I have spent a year and a half bicycling through five countries in South East Asia as well as a year biking the Ecuadorian Andes and Coastline. Bike-packing has given me adventures and memories I'll never forget but the reality of it all is that it can be a bit burdensome.
I believe my bike-packing days are over. If you need to take an airplane it becomes a major headache and expense. Buses will charge you more. It makes for slow and often exhausting travel with an extra element of danger. It simply complicates long term travel, you spend more time on the road and less time at the places you want to be.
The other side of the coin is, if you're really into biking, and looking for an adventure. I would pick a country and make a plan and go all in 100%. Make the most of it, be out in nature, take off the beaten path trails and get lost until you start to worry about what you'll do when the sun goes down!
Nowadays, I prefer to carry a mid-size backpack and nothing else. I get around fast and inexpensively. I take advantage of cheap flights with no checked baggage. I have no bike to take care off, I don't worry about having a bike stolen while running into a store, I enjoy walking around, being sociable and not biking past everyone.
Not To be Missed!
The Beach Dogs of Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan Thailand and One Happy Cat :)
With over 10 years of travel experience I answer travel and international lifestyle questions. Leave a question in the comments and I may make a video just for you!
