I'm Toan. I've been traveling solo with a backpack since I was 19—and I share everything here: my itineraries, my actual expenses, and my best encounters.
Nothing in my background suggested I would become a travel blogger. Here is how solo travel changed my life, in a few key steps.
At 19, I was a shy student, questioning everything and unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I only had one certainty: I wanted to discover the world. With €1,200 in savings, I set off alone for Japan and volunteered at a guesthouse in Kyoto. That’s where I met Gerard, a traveler who got me speaking English for the first time… and sparked my passion for photography.
Read about my best travel encounters →During engineering school, I took on temp jobs to fund my travels. Volunteering in hostels in Japan and Taiwan, living on white rice and tap water to stick to the budget, and meeting travelers from all over the world: I discovered that there are many other ways to live than the daily grind.
My tips for traveling on a budget →With my degree in hand, I joined a consulting firm. I now travel for two to three weeks during every vacation: South Korea, Italy, Portugal… It was actually during a trip to Portugal that I met my girlfriend, with whom I now share some of my adventures.
I’m creating this blog to share what I wish I had read before my first trips: concrete itineraries, real budgets, and tips for traveling solo without breaking the bank.
A good salary, an exciting mission… and yet, I’m handing in my resignation. No real plan B, but a conviction: it’s time to fully dedicate my time to travel and this blog.
My 5 real reasons →After Malta and Madeira, I spent a month in Colombia in July 2026. I share every tested itinerary, every euro spent, and every great recommendation here to help you plan your next trip with peace of mind.
Three principles guide every trip I take and every guide I publish.
Traveling alone means opening yourself up to others. Every solo trip has pushed me out of my comfort zone and led to my most meaningful encounters—the ones that have helped me grow.
Meeting people while traveling solo →Traveling far isn't just for the wealthy. Volunteering, local transport, street food: I share all my tips for traveling for a long time on a small budget.
Traveling on a budget →Take your time, shop local, and respect the places and people you visit. Fewer boxes to check, more authentic experiences connecting with locals.
Traveling more ethically →No copying and pasting information found online: everything I publish comes from my own on-site experience.
I only write about places I have visited myself, using my own photos.
I break down my actual expenses: accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
Restaurants, accommodations, and activities tested by me or cross-referenced with recent reviews.
I regularly review and update my guides: prices, schedules, and practical tips.
For me, solo backpacking is much more than just a round trip to a destination. It is, above all, an experience that blends immersion, personal growth, and the pursuit of an adventure aimed at deeply understanding a culture.
If you like my travel blog, and want to see it grow by allowing me to offer even more quality content and valuable advice
