A backpacking philosophy question... - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Canadian Bacon** · 06-08-2008, 03:24 PM

Hello tpunks,

A more philosophical travel question for you all, both new and seasoned.

This year I'm going to China, and I only really have a good 11 days of backpacking (the other week, I have to spend in Hong Kong to see family).

But 11 days is still good enough to get into some adventures... but my dilemma is:

-do I spend 4-5 days in 2 places, or spend 2-3 days in 3-4 places?

I've done both... first trip I spent longer times in some cities, and it you definitely get a flavour for the places you are staying. On my second trip, I was travelling like a madman, pretty much travelling every second day (which burned me out hardcore)...but I got to see so much, and a one month trip felt like a year!

So what do you guys prefer, given a limited travel timeframe? More time and less places, or less time in more places?

I don't know which one I like better....

**marc873** · 06-08-2008, 05:53 PM

I have to tell you Jason, both of us truly like the longer time per city plan. Like you, we've done both types, and the longer style is just better..... We usually always try to plan a long day trip out, just to get a different view for a day, ya know. For me, its actually getting to that feeling of kinda living there, the atmosphere and vibe of the city.

**Elizabeth** · 06-08-2008, 07:48 PM

option A for the same reasons you listed in the first post, unless you feel like you will never have a chance to see the other places

**worldwidemike** · 06-09-2008, 03:35 AM

I feel that 3 days is a nice number for a city. Usually, on the day you arrive, you end up with only about a half day to get oriented and see the main sights. The next day you may get a chance to see it in depth. And the third day, I like to take a day trip out from the city and then return that evening.

So, if it was me, I'd shoot for at least 3 places among your 11 days backpacking in China. Of course, if travel distances are huge among your stops, that can affect things...

worldwidemike

**expatben** · 06-09-2008, 04:08 AM

I say 2-3 days in 3-4 places. 3 days is enough time and you can cover more cities.

**BigE** · 06-09-2008, 05:13 AM

I find it is different for different people. I stayed in a city for almost 5 days and it was too long. I move like a mad man so I need to move to different places faster. Unless I am visiting a friend it doesn't make sense to stay longer. Why? A city only possesses so much for one person to see. In other words, I may be interested in seeing a, b, & c whereas another person may be interested in x, y, & z. Once you gain the experience and see what you want to see - move on.

**Esterina** · 06-09-2008, 07:28 AM

10 days for such an immense country ! I share your hesitations.

Hmmm... it depends on the goals you have set for the trip, your personal pace and interests.

My philosophy is to stay as flexible as possible. You never know when you're going to fall in love with a city. Or meet people, travelers or locals, you'd want to spend more time with.

In this particular situation, with so little time and so much to see, I'd go for the 3-day stay, with a set plan B in case I'd change my mind.

Also, if you plan on returning to China for a longer stay, I would definitively go for the whirwind trip, as a kind of "scout" visit for the next time.

And as Mike said, distance is an issue in China.

**Canadian Bacon** · 06-24-2008, 06:37 PM

Hey thanks for all the input: but I have decided on more places, less days.

It helps that I justified it based on seeing three parts of china: historical china (beijing), modern china (shanghai) and scenic rural china (yangshuo).

Who knows when I'll go back! So yeah... there you go, decision made.

About distance - ill be taking overnight train from beijing to shanghai, and flying from shanghai to guilin. Flying will hopefully cut down the time... but since I have to wait to buy tickets in country, we'll see how it goes =)

CB

**Canadian Bacon** · 06-24-2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by expatben

I say 2-3 days in 3-4 places. 3 days is enough time and you can cover more cities.

That's pretty much it... i'm sticking with this 3 day rule mostly.

J

**epicballa** · 06-24-2008, 06:48 PM

when i travel i'll only stay in a big city more than 3 days if i'm burnt out and need a day or 2 to just chill out.

bluewaveted · 07-01-2008, 08:22 AM

I'd go the 4-5 day --- it's a much better way to soak up a culture.

**jabad17** · 07-04-2008, 02:10 AM

completely different experiences...the 3-day is more of an adrenaline rush, land in a city, figure your way around, hit the main sites, hop on a plane/train/bus to the next town...you get to see a ton of interesting stuff and cover a lot of ground and 'traveling' is the experience. staying longer gives you a chance to see more indepth stuff, meet people and catch the vibe of the place and kind of experience what it's like to live there, plus it generally can be cheaper. both are fun...it just kind of depends on your mood, what you want from the trip and what you want to experience in the places you're going...

polarbear · 07-04-2008, 10:40 AM

i am planning on a 4-5 day per city schedule, just because i really want to experience the places im going to be at. i think it seems like a grand idea

**mushroom22** · 07-04-2008, 04:02 PM

If you plan 4-5 days in each city then it will give you some flexibility. If you love it, you can stay but if you don't need that much time, then you'll have a few days to go somewhere else close by.

I always find it best to be super flexible, you never know what opportunities will come up!

**simply_angelic** · 07-07-2008, 07:41 PM

As you're limited in time, I'd say 3-4 cities....you wont be out long enough to get burnt out in 11 days

PhilBill · 07-12-2008, 02:07 AM

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving"

"For those who practice not-doing, everything will fall into place."
both by Lao Tsu
I use to keep an old copy of his 81 poems in my suit jacket pocket to reduce stress on the plane when we were involved in black market, the "white collar" crime of smuggling electronics, cameras, and gold ingots.

**worldwidemike** · 07-13-2008, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilBill

I use to keep an old copy of his 81 poems in my suit jacket pocket to reduce stress on the plane when we were involved in black market, the "white collar" crime of smuggling electronics, cameras, and gold ingots.

Do tell, PhilBill...do tell!

worldwidemike

**Canadian Bacon** · 07-13-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilBill

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving"

"For those who practice not-doing, everything will fall into place."
both by Lao Tsu
I use to keep an old copy of his 81 poems in my suit jacket pocket to reduce stress on the plane when we were involved in black market, the "white collar" crime of smuggling electronics, cameras, and gold ingots.

"Now the general who wins a battle makes many
calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought.
The general who loses a battle makes but few
calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations
lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat:
how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention"
to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.

I read The Art Of War while I am at work. I feel all strategic after.