5 Reasons to Go Backpacking Before Turning 30!

There are a few things that define the psyche, lifestyle and persona of the under-30 crowd in 2013. Entry-level jobs, expertise in texting-based relationships, constant life-trajectory discussions and a hearty awareness of our high school and college acquaintances goings-on thanks to Facebook, just to name a few. We are recent college graduates, we are Girls sympathizers, and we are poor. We are willing to put up with degrading professional situations because of the depleted job market. We also put up with all sorts of crazies that OKCupid has determined to be our perfect match.

En route to Penang, Malaysia.

To summarize: Millennials are tech-savvy, great communicators, highly tolerant of unusual personalities, and broke. What’s an emerging young professional to do with this skill set? I don’t know about you, but I only see one option: Travel.

Now is the time, people! Quit kidding yourself; your job isn’t that great right now. If you left tomorrow, are you easily replaceable? If the answer is yes — and I’m willing to bet a collection of Lonely Planet guide books that it is — then it is time to take a break and travel before you start caring about things like spouses, dirty bathrooms or mixing different types of alcohol on a night out.

Here are 5 reasons reasons why everyone should travel before entering the black hole of life in the third decade.

1. Right now, you have a very high tolerance for dirtiness.

Elephant Rides in Chiang Mai, Thailand

We humans become more tightly wound as we grow older. We become accustomed to routine, and eventually tend to treat creature comforts as necessities. We think that things like soft toilet paper and different types of cups for different types of drinks are essential to our happiness. But if you’re reading this and you are under 30, there’s still time!

Get your butt to a foreign country while you are still teetering on the edge of caring about things like clean sheets. At this point in life, it’s still okay to sleep in a bunk bed in a dirty hostel or an overnight sleeper bus. (I should add, however, that there is now so much competition amongst hostels today that most are immaculately clean, even friendly environments! Many don’t even allow guests over 40.) You’re more likely to deal with the lack of toilet paper in public restrooms in a composed manner before the age of 30. It’s a scientific fact.

2. You have more energy than you think.

At the top of Mt. Jiri in South Korea

So that thing called aging. It’s more than wrinkles and mortgages. Apparently old people get tired, really easily. If you think a work week is exhausting, try multiplying that by five years. Now 10 years. Now 20. I look into the eyes of the middle-aged and I see lives lived, weeks worked, and tired faces.

You may think that after a night out, a week of getting coffee and making copies, or house-sitting for your neighbor , you are P-O-O-P-E-D! (Honestly, what is the point of house-sitting? The purpose of this task has always eluded me.)

But trust me friends, you have more energy than you think. And you’ll realize it once you’ve spent a day walking amongst beautiful old temples in Cambodia, spending an afternoon snorkeling and boat riding off an island in Thailand, or hiking Machu Picchu for a week. You have the energy to sleep in a different city every night and walk for hours—street food and ancient ruins can be very distracting. You are basically still a teenager: Use that energy and put it to some good use.

You won’t remember nights out on the lower east side (and if you do, it probably wasn’t much fun anyway!) but you will remember the night you spent on a boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

3. It’s cheap.

$5 worth of mind-blowing Indian food in Penang, Malaysia.

If that doesn’t grab your attention, imagine that a hand has just reached out from your computer screen and slapped you in the face. Travel in developing nations in regions like Southeast Asia or South America is so inexpensive, you will be slapping yourself upon arrival for not doing it sooner!

True, flights will make a dent in your blossoming bank accounts, but once you arrive, expect to spend no more than $10-$20 per day and live like a millennial king! And that includes lodging. And about the flights, they might not actually be as bad as you think; discount airlines are quite fabulous. In places where street food is the most authentic/delicious option, bargaining at markets is the word, and things like beach-side rock climbing classes cost $10, you can get a serious bang for your rupee, peso or baht.

4. You’ll learn something.

Ryoanji Zen Garden in Kyoto, Japan

We know you read the news. You’ve got the newsfeed article postings to prove it. Maybe you even listen to some great non-fiction books-on-iPod during your commute to work. We are all trying to find ways to enrich our minds and furnish our post-college intellects. But why not do it while getting a great tan, meeting loads of interesting people and eating the most delicious foods?

Perhaps I sound like a nerdy career services advisor or the first page of a Lonely Planet. But it’s time to stop wasting your money on Thai takeout, sushi dinners or Venezuelan midnight snacks and book a flight to your next intellectual journey. Remember learning about developing economies in Econ 101? Communism and its aftermath in Poli Sci 202? Bollywood in your Global Media class? If you walk through the streets of the places about which you spent hours memorizing facts or writing 20-page papers, everything will come together in a beautifully harmonious way, while some of the facts are still fresh in your mind.

5. Um, it’s fun?!

The Princess Diary Cafe in Seoul, South Korea.

I think I’ve provided enough practical reasons for backpacking before you get too old to do it. Now all you need to do is convince a friend to join, or convince yourself that you are capable of going alone!

As I mentioned earlier, quit taking yourself so seriously. If you’re ever going to quit your job and get out of the country for a month or two, now is probably the only time you’ll be able to do so. In all likelihood, you don’t have children or the anchor of a spouse holding you back. There are zillions of people on Craigslist or AirBNB.com waiting to sublet your apartment, and I hear backpacks are on sale at REI. There are guidebooks to be borrowed, blogs to be stalked, travel apps to be downloaded and gross bunk beds awaiting your arrival.

Get your passport updated and get out of this country!

Beautiful sunset in Boracay, Philippines.

This story was originally published on PolicyMic.com. Click here to view the original piece.

Top 10 Things to See & Do in Seoul: A Guest Post for “Tripping”

After living an hour outside of Seoul for almost a year now, I’ve figured out some of my favorite spots in Korea’s capital city, and have visited several “must-see” destinations. I seriously love this city and am really happy with the amount of Seoul searching I’ve been able to accomplish.

The folks over at Tripping, an awesome service that connects travelers with people to meet and places to stay all over the world – from “couches to castles” – found my blog! Hooray!  I’ve written a guest post on their blog about…that’s right, Seoul! Check out the post, of course, but definitely peruse the rest of their site for all the interesting services they offer to travelers!

In case you’re too lazy to click, (or you simply can’t stay away from bassenyourseatbelt) it’s also posted below.

Seoul is a city that needs no introduction, but I’ll give you one anyway. The ultimate example of a city straddling the old and new in a harmonious balance, South Korea’s capital mega-city will surprise and delight you, and will leave you wanting more. From spicy street foods at Gwangjang Market, to dozens neon-illuminated shopping centers, to tranquil temple complexes in the heart of the hustle and bustle, Seoul has so much to offer. Whether you’re an English- teaching expat living on the outskirts of South Korea’s capital, a backpacking college grad with a thirst for the novel, or a world traveling duo celebrating your 25th year of marriage, every site on this list is a must-see in Seoul. And don’t forget the travelers’ curse: the more you see, the more you want to see! There is always more to do, taste, and experience, in the land of kimchi, K-Pop, and K-risma.

1. Insa-dong. A neighborhood that was inhabited by poets, artists, and liberal thinkers back in the day, this area is now home to a bevy of traditional tea houses, unique shops, winding, cobblestone roads, and dozens of art galleries. Wander the streets, take photos and peek into the artisan shops. You’ll stumble upon the Bukchon Hanok Village, an area perched up on a hill encompassing a small neighborhood of traditional Korean houses, still inhabited by human beings. It’s a nice first-stop for many visitors: not insanely crowded with an emphasis on the traditional – you won’t find any chain stores or restaurants here. The storeowners of Insa-dong are insistent on keeping the area as homegrown and non-commercialized as possible. Return at night for authentic Buddhist “temple food.” I’d recommend well-known Baru-gong-yang (Gyeon-ji-dong 71, Chong-ro-gu, Seoul, 02-2031-2081) where you’ll be treated to delicious vegetarian foods, herbs grown in mountains, and new flavors for everyone. After dinner, sample some tea at a the local teahouse, for which this neighborhood is famed. (Take subway line 3 to Anguk Station)

Insa-dong

2. Cheonggyecheon River. A narrow park that slithers its way through the best parts of the city, the Cheonggyecheon River is a beautiful escape from the noise, crowds, and smells of Seoul. Until 2005, the Cheonggyecheon was more like a sewage system than a river, covered by pavement and the concrete jungle. Lee Myung Bak, then mayor of Seoul and South Korea’s current president, took on uncovering the Cheonggyecheon as his signature project, creating an awesome green space for Seoul’s inhabitants and visitors. It reminds me of New York City’s High Line Park – an abandoned elevated train track that is now an elevated park – in myriad ways. Not only do these two parks both posses an overgrown, all-natural aesthetic, but they are both the result of restoring pre-existing urban components into something green and enjoyable for the people. (The Cheonggyecheon stretches 5.2 miles starting at Seoul’s City Hall, and can be accessed at several points throughout the city.)

Cheonggyechong River

3. Gyeongbukgong Palace. This palace complex is the biggest in Seoul and definitely the most popular amongst tourists. Adjacent to Insa-dong and the head of the Cheonggyecheon, you’re bound to bump into the palace even if by accident. I’m not going to go into the history of it, because I’d basically just be copying this. Just look at the photos. (Take subway line 3 to Gyeongbokgung.)

Gyeongbuk Palace

4. Myeong-dong. Lights. People. Lights. People. Neon. Neon. Neon. People. This is modern Asia. Myeong-dong is one of Seoul’s (many) major shopping districts, with every imaginable type of store: from high-end designer department stores, to niche boutiques, to discount stalls, to chain stores. Anything you’re looking for can be found in this crowds-at-all-hours neighborhood. And if you’re not looking to shop, window shopping and navigating your way through the crowds, lights, and hagglers is an unforgettable experience in itself! (Take subway lines 1 or 4 to Myeong-dong, exit 6 is best for shopping!)

Myeong-dong

5. Hongdae. My loyal blog followers know how I feel about Hongdae. It’s my favorite place in Seoul, hands down. Home to the city’s biggest art university, Hongik, the neighborhood reeks of youth and creativity. Kitschy coffee shops, vintage dress stores, handmade leather notebook stands, strange graffiti – the best thing to do in Hongdae is wander, get lost, and find your new favorite café. (There’s a good chance it will have a hilarious theme!) On summer Saturdays, head to the park next to Hongik University for the weekly open-air art fair! You can find amazing handcrafted jewelry, painted sneakers, inexpensive portrait drawings, and more, all brought to you by university students. Hongdae is also known for its energetic nightlife. From dive bars to bumping dance clubs, it’s possible to satisfy your inner wild-child on any night of the week! Try starting off your night at Weolhyang 2 (월향 2호점) (352-23 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Map) a makgeolli bar (Korean rice wine) that offers various types of deliciously flavored makgeolli at reasonable prices. Good prices, and you can sit outside. (Take subway line 2 to Hongik University, exit 1. Walk straight, take your first right, and on the opposite side of the street you will see a BBQ meat restaurant—which happens to be delicious!—and to the left of it there is an alleyway. Walk down the alley until your 3^rd right, and Weolhyang 2 is just down the street in a big white house!)

Hongdae Art Fair

6. Gwangjang Market. Supposedly the oldest and biggest market in Seoul, specializing in textiles, a Seoulite friend recommended eating dinner here. It took a little wandering since most of the market was closed for the day, but we finally found the after-work crowd, stuffing their faces with all kinds of Korean street foods. Find a bench, rest your rump and indulge in a cheap yet tasty Korean street food sampler: ddoekbokki (rice cakes with a spicy chili pepper sauce), kimbap (rolls of seaweed with rice, cucumber, spam, radish, carrots, and more), and pajeon (basically a Korean pancake with onion, garlic, and other veggies). Also look out for the make your own bibimbap stalls! (Take subway line 1 to Jongno 5-ga exit 8 or line 2/5 to Euljiro 4-ga exit 4.)

Gwangjang Market

7. Jimjilbang In my year of life in Korea, I have had the pleasure of discovering yet another Korean expertise, the 찜질방 or jimjilbang—the Korean bathhouse or spa. There are tons of jimjilbang throughout Seoul and Korea, and people use them regularly to relax and rejuvenate. Spa culture is an important, engrained Korean tradition, and this becomes evident from the moment you nakedly and nervously tiptoe into the bathhouse for the first time. Usually the spas cost between 8,000 and 12,000 won, and they are typically open 24 hours (you can even spend the night for free!). After finding your locker and undressing, venture into the bathing room where you’ll spend the next few hours soaking in baths of differing temperatures with about 30 other naked Korean ladies (or men if that’s your thing). I highly recommend indulging in a Korean-style scrub, which will cost anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 won. In Seoul, I can personally recommend Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan, Itaewon Land in Itaewon, and the brand new Spa at Garden 5 in East Seoul. The internet is your friend—use it!

8. Ladies Only: The Wedding Dress Café As I mentioned before, Seoul boasts hundreds of hilarious theme cafes, including the Princess Diary Cafe, a “wedding dress cafe” where women come to revel in our femininity, sip on milkshakes and lattes, and take thousands of photographs in imaginary bridal bliss. One of the girliest experiences you’ll have for a while, or perhaps ever, choose a wedding dress from a massive wardrobe of options and the ladies in the store adjust and pin it up for you. There are awesome accessories to pair with your bridal gown, like pirate hats and bunny ears, along with a selection of heels to choose from. To try on the gowns, it costs between 10,000-30,000 won, depending on the gown. You are also required to order a beverage, and there was a nice selection of coffees, teas, and smoothies. (Take subway line 2 to Ehwa Women’s University, exit 3. Walk down to the little street just before the Starbucks and turn in and look up to your right – you’ll see the sign on a close-by building.)

Princess Diary Cafe

9. Namsan Tower/N. Seoul Tower at Night. Resting at the top of a Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, this tower is visible from most of the city on a clear day. While a daytime hike to the tower can be charming, I’d recommend heading to the tower at night for a truly magnificent view of darkened Seoul, lit up in all its glory! (Take subway line 4 to Myeongdong exit 3, use the road to the right of the Pacific Hotel and walk 10 minutes to the Namsan cable car.)

Namsan Tower

10.  The DMZ. Before heading to Seoul, when you told your friends you were traveling to Korea, did anyone say: which one, North or South Korea? Well, now you can tell your…uh…misinformed friends that you actually had the chance to take a look at North Korea, up close at personal, at the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Many tour groups run trips to the DMZ, and one full day-trip will cost about USD$96. This is a HIGHLY recommended, unique experience that most visitors to Korea rave about. I would recommend going with the USO-led tour, whose awesome tour guides will show you several sites around the DMZ. Be sure to book at least a month in advance.

The Joint Security Area (JSA) at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Dressing Up to Get Down at the Wedding Dress Cafe

Remember your imagination? That inner being we were told to locate and celebrate throughout our childhood, whether we were playing games, writing a story, or watching Barney? One of the greatest imagination-catalysts of my childhood was playing dress-up, trying on my mother’s big, old fur coats or my grandmother’s gaudy costume jewelry. But why am I reminiscing about my childhood you ask? Because there is a place in Korea where female adults can gather and revisit our childhoods by playing dress-up for the day! This past Saturday I visited the Princess Diary Cafe, a “wedding dress cafe” where women come to revel in our femininity, sip on milkshakes and lattes, and take thousands of photographs in imaginary bridal bliss. Perhaps one of the girliest experiences I’ve had in a while, or perhaps ever, you get to choose a wedding dress from a massive wardrobe of options and the ladies in the store adjust and pin it up for you. There are hilarious accessories to pair with your bridal gown, like pirate hats and bunny ears, along with a selection of heels to choose from (only up to size 8.5, of course). Themed cafes are immensely popular in Seoul, this will not be the last post you read about a one of these gems.

Hi Mom!

Snazzy dress selection.

“Our faces match the craziness level of what we are doing.” – Sofia

This is what your teachers do on the weekends, children of Korea.

Playing dress-up. We are adult children.

Korea!

The decor was perfect, channeling everyone’s inner girlie-girl, complete with a pastel rocking horse, stuffed animals galore, rose-print wallpaper, and more pink than a greeting card store in February.

Notice the pink rotary phone.

Dress-up accessories.

To try on the gowns, it costs between 10,000-30,000 won, depending on the gown. 10 bucks for an afternoon of dress-up? Yes please! You are also required to order a beverage, and there was a nice selection of coffees, teas, and smoothies. They also had a make-up selection, but with 7 girls’ purses to choose from we didn’t really need to make use of it.

Make-up and coffee. Middle school me would be so proud of me.

Take exit #3 out of the Ehwa Women’s University subway stop, walk down to the little street just before the Starbucks and turn in and look up to your right – you’ll see the sign on a close-by building. (Koreans don’t do addresses! Everything is about landmarks and maps.)

Hamming it up.

Just chillin’ in walk-in closet filled with wedding dresses, in Seoul, South Korea. This is my life.

As for my male readers, I suppose you could have skipped this entire entry. If there’s a cafe in Seoul where men can try on Power Rangers outfits, Transformers body suits, and Darth Vader masks, I’ll be sure to report on it ASAP.