Well, when I registered for this forum a couple days ago, I had no idea where I was going to go or how I was going to afford it. But now I have a travel companion, a depature date (June 1) and time to save $3000. Now I have a couple questions.

The first one is about the cheapest place to backpack through, continent speaking, for an extended period of time. As in, I'm not sure if I'm coming back since I honestly don't have any strong attachment to anything right now.

The second is about Esperanto. Does anyone actually speak it on this forum? I want to brush up on it as best I can until June and then take advantage of the International Esperanto Hospitality Service.(Voila) Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like a nice way to cut costs.

Random advice for a spirited teenager would be nice as well.

Thanks for reading,
Amanda

The cheapest does not mean the best for travelers.

I'm sure that Chad is very cheap. (Lousy beaches though...)

SE Asia and Central America are usually cited as the cheapest and best places to travel through.

Esperanto? Do they speak that in Molvania?

If $3k is indeed your budget, and that makes South-East Asia and Central America your two prime destinations, then esperanto won't be doing you much use. Do you know at least basic Spanish?

There are other hospitality networks as well. And you don't have to learn Esperanto.

Look at the bottom of this page for a few with web addresses included.

I think it is great that you are about to embark on an exciting adventure. I agree with the others, SE Asia is probably going to be your best bet with a $3000 budget. Remember, you can always pick up odd jobs at hostels. Enjoy your trip and plan accordingly for the time of year you will be there. Be safe and let us know where the road take you.

Awesome, thanks for all your help. I'm defniitely heading into SE Asia now, I'm just trying to find a deal on a ticket.

Thanks again.

There still is an Esperanto community, though I'm not sure the extent of it overseas. I actually have a friend who grew up going on Esperanto retreats with her family, and her dad was president of the Esperanto organization at some point, or something along those lines. I haven't heard mention of anyone speaking Esperanto on this forum, but there are plenty of other websites devoted to it, I'm sure.

just wondering what is "Esperanto"?

An alleged "universal" language that is far less popular than spoken Latin.

crazy.

thx

You could always throw a dart at a map.

First off, congratulations on your decision to travel/ explore long term, however long that is. Second, the reality is that if you are seriosly considering not coming back, 3,000 dollars is not goiung to last you too long anywhere. even SE Asia. Eventually you will have to get a job or go home. My advice is to take whatever you can put together, follow your heart and GO!!! long term traVEL IS HARD BUT IMMENSLY REWARDING. You'll make it just fine.

$3000 is,nt a lot to go backpacking with so the areas around thailand or india are your best bet but you have your flight as well.