Traveling is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Scientifically, experts say it does improve your overall physical health. One of the ways it benefits your body is by decreasing your chance of developing cardiovascular diseases in the future.
Unfortunately, traveling is also more of a privilege, especially if you will go out of the country, because of its need for more money. But despite that, some people still believe otherwise and keep reaching this dream even to the point that they already have to beg for it. What's worse is their number is dramatically rising.
With signage that says, "I am traveling the world. I need money to travel. Please help!!" these 'begpackers' roam around Asia to show people their need for money. They would either use their charm, music, and tactics such as selling pictures and bracelets or offering paid hugs to encourage people to finance their next adventure. Some of them are even wearing new clothes, shoes, watches, and bags asking money from people who are much in need than them.
Because of the things they do just to be able to finance their travel spree, people who are aware of this can't help but comment negatively about it. Some locals are even disturbed by the noise these begpackers make that they have already sought help from the authorities.
To end this problem, countries like Hong Kong, Thailand, and Indonesia have added a new series of rules for tourists. These will be the authorities' basis whether the guest will be allowed to enter their premises or able to stay inside their territory longer, as reported by The Guardian.
In Hong Kong, one of the newest rules for tourists is not to let performers such as singers and musicians perform in the street anymore. About three years ago, there are full of begpackers roaming around the city. These lead to several complaints regarding their noise. To control the pollution, tourists are now banned from begging and performing in places such as the footbridges, train stations, and sidewalks.
Visiting Thailand is also stricter now than how it was before. To enter their country, especially if it's your first time, you will be required to prove that you can take care of yourself financially. Without a big amount of cash on hand, you surely will not be able to pass through.
In Indonesia, on the other hand, begpacking is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught begging money for their travel or sell anything will be taken into their embassy and will be deported, according to Business Insider. "We tend to report these cases to the relevant embassies so that they can oversee their citizens who are on holiday," authorities from Bali said.
