The most friendly country for backpack travelers
We have been back-pack traveling for more than 10 years.I guess we were so much pampered by the comfort and most important of all--freedom of traveling,so it is very difficult now to convince us to attend any tour group.It is not that difficult to do a back-pack travel.What would stop people from back-pack travel (I guess ) is the language barrier.But it is not supposed to be a big problem for anyone had back-pack travel experiences.I remembered traveling in France,not many French people are willing to speak English with me. But it’s not a big problem. At least I can show him the name of the place I am heading for.
As an architectural designer,I would like to see some architectures that I admired since long time ago.Attending any tour group apparently couldn’t satisfy my need.As I am getting older,I like my itinerary looser.So I wouldn’t arrange my itinerary too heavy.And one thing also important is that I WANT TO CHOOSE THE HOTEL BY MYSELF,not by a travel agent clerk.
Ok.The answer for me of the question--which country is most suitable for backpackers?My answer would definitely be Japan.
Europe is of course a hot destination for backpack travelers.But with the increasing terrorists attacks,the whole Europe is being more careful with EVERYTHING.. In London,they don’t allow traveler to store their luggage in the hotel.They are afraid of any gift (bomb) from an unknown terrorist.That is true…but it is very inconvenient for a backpack traveler.I acquired a habit of storing my luggage in the first hotel I stayed when I visit a country.Then I could carry a light-weight backpack or a smaller luggage with me going to next city.And normally,the hotel is located in the city with the airport where I am flying back home.I don’t need to carry all the souvenirs which I purchased in the first city.Japan is very friendly and convenient with my demand.
In Japan,you would be difficult to find a poker face for tourists as you are very easy to meet A LOT in Europe no matter in the restaurant or in the train station.With the lower crime rates,one is more comfortable of traveling alone in Japan.I have to mention that high commodity prices in most of the Europe. In Milan, if u want to stay in a 4 star decent hotel,it would cost your about 300 US dollars,not to mention London.We would describe the hotel charge (in london)just like a robbery.But in Japan,it is more affordable.You can check in a hotel ranking 4 stars with half of the price you spend in Europe.
In some of European countries(well,I don’t need to elaborate,I think you know),one can find it is very hard to find other written foreign languages besides their mother language.But in the train station of Japan, one can easily find several languages(English,Chinese,Korean) in the direction board.
Japanese are very friendly to children. They like to talk to children and you can tell that they are really fond of children especially the elderly.
Well,if I have to point out one thing I couldn’t get used to ….it would be the generous tolerance toward smokers in Japan. With the recent legislation in Taiwan, a smoker is very difficult to survive in Taiwan(just jokingly). It is hard-pressed to find anywhere you can smoke. But Japanese smoke everywhere even in the hotel lobby. That is almost hardly seen in Taiwan now.
Ok, this is a short article expressing my gratitude to those strangers who helped us along the way when we were traveling in Japan. And I didn’t forget to say that Taiwan is also a very friendly country toward back-pack travelers and it costs less. With the modern facilities and cheaper commodity, don’t forget breath-taking beautiful scenery , Taiwan is really a heaven for foreign travelers. Just don’t mistake Taiwan for Thailand anymore, OK?