full swing without a hint of slowing down. Thanks to everyone following out there, including my biggest fan, Mom.
Peejers! Your blog is rad man – I’ve been doing my best to stay updated on your travels by reading your new posts. Your photos are amazing and your writing is really good. I have a few notes for you – first, if you go to Indo, hit up Gray. He still lives in Bali (although he is home for a visit right now until early July) and has been there for almost 2 years now. He’s also explored most of Indo and will have some great recs for where to go/what to do. Also, I love the sailboat idea – sounds awesome but unfortunately, I have no leads for you there. Regarding the blog though, have you ever thought about being a freelance travel writer? If you are getting 2000+ views a week, people are obviously interested in what you have to say. Mary O’Reilly’s dad is a publisher/travel writer so there is a lead for you if you want to look into it. I have sensed in your writing that you really like documenting your travels and it is obvious how much you like sharing your knowledge/experiences with others. Anyways, I am sure you have thought about it so if you want to look into it further talk to mary and maybe she can intro you to her pops.
This “reply” has gotten longer than I thought I would but for what it’s worth, I also wanted to tell you big ups for doing what you’re doing. It’s an inspiration to us 9 to 5ers who dream of an indefinite travel adventure. Keep up the awesomeness and travel safe buddy!
Jack
Jack! Thanks for all the leads. I’m definitely going to hit up Gray and get some pointers from him. I’m sure he has a ton of info for me. And I had no idea Mary’s dad was in the travel writer industry. Good heads up.
As far as a sailboat, like I said, I need to do some research, but it could be pretty awesome if the stars can align for me. Obviously, I’ll keep you posted 😉
Also, you should come visit me
Phillip: Your blog is very informative, thank you so much for that. I’m in the process of making plans for a similar trip with my girlfriend, starting in February 2013. I really like your itenerary thus far [hong kong to malaysia], we’re thinking of starting in Beijing and slowly making our way down to Sydney. We’ll have our workers visa in Australia.
If you don’t mind me asking how much you’ve spent thus far 5 months in? Has your costs been more or less than what you budgeted for? Thanks for everything. -Zach
Hey Zach, that sounds like an awesome trip you have planned. I originally planned on working in Australia as well, still might, but it’s a great option to save some money to keep the adventure alive.
As far as my budgeting, it’s funny you ask because I’m in the process of writing a post on my current spending. In the beginning, I had a rough amount in mind, but tried to temper my expectations. I knew I wanted to spend under $1,000 a month and ideally even less. Technically you can get by on less than $500 if you are really budget conscious and aren’t moving around a lot but that isn’t my main focus. Today is exactly 5 months and I’ve spent $4,000. That comes to $800/month.
Good luck and keep an eye out for my future post. Should be a more complete breakdown.
Hi Phil, you asked for suggestions and I noticed that the Philippines is conspicuously absent in your travels. I’m an American living here for over a year now. Many fantastic places to visit once you clear Manila. Don’t waste more then a day there. I live in Cebu, in the central part of the country. I think you will like it here.
Mike
I had every intention of visiting the Philippines after hearing unanimous positive reviews from fellow travelers. Seriously, everyone absolutely loved it. But as it got later in the year, I realized that the best weather was further south in Malaysia and Indonesia. Would you still recommend a visit to the Philippines in the next few months?
June is usually considered the beginning of the rainy season but it generally rains only part of the day. Climate-wise the best time to visit would be Dec-Feb but I wouldn’t let the rain stop me. The people are used to it and you will be too after a while. The typhoon belt is north in Luzon where Manila is, there’s plenty to see in Palawan and the Central Visayas where I am. Bohol, home of the Chocolate Hills, and Bantayan Island are 2 great places. There are many, hope you make it this way, you won’t regret it.
Awesome, thanks for the advice. I do really want to go. Perhaps I can find a ship headed that way
Hey, I dont know how I ended up to your site, but I’ve been hooked for the past hour now.
I’m also living in Singapore now, and will want to travel thru Southeast Asia soon, and I think your blog is a great way to prepare myself:)
I’ve been to the Philippines as well, it’s a great place, and going by plane will be the easier alternative though 😉
Write some more about other places, I will be regularly checking your blog from now on, goodluck on your travels
Hey, I dont know how I ended up to your site, but I’ve been hooked for the past hour now.
I’m also living in Singapore now, and will want to travel thru Southeast Asia soon, and I think your blog is a great way to prepare myself:)
I’ve been to the Philippines as well, it’s a great place, and going by plane will be the easier alternative though 😉
Write some more about other places, I will be regularly checking your blog from now on, goodluck on your travels
Awesome, glad I have you hooked haha. I’ll do my best to keep the posts coming. Flying would be the much easier option. We shall see if it comes to that.
Phil
I miss you.
Ben from Chiang Mai.
Oh Ben from Chaing Mai,
How I miss your dry British humor