Lester V. Ledesma, 50, has been backpacking across Southeast Asia since the 1990s, a time he fondly remembers as a golden era for travelers. He reflects on how, back then, curiosity—not the internet—led the way for explorers. Today, Ledesma argues that smartphones and social media complicate the travel experience, making it harder to connect with locals and discover hidden gems.
"I began traveling across Southeast Asia in the late '90s. After college, with just a backpack, a camera, and a sense of adventure, I set out to explore the Philippines — my country of birth," Ledesma shares. This early journey ignited his passion for travel writing and photography, eventually leading him to relocate to Singapore, where he could easily reach various destinations in the region.
Throughout his travels, Ledesma has gathered stories that range from simple joys to bizarre encounters. He recalls a memorable evening in Cambodia during his first trip when he and a group of tuk-tuk drivers engaged in a hilarious cultural exchange, teaching each other the harshest curse words in their respective languages. "None of those adventures had been inspired by a TikTok, and I hadn't been led there using GPS on my phone," he states.
His travels continued to offer unique experiences, such as participating in the Thingyan Festival, Myanmar's New Year celebration. Ledesma found himself on a trishaw, surrounded by cheering, cross-dressing revelers who drenched him with water hoses and playfully kissed his cheeks. The following year, he stood amidst a perang api, a traditional fire war in Bali where villagers hurled glowing coals at one another.
Reflecting on the changes in travel culture, Ledesma observes that backpacking today is vastly different from what it used to be. "Back then, backpacking involved hands-on research — often lugging around a thick copy of Lonely Planet. I had to make landline phone calls or write emails at internet cafés to reserve rooms. Flights were more expensive, so I often got around by commuting overland or by sea," he explains. He often arrived at destinations without plans or bookings, embracing the spontaneity of travel.
In contrast, he notes that modern backpacking is now simplified by technology. "These days, backpacking's a breeze with everything online — Google Maps shows us where to go, and sites like Expedia and Booking.com let us plan every detail beforehand. It's all super convenient — maybe too convenient," he says. As a seasoned traveler, Ledesma feels that the essence of discovery has been lost in this hyper-connected, instant-gratification era.
One of the most significant losses, according to Ledesma, is the joy of serendipity. "Getting lost to find oneself was part of why backpacking was so much fun. But with navigation apps now available on everyone's phone, does anyone still ever really get lost?" he questions. He laments that transformative travel has been replaced by must-see lists that flood social media feeds. Long lines of travelers at popular selfie spots have turned the essence of travel into a quest for the perfect Instagram photo.
For Ledesma, the connections made with locals are irreplaceable. While crowd-sourced travel tips can provide similar experiences, he believes they lack the personal touch that comes from genuine interactions. "Over the years, I've shared impromptu meals, received generous rides, and witnessed proud displays of skill — all because I dared to reach out and engage with the locals," he recalls. He emphasizes that the efficiency of online booking and ride-hailing apps has lessened the opportunities to forge meaningful connections with people.
In the past, independent travel fostered a sense of community among backpackers. Ledesma reminisces about crossing paths with fellow travelers and gathering in hubs like Bangkok's Khao San Road or Saigon's Pham Ngu Lao Street. "Here we would swap travel stories over cheap beer and trade dog-eared guidebooks at secondhand bookshops," he reminisces. These interactions, once a source of camaraderie, have largely transitioned to social media platforms.
These days, while travelers may find friends online, the values that once drove their journeys — a sense of adventure, a willingness to connect, and curiosity about different cultures — seem to be fading. Ledesma laments that today's generation of net-savvy travelers may be missing out on the authentic experiences that come from being fully immersed in a culture without the distractions of constant connectivity.
Despite the conveniences that technology offers, Ledesma advocates for a return to the roots of backpacking. He believes that by embracing spontaneity, curiosity, and genuine human interactions, travelers can rediscover the joy of exploration. As he puts it, "Backpacking in Southeast Asia just isn't what it used to be, and here's what we're missing: the thrill of adventure and the beauty of connection. It's time to reclaim that spirit of travel." Ledesma's heartfelt reflections serve as a reminder that while technology can enhance our experiences, it should not overshadow the essence of travel itself.
