CHIANG MAI: THE CITY THAT influenced ME TO travel THE world

Updated: 03/17/20 | March 17th, 2020

I haven’t been this excited to be somewhere in a long time. Sure, I was excited for Iceland. as well as Morocco. as well as that trip to the Caribbean last year.

Okay, I’m excited a lot, however I haven’t been this excited in a long time.

When I touched down in Bangkok a few days ago, I saw in the airplane window a reflection of a wide-eyed as well as bushy-tailed guy seeing a location for the very first time around again. That guy was me.

I was home.

For years, I’ve dreamed of getting back to my roots, slinging my backpack over my shoulder, as well as traveling without a plan again. However, life always seemed to get in the method as well as trips got delayed. “Something” always came up.

It was simple to develop a routine as well as go into a comfort zone. Days ticked by and, before I understood it, years have passed as well as the listing of things to see got longer as well as more daunting.

After months of speaking about it, right here I am, back in Southeast Asia, really doing it. It’s lastly real!

I am back in Thailand, the country where everything began, to spend prolonged time traveling around the region. I’ve felt more relaxed as well as rested in the last couple of days than I have in months.

I’m in the country where, on my very first visit, I got ripped off twice in someday (back to back mind you), I ate McDonald’s since street food seemed scary, as well as my concept of roughing it was a three-star hotel.

And I liked every moment of it! It threw me out of my comfort zone as well as hooked me on traveling even more.

This is the begin of a five-month journey, as well as I’m going to enjoy every moment as well as take every opportunity.

I’m starting my new backpacking trip in the city of Chiang Mai, the location where I satisfied the five backpackers who altered my life. The ones who showed me that long-lasting travel on a budget plan was possible as well as made me tell my traveling companion, “Scott, I’m going to go house as well as stop my task to travel the world.”

I frequently question what occurred to them. exactly how long did they travel? Where did they go? What are they doing now?

I question they would acknowledge me today, as well as if it wasn’t for an old photo I have of us, I wouldn’t either.

They altered my life — and put me on the path that led me to where I am today.

What drew me to travel was the feeling of infinite possibility it brings. You can do anything you want as well as you never understand where the day will truly take you.

As I look out at the next few months, I have that feeling again. While I have a general path in mind, there are so many options, as well as I might end up anywhere. All I understand is that I’ll be in new places, seeing new things, as well as satisfying new people.

After two months here, it’s back across the huge blue Pacific as well as down to South America where I’ll check out Patagonia, turn right at Machu Picchu, check out the Amazon, as well as binge on wine in Argentina.

I’m lucky sufficient to have a career that enables me to plop myself down half-way across the world as well as spend as much time as I want there. however even if you don’t have the exact same luxury, don’t let your inner naysayer hold your back.

It’s never as well late to begin once again as well as achieve the things you’ve dreamed of doing.

Because even if it’s lastly getting inspired to go to the gym, take up dance classes, or discover archery (something I never “had the time” to do), it’s never as well late to begin. It’s never as well late to state “Honey, let’s lastly take the youngsters to Europe.”

As Dave Matthews said, “the future is no location to location your much better days.”

And, right now, I’m having a few of the very best days I’ve had in a while.
 

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Book Your trip to Thailand: Logistical tips as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a inexpensive flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse websites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:

Julie Guesthouse

The So Hostel

Kodchasri B&B

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will protect you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s comprehensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it many times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want more info on Chiang Mai?
Be sure to go to our robust destination guide on Chiang Mai for even more planning tips!