Finding My Backpacking Community

February 24, 2014
Finding My Backpacking Community

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Finding My Backpacking Community

Leaving home to backpack can be a scary thing. You are exiting your comfort zone, and going places where you don’t know what to expect. It can be especially scary if you are a woman traveling alone. I remember the first time I booked a trip by myself. I was extremely excited but also quite nervous. However, the best thing about traveling, whether by yourself or with others, is the fact that you are never alone. What I realized when I traveled is that the backpacking community is big everywhere and I would always be able to meet people that will make me feel at home.

Finding My Backpacking Community

I have been traveling throughout Nicaragua and Costa Rica for a month now and have found that almost everyone I have come across is nice and willing to help. The locals are very friendly and the other backpackers are always sharing stories and useful advice. However, not everything can go smoothly all the time and you have to be careful. There was one time I had a problem toward the beginning of my trip. I went out one night with my travel partner and a group of other people staying at the hostel next door.

 Regardless of getting my phone stolen, I have met some of the most amazing people.

We went to a night club/bar after a day filled with hiking and exploring the town. I had only been traveling for five days and that night, my phone got stolen. I realized it was missing that same night and went back to the bar to look for it, but it was gone. At first I was embarrassed that this happened to me so early on in the trip. I didn’t want to hear the “I told you so”s from my friends back home who had put doubts in my head about my trip from the beginning.

But after a little while, I realized that the situation could have been a lot worse and it would make me much more cautious throughout the rest of my trip. Also, talking to other travelers who had their passports, wallets, or phones stolen before assured me that this kind of thing happens, and you just need to be careful.

What I realized when I traveled is that the backpacking community is big everywhere and I would always be able to meet people that will make me feel at home.

Regardless of getting my phone stolen, I have met some of the most amazing people. I have met people who I have become close to right off the bat and people I trust and confide in just as I would a close friend back home.

When you meet people while traveling it is easy to get to know them really quickly. Travelers are usually open minded and have a way of getting to know and care about each other in a short amount of time. For this reason, it is not hard to form groups that want to travel with each other and watch each other’s backs. Backpackers share an understanding of what it is like to travel for months at a time and are almost always there to provide support and offer advice. For this reason, you will feel a lot less lonely as you journey so far away from home.

Certain special people will leave a lasting impact and the memories you make with those people are what make every trip worth it.

You will meet some of the most inspiring people while traveling. Everyday you will come across individuals from all over the world who are all traveling for different reasons. However, while all the people you meet come from different backgrounds, they all share the same interest in seeing the world and experiencing the amazing people and places that this earth has to offer. There are people you will come across who will change you forever.

backpacking community

Finding My Backpacking Community

Certain special people will leave a lasting impact and the memories you make with those people are what make every trip worth it. You may be half a world away from home, but you will feel just as secure and happy with the other travelers that you meet. You will realize that there are so many good people to be found no matter where you are and you will be inspired by the kindness that you encounter on a daily basis.

Traveling is the best way to understand and connect with all kinds of people. You will feel vulnerable but you will also feel empowered. Everyday will be new and exciting and most importantly, you will unexpectedly meet people that you will end up caring about deeply.



Finding My Backpacking Community

About Alanna Murphy

Alana Murphy is a curious person who takes an interest in many things. For her, traveling is one of the best ways to learn not only about yourself, but also about others and this amazing world we live in. The excitement of meeting new people, exploring an unknown area, and the challenge of being out of your comfort zone are all part of the appeal of traveling.

One thought on “Finding My Backpacking Community

  1. Karen
    February 28, 2014
    Reply

    Great article. Love how my brother is in the picture with you guys. Miss him but glad that he is enjoying life, meeting new friends and having amazing adventurous.

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