How to become a begpacker in 5 easy steps

If you are on Instagram, you see people you barely know living “the life”. You know the life I am talking about. Beaches, amazing food, exotic locations and these people in the middle of the picture. Maybe a friend of a friend is holding a monkey, wiggling their feet in the sand, or just snapped a selfie from some gorgeous location you didn’t know existed. They are living ‘the life” and seeing the world. Suddenly, you ask yourself “how can I do that?” Well, my friend, I have the solution for you. It’s called BEGPACKING.

How to become a Begpacker in 5 easy steps.

WHAT IS BEGPACKING

I know you might get this concept confused with being a digital nomad, but begpacking is not the same thing. A Begpacker is a person (usually a westerner) who engages in some of the same behavior a digital nomad engages in. Begpackers travel, see the world, but unlike digital nomads, they have no “job”, “gig”, or “hustle”. To be honest, that’s not 100% correct. They absolutely have a “hustle” – usually, it’s not the legal kind.

A begpacker drifts from place to place asking for money to allow them drift from place to place. Begpackers can scrounge up to $400 a day, get into adventures, ask people for favors and feel guilt about mooching from others. They will mooch from even those who are less fortunate than them.

You are a begpacker on a spiritual journey and the world will provide (Philippians 4:19).

In my travels I have gotten to speak to many a Begpacker, so I decided to come up with the 5-key Steps every Begpacker needs to get their spirital journey on the right path.

Step 1: Make a list of things you will need for your journey.

A begpacker is a westener that goes to third world countries and pays for it by begging for money.

I am not saying you need to make an extensive list, but a few basics are needed. You will not buy these things yet but you need to have an idea of what you will need. Here is a list:

A modern Mobile Smartphone

Why? You need to be able to post to social media your trip updates and need a way of writing people for money (ie parents, ex’s or estranged friends). Also, you need it to check your crowdfunding campaign. More on that in step 3.

A one-way ticket to either Thailand, India, Vietnam, NY, LA, London, Mexico, Costa Rica, Eastern Europe or South America.

These are the main places you will be able to get the most out of the Begpacker lifestyle. You will fit in as a gringo in those areas, AND since there are loads of tourists and digital nomads in those places you have ways of raising funds.

Use google flights to figure out the cheapest way to your destination. Feel free to pick ones with lots of stops offs so you can ask people in various airport lounges for some money. They will feel guilt and probably throw you a few dollars. Worst case scenario, ask for their social media accounts so you can add them to your list of people to look up when your in their city. 9 out of 10 times it’ll be a free meal and a couch to crash on.

Try to get as much waterproof stuff because you’ll be living outside most of the time.

A large backpack to hold shoes, jacket, blanket, 2 underwear, 2 socks, a hat, 1 extra set of clothes and a sharpie to write your signs.

These are the basics. You can also find cheap clothes in various countries. Just ask locals for Goodwill or Salvation Army if you have some money. If you don’t have money just ask a person going into a nice store for some money for a shirt. 1 out of 10 times the person will hook you up. Remember you are doing this on the cheap.

You won’t be showing much so you need wipes to make believe your clean.

Hygiene items like deodorant, face wipes, toothbrush, etc…

Remember you are trying to look the part of a traveler, not a hobo. You have to look semi-presentable so you don’t scare people away when begging. You also need to look “nice” for your Instagram photos. Ninja tip: Don’t go overboard. Looking a bit messy will get people to pity you more and that means easier begging, it’s a fine line, but you will master it. Try and find the right balance of looking like you could walk into a restaurant but not looking like you have money.

A credit card (preferably your parent’s or SO’s)

I know what you’re thinking. “I am trying to be a begpacker, not a traveler. I want to do this cheap, so cheap it is almost free!” I hear you, but there is a trick to all this. A credit card will get you into events or things you wouldn’t be able to get into as a regular Hobo.

If you’re dealing with your parents tell them:

You need it just in case of emergencies
You need it because most places now don’t take cash
It’s dangerous to carry cash*** This one seems to work best.
They can monitor your spending (change contact number immediately when you get the card)

If it’s an SO you’re asking for the card:

You need this space so you can think about your relationship. A card will keep you connected.
You will need it in case of emergency (have at least 3 emergencies a month)
It’s dangerous to bring cash (SO’s are as dumb as parents)
They can monitor your spending and what you are doing (change contact number immediately when you get the card)

Step 2: Perfect the Pitch.

This is a weak beg. He needs to add images of his travels. Remember people are 90% visual.

Now that you have your stuff ready (without the cash of course) you need to come up with a pitch to get people to give you money. People won’t give you money just because you’re white and asking for money. Yes, I know that does work sometimes but I am trying to give you a fool proof plan to get money from people everytime you’re in need.

She looks like Jessica Biel so you know she’s getting paid.

The first thing you need to do is look at yourself int he mirror. Are you good looking to the opposite or same sex? Do you have a way with words? Do you have boobs? If you have any of those things your lucky. It will make it easier for you to get money from people.

Not this guy again. He is a 3/10. The one thing I like is he does know card tricks. So he possibly rakes in the dough.

The key is to know your strengths and use them to the max. People will pity you just because your outside; but you have to find the balance of pity, ignorant youth, flower child, and suntanned bum.

Where do you find people to hit with the pitch? Start with concerts that you know will have loads of wealthy expats going to. Think Glastonbury or Burning Man. Use Instagram search for people at the concert then follow them. Make sure that you stay away from influencers they’re working a similar pitch and are probably broke themselves. You want the people following the influencers, they are naive enough that they will fall for the pitch. You also want those who follow you on Instagram, they already know you and your dreams.

You could stand outside the entrance and ask people for some money, but the smarter play is to buy a cheap ticket. Go into the concert. Find the person your following on Instagram and say hello, the easiest way to set up the scheme is to say “Wait, don’t I know you? Don’t you follow me on Instagram.” People will check and be like yeah I do. People are dumb. Party with them, then you ask them for money when they are stoned or drunk. You’re getting them at their most vulnerable. I have seen loads of begpackers roaming events, somehow getting on yachts or even making it into VIP events. These people want to go home with a story to tell, they want to say they lived the experience. Make yourself the experience. Just think about it, sometimes you need to spend some to get some. It’s an investment.

Step 3: Crowd-source the seed money for the journey and get people to subscribe to your life.

Convince everyone you know to support your dreams.

Start a kickstarter telling people your blatant plans. Yes I am telling you to tell them the truth. Example of kickstarter:

Notice Jem is planning on Blessing things for people.

This Kickstarter is the key to get that sweet sweet seed monies for your travels. Once you set up the Kickstarter, share it on Social Media. Tell all your friends, family, and their circle of friends. People will identify with you because they will think about their meanless lives and say “Wow, I can help Jem visit Cinque Terre, my life long dream.” That is right, people will live out their travel fantasies through your travels.

You have to put yourself in the psychology of social media lurkers. People see your posts in places like the Philippines and are immediately invaded by a wave of jealousy…but behind that jealousy is yearning. They want to stop living behind their desk, seeing their fat spouses and drinking $4 coffee from Starbucks. They don’t want to go to Ikea or Home Depot on dates with their spouses. They want to go and be free. They want to wash once a week, smoke random herbs and go to Burning Man. They want that, and if they cannot have it, they will send you $30 to live life for them and to spite their significant other for taking them to Olive Garden every Friday night for the past 5 years. They are dead inside anyway.

Step 4: Find a running mate.

If your a dude bring a chick. If your a chick bring a chick. Two dudes no es Bueno unless you’re on Ibiza or Krk. Having a chick at your side will always get money from certain types of people:

Couples seeing you two together triggers their memories of when they were a new couple f-ing like rabbits
Old people will give because of there foggy memories of the 1960s and 70s.
Single Women will give you money because they will assume the other chick is forced to live the life with you because of your drug usage.
Single Men will give you money because they will hope the guy is gay and won’t mind you hitting on the chick.
Black people and Latinos won’t give you anything because they can see through your BS.

Two guys works at Gay friendly events. Look for Rainbow Flags and any random Drag Queens.

Step 5: Find a patron (a sucker)

Gets to the point quickly. Also potential client.

Okay, I have given you a lot of information in a very short time but understand, it is important you follow these easy steps to get your Begpacking on.

Tips & words of wisdom I have heard from random begpackers:

People are inherently good so they will give if you ask.
God is on the side of the asker. So asking people for money is God’s Plan.
Never have a running mate who is a left-handed, red-headed male. Chicks only.
Don’t sell basil and call it w—d to other tourists. Yes, it will be a one time score but you’re looking for Patrons who will give to you time and time again.
Don’t feel bad if you are rejected by someone. Just breakdown and cry in front of them. Works like a charm to open wallets and hearts.
If you are broke and have maxed out your loaner credit card, call your mom and say you were robbed. A new card will be overnighted too you.

Finally, good luck on your travels to the top Begpacker sights of 2020: