Many of you readers are backpackers at heart, while others might feel that it’s not your thing. I’d encourage you to drop your judgement and read on with today’s travel interview guests, Michael Tieso, who has some fantastic insights into travelling simply. That’s a concept that applies no matter what kind of luggage your socks and underwear are in. 
Could you introduce yourself?
Hi there! I’m Michael Tieso, and I have a serious case of the travel bug. I’m 25 years old, born and raised in New Jersey, USA. My half Argentinean and half Italian background brought me back and forth between New Jersey and Buenos Aires, Argentina as a child multiple times. I’m also a music fanatic finding every possible way to hear the local sounds of the place I’m at. If I see a street band playing, I’m likely to join in with my harmonica.
In 2008, I discovered the backpacking community through various travel blogs while looking for other opportunities to get out of my job at the time. There it was: my inspiration to see the world and travel. I decided then to leave a two year position I had with the cubicle corporate world where I was unhappy and plan for a trip that would last a year or more around the world. Stuck in the middle of student loans, car payments, credit card bills and one expensive lifestyle – I had to change my life. With about ten months of eliminating debt, saving, selling, and preparing, I was able to pull together roughly $15,000 to take me around the world through Asia, Australia, and South America for one year.
During the preparation for the trip, I thought it’d be a great idea to start my own blog as well. Art of Backpacking started essentially only to provide information for my family and friends about what backpacking was. I had actually never heard of backpacking prior to 2008 and neither had any of my family and friends.
It’s been over one year and three months on the road so far. In a few days I take off to Xi’an, China. For the next ten months, I’ll be teaching English to University students.
Andy: What a fantastic story! It’s interesting as I was just reading an article about how to teach English abroad on one of our sister websites, a job I’ve always considered. Isn’t backpacking so much more awesome than life in a cubicle? Whew.
You are an expert in backpacking, which you say is about “simplicity.” Can you explain more? What would you say to someone who doesn’t think backpacking is for them?
One of the elements that makes backpacking so unique is the ability to carry less yet still have a fantastic experience anywhere in the world. As a minimalist, I like to keep things simple and be attached to less. It creates a better sense of freedom, leaving room for an open mind to experiences rather than materialism.
Many people think backpacking is not for them or just that it’s nearly impossible to live that lifestyle but in reality anyone can do it. It does take a certain attitude to backpack that is not often used in other forms of travel, however that doesn’t mean that any person can’t do it. Aside from perhaps more personal and health issues, I believe anyone can backpack if they put their mind to it. When you’re passionate about something; you find ways to make it happen.
Andy: Agreed. Finding what you are passionate about is the hard bit. The rest is easy(easier).
What are some of the best places to backpack? The worst?
This is totally dependant on the person. What may seem like the best for me may not be suitable for what another person is looking to discover in their travels. Personality, I like traveling to places that get more out of the US Dollar. I enjoyed China so much that I decided to go back Asia. It was the complete opposite of anything I had grown up learning. I was devastated to find out that digging a hole wouldn’t lead me to China.
There’s been a few cities that I probably wouldn’t go back to but nowhere I can honestly say I truly hated and wouldn’t recommend. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was one of them. Though the rest of the country was beautiful, this city annoyed me in more ways than one. One was the prevalent rude and dishonest taxi drivers. I never had such a hard time getting from one place to another at night like I did in this city multiple times. Then again, the street food in Kuala Lumpur is so delicious that it’ll curve any mood instantly. And for that reason, I would still recommend this city. In some other cities, I wouldn’t go back to tour in but rather only to volunteer in.
Andy: This is true. I’m thinking based on what you’ve said, you really should look at the destination and not worry about the backpack!
I noticed you mention pizza as one of your favourite foods. Care to share some secrets?
My love for pizza is embedded in my skin by being half Argentinean and Italian. Buenos Aires has a large Italian population and culture. There is a known battle in pizza making between Argentina and Italy. Recently I spent four months living in Buenos Aires and I cannot count how many times I’ve overdosed with pizza. I have yet to go to Italy to compare but I’d imagine it’s just as good though different in many ways I’m sure.
Andy: Note to self – Argentina. Pizza. Now.
Where are your favourite getaways in the US?
Andy, you are totally allowed to think I’m crazy for this. I have actually never been to the West coast of the United States and yet I’ve traveled around the world. It doesn’t make sense and I continue to beat myself over the head for it. These excuses need to stop and I need to get myself to California soon. It’s been high on my wish list for quite some time. It seems the kind of place that I’d consider a favorite.
I love New York City. Growing up I lived only ten minutes from the city and I never got sick of it. The multicultural city makes me feel like I’m traveling somewhere new everyday. The international food can taste as authentic as the country it claims it’s from. There’s people from all over the world walking the streets, some not knowing a single word of English but getting by just fine. It’s a city that I feel has it all.
Andy: We don’t judge here. Instead, we give travel tips! One of our popular articles from the West Coast is the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a great way to see everything in style.
What’s your most inspirational travel experience?
I know I keep talking about Argentina but having spent four months there, I’d say this country did it for me. I spent a week volunteering in the north jungle of the Misiones Province of Argentina in a village. The village had little food, hardly any running water, limited electricity, and no support from the government. We were a group of seven, we did some cooking, gave them new clothing, gave them hope, and taught the kids how to clean themselves. What really impacted me were the children of the village. High spirited children with crazy enthusiasm for playing with me. Fascinated by digital cameras; I had a group of 10-year-olds attack me holding me down to the ground to take pictures of the madness. I felt welcomed, part of their family, and appreciated. There was one child in particular that would never let go of me. Letting go wasn’t easy for either of us in the end. They had so little in their village but they continued to push to survive with a genuine smile It was incredible and forever memorable.
It certainly sounds incredible and memorable, Michael, thank you so much for sharing your story. Readers, to learn more about Michael, be sure to visit his website, The Art of Backpacking or follow him on Twitter.
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