Backpacking through Asia in 2018 Vs 2008
Hello Bloggers.
(Up the Taipei 101 tower)
Backpacking through Asia in 2018 Vs 2008
Hello Bloggers.
Myself and now fiancé got back from a 3 week cruise holiday at the start of this year sailing around the South China Sea. Are trip included visiting the countries of Vietnam, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Once the cruise had finished the ship dropped us off at Hong Kong where we stayed a further 1 week exploring the city.
In 2008 myself and mate were backpacking (on land) through these very same countries but this time around in 2018 it really opened my eyes as to how much easier and more convenient traveling has become and it’s all down to improvements in technology.
(Giant Pandas, sleeping......)
In 2008 we navigated around Asia by using a local map, a compass, my Lonely Planet book and asking the local people for directions which more than likely would get us lost!
In 2018 we used are smart phones. There was no more being ripped off by the Vietnamese taxi driver who would drive us around the block a few times just so that the meter would rack up a few more extra dollars then drop us off at are destination. Now using Google maps on are phones we always knew where we were and where we had to go. We could select are own method of transport by seeing where the local bus or train went.
In 2008 I do remember going into a phone shop in Hanoi (Vietnam) and paying money to the staff behind the till so that I could phone my family in the UK. I only had 30mins of talk time with them and it was an expensive call.
In 2018 we used Facebook Messenger phone service. One highlight of are trip was going up the Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan and using their free Wi-Fi service. Using the Wi-Fi we were then both able to walk around the tower enjoying the views and talking to are family’s back home all for free.
In 2008 internet cafes were everywhere throughout Asia. But again they all cost money and thinking about it now they were a waste of time just sitting there for a few hours checking emails inside a crowded room using ADSL1.
In 2018 all restaurants and coffee shops have free Wi-FI. We could both finish eating are meals then check are emails on are phones all while sipping on a coffee or a beer. It was during these times that we would plan are next day of activities.
APPS:
In 2008 I carried a pocket calculator where I always had to work out the local exchange rate.
In 2018 we had the app which would work out the local exchange rate in seconds for us.
In 2008 I had to pay full price for everything. I did not know where all of the special deals were and which pub was having a happy hour??
(Hong Kong Island, a laser light show every night at 8pm)
In 2018 we used the “Klook” app which would give us discounts for certain day trips. For example getting adult tickets into Ocean Park in Hong Kong would have cost us $70.00 Australian dollars each. Using the Klook App it cost us $60.00. I would recommend downloading this App before you go to Asia, you could save a lot of money if you’re bringing a large family.
In 2008 language was a problem, I communicated with the local people as best I could using hand signals.
In 2018 we used the Google translate app, simply key in what you want to say or speak into your phone and it will translate it into over 100 different languages.
In 2008 I carried a heavy camera around with me, it was digital and had a resolution of 5 megapixels!
In 2018 I carried my smart phone which has a resolution of 12 megapixels takes HD video and weighs 10x less than that
camera of 2008.
So there you go start packing your bags and go overseas its now cheaper and easier thanks to new technology.
Cheers
Rob :)