Thorn Tree travel forum

Welcome to the Gap Year & Round the World Branch

Hi all

There's a chance your question has already been answered somewhere on the Thorn Tree, so use the search function before you post a message - you'll be amazed at what's already here.

This thread will stay at the top of the branch, so check inside for links and info relevant to the destination you're interested in and feel free to add any useful links you have found.

Here are links to three very useful threads to get you started:

All Travel Questions Welcome

Credit Cards and Debit Cards

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Gap Year Itinerary/Cost Advice

Hello, my girlfriend and I are planning an approximate gap year (10+ months) next year. Our basic itinerary is as follows:

4-6 MONTHS
Bangkok (from San Francisco)
Laos
Vietnam
Cambodia
Myanmar (optional)

1-2 MONTHS
Malaysia Peninsula
Singapore
Java
Bali
Borneo

2-3 MONTHS
New Zealand

Our budget is roughly USD$10-12k each. Is this doable?
Sorry if this seems vague, but any advice/tips on where to trim, add, and extend our stays would be most welcome. Also, any thoughts on how best to stretch our money?

Thanks a lot, guys!

PS- We are open to wwoofing, farmstays, and cheapest accommodations possible while in SE Asia. Camping, fruit picking, and couchsurfing in NZ.

Edited by: ofrendas

To travel or not to travel?

After replying to a topic on here me and my partner had a discussion that she wants advice on.

I'm 20 and she's 25...We are currently on a 18 - 20 month traveling trip through australasia.

I brought up that after this trip I will only want to spend a couple of months back in england before setting of into europe then over to America and hitting some ski destinations etc etc for about 5 years but she feels she will be a bit old at the end of it all to make a decent living etc.

My Situation before travel was an ok job in IT getting paid reasonable for my age..no degree just 2 years in college.

Her Situation before travel was a degree...2 years in a highly paid job for her age that she didn't enjoy and spent 4 years living with her ex during that time

Anyone had similar thoughts or experiences or any advice for her?

Thanks in advance more »

Vango Backpacks

I'm going travelling for 6 months with my girlfriend and we're both thinking of getting the Vango 80+20L Travel Backpack. Has anyone used this before? We're after some reviews. Is it a good size / weight? Some people have suggested my girlfriend get a backpack specifically for girls, is that necessary or will this do the job? Are Vango's any good?

Any general advice on backpacks, which are good / rubbish etc.

Everyone says I'm running away but I'm not

To all the long term travelers out there who have to listen to people telling them they are running away or should get a real job or just plain hating, this article is for you:

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/everyone-say-im-running-away/

We aren't running away at all. We're just going to experience the world.

There's a 102 comments supporting what you say. Take a read!

Leaving responsibilities behind...

I've not long turned 30, and whilst I've done a fair bit of travelling over the past few years I've never taken that time where it's just dedicated travelling. My longest time off away was Australia for 6 weeks a few years ago.

Now I have no issue with being 30 and thinking that I should be past that kind of thing. Far from it. Instead I'm looking at taking that year out and gettin git done with, heading East into Asia (especially Japan), Aus, NZ, South Pacific, and maybe finsihing off in Argentina.... Who knows, at this point it's just an idea. However, the idea does include trying to organise dates so that I can be in NZ come the next rugby world cup in 2011....

However, I'm looking at advice and some inspiration from others who have been in my position. Despite being so desperately over the hill at 30 (or so I'm told, though thankfully I can still pass for 26) I'm not yet ma... more »

Last Minute Trip

I have found my life suddenly free and open. I would like to start a work (like actually job) my way around the world trip in about 6 months. I will be saving about $500 per month pre air fair, immunization, and visa. I would like to do a 5-10 year trip. Ive backpacked a month around Europe before, but nothing like this. I plan on getting my English Certification (though I will be happy to work any job I can get) and I will be starting in Thailand. So what I'm looking for is your thoughts, suggestions, and how long of an English certification should I get.

UK National Getting China & India Visas Abroad?

Hi everyone!

I've been trawling thorn tree and the internet all evening and can't seem to find the info I need! Please help!

I'm setting off on my RTW adventure at the beginning of Jan 2010. I'll be away for about 6 months. The last 2 months of my trip will be taking place in China (I'll be there from end of April to end of May) and then India (end of May until mid June) respectively. For China I will be taking part in an Intrepid tour for the month. My question is: what shall I do about visas?

-Is it best to apply for 1 year visas for each of these countries as 6 month ones will expire before I get there? (Can I get a one year visa for China even? From what I can work out the multiple entry one isn't quite what I need).
-Can I apply for visas in New Zealand or Australia (where I will be for the 2 months before I get to China)? How easy will that be as a non-residen... more »