28-Apr-2003 21:18
If you have any newbie travel questions post them in here.
I will answer any travel question or point you in the right direction with a friendly smile, no travel question is too green for me. Even if you have not yet figured out how to use the search button.
If you are a jaded and experienced traveller just scroll on by this thread!
Bon Voyage.
28-Apr-2003 22:14
Hi Ally - Can I say one word - BLUNDSTONES RULE
28-Apr-2003 22:17
Here are some of the questions I have seen before and will try and answer in advance over the next few days
How much Money will i need?
How can I / Should I access my maney?
How/ Should I pre arrange visas?
Pre Booked RTW tickets OR make it up as I go along?
What should I pack?
I am homesick, what should I Do?
Insurance? and renewals?
Teaching English? -
How should I select a destination?
28-Apr-2003 22:19
Oh and the second word is (ok it's a phrase) There are a million uses for a roll of black electrical tape, one roll should last you about a year!
PS Blundstones are sturdy walking boots available in Australia from RM Williams and other fine outlets. RM Williams will do mail order so head to google.com.
28-Apr-2003 22:21
TEFL and Teaching English is a specialised area of travel advice and LP is not the best site to get information. Why? Because there are better sites full of people who are already teaching english. try eslcafe.com
Note it is a bit Asia and Europe Centric so if anyone knows of sites geared at teching in Sth America, please pipe up now.
28-Apr-2003 22:21
Ally - thanks for the edification - you know from experience how much I love those boots
28-Apr-2003 22:24
Hurri - please pontificate on the benefits of learning a little of the local language I forgot to add it to my list!
28-Apr-2003 22:26
Ally, I'll put in a recommendation for Blunnies as well. I have a pair & I love them. Everyone should own a pair.
28-Apr-2003 22:30
I always had the elastic sided ones but last pair I got were lace ups - bloody bewfidul -
28-Apr-2003 22:34
RTW Tickets:
Are a maximum of one year and yes they are cheaper but also restrictive. If your budget is an issue go with a RTW ticket if you are rich say you have over US $30,000 then definitely buy as you go.
There are 2 global alliances:
One World - I have used and it was extensive
Star Alliance - I have not used and would love someone else to comment!
28-Apr-2003 22:35
Ally. Can you please tell me if I should bring my own linen or if it will be supplied by hostels?
28-Apr-2003 22:39
ICE Q - Sure, most hostels in Europe will offer linen at a small charge, if you are on a budget I reccomend you take a large and lightweigth sarong, it doubles as a beach towel , picnic blanket, a change of clothes and takes hardly anytime to dry.
Outside of Europe, Aus and possible Nth America - it will be provided with your room!
I have seen but not used silk sleeping bag liners which offer extra warmth and comfort for very little pack weight, I am jealous of all who take these with them.
28-Apr-2003 22:40
oh and if you are wondering from my OP (original post) what a ewbie is, it is what poeple who can barely type say when they mean newbie!
28-Apr-2003 22:40
Thank you so much for your help.
28-Apr-2003 22:40
Hi Ally, do you know where I can buy a tent with an ensuite bathroom?
28-Apr-2003 22:42
Ally I have another question. I will be a single woman travelling on my own. Is this safe?
28-Apr-2003 22:47
WW- tell her she's dreamin. You know you have more class than that!
ice Q - You can do a lot to improve your safety. Follow the advice in your guidebook about where to avoid at night. I suggest 2 key strategies. Stay in the centre of the busy part of town, dont get drunk or otherwise off your face. Oh and a third is to remember that most theft occurs in transit so try and book train and bus trips with someone else you meet along the way! Oh and always Trust that prickly sensation on the back of your neck. it is yyour survival instinct. Listen to it!
28-Apr-2003 22:49
Ally, thank you again for your help. As a 'newbie' traveller I appreciate you taking your time to answer my silly questions.
28-Apr-2003 22:51
no problem Ice Q, just remember when you are wise like me you really should come back and share your wisdom, Tomorrow I may tell you how to build a bra using black electrical tape! True story!
28-Apr-2003 22:55
Ally, Joanna Lumley (absolutely faaabulous daaaaarling) made a shoe out of a bra when she was stuck on a desert island. Maybe you and her can do a workshop together.
I have another question: on a plane, should I store my hairspray in my hand luggage or is there a risk it might explode?
28-Apr-2003 22:56
Accessing Cash
The key with cash is to have multiple sources:
I suggest
2 credit cards - one on you and one in your pack
Some hard currency USD or Euros are best and Euros are too new for any developing country
Hide cash in multiple places
Some Travellers Cheques
Leave some money on your credit card so it is always in Credit, this eliminates the need to organise payments
Internet Baniking is not safe in a cafe!
gET A FAMILY MEMBER TO HAVE AUTHORISATION FROM YOUR BANK TO ACT ON YOUR BEHALF WHILE YU ARE AWAY
Exchange Rates will fluctuate
You might win
You might lose
No-one can tell you with any certainty what will happen to your exchange rate while you are away
You will spread the risk if you buy some travellers cheques and keep some money in your account in your local currency.
28-Apr-2003 22:59
WW - Re Hairspray, you are travelling girl, aerosol weighs, it's all about the pack weight! If you can't live without hairspray then carry it oin the cabin with you and your cigarette lighter, sure I knwo some people hav egotten away with it but do you really wnat to test out that theory at 30,000 feet!
if you have curly fluffy boofy hair like me, skip any hair products and use hair conditioner as a styling aid!
28-Apr-2003 22:59
oh and LOL - I have a mental picture of me sticky taping a shoe to Joanna Lumley's breast .....
28-Apr-2003 23:09
.... oooh errr missus!
Thank you for being so helpful. One last question - is it easy to find a little man to carry my suitcase when I go trekking in the Himalayas and do they cost much?
28-Apr-2003 23:11
Visas
Many countries require you to pre arange a visa before you get there. This will vary depending on where you are from. It is very difficult to find this information on the web. I suggest that you ask your travel agent before you go, they will have live information available. Ask about nearby countries just in case. You dont want to hear my long story about being hauled off a train in Hungary and shipped back to Romania.
You can pre arrange all your visas before you go. Some start ticking the day you are issued so this might not be wise and lets face it if you are away for a long time your plans might change. You can get visas issued as you go. This will take time.
This is like the RTW Airfare decision - it is a trade off between time and flexibility. Decide which one is more important to you and plan away!
28-Apr-2003 23:17
Last for today - the big question
How much money do I need?????
This is tricky. Sort out the following information first:
Where do I want to go?
How long will that take me?
What are my standards of accommodation - tent on the ground (with ensuite) OR a YHA approved Hostel OR a Rat crawling over your foot at 3am in a wooden hut on a beach in paradise (dont ask) OR a sheraton
Will I eat with the locals beside the road in Nepal or do I want Pizza Hut in air con comfort overlooking the Pyramids?
Go buy the lonely planet guidebook for that place or region and read thr first one hundred pages!
Ring up a travel agent and ask for indicative prices on tickets, insurance and visas.
Take the suggested budgets and multiply by the number of days you will be in that place, repeat for each place (I split Paris out from France as the costs are so different)
Add to the quote from your travel agent
Add about $150 AUD per month if you a re lgoing lo live cheaply but still buy bits along the way (eg film, new shampoo etc)
Add it all up!
Add 10 % just in case
Prey!
Simple really, I cant stress enough that buying and reading the guidebooks before you go is a major help in figuring out what you want to see and how long you might need and what your COSTS might be!
28-Apr-2003 23:19
note to self I should add a section on keeping in touch with people back home! The pros and cons of email and phones!
28-Apr-2003 23:26
And tampons ally - cost a bloody fortune in many places - might I also suggest that girls stock up.
Also - if I remember correctly in certain countries condoms were also prohibitively expensive - not that I needed them for myself (nudge nudge)
28-Apr-2003 23:27
sorry WW - nearly missed your question there.
The men are called Sherpas, it is a profession that I am personally in awe of. Some people will tell you it ios wrong that this man carry your shit and you should od it yourself in a camelskin backpack that you made yourself while living on a Kibbutz during the war.
Welll to them I say - phoooey! haaa bumbug
Your hotel or trekking company will arrange for this man and will take a commission (i assume) to do so! It is VERY VERY correct to tip generously - those hills are steep. Remember that he is probably sick to death of talking about his authentic life, blah village blah blah and ask him some real questions if you want to get to know him better, oh and flaunting your relative wealth would be tacky too. Personally pack weight is my travel obsession - on account of how lazy I am and I think sherpas should be shipped to Paris immediately oh adn Roma and paid decent European rates to carry around all the shopping I never buy becasue I am terrified of carrying it!
28-Apr-2003 23:29
wink wink, and I have been told that sizes are not universal!
28-Apr-2003 23:31
I wouldn't know about that Ally ;-p - but we're not size queens, right?
28-Apr-2003 23:33
ummm me either I was errr told by ummmm - someone!
28-Apr-2003 23:34
Gotta go - might see you tonight - lot's of love and thanks for getting me through a shitty time
28-Apr-2003 23:42
Ally, please tell me if I should bring my own women, or will they be supplied by hostels?
Also, is it true that I can avoid shaving, showering and washing my clothes for months on end, and people will still like me for who I am? I can't afford to buy shampoo, as I will need the money for beer.
28-Apr-2003 23:47
mmm ok - re keeping in touch. There are a number of strategies while you are away, i suggest
1) sET EVERYONE'S EXPECTATIONS LOW (down caps down)
2) Teach older family members how to use hotmail
3) Phone the family on the Big Days, Birthdays, Christmas OR a postcard for same
4) Promise greoup emails. These will start as well thought out travel epics and after you hit your groove they will peter out until they simply say "I AM ALIVE AND IN X" tell people this is all you will do and they wont be disappointed.
How can you miss everyone if youa re never really away!
When you are feeling homesick or just need a quiet afternoon, get online and write heartfelt emails to the people you miss!
28-Apr-2003 23:52
road warrior, specifically in SE Asia
Women: If they are poor enough they will be sent to your door, I have heardof this happening in the middle of the night in Cambodia, remember she may say whe will love you long time but what is love? A chance for a better life? A uestion of ethics. As for bringing your own, then please poke airhholes in your backpack.
Not showering: This is sometimes thought of as cool, the only people you will impress areother ex commando blokes travelling. You will not impress the following:
1) The lady you just haggled with to get your room
2) Any local who struggles with crappy santiation to be well presented every day
3) The cute girl from Sweden who is sitting across the restaurant eyeing you off.
The choice is yours, some of those ex- commandos are kinda cute though!
29-Apr-2003 00:39
will people talk to me when i'm travelling alone in latin america
how do i stay alive in colombia
how do people react on my tattoos in latin america
is it easy to pick up a guy in latin america
are there like organisations that will give you free condoms like in europe
there!
29-Apr-2003 06:10
I love this -- it's the "Dear Ally" column! Count me in (when I have time) to answer all questions, big and small (and smaller) newbies to the Long Haul world might want to ask.
I'm going to quote myself now (and probably get a lot of sh*t for it!) -- this is part of my answer to Captain Stan's question about what constitutes a Long Haul and who is a long-hauler:
QuoteThe branch police have just got to lighten up.
Think of these people as baby long-haulers. They need the nurturing of old-timers like us to help them bloom... :-)
Go Ally!
29-Apr-2003 08:15
What a great marketing ploy. Is Ally a witch, a bitch, or a LT intern? I'm seeing a new branch, I am seeing a new website, Iam seeing Ally coffee mugs. Oh, catch me baby, I am wetting myself over the possibilities.
Contact me if you need an agent. Sorry, that would be "PM" me.
29-Apr-2003 14:09
Dear Ally,
I thought your readers might like to think about this.
We all know we should carry photocopies of our documents apart from them just in case...
Someone told me they have their documents scanned and stored on their Hotmail account. In this way if they lose EVERYTHING, they can always download a copy of their papers for the local police, embassy, etc. I wish I'd come up with that idea! I think it's also a good idea to save a message with the contact numbers needed to cancel credit cards and report missing travelers checks. Prescription information might also be a good idea. Just in case...
I just wanted to share that with you.
29-Apr-2003 17:00
Ally - the design company called - shall we print 1000 or 2000 T Shirts - and the mugs look fab
Captain Stan - good call - I've also saved some scanned documents on my PC for a friend working in China - that way if her hotmail account goes bust, I have backup documentation.
Road Warrior - beer is also good to use as a shampoo - heaps of nutrients.
29-Apr-2003 18:13
thanks stan. you are spot on about documents - this is not my thread altho I like the idea of a range of coffee cups.
Today's topic is how to pick a destination for a big trip!
1) Time - if you have a limited anount of time, say less than a month think seriously about the flying time. For that amount of time I would keep the air travel under 10 hous, go to your travel agent or look at a map and see where you can get in that amount of time
2) Money - Think about the level of comfort you need for this break, it is fine to spend 18 hours on a 3rd class train across India if you are on a tight budget but if you have to be back at work in 2 weeks, be kind to your body and take a plane.
3) Dream a little - if you cant decide try and remember what first spiked your interest, start general - say the beach. Failing that head to the travel agents and collect as many brochures as possible!
29-Apr-2003 18:21
Hurri, I am desperately hoping that you will offer some insights into how much if any of the local language someone will need when they travel. What if they go to heaps of countries?
29-Apr-2003 18:31
Ally
That’s a tough one – you well know my views on this. I believe please/thanks/hello where is/ how much are your beginning essentials in every joint you visit. It’s not that hard to cram on a dolmus or a donkey when going from one place to another. (Well reading on donkey might be a bit difficult but you get the picture). Once you get into the swing of it, it gets easier each time as you start to recognise patterns in sentence construction etc etc. You remember how annoyed I was with the Aussie tour guide we met in Vietnam who insisted there was no need to learn Vietnamese.
My advice would be take a note pad specifically for learning bits and pieces of the language – make 3 columns, 1 for English, one for how it is written in local language and one for phonetics
Over to you Guru Ally
29-Apr-2003 19:09
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Here is a cut and paste about what to do if your travel insurance is about to expire. On whether or not to get rance here is a rule if thumb: "If you are wondering if it is worthwhile you should always take out some insurance it will be a small investment.Some hardened people will choose not to, but if you are thinking of asking the question, then that means you probably dont have the bucks in the bank to cover an emergency"
Shop around for the best policy, read the fine print. Start searching at your travel agents, see the LP home page or google.com it!
Here is an earlier post:
travel insurance runs out today!
i have just extended my stay in the us for an extra three months. my insurance runs out today and i need to get some more asap. i cant extend the one i have from tesco finance for any longer, which was a really good deal, and i need to find a company that will cover me even though i am already abroad and my cover runs out today. has anyone else been in this situation - what is the best company to go through? (not looking to spend too much) i think it will be better to get it from a uk company as this is where i am from and will be returning to. any ideas?
has anyone ever booked with:
worldwideinsure.com
go travel insurance
travelinsurers.com
thanks
-------------------------
www.mwaw.org - articles you need to read.
you can bomb the world to pieces but you cant bomb it into peace.
AlixW
Posted: 16 Apr,
9:09pm
1.
DON'T PANIC!!! DON'T PANIC!!! (to quote Private Jones in "Dads' Army")
I was in exactly the same situation as you a couple of months ago and I put on a similar thorntree post. I had loads of really helpful replies and reassurance (I haven't thanked everyone yet, but I will very shortly; I'm sorry for being so crap).
It's virtually impossible to get someone in the UK to cover you because you've already left the country. Someone suggested not telling a potential insurer that I was already abroad, but the problem with that is that if you do need to make a claim - especially if you need medical care - chances are they'll find out somehow that you weren't in the UK when you took out the policy, and they'll declare it invalid anyway.
However, as a thorntree poster told me, STA Travel in AUSTRALIA can cover you. They quoted me A$210 for a month, I think. You can contact them through the website, www.statravel.com.au, and they're really, really helpful.
Stay safe in the meantime, and happy travels,
AlixW
29-Apr-2003 20:09
In addition inflections in language can sometimes get you into trouble - in Vietnames au dai can mean dress or erection and ba is three or a grandmother
30-Apr-2003 18:09
Have you thought about shoes?
This is a decision you dont want to stuff up! Here is a link to a thread on this branch that seems to address the main points:
And as mentioned earlier Blundstones are a great boot.
Shoe Discussion
30-Apr-2003 23:15
Captain Stan - I had thought of doing that myself, or at least stroing all phone numbers and things like that on my hotmail a/c. My question is though, anmd Im just asking, not telling you that it isnt, is hotmail and various other webmail services safe enough to store this type of information?
Veyr interested to know.
Ally, this column is very helpful.
Thanks
01-May-2003 02:37
I wouldn't store the credit card number, simply a reference and phone number. Something like
B of A Visa (415) 555 1234
I don't see any problem with storing a scan of your passport in a mail server.
01-May-2003 16:23
Captain Stan is correct, hackers have programs looking through email data on open (ie hotmail) Lines for numeric structures, 4 digits space 4 digits. So mess it up a bit with punctuation or if you want to be really careful put one digit at the start of a line of a chatty email.
01-May-2003 16:49
Today's Topic
Pack Weight (I will get around to doing my version of what to pack) A heavy pack is a pain in the arse. Having no clean clothes every second day is a pain in the arse. Where do you draw the line?
I am strong and fairly tall and I was comfortable with a 15 kilo pack. ( I weighed myself, put on the pack weighed myself again and figured out the difference) I would like to hear some pack weights from guys.
Should I try and take everything I need?
If you are short on cash and going somewhere more expensive than home (say from New Zealand to Switzerland) then yes. If you are going from Aus to SE Asia then no.
If you are travelling alone, you cant have one person mind the packs while the other person compares accomodation standards and prices. If your pack is too heavy you will end up tired or continually staying in the first place you see....
Do you plan to walk a lot? For example the ruins of Troy can be seen if you jump off the long bus between Cannakale and........? You will need to take your pack with you and walk 2 to 3 kms to get to the entrance to the ruins. If your pack is too heavy this will be a miserable experience.
What can I do differently to packing everything?
1) Music - really really think about this, iss it nice or an essential part of your life
2) Toiletries - This is probably the heaviest thing in your pack - try not to take a full bottle of everything take some full, some half empty and some about to run out, and then you can replace things as you go.
3) towel - do not take a new fluffy towel, take the skanky old crappy one that is a bit threadbare, they dry quicker anyway.
4) Film - you can buy this anywhere, take SE Asia, the film that the touts sell in the sun at Angkor Wta is probably crap but if you buy a few roll sin BKK and some more in Ho Chi Minh city you wont need to carry a years worth of film
5) Books - easy answer here - trade as you go, this includes guidebooks (I realise that earlier i told everyone to buy your guidebooks before they left home in order to do your budget, you now have dilemma that only you can resolve)
6) Climate change - I carried clothes for Europe around Asia for 5 months in the bottom of my pack - STUPID I could have put some money aside to shop in Western Europe. Even if like me you are worried that sizes (in SE ASia) will be a problem, then pack light and shop for what you need. there is a way around each problem.
7) Shoes are too important you should plan these and carry and take worn in comfortable shoes for your trip
8) Gifts and Souvenirs - tricky, I told everyone they werent getting presents, I did do some shopping at the end, many people will regularly post stuff "home" but this was an expense my budget wouldnt cover. For myself I only bought a fantastic bedspread in India in my last month and carried that with me for the last leg, it is something I see every day and it is my personal symbol of all my travels.
Bon Voyage
02-May-2003 05:59
My $0.02 on packs and packing.
The pack you take is personal preference, but unless you are planning on actual hardcore hiking or trekking, I would urge you to strongly consider taking a 'travelpack' as opposed to a regular backpack. This is simply a regular backpack, but a little more streamlined, and the straps and such can fold away into their own pockets. When you add on a carry strap you now have a soft-sided shoulder bag. If you get it in a drab colour like black or dark green, you look a lot more presentable when going into a more upmarket hotel, Playboy Mansion, restaurant, theatre, First Class airline lounge, Presidential Palace, etc. If you didn't overpack it, the travelpack has a better chance of making it on the plane as part of your carryon, and having the straps fold away is good for those times you do have to check it.
Ziploc bags. Get the kinds with the sliding "lock' that close easily. Bring a half dozen in various sizes, and these are good for everything from food to laundry to keeping film and journals dry. Always stick your toiletry kit in one of these, so if the pressure change on the airplane explodes your bottle of moisturizer, you won't have Body Shop Nut Butter all over your brand new Nikon.
Don't bring a brand new Nikon.
02-May-2003 06:24
What have you taken onto the plane as hand luggage? I was thinking of taking a small bag for hand luggage that I can fit into my main rucksack, it may also come in useful for going to the beach and trekking (leaving my main rucksack at the hostel)!
Im only going to take a 3/4 full pack so it should be ok for the beginning of my trip and if at some point it could no longer fit in my pack I could always throw it away.
04-May-2003 16:15
Darren, pick up a cheap and lightweight cloth bag with one long shoulder strap. Mine makes me look like a bit of a hippy but is perfect for stuffing back in your bag.. I got one that weighs nothing and as a bonus if you stuff it with clothes it becomes a sort of a pillow.
It also looks relatively inconspicuous, I always worried about people who used Lowepro (sp) day packs, it is a well known brand of camera bags and they scream out I HAVE AN EXPENSIVE CAMERA
Oh if you take a brand new Nikon, put black electrical tape over the camera badge/ label (I lent my black electrical tape to a couple of people for this reason.
Oh and I agree with whiskysix travel packs are great .
04-May-2003 19:01
My 3 cents worth - I suck at travelling light - you well know this Ally - but I don't whinge about the weight either. With cameras - I took a couple disposables with flashes/panorama - the pics weren't bad. Great for going out at night coz you don't fret about losing them. Or if I'm a looser - loosing them (sorry your choice in gag)
04-May-2003 19:04
PS - ally check you email
04-May-2003 20:51
There is another banch dedicated to health here on the Thorn tree i saw that nutraxfornerves has put together a comprehensive single thread for Health Queries while travelling, yippee thanks n4n. Here is the Link:
Lots of useful health stuff about vaccinations etc
05-May-2003 10:20
hi!
My girlfriend and I are planning a RTW trip for approx. one year. The itninerary would be as follows:
2 months Western Canada
3 months Ecuador and Peru
2 months Indonesia
3 monhts Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania
2 months Syria, Jordan, Lebanon
Since we are both students with limited funds, we will try to do as much bugdet travelling as possible. Does anybody have any idea, how much would the RTW ticket cost, and how much money would cover the trip!do you think 600 usd per month is enough?
tnx, david
05-May-2003 16:43
David, airfare for RTW starting in Aus should be approx $2500AUD with taxes. Check at www.flightcentre.com.au or www.qantas.com.au. Are you US Based?
is that $600 each?
I have a post earlier on this thread (see page 1 or 2) on how to cost out the whole trip fairly accurately.
I should note that if you mix the times up a bit - say 1 month in Canada and 3 months in Indonesia - this will save you a fortune.
If you want to spend a morning in the library they may have the LP Guidebooks to give you some daily estimates on costs.
Goodluck.
05-May-2003 17:37
The most valuable thing in my pack:
I have mentioned on numerous ocassions that I foud a roll of black electrical tape priceless while I was travelling. Heaps of people have asked me why. SO here are just some of the things that I recall doing. It truly is a magical thingamiijig:
Rebuilding the covers of second hand books to make sure you get a decent price from the sellers.
Covering up the Brand name on a friend's Nikon camera to reduce risk of theft (labels are targetted in SEA)
Attaching red poppy to shirt before visiting ANZAC graves at Gallipoli. (An Australian and NZ tradition)
Hiding an inappropriate logo on my only jumper before visiting ANZAC graves.
sticking those scraps of paper with new email addresses scrawled on them into my notebook.
Fixed the bottom of a tube of moisturiser by taping a small plastic bag over the split end.
Stopped lid of shampoo from popping
Lent it to people to fix leak in their tent.
Wrapped Thank you present to friends who let me stay for free for 6 weeks in London (bless em)
When faced with second day of a 2 day camel ride, I fortified my bra by wrapping tape around me.
Emergency shoe repairs in France
Buying a quilt in India I wrapped tape around the packapging to keep it tighter and therefore small enough to fit in my pack.
Taped excess plastic bag of dirty clothes to outside of pack
Built a clothesline or 2
Held mosquito nets in place ( and fixed holes)
ummmm I think that is all
05-May-2003 22:43
tomorrow being Friday and all I might tackle the "What to take" topic, that one scares me!
05-May-2003 23:28
Ally - How should we deal with home sickness when we are on a massive overseas expedition?? Apart from taking photos of home and friends, and an aussie songs cd, what would you sugegst I do or take with me?
Thanks
06-May-2003 01:51
Ally - I have another one. Its about duty free shopping. In Australia if I buy from a duty free store they obviously take off the tax and then I cant claim anything at the the Airport under the tourist refund scheme? This is correct, is it not??
So is it just me or did duty free shopping used to get you a bugger discount than it does today. It appears that they will only give you 10% off being for GST.
thanks
06-May-2003 20:49
ozboy - homesickness is one of those things you cant plan for, it might be the least susceptible people who get hit the hardest. How much time do you spend on your own right now? How often do you call your family? When I got hit just before CHristmas, Iwas nearly out of cash and thinking about heading home for Christmas, I wrote to my Aunt who wisely pointed out: OK come home if you must but CHristmas Day you will just be sitting around with Uncle blah blah and doing the same thing and nothing will have changed. I went to India instead and had a agreat time.
Remind yourself that the grass is always greener and that you wiill one day be missing your time on the road. Failing thta go and talk to some complete stranger and say hi!
Re: Duty Free Shopping, I believe that it is a big marketing con. I have my suspicion that wwhat you save in taxes, you pay for in convenience especially with Airport Duty Free. If you are buying say a camera, your local shop will be able to organise a "duty free" purchase.
When / Where do you leave?
Ally
06-May-2003 21:21
Ally - My departure date is May 24. So like 2.5 weeks before I set off.. I think I will get stuff duty but I agree, it does sound like a massive crock...
As for how much time do I see people at home? Well I see my brohter and his wife maybe once every 2 years, so that wont be an issue.. But I live with my mum and dad and think that sometimes i will just miss them like nothing else... For example last night I was having pea and ham soup and I said to mum, Im going to miss this, and she said "well i cant mail it over"
06-May-2003 21:26
ahhh your Mum sounds worried about you. Parents can get a bit nuts, my dad couldnt even look at a map with me before I went away. Be sure and call her often and if she isnt online get her an email account.
06-May-2003 21:44
Yes I agree... I have been going through the trials and tribulations of trying to get my parents into being internet friendly... Not there yet, although for somebody who has never used a computer before, my dad is doing pretty well... They also want me to show them how to set the VCR... Youve gotta love them!!!
Ally - The US and Australia run on different voltages for electricuty. Can you buy powerpoint adaptors that have these voltage adaptors built in??
Thanks
07-May-2003 19:49
Ozboy yep - go to Gowings or any travel store/luggage store - You can even get terrific three sided adaptors with US and Europe
07-May-2003 23:15
Ally, should I bother with a video camera or will a point and shoot or a digital camera do the job?
07-May-2003 23:16
Oh ... and how many rolls of film will I need?
07-May-2003 23:19
oh God I cant abide the idea of a VIDEO CAMERA, oops lower case, no shouting. If you want to spend your entire time looking thru a view finder in case something interesting happens you will miss out on sooo much. I have heard the same argument about all photography, the pomgolian had a rule of no more than one photo per day.
Oh and if you are trawling thru art galleries don't waste your film on photos of art. The gift shop will have postcards, theyare better lit and more accurate.
I took a Canon eos 300 SLR camera and it was very light weight, it got stolen in Romania when I ignored the creppy feeling that I was being watched. Luckily insurance replaced it. phew I will admit I had lense envy of MaT! But the thing did weigh him down a bit.
07-May-2003 23:32
Oh and a disclaimer needs to be added here.
I have never been around the world, I have yet to cross over the International Dateline, I did travel for a long time but was not nearly hard core enough for the purists on that other branch. In the end I threw away my RTW due to the Troubles of 2001. Call me chicken But I decided not to travel alone thru the middle east and then on to NYC. Instead I headed for the safety of the India Pakistan border while they pointed nukes at each other......
07-May-2003 23:47
Ally - I dont think that you are chicken for doing that, just smart. If you get scared or soemthing like that come home. At home at least you feel safe!!
I knew somebody who was staying at a hotel in NY when Sept 11 occurred, and she made a beeline for the Canadian border. Also my friends sister lives in Tennesse (sp) and my friend caled her that morning. Her sister had only just returned from Australia, and just burst out crying she wanted to be back in Australia.
I dont think there is any point being overseas if you are scared beyond normal travel issues.
07-May-2003 23:53
thanks ozboy and I will do a post about personal safety , maybe next week, I found the LP TT really really valuable as I was trying to decide what to do!
08-May-2003 21:46
Ally,
Thanks for your help with my packing list. Another question. What do you think about paying bills on-line from internet cafes? good/not so good. personal horror stories - if any?
08-May-2003 21:48
follow up - eg. my credit card company recommends closing the internet browser after logging out. is this really safe or can someone come behind me and get my info?
08-May-2003 22:48
babyblue, closing the browser will definitely help. If you leave it open and then I sit down and hit the back button a few times I get to your accoutn details.
Closing the browser WILL NOT stop a sneaky background programme being run that measures keystrokes or web sites accessed. This is possible but I have not heard of it happening. This programme could be loaded onto the puter by anyone customer or shop worker etc and boom your card details are available for open use.
I would stear clear of it myself.
Hey and what does your pack weigh?
11-May-2003 19:12
I payed bills on line and it was OK -
11-May-2003 19:19
hurri has a point, you can be paranoid about somethings, nothing, everything. Bad Things happen to good people at home and away. Does this mean bad things will happen to you? No. It's a tamer example of the SARS debate.
12-May-2003 08:53
Hi -
Here are a few questions that I've been wondering, but a little shy about asking (since they sound silly):
- When you're sleeping in a hostel, where do you keep your belongings? I know during the day, you can keep your backpack in a safe and take the daypack out.....but at night, do you leave the backpack in the safe? I'm wondering because if people come and go at all hours, couldn't they swipe your belongings while you're sleeping as well?
- Is it true that you need to be more wary of fellow backpackers stealing stuff, rather than locals?
Thanks!!!
12-May-2003 17:26
Also for hostels. When I am sleeping where would I put my money belt and digital camera. Is it wrong to stick them in my sleeping bag??
Also as Im used to just carrying a wallet, should I just have a little bit of money in my wallet? Or should I get rid of the wallet idea altogether and just stick a little bit of cash in a pocket and keep the rest of the money in my money shoulder thing I have??
Another one.. I dont want to carry tyravellers cheques in with the rest of my money in my money belt in case I lose it. So I need to stash them somewhere in my pack. Is it best tro just stick them right down the bottom?? Or where else is a good place?
Thanks for your help Ally
12-May-2003 17:49
ozboy, I am getting soooo envious of you right now, sob wail! But here goes:
1) the other wallet - I carried a girly type purse on a string over my shoulder that just screamed steal me. In it I had a few dollars some lip balm and a packet of cigarettes. Funnily enough no-one knicked it.
2) I like a lot of pillows so my day pack, containing camera and money belt was often put under my pillow or in the corner of the bed near my head.
3) you should spread the risk around, your big pack is fine to store SOME of your money, ensure you keep good records of all your chq numbers and which ones have been cashed so that they are replaceable. Many places offer lockers and more than some will insist you use them!
I remember some guy telling a large group of people that he trusted all travellers so he left everything important in his backpack in his room, what a duffer!
How long now?
12-May-2003 18:48
2 Simple rules to help you avoid saying anything offensive when away from home:
1) Comparisons to other things more familiar to you are easy but can also be lazy. For example This city has almost as much bustle as Sydney, is not descripotive unless you know Sydney, reduces the other city to a relativistic existence.
2) Generalisations are the foundations of most of the evil "isms". That is not to say all generalisations are bad BUT When you use them you risk offending many people and portraying yourself as a bit of an imbecile. Saying That waiter is arrogant is fine saying all waiters are arrogant is just stupid.
12-May-2003 19:49
Why is it when the words 'Israel' or 'Israelis' are posted in a thread that it attracts so much negative attention?
12-May-2003 20:20
MaT - this is a travel thread, take it back to YC where I have already answered that question.
13-May-2003 01:34
Hi Ally - I haven't read the whole thread, so I do not know whether it has been proposed before....
Why don't you mail bring the information in order (shouldn't be too much work, since it's all written down here) and then post it to RomanB and ask him if he can make a sticky threat out of it...as a kind of FAQs
We have done the same thing on the NEAsia branch and I think there are a couple of others...
I'd love to see this - maybe going RTW sometime in the future, too...
Cheers, Anna.
13-May-2003 17:23
wilmaaa, it is on my list of things to do, I am scared off by how well organissed nutraffornerves thread is (the sticky one on the Health Branch) he has set a high standard and my tying is crap! So bear with me.
13-May-2003 22:23
Ally - the pack is getting lighter by the day. ok - perhaps i don't need 3-4 pair of flipflops. sigh. they are soooo cute. i am now in search of a few handly bags to store the "little stuff" eg. flashlight, batteries, cards etc.....
13-May-2003 22:25
anshim - there are NO silly questions. I posted my entire packing list on two branches and asked for help!!!!!!!!!! trust me - not asking is silly. asking is never silly. ask away.
14-May-2003 17:16
anshim, i missed your post but in case you are wondering what a duffer is (in my reply to ozboy) it is a gentle word meaning silly. Try not to be too paranoid but yep people knick stuff, i was always ok when i put my day pack near my head. if you feel uncomfortable stick it in your bedding
14-May-2003 21:56
Hi Ally -
I thought all my questions would have been through, but now I have another one.
What do I do when going through customs in Aus (leaving). I have one sealed bag which i have to declare and i have a camera which i also have to declare on the way out it is unsealed however. Do I just walk up, write down what I have and then they let me go??
Sorry, a very stupid question I know.
Thanks
15-May-2003 01:49
For the sealed bag (I assume you're talking about a duty free bag?) you just hold it out to the customs people and they rip off one of the sheets of paper stapled to it, you only write stuff down to declare it when you're coming back in with duty free. If you're unsure exactly who to show it to just carry it openly and someone will probably make a move for it or say something so don't stress about it. They normally mill around near the desks where you hand in your green departure card. As for the camera, if it's not in a sealed bag I don't see why you need to declare it at all. The idea of the sealed bag is so you don't use the product in Aus before you leave. Maybe check with the place you bought it from.
Have fun!
15-May-2003 05:51
If I have the nerve and the money, I'm hoping to travel extensively in Asia (fly into India, then overland through Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia) for a year or so on my own. I'm female, aged 32. I've travelled alone for a week in Scotland and a couple of weeks in Italy, mainly in the cities.
My parents, God love them, are concerned that I will be axe-murdered/raped/kidnapped/otherwise inconvenienced. Although I'm really nervous, I think I will probably be okay providing I don't wander around alone at night, get drunk or high, or otherwise behave recklessly. I've signed up for a short self-defence course just in case. The 'rents think I should join a tour, such as those by Intrepid Travel, Encounter or Dragoman. But I think I would prefer to travel at my own pace, which for one thing would be cheaper anyway...
What do you think?
15-May-2003 16:18
ok tours are great for people who are feeling nervous about their safety, in this case that means your PARENTS should join the Intrepid tour. Tours are a llot more expensive than people who do it themselves, I havent actually done a tour but you will be paying for the convenience of having someone else do the leg work for you.
There are pros and cons for doing a tour, I would like to hear some of the pros from people who have done one, In my cons list are: inflexibility in time spent at a place, cost, group dynamics are a gamble you cant ditch them after 2 days, meeting new people is harder when you are one of 15 or 10 people.
As for making your parents feel better I failed miserably on that before I left, I tried to sit dear old Dad down with a map, I got to describe Thailand but as soon as I mentioned going to Cambodia he simply freaked out and I am a similar age as you. Perhaps you could join a short tour at the start of India say 3 weeks out of the year to help them relax???
Having said that India will blow your mind and if you are starting there it might be a nicer introduction, India was my final destination and I think the fact that I had already spent a year away helped with the fairly heavy culture shock that hit me hard in India...
15-May-2003 20:04
Noble Duck - Does that mean that if I take cologne ad use it up all overseas, I dont have to declare it on the way back in??
15-May-2003 20:08
ozboy - the answer is nope! Same for alcohol. cigarettes, film etc....
16-May-2003 23:15
Immaculata,
I have done a tour through Costa Rica. I had about two weeks and didn't want to plan anything, but wanted to hit the highlights of the country. I found a tour the provided a trip that met my needs. I had a great time, but would say that you have to be fully prepared to work on someone else's schedule (tour operator and the person who was always late for group meetings) and youmust be prepared for not as much time in any one place as you might like.
This is the only tour I have taken and would recommend it. That said I think all the cons Ally mentioned happened on my trip, but ultra-flerxibility is key.
If you really want to travel alone then do it. Your parents will come around as long as you do what you can to keep in touch with them. eg. frequent emails, if possible, calls and smoke signals.....
16-May-2003 23:57
ozboy, to add to what Ally said, by my understanding you just have to open it and use a bit before you bring it home you don't have to use all of it. For example, you could buy a carton of cigarettes on the way out, smoke one packet and bring the rest home in your luggage and still buy another carton duty free on the way in. You would only need to declare the new duty free packet and not the original as well.
18-May-2003 09:24
dear miss ally, font of all knowledge...
have you any idea of a ballpark figure for a flight from L.A. to N.Z. via maybe Fiji and/or Tahiti. I have tried to look into prices and they seem extortionate, it's the only leg which could crash the budget on a RTW trip.....
18-May-2003 15:45
Ally - Two questions.
At sydney international, how long before the lfight leaves do you have to enter the part where the people who arent travelling arent allowed to go. So basically when you have to leave your family and friends behind??
Also, I am having packing issues... I have like a 75lt pack, and by the time I put my sleeping bag in the special bottom compartment and my toiletry bad the bag is half full.. I got told by somebody to take my sleeping bag on as hand luggage, will they let me take that and another bag as well??
I have to pack light but because Im going to a camp to be a counsellor I need to take a mix of clothes, and not just one type...
Thanks Ally
18-May-2003 16:36
icecold bintang - try flightcentre.com.au or sta.com.au these are 2 of the biggest discount agents in Aus (and will have good NZ service levels as well)
Given all the Troubles at the moment, there is no way that this should be too heavily priced. If that route still seems crazy you could try and hub through a SARS infected country to save money, I wonder if LA to Hong Kong - Fiji - NZ might not be cheaper! (Just dont tell the family) Are you skipping out on the RTW ticket. As a comparison Sydney to London was AUS $1200 One Way inthre Flight Centre Window last week!
Oz Boy - If you are a Departing Aussie, getting through Customs SHOULDNT be a big problem it normally takes about 20 minutes - depending on queues, after that you just sit around or get ripped off in the duty free shop, IF you have a hitch with your passprt etc there may be some time needed, as a hedge I would give it an hour and that is cutting it fine IMHO
Re pack, definitely take your sleeping bag on, they are more generous about cabi baggage on Long Haul flights, Take with you an ocky strap ( a tough elastic strap with u shaped hooks on each end this will allow you to attach the bag to your pack easily and quickly. The other option IF your pack has a raincover then you can put the sleeping bag securely on the outside and then pull the Cover over the top.
Goodluck!
18-May-2003 18:54
Ally - Thanks for that, and had thought of the occy strap!!
But I mean how long do they make you sit in the terminal away from the people that are seeing you off... Like do they make you leave an hour before or something.. I guess its quite unclear what Im saying.. But when you leave domestically, you just wait for the boarding call, wait till there is nobody else in the line and then walk straight onto the plane.. Obviously this isnt the case with International, so how long before you leave is the boarding call?
18-May-2003 20:37
ok ozboy it is different in INternational
You need to go thru customs before you get to the actual gate, this is the great unknown and the big variable. Only poeple with a boarding pass can go thru so you have to say goodbye, then go thru and then sit around scratching your proverbial!
19-May-2003 03:46
thanks for the tips Ally - I don't need a flight back from oz to the UK - am going to hop over to Kupang and then overland it through asia. Will try the sites you mentioned and get myself a facemask!
19-May-2003 20:19
bintang, at least seart availability to HK should be OK???
24-May-2003 05:24
Thanks Ally and babyblue for your help so far! :)
I have yet more newbie questions.
1. I was wondering, since I hope to fly out to Asia in the first week of October, when is the best time to buy my return air ticket (I don't think a RTW is worth it)? Should I get it as soon as possible or leave it as late as possible?
2. I've been offered an open jaw ticket, flying into Delhi and out of Singapore a year later, for 700 euro excluding taxes. Is this reasonable?
3. I don't plan in staying in very low budget accomodation. Do I need to bring a sleepsheet anyway?
4. I've a 60L soft-sided rollie case (i.e. with wheels and a telescopic handle) that converts into a backpack. Would I be better off buying a backpack with a hip belt, or can I manage with the case I have?
Thanks again!
25-May-2003 13:17
Hello!
I'm planning a longish trip, which I've never done before. I plan on SEA and India for sure. My question is, I'm not sure if I want to just go to these areas for say, 6 to 12 months or if I want to try to go to more places. This affects my pre-departure plans in the way of ticket buying. Any advice? I'd love to see Egypt and S. America as well but don't want to have my whole trip be moving about and not really getting to know places. Thanks!
25-May-2003 16:45
sam, this is a big dilemma when you are travelling it all comes down to time versus money. I spent 4 months in SE Asia and 3 months in India and the time in India was not long enough. If you have unlimited money you can just buy tickets as you go but I will assume that you dont have squillions of dollars.
Will you get another chance to take a long enough break to see South America? If not then book it and go.
Where do you live? If Egypt is accessible you can go there as a one country holiday at some point in the future? Even from Aus people will go to Egypt for a one month holiday.
If money is really tight then Asia will be much more affordable than South America. (see my budget post earlier)
A 12 month ticket will be very tight on the timing to see what is on your list so YES you will end up pushed for time a bit. RTW Tickets from Aus are pretty good value so you should compare to an Asian return ticket and perhaps be prepared to throw away your ticket and buy a new ticket home at the end if you change your mind. (I ended up only using half my RTW ticketand bought a new tick home)
Let me know what you decide to do.
28-May-2003 16:39
I was curious about what people think about personal security when they are travelling particularly terrorism. My story goes something like this:
I was half way thru my trip in 2001 and due to head to Morocco, Egypt and the Middle east when all my personal rules changed. In the end I followed the advice of a cab driver in Europe who was from Egypt with an Anglo wife living in Europe he told me not to go - that Egypt will be there in the future but that things righ now were crazy.
In the end I threw away my RTW ticket and went to India instead. Of course 3 weeks after I arrived India and Pakistan started their nuclear powered pissing competition strangely enough altho I was being advised to leave by the Aus govt I was fed up with changing my travel plans and stayed put and even went to east ern India and was riding a camel 30kms form the Pakistan border.
When you are travelling your personal attitudes will change dramatically over time so be clear with yourself before you go what your personal limits are but still be prepared for you and circumstances to change.
29-May-2003 01:01
Ally, in terms of personal security and terrorism I believe that it's just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and you never know where or when that is. I went to Thailand and Laos last year just after the Bali bombings and the Australian government was posting terrorism warnings left right and centre. I had no problems and never felt in danger. However, a month or so later a bus was raided in Laos on Route 5 north of Vang Vieng and some foreigners were killed, the same route that I had just travelled. The same thing in NYC, having stood on the top of the world trade centre about six months prior to 9/11 it really makes you think about what degree luck comes into it. Imagine how those people feel who visited the WTC the day before, or slept through their alarm clock on that morning and were late for work. Now I'm about to leave again for extended travel in Asia and once again my government is posting warnings about every country I'm going to visit, but I'm still going to go. Hopefully I won't be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but you never know and I'm not going to live in fear for the rest of my life otherwise I'd never cross a road in case I got hit by a car.
The unfortunate reality of the terrorist attacks is that they have mainly affected people who live in the country or are expats, not tourists. 9/11, the bombings of embassies in east africa and the bombings of apartments in saudi arabia have all been like this. Bali is a very scary exception to this and sets a bad precedent for the future. However, I don't think the Bali bombings are a reason to stay at home and not travel.
Your cab driver was right about Egypt, the pyramids have been there for 5,000 years, they're not going anywhere in a hurry. The same goes for the rest of the world, it will all still be there next year or the year after. I think everyone has to make their own decision about personal safety. There's no point going somewhere if you're going to be on edge for the whole time. The trick is finding your own comfort zone. The media and government tend to over dramatise the risks, whilst people on this board tend to be alot more blase about the risks involved with travel (that's not a criticism because I'm one of the "forget terrorists - just go" people as well). The truth is somewhere in between the cynicism of the governments and the optimism of some posters on tt.
The great thing about travel is that it opens your eyes to the similarities of people from diverse cultures. You realise that everyone else around the world has similar dreams and similar fears. Travel and an open mind are two of the best cures for bigotry and racism. Maybe if more people travelled and realised how everyone else is actually just like them the world would be a more understanding and caring place. Maybe then we wouldn't have to be afraid of the remote possibility of a terrorist attack.
just my thoughts on the matter...
...sorry if that was boring, I didn't mean to write that much when I started. I guess I must be pretty passionate about the subject and it's amazing what comes out when you just let yourself type...
02-Jun-2003 16:26
noble duck, exactly! I really enjoyed my time in East india and while I was spending a bit of time and effort keeping up to date with political events and we had a plan to get out if need be I had a great time, altho by then I had surrendered to fate a lot more than in Sept 01.
02-Jun-2003 19:51
Okay, my question is a little off the topic but relative....
I am planning a long trip, however, I have a cat that I have had for ten years. I really don't want to give her away and would prefer a person who would cat-sit for oh, say 6 to 12 months! does anyone have any good ideas as to places to post requests of this nature? anyone else had a similar problem. Thanks for your time!
S-
02-Jun-2003 20:17
Cats are normally more attached to the environment they live in than to the person they belong to...
So in the interest of your cat, it might be better to find a new permanent home for it...
Otherwise I'd ask around farms - can she live outside/ is she used to other cats? Or I would advertise in a pet magazine. People with other cats probably are more willing to help you than others...
02-Jun-2003 20:20
sam, I had a friend with similar problems. There are a few ppssible solutions.
1) Family? I am guessing that isnt possible or else you wouldnt be posting
2) In Australia there is a charity called the RSPCA - who do all sorts of shelters. Ring them and ask? Is it the Humane Society in the US?
3) Look around in your neighbourhood? Is there a community noticeboard you could put a sign up?
4) Ask all your friends if there is someone they know. Perhaps an older relative who just lost a pet?
5) Your local vet probably knows all the cat people nearby ask him/her if he/she can help or let you put a sign up in his surgery?
Perhaps offer to pay for food for 6months to sweeten the offer?
Goodluck
05-Jun-2003 17:41
Hello!
Wow, ironically enough, today my mother called and offered to take my cat if no one else does. That's pretty much the last obstacle in my way of this trip. So, now I just need to plan an itinerary (SEA and India for 6 months to a year or RTW in the same time...any advice?) and I'm on my way at the end of this year. Whoo-Hoo!
23-Jun-2003 16:53
Hi Ally, do you know of any good websites for finding cheap flights? I especially would like to know of ones that can handle open jaw requests, the STA site is the only one I have found for this so far.
23-Jun-2003 21:24
swashed, sorry i have been away from T RTW for a while but I usually try and use a travel agent to quote. I then get the Flight Codes and go surfing on the airlines sites. I am not sure this is the cheapest and it depends where you are going, for example I found NO discount sites in late 2001 that serviced India, but there are numerous for within Europe.
03-Jul-2003 23:16
i posted this on another branch so some may be getting day-ja-voo ( A+ english student )
g'day, im a 19yr old aussie boy & i've decided to backpack (solo not by choice all friends found uni more important) europe and sth america possibly finish in thailand before heading home im extremely pumped about what will be the experience of my life time the people the places! im taking a year for my trip and hoping to have 10, 000 oz(about 5000 euro) for all expenses ( air fare backpack food accomodation etc ) i planned to head off this time next year but i have rellatives in the UK and ireland who are telling me to head over as soon as i get enough dosh for an air fair and use there house as a base to work and earn money traveling from there, i have a british passport thanks to dad so it is possible for me to work.
The advice i'm hunting for is whether it is a smart idea to head over earlier and earn cash there(ireland or england?) or go later with money?
Also will 5,000 be enough for shoe string traveling?
Am i likely to meet other solo travelers and will there be backpackers my age about??
i'm a novice traveler, have been to nepal for and england ireland for a month will i find it difficult?
any advice is muchly appreciated !!
cheers
tomy : )
03-Jul-2003 23:19
oh and how money would u recommend if $10,000 aud ain't gonna make it??
04-Jul-2003 00:38
The money seems a little bit scarce...
Just one part of your question - better work in the UK than in Ireland as you will be earning pounds over Euros (favourable exchange rate, higher pay in UK, I'd think)
Enjoy your trip!
You'll meet loads of people,
Anna.
20-Jul-2003 16:04
take it, ifyou book a RTW ticket and head to STh America first, you will see how much money you have already spent, and then work or not work in the UK whenyou arrive in Europe. I agree with wilmaa that 10k seems a bit light.
Plane Ticket AUD $2,000
Travel Insurance $800
Travel per day in Europe say $50
(see my earlier post to do a calculation on how long this will last you)
Leave the door open about work and head off!
14-Aug-2003 17:07
Hi Ally,
Howgozit?
I am leaving for my first big overseas trip on October 2nd, returning in early March 2004 (so about 5 months all up). I have a one world rtw ticket. Here is an outline of my itinerary:
Europe
Fly Oz (australia) to rome
4 weeks in italy with my mum
3 weeks travelling via train (mostly) from italy - UK via france & holland & maybe switzerland
fly London to prague - a few days in prague in late november
train from prague - warsaw and stay with friends for a week then back to London
3 weeks in UK and Ireland (mainly Ireland as I've seen UK b4)
fly london to madrid then 2-3 weeks in spain (depending on time)
fly madrid - New york and meet my sister who is flying in from Oz then:
USA
2 weeks east coast US (hire car and drive around a loop from NYC)
3-4 days new orleans
2 weeks west coast US (hire care and travel loop from LA)
sister flies back to Oz and I fly to tokyo in mid february
Japan
2 weeks in Japan staying with friends
Return to Oz in early March
I have booked a little bit of accomodation in italy (as my mum probably won't wanna take the risk of being stranded) but haven't booked any other accomodation. I am assuming that since it'll be wintertime, there won't be too much trouble finding places to stay as I go (will consult trusty guidebooks to find good places). Do you think I need to have a more structured plan? I am unsure as I have no experience of solo travelling overseas.
Am I trying to pack too much into my time? I want to see as much as I can while still getting a good look at places - don't wanna fly through everything, want time to soak in the atmosphere and maybe stay awhile in places that catch my fancy.
I have got about AUD$13 000 to spend (plus can go into credit card debt if need be). I've already paid for my plane ticket but not for any eurrail passes. Will this be enough money? It comes out to about AUD$100 a day. Based on my research it should be enough if I budget carefully, but would like to know your opinion on this.
My rtw ticket allows for a number of internal flights in each continent - essentially I have 4 free flights in each (6 in the US). My dilemma is that travelling overland would mean that I get to see the countries I'm visiting, outside of the big cities. But the more train/bus/car travel I do, the more I spend. Do you have any recommendations around how I can balance cost, convenience and still make the most of my travelling experience? I have to specify internal flight destinations by the end of this month (after that I can change flight dates for no cost but am charged about $150 for destination changes)
I have a virgin credit card which is backed by mastercard. Is there good access to mastercard in europe, US and Japan?
Any advice from anyone who reads this would be most appreciated. Advice on what winter clothes & shoes to take would be extra-good.
Thanks in advance,
Inky xxx
14-Aug-2003 20:21
hiya inky, some observations between my groans of envy:
I havent been to USA or Japan so I shall defer to your research; 4 weeks is perfect for Italy it is my favourite country $100 will be fine there and 4 weeks is enough time to soak up the place as well as see a lot - in a month I saw enough but skipped Sicily and the heel and toe of Italy.
In France try and pick a theme otherwise you will be overwhelmed with places and choices, I am a big impressionist art fan so I went to mostly those galleries, and Van Gogh towns - Note to self must get back to France soon! In Paris I had very crappy mattress on floor in dorm next to shower door (right next) and I was on about $100 per day. Remember you can shuffle monay out of your per diem for Prague and Warsaw - youwill need it for Paris
In holland Utrecht is a charming smaller city on the train line, Amsterdam is a zoo -albeit a fun and charming zoo! I have familyin Den Hague so let me know if you wnat my lothario cousin to errr show you around!
2-3 weeks in Spain - Barcelona and San Sebastion (or more correctly Donostia) i the North were my highlights! Madrid is a funky city.
I got by (fairly tightly) on
The UK will be tough - are you staying with friends? Dublin accom is apparently out of control! so perhap spend less time in Dublinand more in provincial Ireland (my preferred rule of thumb for most countries)
Re Eurail check with your agent but I think you MUSt buy your pass before you arrive in Europe, This is a problem only if (like me) you plan to spend 7 months getting to Europe!
Re time - you can never have too much of it so I guess you have to miss some stuff - sigh - fro example 2 weeks in Japan go to Tokyo to see the future and one other region ONLY then you can still find time to enjoy yourself!
ahhhhhhhhh sigh!
Oh and daily gelato is compulsory in Italy regardless of the weather, I saw pics from friedns who went to Venice in winter and my god the differwence between that and when I was there, so Italyin off season is a fabulous idea, oh and be warned you will feel underdressed and uncivilised standing near a northern Italian woman, take a posh outfit for the occasional ego boost!
ahhh off to look at photos!
14-Aug-2003 21:17
Thanks so much for that Ally - your sensible advice and opinions have allayed some of my nerves. I gather that you've done quite a bit of traveling in Europe on your own - how much of an issue was the language barrier? I am a bit nervous about making my way around in places where I won't be able to communicate with most people (obviously this will be more of an issue in some countries than others - I've already been warned to allow for time and mistakes when trying to get around prague). I know the basics of spanish and also a bit of italian (enough to greet people, order food and ask about costs and accomodation), but other than that I'm unilingual. Did language difficulties cause you much stress during your travels?
Oh my goodness, I can hardly wait 2b on my way!!!!!!!
16-Aug-2003 17:03
Inqy re language , it depends on where you are, in Bulgaria I got lost on foot in Sofia so I popped into a shop with only the words hello and lost, the woman spent a few minutes trying to decipher me, had a good cghuckle, sat me down and went and got a man who happily gave me directions in English
In Paris some drunken bum at 10am fluffed my Aura by talking to me in French, I told him in French I couldnt speak Frenc, he asked if I spoke Italian which i can bumble thru, so in ITalian I told him I couldnt speakItalian thenconituning inItalian I told him I was from Australia , when he finally figured out that AUstralians spoke ENglish he spat at my feet so I stood up flounced and flicked called him prosciutto and stormed off.
In France preface everything with (in French) Hello I am from Australia - we are so far away that it seems to be OK not to speak French
In Holland everyone under 35 has been taught ENglish at school, so assuming they cant speak English assumes they failed high school, so my cousin told me, in ENglish (outside of |Amsterdam) I prefaced everything with excuse me I am from Australia
That plus the basics eg hello and a thank you int he local language got me by!
bon voyage!
17-Nov-2003 12:40
Hi there Ally et al.
Firstly, thanxs for all the great info!! Myself and my girlfriend, both 19 are going travelling next year, and Im wondering / worrying about airfares, our flights are as follows;
UK => Greece
Netherlands => Japan
Japan => Australia
Australia => Canada
Texas => UK
I've played with the LP multi-stop plane ticket, and its quoted me £2k ($3,000) each!!! This is a bit overly expensive for us, is there any other way, can you physically turn up at an airport a few hours etc before a plane takes off and buy tickets for it on the cheap???!!!!
Please help!! I need cheap tickets!!!
Thanks
Adam
26-Dec-2003 16:44
Ally (or anyone else). I love all the advice you've given. It's been more than helpful (although you seem to have disappeared over the last few months). If you a still doing this "Dear Ally" thing, I have a few questions.
1. Do you have any advice on women specific packs? I will be traveling in Europe from Nov-Jan, and OZ/NZ Feb-May so I need a medium sized pack (I think).
2. Any suggestions on what to bring in terms of clothing/cold weather gear.
Thanks for all of your help and all your advic on previous posting. Happy holidays all and safe travels.
11-Jan-2004 16:07
Fakune, hiya how goes it, I have neglected this thread due to getting busy at w*** and with the silly season. Have you bought a ticket yet?
lissnab, pack sizes are a huge problem / dilemma mine was 75 litres but I am really tall (1.82cm) so go to a hiking shop and ask them what they think you can handle, as for Europe in Winter and oz in Summer the best thing to do would be to throw out your cold weather clothes and purchase a whole heap of new stuff, I stupidly carried Europe stuff around Asia for 5 months and it was really really silly. Not carrying Sumemr stuff will mean you have heaps more space and/or a smaller backpack!
I havent done a lot of cold weather travel but here a few lightweight must haves:
1) A silk sleeping bag liner, even if you arent camping or taking a sleeping bag these things are tiny and super comfy and they will keep you warm when you sleep, will you be in hostels? taking a sleeping bag?
2) In India I used a pair of knee high ski socks that I picked up in the UK, pulled up high under a fairly lightweight pair of trousers they were fab,
3) Take a spencer, not sure what they are called in your part of the world but they are a lightweight thermal undershirt.
As for a good coat that is going to be a must, but I really have no fixed opinion on whether you should go for a lined gortex weather proof number or something a bit more tailored and citified.
A friend showed me pictures of her weekend in Venice in January and she was wandering aimlessly through near deserted streets in an ankle length tailored RED coat - sho looked so glamourous, ala 1940s Movie Star - I have wanted to travel Europe in Winter with a fab coat ever since...
To see Venice with no crowds would be awesome as the place is painful in Summer sigh!
Goodluck
12-May-2004 07:44
hi Alley,
Im off on a RTW trip in August but was worried about my backpack security in the airport. By this I mean once it has been checked in. Unlike suitcases you cant lock all compartments etc. Ive seen those metal nettings that cover the backpack up, is there any tips for this. I worry about the ease of getting into a backpack, when it is in someone elses hands i.e the airports
12-May-2004 20:25
Johny, for plane travel I alwasy carry my valuables onto the plane. The only htings checked through would be clothes, shoes and toiletries. I always carry on camera, walkman, journal and books.
The time I found it more of a problem was on trains when you move around more and your carry on luggage is able to be stolen. IMO all those chains do is encourage someone to steal the whole bag rather than cut a whole and steal your dirty laundry.
Pack & Travel with the assumption that everything will be stolen at some time and then use your common sense to avoid it.
My camera got stolen out of my daypack at a Train Station in Romania - 15minutes earlier the little voice in my head was telling me to stop emptying my day pack in public and flashing my contents. The little voice is the best security you will have.
13-May-2004 00:58
thanx for the speedy reply, much appreciated.
23-May-2004 16:55
Okay, I'm a newbie - even to LP. I'm traveling to Sri Lanka to do a research study for two weeks the first weeks of August, then taking a week for myself. This will be my first major trip alone. Tad nervous. Anyone real familar witih Sri Lanka? I want beaches, SOLITARY LIFE, locals not tourists, some good native food, maybe a few shops. I'd stay longer, but gotta get back to teach. Should I be nervous? I'm very blonde and wear my hair SHORT, so I'm taken for all kinds of things, get hassled even here (big surprise, I'm from red neck city). To you foreign gals, that means men who think women with short hair must be gay or they haven't met the right man yet! Any suggestions on areas of the country or places to stay most appreciated! Lynne
23-May-2004 17:17
It's the newbie again. I've been flipping back between here and the Indian Subcontinent area.
Here's my probably DUMB question - most of you folks seem on the younger side (I'm a young 54). How in the hell have you all managed to travel so many places so young without a major trust fund set up? Is there some life hint I missed? When i was in grad school, I owned two pairs of jeans and bought wine in a big jug. Traveling was trying to get home to see the folks. Now I'm stuck with house, animals (love 'em, etc, no kids). I AM going to Sri Lanka, so maybe I'm on the right track. I can't tell from the posts if most are male or female, but some frequent posters seem to have traveled just about everywhere. True for you gals as well? I'd like to hear some stories - A book in this?
23-May-2004 19:22
lohmeier - hi - first I havent been to Sri Lanka :( but my tip is to get there and have an open schedule and talk to people who will be able to help you out. that would mean sri lanakans. Of course beibg sri lanka you need to be careful about where you travel but all of that is best figured out on the road. In my oppinion it is something you have to make time for, going four days off the beaten track is a big problem if you eed to be 'home" in a fortnight???
I am 33 and didnt travel long term until I was 29, the reason so many people travel young is that they take advantage of the following;
1) not getting married, getting a mortgage and and popping out babies as soon as they turn 20
2) earning money in a strong currency (pounds, euros even the humble AUD)
3) going to places where that money goes a long way eg India, you wont find many young long term travellers in Sweden
4) there are great Working Holiday Visa (WHV) between many countries, so if a Canadian comes to Australia for a year they may work in a bar for 6 months on and off
5) Using a WHV they do short trips (say from London to many points in Europe) to places of interest.
6) plane tickets are so much cheaper compared to salaries than they were 10 or 20 years ago.
7) oh and teaching English in developing economies is another popular way to fund travel.
25-May-2004 11:45
Dear Ally,
My partner and i will be travelling to the following countries and was wondering what sort of power adaptors will be needed for each country.
australia, indonesia, thailand, cambodia, vietnam, china, tibet, nepal, india, turkey, greece.
ps we are from canada
thanks°°••k
25-May-2004 18:06
mooji - there is a universal power adaptor available the BF picked one up in a market in Malaysia for a few dollars - Are you backpacking? If so what electrical appliances are you lugging around? Do you really need them? Think about leaving stuff at home, lugging weight for months on end is not fun.
26-May-2004 13:44
just bringing a digital camera and battery recharger. its a must. thanks!
27-May-2004 17:27
battery rechargers are good. There are too many batteries in the world, they dont break down and in developing countries there is often no good means of disposing of them.
11-Jun-2004 15:00
Dear Ally,
I know you are an experienced traveller and here is a question for you not that related with the trip itself:
My parents "introduced me" to travelling when I was 2 months old. Since then I've always spent at least a month a year traveling with them and latelly, traveling with friends or by myself. Now I am getting ready for my first (and I know it won't be my last) RTW trip. I am really excited and I really want to do it....but I am getting nervous. How do you deal with your "professional life" and your travels? Can you do it? Because I am heading towards a very competitive professional world and I know I can't "loose" too much time traveling although I know I need it. How do you do it? Can you just leave everything at hold every once in a while?
I know my head and my heart are keeping a big fight and I can't see a middle poind. How do you do it?
Thank you :-)
15-Jun-2004 18:47
hi Lluna wow you have great parents, oh and by the way i would hardly call myself experienced. I statrted this thread up when some not so nice people were being mean to inexperienced travellers,
I have seen many posts on this topic before. I have noticed a few things, some countries see a long break to travel as more normal than others. In Australia and New Zealand for example it is seen as very much the 'done' thing and I know some employers who ask "Has this candidate already taken their year off?"
In the USA it seems to be different for example I have heard many travellers on this board worry. I guess it depends on your "career" I must admit I have come back to a job that is not as good as the one I left (but the pay hasnt suffered) It was hard to come home for many reasons. In Spain I think a year off is less common than in other countries.
Just a thought perhaps you can combine the travel with some career building stuff. Maybe learn a third language as part of your travels, or attend some conferences,
Onyour resume list all the skills that travel taught you under the time that you were travelling, eg independent, resourceful, personable, adapts well to new siituations, that way you can remind employers whya traveller is a good person to hire
Goodluck anyway!
20-Jun-2004 20:56
Ally - can I add Vicks Vapour rub to the list of essential items when visiting bad bogs ;-p
25-Jun-2004 17:01
can i buy good quality sunscreen in se asia? what about india?
27-Jun-2004 03:25
Is it worth bringing a tent? Is the bonus of bargain accommodation worth the added weight and space? Is there enough places that offer tent sites and are the majority of them safe?
Cheers..
28-Jun-2004 20:17
mooji 0 yes you can buy good quality sunscreen. It is imported for the most part. SE Asian women particulalry avoid the sun plus they have better skin for the climate.
You are best to pick up that stuff in the large cities . There is a boots on Kao San Road in BKK, there are numerous places in hong Kong and I am sure you can buy some in Singapore or the SHopping mecca that is Kuala Lumpar.
You can also pick it up for a premium on any of hte island destinations that cater for Westerners.
In the aisle, I guess it depends on where you go? IN Western Europe I met a group of Canadians who were exclusively camping. PLaces like Verona YHA had gorgeousp tent sites.
For SE Asia I wouldnt bother as a room is very cheap.
In Australia it is more economical than a hostel altho you will still pay a reasonable site fee.
Other places I am not so sure. Think about: security and theft?, are you travelling alone? Can you carry the extra few kilos of a tent, sleeping bag, cooking utensils etc?
It can be done and would be good fun. I camped a bit in Turkey but thats another story about travelling light.
12-Jul-2004 21:08
Hi All,
I have a couple of the standard questions, I know everyone asks but I need some reassurance
I have bought my one way ticket to East Timor leaving from Darwin and plan to travel through to Indonesia and on for as long as I can without flying. I have as I mentioned got a Air ticket, and 6 months Insurance, and all my gear, vaccinations etc. So with that in mind how long would you think AU$10,000;
I am hoping to travel about 2 months in Indonesia, 1 month in Malaysia, 1 month in the Philippines, then Burma, Thailand, and India. 12 months is my goal but I am not sure if the money will make it.
Thanks heaps
Michael
19-Jul-2004 19:44
hiya cheapy (Michael) live quietly and you will make 12months easy! If you go bungy jumping every day and getting pissed up on a regular basis and youmay run out sooner rather than later.
See back on page 2 for my how to work out your money thingy but I suspect you will be fine. I would love to hear a trip report on East Timor.
18-Sep-2004 21:06
Redbacks are better than Blunnies, in my humble opinion- sole cushioning is the major advantage!
11-Oct-2004 17:55
Tarantado - that is a great idea - perhaps we could print this up and sell books too? What do you think?
13-Oct-2004 03:13
Buenos dias!
I'm not new to travelling but new to this forum. I'm planning to travel from Holland to Colombia in January, February. Does anyone know where (on the internet?) to get the best airfare deals? I've heard about Air Madrid, a Spain-based discount airline that's supposed to be very cheap but maybe it's worthwhile browsing some more. Any tips? Dates and stopovers are very flexible
Thanks in advance,
FRGL
13-Oct-2004 18:39
I see Blundstones are very popular with a few people on this thread. I myself have had a pair of blunnies for about 6-7yrs and I love them but I find when I walk long distances in them they aren't very good for the soles of my feet. There doesn't seem to be enough cushioning, maybe I should check out redbacks. Does anybody else find this? I never considered taking blunnies traveling for this one reason.
13-Oct-2004 20:24
Freggle - hi try Air Chile, or just get yourself to Florida in the USA and buy a cheap ticket form there - altho I am guessing there will be a throrough search on the way back!
Zalia - I dont wear blunies as they are too wiide for my feet but you can get cushioning insoles at the pharmacy very cheaply!
14-Oct-2004 14:22
Dear Ally (hello by the way.. long time no see!)
The situation:
I have just been promoted into a job I never thought I'd be good enough to be in line for.
I am now earning really fat money.
I've sold my flat and have a lot of capital.
I'm fed up of living where I do, but can't live anywhere else and do this job.
I've got a work visa for New Zealand.
I'm single and quite bored with my life.
I feel I owe it to myself to have a crack at this job, but it's essentially quite dull, I also feel I owe it to myself to work in NZ. I have to be there by 3rd Feb to kick the visa in, and I have to give 3 months notice on my job.
I've got 2 weeks to decide what to do.
WHAT SHALL I DO??
Heeeelp!!
Love and slush, Flo x
19-Oct-2004 20:13
ahhhh crap thats a tough one. I knwo the feeling I was in a not so similar boat before I went o/s but I took a year in my - good bt quite dull job before I packed it in.
Is this a dream job? If the rest of your life is quite boring then a dull job aint gonna help. Does that need to be fixed? Can you clock up 12 months in the job to cement it on your resume?
You can still go tNZ, I seem to recall that you have skills that many western countries are in need of???? So even if you lose your WHV to NZ you could always go back under a skilled migration plan?
If you can stand it, my tip is to put the $$ in the bank, clock up the experience in good job then go!
But that said the fact you asked on this site kinda says you 'want' a different answer?
20-Oct-2004 06:56
Hi Ally,
Do you know anything about travelling alone in Greece? Or about Greece in October? My boyfriend wants to split up right now on our RTW, and I need to decide really quickly (he's already bought his next onward ticket) if I'm sticking with Greece, or chickening out and following him to Croatia. Ack!
Thanks so much!
Caryn
(Newbie RTW Traveller and new to the Thorn Tree)
20-Oct-2004 08:15
Ally - I wrote you a waffly PM, then deleted it cos the answer is basically: I need to deal with the boring life, NOT the itchy feet.
I'll write you a summarised PM anyway when I get the chance!
21-Oct-2004 20:03
hi Girlcrayon! Bummer that it is the end of the tourist season othewise I owuld have said just go there and get a cash job in a bar etc!
Greece or NOT Greece on your own isnt the big ? here, but Why if you have broken up with your bofriend would you go with him to Croatia? If you 2 really have broken up, then part ways!
I have travelled extensively in Turkey and you wold be FINE THERE ON YOUR OWN (as long as you dress appropriately) I think your choicees are something like:
1) Anywhere but croatia
2) where do I 'want' to go?
3) What can I handle on my own? (I think Greece or Turkey would be fine - how old are you?)
let me say it again DO NOT GO TO CROATIA WITH THE EX
25-Oct-2004 11:30
Here are my newbie questions (I leave in 3 days for a 6 week trip to France, Belgium, Germany and Netherlands):
1. I've talked to family and friends about how to store money while away. There is still some dispute - do I bring a few hundred in travellers cheques as a back up and try to use VISA and ATMs while there; or do I bring almost all my cash in travellers cheques and try to use them and plastic exclusively and not use ATMs at all? How would you suggest I store and access money while abroad?
2. I tried out my money wallet last night (hangs from my neck on a string). My family said that, until I pointed out it was there, they didn't see the big bulging thing on my stomach. Cool. Also practiced taking it out with them - taking it out of the top of my shirt is easiest for me, but they say I should just pull it out from the bottom of my shirt - which shows off half my stomach, not a pretty sight (their response? "Who cares?") So perhaps I'll do the bottom entry if it doesn't feel totally safe and I don't want to draw a lot of attention; and the neck entry if I feel comfortable there. What do you think?
Thanks! :)
03-Nov-2004 14:58
ho soleta, i may be a bit late wto answer your questions but here goes:
1 Split the risk themroe options the better, alwasy carry some cash, usually have traVELLERS CHEQues and I found ATMs the cheapest way to access cash, make sure you dont wait till youhave nothing before youstick yur card in a wall,.
2) DO NOT REPEAT DO NOT pull out your pouch in public! Carry your day's money in a wallet, keep your bulky valuables tucked away. This may not be possible when you need to pull out your passport to check in to a hotel but Imeanmor when you are in a cafe in Amsterdam do not pay for a coffeee from your pouch!
07-Nov-2004 06:31
About the packing info, where you say to just have 1-2 guides and trade on the way, this means trading with other travelers or do stores trade used LP guides? Thanks a lot for the huge amount of info
08-Nov-2004 09:00
Hello
I wonder if you could help me?
Am I right in thinking that all RTW tickets are valid for only 12 months. I am planning on incorporating my travels with a period of work in Australia and I expect the whole trip to last for longer than a year. My itinerary would include India, SE Asia, Korea and Japan then onto Australia for an extended period of time. I had been thinking that perhaps I could fly London-Deli-Bangkok-Tokyo-Sydney, would that be a viable flight plan? I will be in Australia within a year of leaving the UK so would it be cheaper to use a RTW ticket to get to Australia and then just buy a return ticket to the UK when I am ready to leave?
I understand this is rather vague but I am just starting to plan and need to establish these basic facts before I can continue.
Any help would be appreciated.
08-Nov-2004 09:27
Hi, I'm currently a college freshman. I want to travel this summer, and perhaps take a year off next year to travel some more. I don't know if this is realistic, though, considering I don't have much money. Is there a way to work in Asia or Europe for the summer/more? Any suggestions?
11-Nov-2004 22:05
nightrider first: I just copied this summary of RTW tickets off the smh.com.au news site, it is Aus specific and I dont necessarily agree with it all but its a good overvoew
Price of freedom
November 5, 2004
Round-the-world airline tickets have come a long way, offering flexibility that's affordable, reports Liza Power.
Ten years ago round-the-world fares were more trouble than they were worth, unless you happened to be a twentysomething backpacker with 12 months to do nothing but get lost. Not any more.
Once prohibitively expensive and restricted by limited flight paths, bad connections, days wasted in transit and inflexible ticket conditions, round-the-world fares have experienced a revolution with the formation of airline alliances.
The big three - Star Alliance, Oneworld, and Skyteam - have dramatically changed the way the tickets work. Fancy spending your next holiday skipping between Rio de Janeiro, Berlin, Colombo and Koh Samui? It's possible and it's affordable. Here's a guide to round-the-world fares and how to make them work to your advantage.
What does round the world mean?
It used to mean following the sun, but these days you can take your pick: east to South America, west to Europe or north to Asia. Most tickets cross both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and most fall into two types, based on the number of miles you travel or on the number of continents you visit.
What are the airline alliances?
They are groups of airlines that come together to form partnerships. Together they consolidate flight paths and produce airline networks, co-marketing each other's products. Where a single airline such as Qantas might serve 138 destinations, networks such as Star Alliance span more than 578 destinations.
Which airlines do they include?
The largest of the three is Star Alliance. Launched in 1997 with five carriers, it now brings together 15 airlines including Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, BMI (British Midland Airways), LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United, US Airways and Brazil's VARIG. Together they access 755 airports in 132 countries.
Second off the mark is Oneworld, launched in 1998, which encompasses eight airlines including Qantas, Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia and Lanchile. It also lists 17 regional carriers associated as affiliate members, usually smaller domestic airlines that provide connections to more off-the-beaten-track destinations. Oneworld's affiliates include GB Airways, a British Airways franchisee, which only last week added Fez to the alliance network, and American Eagle, American Airlines' regional carrier, which will fly from Dallas to Pensacola in Florida.
Gradually catching up to the big two is Skyteam, which brings together Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air to serve 500 destinations in 110 countries. Each year, as negotiations between airlines continue, each of the alliances expands.
What do the alliances offer that other fares don't?
Rather than sticking with one airline and the destinations it services, alliance fares allow travellers to design flight paths that take in a much larger and more varied number of destinations. Where a basic round-the-world fare once served only major ports - Bangkok, London, Los Angeles and Singapore, for example - today's tickets cover destinations as diverse as Accra, Bogota, Kingston and Montpellier.
Besides increased flight options, alliances have also streamlined their timetables. This means travellers spend less time stranded in airport lounges and more time in the places they want to be. Better still, if you're a frequent flyer and you book an alliance fare you can accumulate points on each leg of your journey. With a bit of luck you'll end up with a domestic flight or two by the time you get home.
Won't I still be better off to buy a point-to-point ticket, making my connections with a budget carrier?
If your travel plans are confined to one continent, say Europe or the US, a point-to-point ticket could still be the way to go. Round-the-world fares are for people who plan to skip between two or three continents. If a cafe au lait under the Eiffel Tower, a canal cruise in Venice and a double-decker bus ride in London will do you, round-the-world probably isn't the best way to go, but if a week in Barbados on your way home sounds appealing you might want to reconsider.
Are they expensive?
It depends how you look at it. A Oneworld four-continent fare costs $2799 in low season. For that you're permitted four flights in each continent, except North America, where you have six. While there are no mileage restrictions there is a limit of 20 sectors. You could fly (and stop at, from Sydney) Queenstown, Christchurch, Auckland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Nassau (Bahamas), Fort Lauderdale, New York, Chicago, Dublin, Paris, Helsinki, Rome, London, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Bombay before returning to Australia. That would mean each flight would cost $139.95 (plus tax).
Similarly, a Star Alliance 29,000-mile (46,000-kilometre) fare, which also costs $2799 plus taxes, will take you from Sydney to Phuket, Bangkok, Saigon, Frankfurt, Stockholm, London, Washington, New Orleans, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Papetee (Tahiti), Auckland and back to Sydney. This 13-sector fare covers just under 28,000 miles and works out at $215.30 a flight. Whether you care to break round-the-world tickets into sectors or not, they often are cheaper than basic point-to-point fares.
Sue Henderson, from Flight Centre, explains: "For example, if I wanted to visit New York (from Sydney) in mid-August, flying Qantas and staying for two months, it would cost me about $2550, plus tax. I would be able to stop in Los Angeles en route. On the same departure date, I could book a Qantas 26,000-mile Global Explorer fare and travel Sydney, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, London, Bangkok, Sydney for $2399 plus taxes - and my Global Explorer fare would also be valid for 12 months, not just two."
How many round-the-world fares are there?
Star Alliance has four, all distance based, broken down into 26,000, 29,000, 34,000 and 39,000 miles. One World has both mileage-based and continent-based fares. You have the same mileage breakdowns as Star Alliance but you also have four-, five- and six-continent tickets. There are also a number of other airline combinations and fares that can be structured to fit a round-the-world format.
Henderson estimates there are about 45 to 50 round-the-world fares that can be sold out of Australia. You can sit down with a globe and a notebook and design your next big adventure.
Where will a basic round-the-world fare take me?
A starter with STA Travel costs $1599, plus tax, and takes in Melbourne, Singapore, Frankfurt, Athens, Istanbul, San Francisco and back Melbourne. A more detailed fare, from $2899, takes in Santiago, Lima, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, London, Dublin, Madrid, Rome, Dar Es Salaam, Nairobi and Johannesburg.
When am I better off buying a round-the-world fare rather than a point-to-point flight?
While travellers do buy round-the-world tickets for shorter holidays, it generally makes more sense to purchase one when you plan to be away for three months or more. That way you can really take advantage of the options. It also makes sense to buy one when you're planning a trip that covers two or more continents or when you want a flexible ticket that allows date changes and extensions.
How do I make a round-the-world ticket work to my advantage? Lisa Goldsmith, from STA Travel, suggests that to get the most out of your ticket you need to understand all the options and stopovers your ticket gives you. Also, buy a round-the-world fare that meets your requirements with the least excess. For example, a ticket may allow 20 flights, but if you only require five it's not worth buying it.
Do round-the-world tickets make life on the road easier?
Definitely, says Goldsmith. If you plan to be away up to a year, they represent a good buy because fares, particularly in Asia and the Americas, can increase during your trip. Another advantage is that you'll have fewer financial concerns: if you've paid for all your international and internal flights before you leave home, you also won't waste precious days in travel agencies or internet cafes trying to find connecting flights.
ADVENTURE UNLIMITED
To bring travellers up to speed on round-the-world fares, STA Travel has released a pair of "World Tour" booklets, both of which detail 20 basic itineraries.
Lisa Goldsmith, from STA Travel, says the main point of the campaign is to educate travellers about just how many destinations have been made available by the growth of airline alliances. "The itinerary options are really endless. While the brochures detail 20 options, they're really just a taste of what you can do. At the back of each brochure is a section called Choose Your Own Adventure where travellers can basically make all the destination decisions. Then an adviser can use negotiated airline prices to source the best fare possible for the chosen route."
jc _ i hae too run give me a couple a days!
16-Nov-2004 13:36
This may not be the right forum for this question, but I wasn't sure where it should go. I'd like to escape for a week during the winter and I'd like to find a ticket somewhere international for around 500 bucks. Is there a site or a resource I can go to to find the cheapest tickets worldwide? I'm in the US. thanks.
16-Nov-2004 19:42
Passport Photos...
Okay I need to ask this question so bear with me please. I keep hearing that when you apply for a visa you need one or two passport photos...is that one or two for each country or do you keep re-using the same ones? And, how long do you usually give up your passport for in each country? Are you actually without it for awhile? I dont quite get the whole process...duh! Can you enlighten me please???
17-Nov-2004 01:28
Hi
A silly question to all of the world travellers, but as I a newbie ... what is airline commission supplement?
thanks
17-Nov-2004 12:37
In reply to silk sleeping bag liners - theiy're quite comfy but tend to become clammy if used in warmer climates. Personally I prefer (the somewhat heavier) cotton version, which also doubles up as a handy dirty washing bag!
18-Nov-2004 19:09
161 - The USA has very few Working Hliday Visas exchnage programmes (compared to Aus, NZ, EU etc) If you read back on page 3 of this thread you should ge tsome info, if you are interested in SEA there is really very little need to workas the cost of living is so low, I was living well in Thailand for as low as Aus $10 per day
senja - you need em for each Visa you wont get the pictures back, they go into little files at Interpol or GOd knows where, Just take a few wth ou and buy as you go along!
silk liners, I havent tried em but in hot climates I used the multi purpose Sarong for my bedding, altho not good for mosquito protection!
apple - I dont know the US Airlines sorry! But in Winter - as long as you evoid flyinng over Christmas you should be ale to get somemthing cheap! I would guess Virgin Atlantic has cheap deals to the UK but that is a very expensive destination. So evenif you get the cheapest flight you will still be broke at the end!
Why not try www.google.com cheap flights to Mexico???
18-Nov-2004 23:43
ally, if so have you ever encountered?
i am planning to bring my dog on my travels just a short 2 weeks stint in SEA beaches & small villages. she is a 2 yrs old golden retriever? any advices & recommendations?
21-Nov-2004 18:08
A silly question to all of the world travellers, but as I a newbie ... what is airline commission supplement? - This sounds like it is either the agent's commission, or the airline's commission for doing the work of the agent or more simply a fee they charge to make more money!
Dogs in SE Asia - mmmm interesting, THE EU ISSUE A Pet's passport to allow the dog to comeback in without going through quarantine. as for Aus it is nuts because the quarantine rules are intense. I only saw one European pooch on the beaches of Goa so he wasnt travelling around.
You do realise that if you lose your pooch you are not likely to get him back? There are few if any Animal Welfare Leagues in many of these countries. I guess you could pay off a heap of locals to find the pooch! Dogs are only eaten in certain parts of SE Asia so it is not as likely he will be stolen for that purpose as you may first think.
What sort of nature does your dog have? Is he/she territorial? If so you will have trouble with big cities, with many strays in very crowded noisy environments? I found the smells one of the most overwhelmeing things in SE Asia, lord knows how a pooch fromm a less odorous country will fare!
24-Nov-2004 20:48
This is a great thread with a whole lot of info in it but I'm kinda stuck right off the start with an important question; Where do I start? I know where I want to go and the order where I want to go in but now what? There seems to be a lot of stuff to get going in the planning aspect and I'm curious as to what's the best task to first tackle? I'm thinking about buying a whole bunch of second hand travel books and some good sized maps of the places I want to go and just start jotting down what I want to see and the route I plan to take. Sound like a good idea? Also, I notice a lot of people are flying from place to place in their RTW travels, is this the norm? ei. Flying from Bangkok to Hanoi, can't you just bus it/train it/hitch it...?
Thanks
Troy
Canada
25-Nov-2004 17:15
hiya - yep I think you ar eon the right track just be careful not to over plan! Probably the biggest headache at the start is how much money? if you are 25 without a trust fund then 3 months in Scandinavia is probably a big ask!
As for flights - leave room for yourself to change your mind on this one! In your example I planned to go overland from Hanoi through Laos but I had too much fun in Vietnam and ranout of time - time you ask?
Well I agreed to meet a friend inTurkey 6 months after i left and that was silly. Why? because I wanted to see Laos and had to skip it - try really really hard NOT to make time commitments:
- Meeting friends
- Being home for a family event
- Returning for a job / course
f course you may decide to do these things but committments are a pain in the bum and cause you to miss out on seeing entire countries!
27-Nov-2004 21:22
Ally: Please help me! I'm hunting for a cheap ticket (there is got to be one somewhere) from NY to Dubai this month of December. I'm going there to look for a job since I want to relocate at the start of the year. What do you suggest? I've heard in the past that if you are a "package carrier" for a company or something of that sort, you can get to travel almost for free. Do you know any other secrets? I would really appreciate it.
THANKS MUCH
~~~p.g.~~~
28-Nov-2004 18:05
cone - ALL TICKETS go up on the 1st December as it is peak demand, my tip is fly on Nov 30th - when i bought a ticket from London to Calcutta the difference was at least 40%!
the package carrier you are tlaking about is also known as a courier flight! Try googling that! I would think that if you can afford it - then fly out at the end of Jan and stay thereuntil you get a job or run out of cash??? The cost of the extra ticket would equal say 4 weeks living expenses? altho......
Have you checked up on Visa issues? 'Looking for a job before I have my work visa' is not an option on most immigration cards?
Also try googling employment agencies etc in Dubai before you leave home - many places can have you organised with a job before you set foot in the country (eg teachinng English in Japan, or Nursing in the UK) again go to google and if you find some useful wesites feel free to post them back here on this thread!
29-Nov-2004 03:02
Hey Alley,
You seem to have answers to just any questions, I'm very impressed by the time and energy you put in answering all of them, it's really cool ;-). I just started a topic two days ago, but I guess the best way was probably to ask you first the questions, so anyway here they were, and if you have an answer or two amongst them... (and I don't know what tim tams are, but I'll check that out!!!)
I've been reading a bunch of posts for the last 2 hours, and really enjoyed the vibes. It seems there can't be any problems unsolved! Nice community ;-).
So anyway here's my story. I'm coming to Australia for a 6 week period, travelling from Brisbane to Melbourne, probably driving (not sure yet, I still have to watch the other options though), and then a stop by perth on the way back. I will write some article for a (very small) swiss board sport magazine, mainly focusing board sports, surfing, the spots, the brands in torquay, cool bars, surfschools, skateparks, events... So here's my request, if you have any tips, informations, cool places (to sleep, drink, eat, party, or learn surf - since we have no waves in switzerland, lol!) or anything else that could be interesting, please write.
If you have tips about travelling down options, tell me too. I've heard that you could do surf trips going from byron bay to sydney, did you ever heard about that? is it cool? is it expensive? I actually love to travel driving because it always allows you to stop, but is the road interesting between brisbane and sydney? and between sydney and melbourne? Should I take a bus or train on either one of those two trips?
I have to mention I'll be travelling alone, though I did see you could offer a ride on the bugride website, are there other website like that?
If you can take a minute to drop me a line I would be a very happy girl ;-)
And if you're on my travelling road, I promise to bring you some swiss chocolate ;-)
And of course, I'll be glad to answer any questions concerning the swiss alps or else...
Thanks...
29-Nov-2004 17:29
OK easy - my tips;
1) If youwant to surf GET A CAR - many of the good surf spots will not be near any public transport:
2) learan at the start of your trip Surfers Paradise (south of Brisbane is an obvious choice but I much prefer Byron Bay - both will have surf schools at Byron make sure you surf Lennox Head (a nearby break) Byron is a chilled out town with a party scene!
3) Buy a board 2nd Hand in Qld - it will be cheaper than hiring all the way down, if $$$ is tight you can sell it in Melbourne before you go home!
4) On the Mid North Coast area of NSW Suf Crescent Head - you will need a car and try and get a lift to Point Plommer just south - the roads need SUV access. Also try Surfinng around North HAven - just south of Port Macquarie - few of these places will be overcrowded
For surf spots outside of the Mid North Coast Pop over to the Your Choice Branch there are a few Asutralian Surfers who hang out there!
30-Nov-2004 05:45
hi ally (and everyone else who follows this thread)
thanks for all the information you have provided within this thread!! i have not read through all 8 pages, but will do when i have more time.
i am planning an SEA / india trip next year. i am planning on beeing abroad about a year.
1) an ongoing question.. money.. i have decided to do what might be the smartest thing: bring some cash (US$), Master) Card and Travelers Checks (US$). now, since i will be travelling a year or more, is it smart to bring most of my money as travelers checks? (carrying them in a money belt.) first destination is thailand. then myanmar. is it possible to get US Dollers cash for travelers checks there? because i need cash US for the forced money exchange in myanmar. if no, any other idea?
2) where do i book cheap flights when abroad? i want to leave my home country (switzerland) without prebooking all flights. (turning point of my flights will most probable be bankok)
3) should i bring tampons with me, or are they available in bigger places over SEA?
4) i will bring my digital camera. is there a way to recharge the aku with batteries? something i could carry around easily? and, where to store pictures? is it best to burn cd's or to bring an external memory "thing" such as an ipod?
MANY THANKS for helping!
pianadja
30-Nov-2004 15:25
1) split the risk across a few methods just like you suggested, you will need USD for Myanmar and somme for Cambodia and Vietnam. So take USD Cheques and cash them into USD in Bangkok - remembe the fewer conversions betweeen currencies the better.
2) there are asquillion ravel Agents around Kao San Road in BANGKOK but make sur eyou check out airasia.com an online only booking service - much like Ryan Air or Easy JEt in Europe - they are heaps cheaper!
3) yes and yes! Altho I used the pill to skip periods several times in SE Asia! Talk to your Dr!
4) For storage I would upload to a server and store remotely (even hotmail has 100mb) these days! Buy a rechargeable battery kit and a universal power adaptor, many rooms or guest houses will have a power source you can use!
03-Dec-2004 00:08
hi ally
thanks for your reply! further question...
is it really possible to cash travelers checks directly into US dollars instead of the local currancy?
thanks =)
04-Dec-2004 14:40
pianadja - the short answer is yes! Certainly on Kao San ROad it is. I had very few travellers cheques so I wasted $$ on the Exchange Rate fees and conversion by having to use my Debit Card to withdraw THai Baht (so an FX conversion from AUD to Baht then I took the Thai Baht to an Agent who converted to USD. So two conversion meant I lost $$ in fees etc. If you plan to spend USD in SE Asia then take USD in cash and or travellers cheque!
That said I think ATM fees are cheaper than Traveller Cheq fees so use ATMs to get your local curency spending money!
06-Dec-2004 02:04
Hi Ally,
In September 2005, I plan to get my rucksack on and head off - the question is where to?! I have limited travel experience, I lived on a kibbutz for about 4 months in 2000, have travelled Egpyt and am about to head off to Ethiopia for Christmas (return 3 weeks later). Other than that I'm quite green. I'm a single female.
Money wise, I reckon I'll have about £5000 total from which I'll need to buy my tickets and insurance. I've already had all the jabs under the sun for Ethiopia and I've got all the kit I'll need (I think!)
I'm keen to work on the way, not bothered as what, quite keen to teach some English, in order to top up my funds and "get to know" the places I visit more. I have unlimited time.
I'm currently torn between the following options...
Doing the well-trodden route from Cape Town to Nairobi
Taking the transiberian to China and teaching English for a while. Check out Tibet (if possible) and Nepal. Not too fussed about seeing other areas of SEA. Maybe this is a trip I could do later on in life over a 3-4 week holiday?
Going to the Canaries at the end of November and trying to get work/cadge a lift to the Caribbean on a yacht. Then heading into South America. Bit concerned about the whole "deck bunny" thing that has been referred to in other posts.
So, I guess I'm asking what do you think is likely to be the most viable of these options given my situation and my budget? Is it possible I could do both South America and the Cape Town - Nairobi route?
Hope you can help me mull it over!
06-Dec-2004 08:52
Ally and others in this board,
First off you all have been very very helpful in sharingyour knowledge to newbies like myself.
Maybe some of you can help me out with this one. I am pretty flexible with time and I'm thinking bout going to Peru for about
2 weeks. I have heard of Stand by flights. Now how does this work. Do i go up to the airline in the airport and request this? How much cheaper would this be. Has anyone here done the Stand by thing?
Thanks
KJ
06-Dec-2004 17:48
many more I am yet to get to Arica so in my book you are super experienced! When I read your list my inner voice was shouting Trans Siberia , Nepal, China IS SHE MAD THAT IS EASILY THE COOLEST OPtion....of course I am an Asia phile and have alwasy siad I will travel Africa when I am older - on one of those posh Trafalgar Camping trips
S I think the best way to figure it out is to ask yourself if I could only do one of these trips ever - which one would be a MUST do! my guess is your answer will be Africa......
kfunk - frget standby - it is a service to people who have date flexible tickets (usually business travellers or RTW tickets) what you do is go to the airport with a valid ticket for another day/ time and then you go on a list of people who would like to fly sooner. In reverse you can go on a computer list to
07-Dec-2004 04:08
Hey Ally,
Thank you very much for your answer, it did definitely help ;-). I'm leaving in 3 days now, and getting pretty excited about the whole thing... In case you live on my way and want me to bring you some swiss chocolate, drop a line!
20-Dec-2004 18:09
Hi Ally! I'm hoping to go to NZ for a few months on a WHV before starting my Master's in Aus. Do you know what sort of work options I'll be looking at for Apr-July? Here's the scoop:
I am open to seasonal work but have no interest in working at a ski resort. Not a cold weather person, I! The only thing I could think of was grape harvesting at a winery but I'm not completely straight on the seasons yet so I may be way off.
I will most likely be on the North Island, perhaps near Bay of Plenty - wherever I can stay the warmest as winter draws near!
I have tons of office temp experience and would be willing to do restaurant/pub work as well.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!
-Siren
21-Dec-2004 16:57
Hiya Siren
I found this on google:
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/work_jobs/BB_jobBrowser.php
Neatly split i nto office, ski resorts vineyards etc. Happy travels!
21-Dec-2004 21:52
Ally ~ you truly rock. Are you getting paid? You should be.
love and safe travels,
Siren
22-Dec-2004 14:19
Hi Ally
I was just wondering, i've seen questions about RTW tickets etc. But have you any idea wether it's possible to go around on one-way tickets? I'm planning on going to Central America and perhaps SEA afterwards, but plans can change..., in other words, i'm not quite sure yet where i'll go and for how long (a long time, preferably). So i'd like to be flexible, but those RTW are too expensive for me.
Are one-way tickets an option? Do you know if there will be any problems getting into whatever country with such a ticket (do customs require a return-date orso?). Or do you have any idea where i could find such information? Thanks!
26-Dec-2004 13:41
Hi Ally,
I recently put my travel journals onto a web site (http://www.guyworldtour.info/wt/) and had a fantastic response from it but everybody kept on asking me for hints and tips and what to pack and take etc. so I've added a hints and tips page (http://www.guyworldtour.info/wt/hints.htm) which is almost finished but already has (IMHO) some very valuable info there.
My question to you: Are there any other pages on the web that have lists of what to take and what not to when packing your backpack for a world tour?
Thanks for doing such a great job here.
29-Dec-2004 22:22
dutchie - hiya many countries do request that you have an onward ticket but I have seen many people post about travelling with only one way ticks, IMO a RTW is only abuot AUD $200 more than say a one wat tick to London - and one way tickets are often more expesnive so if $$ is a hassle then my tip is to go with RTW.......perhaps post again outside with specific country details so if you fly int Chile is it OK but maybe a probelm into Brazil???
30-Dec-2004 03:42
Where is fun to go in July?
30-Dec-2004 10:13
Ally, I will be travelling for 5 months through Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Israel, Greece and Turkey and was thinking of bringing a mobile phone with me for emergency use. First of all, is it worth it? Second of all, I have had a real tough time deciding between going with a T-Mobile phone from the US or getting a GSM phone that accepts SIM Cards. Let me go over both options:
T-Mobile
------------------------
I get a free phone but will pay around $25/month plus per minute fees of $1.50-2.50 depending on what country I am in.
Prepaid SIM Card
------------------------
I could buy a used phone for about $40 and then buy the SIM Cards.
One problem with my decision is that I do not know how easily I can buy these Global SIM Cards from the countries I will be in. Secondly, I have no clue what the best Global SIM Card company is.
How will I get the most value out of a mobile phone? Which one is more cost effective?
Thanks,
David
30-Dec-2004 21:10
wildfiction - hi - there is a kept post on this branch with packing lists - also a discussion somewhere back on this thread (click show all and the Find on this page) dont forgt your black electrical tape!
Paperfacedt - the answer is anywhere!
9niner, I am a reluctant mobile user. But having seen how people have used and shared the phones in Thailand this week - I say go for it, GLobal roaming will give you better coverage especially as you normally need a phone the first hour in a country more o than any other time.
You would certainly be able to get local coverage in all the countries youlkist - with a ?? on Fiji?
04-Jan-2005 16:53
Paperfaced - anywhere Ally and I are ;-p
06-Jan-2005 12:12
Hi Ally,
Hope this thread is still open.
We're going from NZ then overland through:
Indo->Sing->Malaysia->Thai(->Myan?)->Laos->Cambodia->VN->China->Mongolia(->Korea->Japan?)->Russia->Finland->EU.
Where do you think it would be best to arrange visas? My wife and I both have UK passports, and she also has NZ. Time isn't an issue (apart from where staying in Beijing chews into the budget, or Visa limits).
Cheers,
Jamie
06-Jan-2005 15:21
oooo lizard - I am jealous of that itinerary! as a rule if you have heaps of time then my tip would be to get them as you go. Many will start ticking on the day they are issued. From some research there may be exceptions, like the Russian visa you may need to do before you leave as you need to have a letter of invitation etc
This may mean you get 'stuck' in places waiting for a few days for a visa - if this is a concern then arrange the ones you can before you go!
When I got to Thailand I did VN and Cambodia from BKK and waited for the visas on a beach in Koh Tao - tough huh??
06-Jan-2005 16:59
Thanks Ally.
Sounds like BKK is a good place to get things done.
Your're right about the Russian Visa though. It's just a pain to get them before we go, as we have no idea of when we'll be arriving.
Thanks again!
J
08-Jan-2005 17:27
hiya ally
sorry this has been asked already but i didnt see the answer. what do you do with a backpack if you go out at night? ive thought about that before but never found the answer!!
thanks
09-Jan-2005 19:15
missjiggy (I'll play Ally's proxy here)- can you clarify - ie you're staying in a hostel and go out OR you have your backpack with you and are getting a late train/bus?
I leave my backpack in the room/dorm if that answers your question
09-Jan-2005 22:17
Howdy Ally, this would be my first post on this site, but I've been reading the posts here for a little while, waiting for LP to open TT back up for registration (closed through the holidays). While I've travelled once before to Switzerland to visit friends, that is my only international travel experience and I didn't have to worry about knowing local language(s).
My questions are many. I've been trying to read through LP, but that seems to simply raise more and more questions.
First off, money seems to be a constant question here. I'll be setting off with between $10,000-$20,000 US funds at my disposal (equals ~$13K-$26K AUD). I feel that this will be enough, but am not sure. I'll be leaving in February or March and returning at the end of July. Feb/Mar is the low season in the US while July would be right in the middle of the peak season. The exchange rate is very nice in Central America while the Euro is a lot stronger than the USD currently.
My itinerary is down to two options really.
1) Fly from Seattle, WA (USA) to Guatemala and spend 4 weeks at Spanish Immersion School including homestay (~$900US)
2) Onto Costa Rica for another month of Spanish Immersion School including homestay (another ~$900US)
3) Fly onto Europe and this is where my thoughts are split. I will be getting a Eurail Pass for 3 months and travelling Western Europe
Plan 1
Fly into Rome. Then use Eurail Pass to go Rome -> Florence -> Venice -> Milan -> Geneva -> Lausanne -> Interlaken -> Bern/Grenchen (friend's home) -> Lucerne -> Zurich -> Munich (another friend) -> Innsbruck -> Salzburg -> Vienna -> Prague -> Dresdin -> Berlin (1 week) -> Hamburg (1 day) -> Bremen/Cologne (another friend) -> Amsterdam -> London -> Fly back to USA (or possibly head over to Dublin then fly from there to USA).
Plan 2
Fly into Madrid. Then use Eurail Pass to Madrid -> Barcelona -> Avignon (France) -> Marseilles -> Nice -> Geneva -> Lausanne -> Bern -> Interlaken -> Milan -> Florence -> Venice -> Innsbruck -> Munich -> Salzburg... then same as above.
I have no idea about how long to spend in each place. Though Amsterdam and Berlin will likely be a week at least. Bern will depend on how long my friends allow for, but assume a week for now. That leaves me around 5-9 weeks for the rest, as I must be back to USA for a family reunion. This is where all the questions kick in...
1) I feel that the money will be enough for the four to six months I'm planning on currently. That said, how likely is it that I can actually find work abroad, considering I have no college degree nor a TEFL or ESL teaching certificate. I'd like to be able to extend my trip if I can find work to help make my savings last longer.
2) Should I plan on getting a Visa for any/all of this trip?
3) With all of the flights concerned should I look into a RTW Airfare? Had originally looked at using Ryan Air, Aer Lingus, Jet Blue, etc. for cheaper flights, but that doesn't seem so smart. Also, reading through this thread tonight is the first I've ever heard of RTW Airfare, so I'm not greatly familiar with it beyond what I read in that Australian Report that someone posted. Is this standby? Do I have to make reservations ahead of time? Does membership to the mile-high club come with this (kidding).
4) Regardless of #3, is it your experience that I should go through a travel agent of some sort? I actually live about 5 minutes from the office of that Rick Steeve's dude. Not sure if they show his stuff in Australia, but he has a loyal following in the US apparently.
5) The itineraries above cover only a little of what I'd like to see throughout the world. I'm being laid off my job here in the US, my Credit Cards are paid off, my car can be sold, I have no lease/mortgage/etc...in other words, my financial responsibilities are few and far between once my job is gone. I'd love to spend the entire year travelling, while jumping back to the US for that reunion in July and then heading back out to see more of the world. What other job or volunteering opportunities can I look for that would get me some time in Australia, New Zealand, back in Costa Rica, any country where the female to male ratio works greatly in my favor (preferrably 4 to 1...kidding, etc?
6) The idea of travelling to Cent. America, then onto Europe is specifically to avoid having to packing for warm and cold climates. I'll probably pack a silk sleep sheet, but do I need a sleeping bag if I'm staying in hostels? I'm a pillow fiend as well, but must I haul one around?
7) I've recently purchased a Canon Digital SLR camera...pricey stuff. Insurance will be a given, but am I still okay to travel with this giant?
That's it for now. I apologize for the novel I've written. I thought about a table of contents and chapters, but this message board isn't conducive to such conveniences. Thanks for everything!
10-Jan-2005 10:23
hi hurricane
thanks for the post yeah i meant if youre staying in a hostel but go out for the night. what do you do with valuables money passport etc do you take them out with you? id be wary of taking all my money out with me but what other options are there? id be interested to hear other people's opinions and experiences
13-Jan-2005 00:23
hi miuss jiggy, I have been on other branches for a while so big thanks to Huzza, if you go out at night take as little as possible is my tip, play it by ear - if some creepy prson has spent 20min grilling you about your trabvellers cheqques then maybe no, but many larger places will require you to lock yup your stuff in a central safe or a personal locker. That said things can and do go walkies, for that reason keep stuff in amny places, so at night take your camera and a credit card but leave emergency cash in your dirty washing section and stash your travellers cheques with the toothpaste???
From an earlier post onwhere to put it while you sleep: 2) I like a lot of pillows so my day pack, containing camera and money belt was often put under my pillow or in the corner of the bed near my head.
1) dont overplan, take it easy for the firrst weeks, no souvenirs no $400 dinners and let things happen, I LOVE ITALY so finish up there when you have found your groove a little, dont get caught up hanging out with people who have more money than you or who are spending up the day before they go home! You gotta leave room for adventures so pick a starting point and a dfinishing poiint, and in between work through a vaguish wish list - as a rule 5 days in a citty you love will fit with your plans .
1) for 4 - 6 motnhs its bettwer not to even try, it will take a week to organise - that said if you get a chance and you are broke and you dont mind missing out on seeing more stuff then go for it, IMO you have plenty of cash - just take it easy
2) Credit card or Shengen country visa??? If you mean passport visa I wouldnt bother - not technically correct but unless you fly after your maximum stay and before you want to go home there is no point, or if you get arrrested that may be a wee problem, mmmmmmmm is it still 90 days?
3) RTW - not worth it there are so many good web based airlines in Europe - RTW is only relaly worth it for multi continent trips!
4) If you havent bought a squilion dollar ticket before - get some help! You can always compare prices on the web?? can you google? (kidding)
5) in that case skip Europe completely and go to SOuth America, get a wee job if you like and stay away for a more relaxing period of time!
6) Sleeping bag - waste of time - I took a small cheap cushion with me as I too am a pillow fiend the bioyfriend and I have 7 on our bed! I loved my cushion and will always take one for long train trips, crappy pillows in hostels etc
7) Sure - take it, it may get stolen so be careful if it gets stolen make sure you have stored your pictures somewhere else??? Dont sweat the fact that someone may get your camera just be careuful!
phew - time for a glass of wine!
13-Jan-2005 12:10
hiya ally
thanks for the reply even tho i didnt ask some of the qusrtions ya answred hehehe.
thanks for the advice about where to leave things if you go out for the night, do a lot of places, hostels etc have lockers for packs or is that an exception rather than the rule?
oh yeah another thing, what is the best way of getting money when youre abroad? is there any way of using your cashcard to get money without being charged a lot of money by your own bank in britain for the privledge?
ill have to wait til nearer the time so i know howm uch money etc ill have for going so itll probably have to be travels in europe, any suggestions? hopefully me bf will be able to come with me so ive got someone to share the experience with!! thanks for yer advice! oh yeah are you in scotland by any chance? noticed the "wee" coming in a bit hehehe
13-Jan-2005 21:50
missy, you havent said where you are going? In Europe lockers are more common -in the end aside from your camera and your passport what are you taking that you cant bear to lose??
when it comes to cash - spread the risk on cash (just like your belongings) there is a fee for accessing cash and has been for hundreds of years. I found that my ank was cheaper than Traveler Cheq fees in SE Asia - but I did check and compare!
14-Jan-2005 11:43
hiya ally
sorry kinda forgot to say that one!! thinkin bout going to europe, spain or italy probs. aint really taking anythin i dnot wanna lose just be worried about me camera n money really thats all i think.
what do you think the safest option is for taking money, cash or travellers cheques? what is the best and cheapest way of getting money out of your bank while youre away? can you get cashback in places in europe? just wanna be sure before i go off on any travels i wont be donating any of me hard earned money to the banks for the privledge of withdrawing my own money so tips would be welcomed!!
15-Jan-2005 10:33
Hi Ally-
ticket price question.. how do you book a cheap ticket if you're returing in 4 months time? I've looked at some sites and the searches come back with high 300's plus- i then say that i'm leaving april coming back september and the price jumps by£150 or more... I'm fling from london to mexico.
I guess i'd justy like some infor on hwo to play the search engines or whatever is appropriate?
cheers
wil
16-Jan-2005 14:55
Hi all,
One of the most valuable items I took to Russia and China / SW China (Trans-Sib) last year was a 'Point It: Traveller's Language Kit' ... costs about $5 and works in every country on the planet...no need to struggle with a phrasebook (although it's nice for the locals if you make the effort to learn a few words for politeness!)
Crammed with photographs of everything you might ever wish to point at in an effort to make yourself understood in a foreign country, it is also very small and light, ideal for that already overweight rucksack you are taking on your travels...
Imagine a hotel in Gyuiang, SW China. No one speaks English, you;re Madarin is not up to scratch, and you want a double room with a bathroom, containing a shower...well, just point to the pictures and bob's your fathers brother...
Imagine a small bar in Irkutsk, you want a beer and perhaps an omelette with fries...well, just open it up and point to what you want...
Happy Trails
Philip
16-Jan-2005 21:16
deadstone - I was given that as a present lots of fun as the photos are sometimes quite old fashioned
17-Jan-2005 02:18
hey Will -the reason the ticket jums is the peak season thing, If you think thats bad try the same flight fro Dec 23rd - yikes!
Shoulder seasons are best explained by a travel agent but basically try to fly outside northern hemisphere summer and End of Year Christmas!
deadstone - a fab idea but I dont htink I have ever seen one. In Japan - well Japanese restaurants from personal experience they have sample plates of the dinner so you can pick and point, i guess its the same idea gone global!
missjiggy - oops sorry about the bad punctuation. Call your bank find out what surplus fees they charge for Foreign debits from your card - eg My Bank charges AUD $2'50 and Travellers cheqwues cost a lot more than that BUT to confuse things you can shop around fro a better FX rate if you have time. The real tip is some Cheques, some credit card and some cash withdrawals - then you guarantee that you wont get screwed over!
18-Jan-2005 03:34
Hi,
My friend and I have managed to negotiate 4 months off work to go travelling starting early March - starting in India. Neither of us have travelled to India before and are more than a bit nervous about the culture shock. We had originally planned to do a tour with STA/Trailfinders - picking us up from Delhi airport, round the golden triangle and finishing in Nepal so we could do some trekking. The main reason we wanted to do this was that it would be a nice introduction to India without worrying about going solo.
Problem is, having looked at the budgets the £715 (!) for the two week tour is really pushing up the overall budgets...to the point where it is becomming more feasible.
So I guess I have two questions really:
1) How daunting is it going to be for us when we arrive - bearing in mind we are 'newbies'. And would it be simple enough for us to arrange a tour like this when we arrive in Delhi at a cheaper price? Has anyone done this that can recommend a company?
2)Does anyone know of any similar, reliable tours that we could book from the UK that would be cheaper
Really appreciate your help on this one - any advice, really welcomed!!
Thanks,
ACD
18-Jan-2005 05:45
HI
Are you able to help me? I am currently in Glasgow (though can easily fly out from London) and am heading off for a 3 month Europe trip in the first week of March - these are the main places I want to cover, but I can't figure out the best way to cover them:
Egypt
Turkey
Greece
Croatia
Prague
As I am leaving in early March I feel it is best to start geographically lower and work way up but am also on very tight budget and haven't been able to find economic way to begin...
Sorry, know it is a broad question but just need a start destination and route suggestion to get me going, thanks a lot
18-Jan-2005 23:54
OK I spent a lot of time figuroing out the cheapest way to overland out of Turkey - and it was easily by bus. You might want to think about finishing up in Greece or Turkey as you will be right at the start of summer and you can possible get work in a cafe or hostel - just by beong in the right place at the right time with a cheerful helpful attitude???
So why not fly into PRague and then bus it down to Croatia - you really should spend some time ion Bulgaria - even just a few days in Sofia then on to Greece and Turkey - if you are out of $$ skip Egypt and save it for another time or get a job and make Greece or Turkey a working holiday.
I also know that the only way to Egypt from Turkey or Greece is to overland it through Syreia etc or to Fly - if time and money are an issue fly ex Athens as Turkey is relatively expensive to buy flights from!
clear as mud?
19-Jan-2005 14:34
I have a question. I've noticed alot of postings here from people who are doing a RTW trip in say October, and are already booked and everything. How far ahead do you need to book your RTW, especially airline tickets? I am trying to figure on a RTW in probably November, but I won't know if I can go until the earliest in June, and probably not til August. Am I cutting it too close? Why do people book so early?
19-Jan-2005 17:52
up to a point the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket. and seat availability is better, if you are using an agent you can also make draft itineraries and confirm later ! It really is up to you ?
20-Jan-2005 20:43
What is the best way to go about planning your route? I have a general idea of the route I plan to cover country to country wise but when it comes down to the individual country I'm at a loss. I look up in different forums and see there's a lot of popular routes in different countries but when your planning to hit 12 countries its a bit overwhelming. Is it best to simply get to a destination and talk to other travelers there and figure it out as it comes along?
21-Jan-2005 12:57
Hi Ally,
Im new to this forum, and im looking to go on a RTW trip this year, after i graduate, and my key problem is how much will i need (Ball park figure)?
I want to go to Asia 3 months(India, Nepal, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore), Oz 2 months(east coast), New Zealand - 1 month(both islands), Pacific Islands 2 weeks, and the South America 2-3 months (Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador).
I know this seems a pretty diverse trip, but i really need to know wot sort of budget will cope for this trip. I will be staying in budget/backpacker accommodation, travlling overland, eating local foods, etc..
If you could help, i would much appreciate it.
Regards
Jonesy
21-Jan-2005 20:06
I have dual citizenship to Japan and the US and I plan on moving to Japan to try and live there. I don't speak Japanese and I'm wondering what are good jobs to look for, and how to get them. Do you know if it would be easy to teach English without knowing Japanese? heheh
22-Jan-2005 10:10
I've found a very good $ for airfare from San Francisco to Bangkok and return but my problem is how to reduce costs of airfare from Bangkok to Kathmandu.
I've looked at many discount companies but find no one who will sell me a discounted ticket for this flight.
My schedule is fairly rigid so I do not feel that I can take a chance of getting a last minute seat on a Thai Air flight with a ticket purchased at the airport. And, it only saves us $200 per person. If at all possible I want to stay with Star Alliance airlines.
Any ideas.
23-Jan-2005 06:52
Hello
I am looking to fly from Sydney to Bangkok and then from hongkong (or bangkok if departing a different city makes things really expensive) before heading to the states to visit san francisco and boston. I would also really like to visit cuba. On my trip, I intend to stay in each spot around a month or so before finally flying to London to work for a couple of years.
Ive been told the best ticket is a round the work ticket which is expected to cost around AU$3.5k - does this sound about right? what is the best way to include cuba? does anyone have any good ideas on insurance too??
Much appreciated
jac
23-Jan-2005 09:18
JAC_au, you can't fly from inside the US to Cuba. You can go up into Canada or down into Mexico and fly into Cuba from there.
23-Jan-2005 19:19
Ally - when I was looking at Turkey ferries etc there were quite a few going from Israel through Crete to Greece/Turkey - Poseidon Lines did advertise a Haifa - Piraeus trip but their website is now saying services suspended until further notice BUT
Salamis Lines http://www.ferries.gr/salamis/ do a ferry between Athens and Port Said in Egypt
26-Jan-2005 05:53
Here's a newbie question: I want to visit a 4-5 countries, I'm thinking of getting the eurail 17 countries pass for 15 dats, I thought about selectpasses, but with selectpasses, I'm assuming if I take an overnight train then I would already consume 2 days on my pass? If I take selectpass 6 days, then I only get to go on 3 overnight trips? This sounds a bit like a rip off, tell me what you think please?
26-Jan-2005 15:46
kasseo - from memory - it counted until the next day so - also I think if you get on a train after 7.00pm you can travel all the next day as well.
27-Jan-2005 10:25
hi there, i asked you a question which you kindly responded too... however i subsribed to this link at the same time and am now getting lots of interesting but irrelevant messages filling up my mail box (D'Oh!) can you tell me how to unsubsribe- couldn't see anything in the help...
cheers
wil
27-Jan-2005 11:47
Hi Will,
Try going to the 'Today' tab while logged in. There will be a box on the left.
Check the ones you want to unsubscribe to, press the button, et voila!
J
27-Jan-2005 18:08
thanks lizard, I had no idea how to do that!
28-Jan-2005 00:24
Hi Ally,
I will be travelling in Europe later this year. As an Astralian citizen I was going to apply for a Working Holiday Visa, but it turns out I'm too young (17). What are the chances of getting work (for about 2 months) in Spain on just a Tourist Visa? Is it a common practise, and is it very risky? Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
29-Jan-2005 23:18
dear ally
i've beeen reading almost all the posts and i can tell you i'm almost high.for the first time in my life i have the means and the money to be able to travel and now i'm totally lost....i want to see everything,everywhere...
i'm from a third world country-yes,yes they stolle your camera there,sorry about that....and the whole ideea of having a greencard,or better a usa passport is new and exciting to me.i can go anywhere i want without anyone asking me for a visa,isn't that wonderful?and i saved some money too,yeap....
here's my question:considering the fact that i'm too chicken to travel alone and i don't want to go on a guided tour,do you think it will be a good ideea to find a travel partner on this site?any red flags?
thanks
30-Jan-2005 10:15
aloha
got a right newbie question here.
I am a student and really want to travel in the summer, for at least a month but maximum 2 months.
Budget i think would ideally be £2000 for everythin.(would be v. good if less)
My ideal destination would be polynesia, melanesia or micronesia but unfortunately i think it is too expensive.
My only experience of travel has been in fiji , but it wasn't as a backpacker per se, i was always with and stayin with locals.
Anyway question is, where do u reckon a good place to go would be?
I think s.e asia would be a possibility, because it is very cheap but anywhere else? Where in particular ?
Any other travel tips for summer, i notice flight prices seem to rise a hell of a lot after around 20th June but i think ill have to leave later in mid july as i will be working to raise money at the start of summer.
Really want to go to a place with nice beaches, i just like the scenery and sea kayaking, not sunbathing. Also rainforests and islands are always good and definitely culture.
Any ideas?
Would be good to find a cheap place to stay for a couple of weeks by some nice beach , sea kayak, snorkel, basically wander around.
Not in to getting totally wasted at the likes of full moon parties etc, spent a couple of days in fiji among backpacker hostels and it wasn't my scene really.Not that i'm against the odd rave..
oh yeh totally up for camping etc, dont mind not hving hot showers and beds, even a hut would be ok.
31-Jan-2005 13:50
This may be kind of a difficult question to answer, but here goes..
Can someone explain what order and timelines of when and how to plan a RTW trip? not the tiny details, but the major things like booking the flights and getting vaccines, etc. I guess what I'm asking is: What is the order you do things? First you decide where you want to go. What next? Decide what direction and when to go, and book the flights? Get vaccines? Visas? How far ahead of you trip do you need to do these things? Just a simple list really and dates before departure would be great!
02-Feb-2005 04:57
I need that too! Thanks for asking that question, kverenat.
05-Feb-2005 16:12
ok this seems like a really dumb question, but here goes...
I'm looking to travel very light for 4 months, only using a single 30 liter pack. Its not a problem since my planned destinations are N. Africa and the ME, so I can carry minimal clothing. The only real problem Ive encountered is:
Guidebooks. In order to carry guidebooks for all the countries I'm visiting, I'd need to carry another 30 liter bag. What have you done about this? Do you buy the guidebooks as you go? Ive noticed it can be hard to find a good lonely planet book in english when you are off in Timbuktu somewhere....
07-Feb-2005 19:39
Slightly general query but....
Arrived in Oz from the UK in Oct and have travelled down the east coast and some of the south. Was originally on a six month career break from work but have had a road to Damascus-style episode and decided to jack the job in and not go back until end of July and travel home via NZ and perhaps the south Pacific islands.
Anyway, my ticket was a simple UK to Oz return, due to fly back at the very end of March, due to depart Adelaide.
Can I change the departure date as well as departure location? Can I amend in light of proposed plans to fly home via NZ? Can I plain sell the return portion of the ticket? This was booked with a well known company with branches in Oz.
Any help much appreciated
07-Feb-2005 22:23
mmm - in Ally's absence let me see.
To me booking flights asap has always been a priority - even if you don't pay for them straight away - I'm a pay by installments kind of gal.
Then you have a framework to work out visas and vaccinations.
Hint: Work out when you think you are going to be in each spot and then work backwards checking visa and vaccination requirements.
Ie if you need a visa for Vietnam but you wont' be there until 6 months into your trip it might mean getting the visa in a neighbouring country as some countries only let you get a visa a few months/weeks before you visit. Other working visas you can organise a year out.
Similarly a yellow fever vaccination lasts 10 years so you could get it now. But typhoid is 3 years so maybe hold off. I think Hep b is about 2 years.
Clear as mud?
07-Feb-2005 22:24
Pan Olly - can you email the company to see if you can reroute/change dates - I did that with Flight Centre when in China.
17-Feb-2005 06:23
Hi Ally,
do you have any suggestions for me regarding books, literature etc. for planning a RTW trip? I have not yet decided where I want to go exactly and am looking for something that helps me plan my trip in detail.
alex
17-Feb-2005 14:23
While I'm no longer going RTW (decided to limit myself to the US for the 6 months I have), here are a couple of books I found usefull for initial research and my RTW planning:
1. First-Time Around the World, A Rough Guide Special, by Doug Lansky, published by Rough Guides, First Published 2003,
ISBN no: 1-84353-057-0
2. The Virgin Travellers' Handbook, by Tom Giffiths, published by Virgin Books, 2002, ISBN no: 0-7535-0633-5
3. The Gap Year Book, by Charlotte Hindle, Joe Bindloss, Matt Fletchen, Andrew Humphreys, Joshua White, published by Lonely Planet Books, ISBN no: 1-74059-666-8
Hope these help. Found the cost calculations in First-Time Around the World especially helpfull.
18-Feb-2005 10:29
Hello,
I am looking to go travelling this july and august before i start a graduate job in september (GREAT FUN !!!)
and i need to know the best place for cheapish budget (£1000 to £1500 for the 6 weeks), having a laugh (beer and birds), relaxing (beach and superb blue seas) and seeing some different cultures (????).
Im guessing it will probably be best to go to South East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, laos etc...) from reading past entries on the forum, but again i would like to know some opinions on where to go, what to do, how much, etc..
Hope to here from you soon
CJ
20-Feb-2005 22:18
Ally just wondering where is the best place to look for work in london for an aussie traveller
who likes working with others and havin a ball/ Can Speak fluent Spanish. Cheers
21-Feb-2005 00:12
I have another question, I was thinking of doing a rough budget per day while i was travelling so that i do actually make it to the end of my trip.
I'm going to cananda for about a month, the Uk of about 5.5 and then a little travelling through ASIA over about 8 months. How much do you think these places will each cost me per day.
I'm canada I'm staying with a friend the whole time. And doing a bit of travelling in the UK but plan to get a job.
Thanks
21-Feb-2005 11:39
Hey, i am travelling to sri lanka this summer with global crossroad, have you heard of them? do you know if they are a good organisation?
21-Feb-2005 18:07
thanks to dpaj for answering dergruens question
and as alwasy Huzza
Watsgoing on - there is a magazne/web sevice called TNT that is the Backpacker biblein the UK, cheap accomm, cheap trips and JOBS
clare - I descrbe back on Page 3 (approx) of this thread how to estimate your trip cost, the first things you have to do is understand how far you are prepared to rough it? Wil you walk 3 kms with your pack tot he train station? Or will you spend 5 pounds on a Taxi? Then get a guidebook (I recommend LP) and see what ther daily costs are, seriously, go back to my earlier more detailed explanation
Or use the roughguides trip cost calculator!
21-Feb-2005 18:11
essexjonesy - I m not much of a party animal but here is a list of some of big parties:
Carnivle Rio de Janero
Full Moon Thailand
Berlin - dooff dooff party
London - most Friday nights???/
jenren - I dont know them - perhaps you should aske them for a list of References or testimonials.
hey watsgoingon: if you speak spanish I highly recommedn you go and work a bar in Barcelona over summer ! wAY MORE FUN THAN lONDON!
22-Feb-2005 15:18
Hi all,
Ally thanks heaps for this site, obviously I'm a newbie. I'm heading off in about 7 weeks for a rtw trip, my first os trip. I'm starting to get nervous, I think I've got all the big things covered, money, my ticket, places to stay. But there's all those little things that i wont know I've forgotten until it too late. Any suggestions???
Also I;ve just read the whole lot of questions and you said earlier, I think it was page 3 or 4 that you were going to do your version of a "what to take list", just wondering if i missed it? Or if you were still going to do it. As I said I'm starting to get nervous and am never a light packer, would like to be this time and have some different opions of what to take so i can devise my own list.
Thanks again.
CEW
22-Feb-2005 20:13
hi clare
See my general posts around No 50 to 60
here are some links, there was a big debate thread in The Gap Year Branch somewhere that seems to have gone :(
http://www.ibackpack.co.uk/travel-backpacking-list.htm
www.bugeurope.com and also www.bugaustralia.com
My limit for one year was 15 kilograms I have a mroe petite friend who wont leave home with less than 25! The ibackpack list seems exhausting so prune prune prune!
Oh and a practise pack i s great for easing the nerves and building the excitement!
22-Feb-2005 20:56
Thanks heaps Ally.
Another thing is should i join Hostel International? Is there many discounts behind it?
Thanks again
23-Feb-2005 16:18
clare - from memory you can sign up on the spot so dont sweat it! I found it of borderline value but I didnt go to a lot of places where HI was offered, eg Eatern Europe , there is also YHA so check out their member websites and see if there are many match ups to where you plan to go???
24-Feb-2005 13:38
Clare-
HI is fantastic if you want to experience a broad range of accomodation: some hostels are located in turn of the century mansions, and kitted out in splendour, while others make a soviet gulag seem luxurious.
On the packing note, one easy way to cut down on unneccessary eqipment is to write a list of everything you're thinking of taking and crossing off everything you won't be needing every day - everything else, you can pick up as you go along.
Whatever you do, don't worry about the little things. They're what make solo travelling exciting - last time I was in Borneo on my own, without anywhere to stay in a slight state of panic, a street hawker offered to let me stay with him and his family if I helped him out with his stall that night. The experience was fantastic and I got to meet all the locals, in my opinion the best part of travelling!
24-Feb-2005 15:45
Howz about a recommendation for a good consolidator for a R/T ticket from the US to PPT Jan/Feb 2006?
Thanks
24-Feb-2005 18:40
Thanks heaps dpajakob, I'm starting to get to the nervous point of the planning. And it's great to have those things you know reinforced, such as, everything will work out in the end.
I'm counting down, the excitment seems to be taking over the nerves.
24-Feb-2005 20:35
you almost had me bt thanks to google.com I am going to suggest you compare Virgin Airlines to NASA
24-Feb-2005 23:40
Hi Ally. Just posted the following message in this forum, then saw your post, so posting it here as well for your response:
"I don't know if this is the appropriate forum - this is my 1st visit to The Thorn Tree, and just joined.
I'm interested in leaving the USA and travelling indefinitely abroad - anywhere and everywhere. Casino gambling would be my primary interest.
Here is why I question whether I wish to do this:
1) I am not only a non-smoker - I detest the smell of tobacco and hate being around smokers.
I realize that some of the world is slowly developing smoke free laws and smoke free areas of restaurants, trains, hotels, etc.
However , in the USA I can avoid smoke very well - other than my casino time, in which case I try to find the spot with the least smoke and put up with it.
Also, only about 1/3 of the people in the US smoke, so the situation even in casinos is better.
The places I would especially like to travel to are the places where the smoke situation is probably the worst - Africa, Asia, etc.
As mentioned, I can try to put up with it in casinos, but the thought of buses/trains/planes/hotels/restaurants where the majority of people are smoking sounds repulsive.
Have any of you with a similar distaste for tobacco smoke travelled the world?
What have you found re: the situations I describe above?
2) I am also a vegetarian - I eat yogurt, but avoid eggs and most dairy products other than yogurt.
Other than the yogurt, am pretty much a vegan. There are some veg products with casein - a milk protein, or some other dairy related ingredients in them which I will occasionally consume.
I likewise fear traveling in the Africa/Asia and other far reaches of the world as a vegetarian - especially where I don't speak the language and would have a hard time conveying "No animal products. No meat stocks. No chicken stock. No chicken powder" etc. etc.
Likewise eager for comments by other vegetarians who have travelled extensively.
Thanks."
25-Feb-2005 10:59
Cucamonga -
The smoking situation in Asia, although I am a smoker myself, is by far not as serious as you think. Here and there a few people smoke, but in Southeast Asia especially, the tobbacco companies are only slowly embarking on their campaigns. Cosequently, as long as you avoid the packed inner city bars you should be ok.
On the vegetarian/vegan front, I'm afraid you'll have a pretty tough time in Asia, where almost all food is prepared with flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate, a salt reduced from animal stock, steer clear of advertisements of Ajinomoto, the most popular brand.
25-Feb-2005 11:06
Clare -
Where's the RTW Trip taking you? I'm off on the 8th March to spend 6 months in the USA, crossing Arizona on foot among other things (including being a culture-vulture in NY and lazing around on Venice Beach, CA).
I've found that in the more developed countries, outside the US at least, many people are far more suspicious of travellers, and can seem a little unfriendly. A smile and a friendly word go a long way to aleviating this though. To a certain extent this makes leaving the fine details out of your initial planning even more exciting! If you truly are in a spot of trouble though, almost everyone will help.
If you're spending some time in the UK, I've got several friends and family in London and the Southeast if you need a roof for the night.
25-Feb-2005 11:10
Clare -
On the packing front, here's what I'm taking for 6 months trekking in the US. You probs won't need most of the camping gear, but some can come in quite handy.
Equipment Inventory
• Emergency Kit: - Iodine Drops
- Flavour Neutraliser
- Storm Matches
- 15m Paracord
- Survival Tin
• SAS Survival Book
• Maglite: - Torch
- Holster
- Headband
• Inova LED Torch: - Torch
- Holster
• Travel Medical Pack
• Custom Buck Knife
• Sheath Knife
• Katadyn Water-filter
• Platypus 3L
• Multifuel Stove: - Stove
- Pump
- Cleaner
- Maintenance Tool
• Fuel Bottle 0.6L
• Mess Kit: - Pan
- Saucepan
- Pan-handle
• Titanium Mug
• Utensils: - Knife
- Fork
- Spoon
• Pemmican
• Monocular
• Poncho
• Rucksack Liner 80L
• Travel Towel
• Fleece Sleeping Bag
• Terra Nova Jupiter Bivi
26-Feb-2005 19:21
Hey Ally
Just a question about cheap accomodation in the USA
I am visitng NY, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Chicago, LA & San Francisco
Any recomendations on where to stay or tips would be greatly appreciated
Thanks Alex
27-Feb-2005 18:03
Cucamonga - re the smoking, I too am a smoker but a few comments; if you have breathing problems generally be warned that air pollution in big cities like Bangkok and Kolkata you will suffer from air pollution from cars, in SE Asia many places that I sat were half outside so it is very different to sitting in a western bar. On the veggie side of things you will inevitably be served food that is not vegan. There are many vegetarian places who will also serve meat so you may get meat flavours from cross over in cooking. I thnk the problem is that you want people in a very different place to cater for people with completely different needss/values/lifesstyles.
So for example even though I smoke, I live in a country that is fairly intolerant of smoking so my house is non-smoking for the benefit of visitors. Or In Vietnam for example a man saw me put my cigarette out and pick up the butt to put in my remote ashtray that I carry, he came over and was trying to actually grab the butt to put it where it belonged: On the street, with no common langage he thought I was insane for collecting my butts - and I struggled to explain the idea of littering is bad mmmkay!
For other smokers, an empty film case makes an excellent portable ashtray!
27-Feb-2005 19:06
Marrickville Council actually supply "The Watershed" canisters for us smokers
27-Feb-2005 20:49
Hey dpajakob,
My Trip starts on the 19th of April, first I'm heading to Cairns, far nth QLD, for a couple of weeks, I'm going to Halifax, canada for about a month to stay with a mate and then on to Europe for about 5 1/2 mths dont' know exactly where I'm staying or what i'm doing but I'm sure it'll all get sorted out. For the first week I'm staying with some friends and then I'm doing a contiki tour. After europe I'm on to Thailand and Vietnam for about 2 months and then home.
I'm so excited. Getting a bit nervous but it's all part of it.
I'm starting to organise that to pack etc and all that.
As well as all this before I leave I'm doing a 10 day bush walk through the Alpine National Park which I'm helping organise.
So I've got a bit on.
06-Mar-2005 18:39
Hi there,
My boyfriend & I are toying with the idea of getting a one way ticket to London. We're travelling on Australian passports, does anyone forsee potential trouble in getting into the UK on a oneway ticket? The plan is to hang out in Europe for a few months, then make our way overland to India and get a flight home from there.
Any advice is much appreciated,
thanks
Kate
07-Mar-2005 15:31
dahl - if you like I can send you the phone number of my cousin (Australian) who arrived with a oneway ticket and got put straight on a plane back to Aus????
True Story
07-Mar-2005 16:06
dahl, I was trying not to offer specific advice and just scare the bejeesus out of you there! Simply because I dont want to say anything that could lead you up the garden path.
What is the cost difference on a Return Tick? even though you probably wont need to use it! (IF YOU HAVE A 2 YEAR whv)
Things may be different if you arrive in mainland Europe and take a train in, then again they may not!
hings may be different if you have a receipt for a cheap onward ticket with easy jet to Europe etc
Then again noe of these things may be sufficient.
My cousin was in transit for over 70 hours - and ended up back in Aus, all because his onward ticket to Canada was sitting on a dressing table in suburban London while his mate was at work! HE HAD POPPED HOME FOR cHRISTMAS BEFORE RETURNIG TO lONDon to resume his travels.
Oh and guess who paid for the Full are one way ticket to Aus ???
07-Mar-2005 18:32
OK, I need help deciding what to do. :) Here goes - I'm about to start a big ATW journey and am indecisive as to where to start. I want to see so much, and I know I have time to go many places... there's just so much to see it's hard to pick the beginning! =) Things to note: I am in Seattle at the moment. I have been saving for 4 years for this trip, have no idea how long I'll be gone (1 year, 3 years, 8??), and will be on a BUDGET (like everyone else I'm sure).
I have narrowed it down to two options:
1.) Start either in Tokyo or Beijing...either way going to Beijing
fairly soon after Japan if I do go there first. (flight prices have a
lot to do with this). From Beijing take the railroad to Ulaan Baatar
and spend the summer in Mongolia. Then, take the train back to
Shanghai where I can visit a friend toward the end of summer or early
fall. From there go down to SE Asia, Bhutan, Nepal, etc.
I haven't found any major deals yet for this option.
2.) Start in Fiji or Cook Islands and then go to New Zealand and ski
for the winter. ($325, round trip New Zealand air special that I can get thru work).
From there fly up to Asia. OR, conversely to Australia where
I could buy a car or motorcycle, drive across to Perth, surf a bit,
sell the car/motorcycle, and then fly to S. Africa, and then head
north from there. (Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Seychelles, India/or SE Asia,
Bhutan, Nepal, etc.) Do the Trans-Siberian later, in its entirety.
Two totally different options. Much will depend on price… that $325
option (2) is REALLY hard to pass up. I would love to hang out in
Mongolia for the summer. However, such a CHEAP deal to Fiji
is, again, incredibly hard to pass up… =) I could get to Mongolia
next summer… hmm….
Now, I know the standard advice so don't waste your breath. ;) "go
where you really want to go, price shouldn't matter, what do you
really want to do, blah blah blah"… I'm just daydreaming here and it
makes me happy. I'm curious to other's opinions who might have been to some if not all
of the above places.
thanks! =)
07-Mar-2005 18:34
Lordy what a nightmare!
2 out of 3 travel agents also advised against this so I spose we better play it safe. We don't have a WHV, we're just spending a week or so in London to visit friends & 'lations before heading east.
Thanks, I think we'll get RTW tickets instead now.
08-Mar-2005 15:51
moonie - now remember I am an Australian before taking this too seriously but my advice is this; go to places that you cant go to on a fortnight's holiday when you are 50+ years old! Aus, NZ, Japan, and for me the USA are all things I can do as an old biddy or on a short break
. Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal all need a lot of time so a work break is almost compulsoy so time is your big issue with these options! New Zealand will still look like NZ in 10 years time, Bhutan is about to open up to the world and will change in ways we cant imagine.
When I went RTW I spent too much time/money in Europe!
09-Mar-2005 11:48
Hi Ally,
sorry if im asking a question thats been asked before, but i couldnt see a post relating to my problem : )
More humble apologies for being a bit stupid : (
Me and the bloke are off on a year'ish RTW but were winging it. WEve just read the rough guide 'First time round the world', Am i right in assuming that to overcome the 'proof of onward travel' thing, Its ok to buy any old flight to anywhere ticket, prior to entering the country, then getting a refund for it once your over the boarder?( i.e. in china, buy a ticket for a flight :Hanoi to anywhere, then when in Hanoi,cash it in )Were going to cross most boarders by land(SEA ans SA) and just wondered what was the most common/least hassle way of telling 'lies'to the boarder guards : )
thanks for any help : )
09-Mar-2005 14:42
gailk - hi, when I traveleld overland through SE Asia - I never had to show my onward ticket, at land borders. I flew in through Bangkok and was asked to show my tiket once of many times flying in to Bangkok!
China - I am not so sure as I have only flown there on business, that said I am going to be REALLY careful (see post 261) and say that your plan seems sensible. You may not have to do it each time you enter and leave. If you have a ticket from Beijing to Home that may be enough to allow you to enter Vietnam in Cambodia?
That way you lose less in fees!
09-Mar-2005 18:01
I heard the other day about an interesting book club. I love to read but figure it's impracticle to carry as many books as I'll want for my trip. So a friend told me that there is this book club, she thinks it's called the "lost books club."
And pretty much from what i heard about it was... People have their favorite books that they leave on park benches or trains etc for others to pick up. I just wanted to find out more about it.
if anyone knows any more info i'd love to hear it. Apparently they have a web site aswel, but i can't find it because my friend wasn't exactly sure of the name.
Thanks
09-Mar-2005 18:32
thanks Ally, our plan is to fly in to Beijing fron USA, then overland thro Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, then fly to India before, after eventually running out of cash, flying back to the UK from India. So no RTW ticket, and no double backs, and no fixed timetable. If were likely to be charged for cancelling tickets it could get pricey.Is it common to get penalties on more expensive one way international flights, cancelled very quickly after purchase? Like, if i was entering Laos from Thailand, but had a air ticket from India to Uk, dated 3 months in the future , would that be seen as evidence of onward travel? or does the ticket have to be for leaving the country your entering ?
Our time scale isnt so fixed, that a delay to buy an unwanted ticket, would be a problem. But if your at a land boarder and the nearest ticket agent/internet cafe is 100 miles away, thats just gona be a pain in the arse!
for the sake of buying an unwanted ticket at the same time your sorting out the visa, then cashing it in with no penalty(if posssible ) 3 days later, seems it may, possibly save us some hassle.
Or maybe im just totally paranoid and will return home in 15 months time having purchased 20 unwanted tickets, lost £200 in cancelling them , and never once been asked to produce even one of them, at any time :(
Sounds like a great plan, I cant wait to go :)
09-Mar-2005 19:21
Dear ally :)
this is a cool thread you started here but i'll keep the flattery minimal!
ok, i'll try to keep this short! i only recently decided that globe trotting is somthing i wanna do, so for the next year or so, i will continue working, saving up for my travel! i have never travelled before, and only been on a plane once(sad but true). i have read most all the posts in this thread(took a while) and all it has done was made me aware that it will not be as easy as i first thought! all this talk about money and proof of onward travel, iteniraries, is all new to me! so anways on to a few questions i would love if you could maybe expalin, answer, or generally share your infinite travel knowledge. i'm from canada by the way!
first one is with all this talk about planning! do i have to?? i dont know where and when i wanna go, i just kinda wanna "go with the flow" but gathering from other posts, this is more costly right? like how detailed of a plan do i need? my only time limit will be personal funding! the only thing i know is i wanna see as much of the world as possible, and stretch my money as far as possible! and stay longer in places i take a fancy to!
sorry if these questions sound very uneducated, but when it comes to any type of travel i am! ok second, i saw your post on how to figure out a close budget estimate, but i don't have a plan, so it's kinda hard to do that, could you just maybe give me a ball park? i mean you traveled around the world, you must have some general figure that a person would need! lets say for 1 to 1 1/2 year of travel (if possible could you let me know in canadian dollars?? so i don't have to scour the web in search of currency exchanges:)
this question is off topic a bit, but i figure i'll probably be here for a good 10 months saving up, and in that time i'd like to learn spanish, however my job doesn't allow for me to take classes on a regular basis! any ideas on how to learn as much spanish i can before i go?? do those audio cd's work any good? do you know?
what about working over seas? do you recommend maybe getting that english teaching certificate (TESOL or whatever it is), are jobs easy to get? i have my class 1 license, could i drive truck over seas?? can i even work in a foreign country??
anyways thats all i can think of for now! thanks for reading all this if you did lol, sorry about the length, any comments would be much appreciated!! have a nice day
09-Mar-2005 19:26
oh, i thought of one more! all this talk about plane tickets and what not, what about those sail boats, skipper looking for crew to share costs type of things? are those good to travel from one country to another? or is it just more for the adventure of sailing. you know what i'm talking about? i love you for starting this thread!! i'm a lost lil puppy
10-Mar-2005 05:03
Single female ( 29) looking to island hop in Greece. I have 2 weeks beginning at the end of May...What are the best islands, I was going to fly to Santorinni and begin there, I am not that much of a partier, but rather into beautiful beaches, culture, and exploring...I must end up in Athens to fly home....Can you please help.
Will I be just avioding the crazy high seasons for travelers? I thought this would be the best time to go?
Please give suggestions as well as cheap hotels/hostals on each island....
10-Mar-2005 08:10
A really good, and easy to remember currency converter site is
www.xe.com
it does any currency to any currency if you click on 'click for more currencies'
If i can use it it must be simple : )
10-Mar-2005 15:23
gailk, picking up books is dead easy - you can trade them pretty much anywhere - with other travellers,in second hand bookshops and in guesthouse/hostel libraries.
hey jr, this thread aint cool, its travel that is cool, I like your idea of just winging it, this thread is all about answering specific planning questions so if it seems like a trip is all about planning dont panic! What you need to realise is that with less plannng you will chew up time and some money. But that is not the end of the world.
Remember that even with your whole life you will nothave enough time to see everything so start thinking about what it is you want to see before you die, then also what you need more time to do, (eg it is really hard to fit a hiking trip throgh Nepal in two weeks - altitude problems etc) and what you cant do when you are older - eg I would love to drive across North America but I am happy to do that when I am 60???
as for a budget - it really is impossible - here are some things that have a big variation just for me, off the top of my head,
I went to Paris ,
I smoke,
I travelled in 2001,
I am a female so I spent more on accomm sometimes, due to 'safety' issues in some places,
I had a film camera so I had to buy film
I didnt have a digital camera so I spent less time in internett cafes
I turned 30 whie I was on the road so I spent US $90 on a four star room for the night
At some point you do need to make some choices, even as vague as Africa first or Asia???? once you have some ideas of what you wnat to see - have a crack at a costing, even just on daily budgets by continent + Plane Ticket + Insurance (eg RTW ticket AUD $2,800 + Insureance $800 + 365 days in Asia at an average of $15 per day + a fudge factor)
It really isnt possible for me to give you a number, in addition to the above also because I cant remember exactly how much I spent. If you want to wing it - then my tip is to wing it good and proper and just save as much as you can and head off??????
gailk - thanks for the website, jr you are going to have to get good at currency conversions so now is a good time to start????
Mariesa - I am not much of a party scene person either , but sorry I havent been to greece but i have read the novel Captain Correli's Mandolin and that 'real" island sounded lovely and more my style , and also I looked at the islands right up on the north east side of Greece - there are some ancient cliff top monasteries that look beautiful, the nearest mainland town is Thessalonoki(sp?) good luck
10-Mar-2005 20:28
Mariesa - Ally is lying she is the original party animal
Look santorini is beautiful - the beaches are black sand but you get used to it. THe place took my breath away and I was there in May/June PERFECT timing.
I also went to Samos and Rhodes which are different but worth a look - note that not all ferries are running then - Santorini and the other Cyclades will be ok but getting linke betwen them and Rhodes is impossible - I ended up flying.
I really wanted to see Folengandros - see if you can get there it's supposed to be WONDERFUL
13-Mar-2005 16:02
in and jr venne - there is a boating branch here on the thorn tree , pop in there and have a browse
13-Mar-2005 21:05
Help!!!
Here's the situation. I am traveling to Mexico on April the 15th and intend to spend about three months exploring the country. I would like to start from Cancun.
Since in US we only have 2 weeks of vacation time from the "corporate slavery" we call work, I know that I would have to leave my job in order to travel for 3 months in Mexico. So, I read my company's "employee handbook" and found out that the only way I can have this much time off from work is to take what's called an Emergency Leave of Absence. Now, I would have to be either sick, or to care of a sick family member in order to qualify for this leave. I am trying to see if my mom can get a letter from her doctor stating that she's sick and unable to care for herself and that she needs a caregiver for 3 months.
If she can't get this, I will have to see if I can find a doctor in Cancun who will give me an official document stating that I'm very sick and can't go back to work for another 3 months.
So does anyone know if I can easily get this from a Mexican doctors? What would I have to do? Bribe them? Do you know of any doctors in Cancun? Is there another solution to this?
Thank you!
Ay
14-Mar-2005 15:35
Hi Ay, my advice is to be honest. With your plan you might be found out and then you get fired and no reference - which makes job hunting so much harder! If you are honest you MIGHT get a sympathetic ear then again you may not have a job held open for you when you return?
There are many companies in the USA that support extended leave for example Nike or NCR - go and do some research in advance on more progressive human resources policies in the USA and go in with a list of reasons why it is a good thing for your employer to keep a job open for you, and even to change their policy. eg
- a spanish speaking staff member with knowledge of one of the nearest markets to the USA.
- the training they have already invested in you
- able to attract better calibre staff in the future with a 21st century leave policy
Note that this will be a tight timeframe for the employer if you plan to leave in less than 4weeks. so maybe offer a flexible departure date - eg to train a temporary replacement.
Goodluck and I would love to hear some feedback on what yudecide to do!
15-Mar-2005 16:02
Greetings all,
I'm taking a trip in two days to Italy from the US. I cant quite figure out the best way to take funds over to Rome. I originally planned to take some Euros in cash, some USD, a portion in travelers checks and a credit card as backup. I watch the currency rates on www.oanda.com and the dollar is steadily slipping further south. Would I be better off to just convert a larger portion of my USD to Euro and use my credit card as backup? I also heard you can buy Euro travelers checks and take the hit to convert upfront in US instead of in the US and overseas when they convert the US travelers check. Any help that you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks to everyone.
15-Mar-2005 16:42
hiya cid - yippppeee Italy is fabulous. Are you going to Verona? Please try and get there it is beautiful - I like your spread the risk strategy. But I can share your pain abot a sliding dollar. When I went travelling for a year the Aussie dollar lost 20% of its value 6 weeks after I left - and yep all my cash was electronic!
That said if you can forecast what happens to any currency in the future you might want to think about a career change - a handyman can make a lot more money predicting FX than fixing a door! My tip is dont sweat it - spread the risk and enjoy your travels.
By spreading the risk yoou wont get stung too badly no matter what happens!
15-Mar-2005 16:42
hiya cid - yippppeee Italy is fabulous. Are you going to Verona? Please try and get there it is beautiful - I like your spread the risk strategy. But I can share your pain abot a sliding dollar. When I went travelling for a year the Aussie dollar lost 20% of its value 6 weeks after I left - and yep all my cash was electronic!
That said if you can forecast what happens to any currency in the future you might want to think about a career change - a handyman can make a lot more money predicting FX than fixing a door! My tip is dont sweat it - spread the risk and enjoy your travels.
By spreading the risk yoou wont get stung too badly no matter what happens!
15-Mar-2005 18:22
ok my friend and i are taking a roadtrip to california we dont have much money so can you give us some advice we'd really appreciate it
15-Mar-2005 18:48
Ummm that is tricky, I am not sure exactly what you need to know - if it is info about california then erhaps the USA branch will be more useful especally sine i have never been to the states!
25-Mar-2005 19:00
Hi - Can you think a really great place to go January-ish? I was thinking New Zealand but it'll be swarming with tourists that time of year. Any good ideas? I think I'll be gone around 4-6 weeks. Thanks!!!
26-Mar-2005 08:49
Ally,
I am planning a trip to India in 2 weeks! and need to get travel insurance. Any experience with good coverage/prices and those that cover accidents while participating in "high risk activities" such as trekking in the Himalayas? I'm afraid that will fall under mountain climbing...
I do not need to worry about trip cancellation.
Thanks for your advice!
Lauren
27-Mar-2005 19:52
Hey Ally Im back!!!! I had a great time in Rome. I actually did pretty well with my strategy. I took about 500 photos and uploaded to my laptop. I didnt spend nearly as much on souvenirs as I thought I would. My credit card and USD went untouched. The Euro travelers checks were the best thing I could have purchased. I didnt make it to Verona but I did take a sidetrip to Florence Italy by train, that was way cool!! Michaelangelos "David" is extraordinary in person. The Colosseum is breathtakin in its size and construction. To think this was built without modern day mechanical equipment is a feat in itself. I would highly recommend Rome to anyone but be careful of pickpockets in the flea markets. Big husky men were even carrying their backpacks to the front to avoid getting nicked.
I will keep that currency forecasting career in mind as a backup if my repair work slows down.
Thanks for your help!
28-Mar-2005 16:28
jan - in January the equator will be full of peopel from the Northern Hemisphere fleeing the cold weather. In Aus and NZ people are taking their summer holidays.. So to avoid the crowds why not go somewhere like Paris? or even provincial France? It will be cheap and if you like museums then you will not be too cold. Yes it will be cold but if crowds bother you then head to the off seasons!
That said a crowded NZ will still be quieter than say Bangkok during the off season! So I wouldnt exclude NZ
lrn - good question, I have used Covermore in Australia but I never bothered getting coverage for scuba diving. (they were good for a theft claim and some minor medical stuff) I am wondering if you can also do one of these things:
a) go to a hiking shop and chat to the staff about what they do
b) skip insurance for the extreme stuff and put aside say US $5,000 for an emergency and leave it with someone trustworthy at home - this may be enough to get you flown to Bangkok or Singapore and then flown 'home" in case of an emergency
c) get specific with the walking trails and call the insurance company and say "Hey if I am doing only the Anapurna Circuit (for example) will that be classed as walking or mountaneering! Then ask them to confirm in wiriting and ask what if any premium they may charge!
Would love to hear back about what you find.
Welcome home cid - glad you had fun, Italy is truly one of the most beautiful places and Rome is a wonder! Did you wander around the Trastevere area? David's hands really blew me away - now for a handy qustion? My rented house has a sliding internal door and the runners int o grooved thingy at the top have lost their rubber meaning that it squeaks like hell when I slide it across. Since the landlord is a waste of time and effort to talk to - can you suggest a cheap and easy way to fix it?
31-Mar-2005 13:52
Ummmm okay so I really hope this isn't a too general question.... but about how much does a RTW tickets cost in USD if you are stopping in approximately 7 countries. I looked at the sites for one world and star alliance and they said a bunch of stuff - but no where was there an estimated price (at least no where that i could find). I just want to get a rough estimate so I can start dreaming about my year inbetween ungrad and grad :)
31-Mar-2005 15:35
hiya Elbee - web sites are notorious for not quoting ticket prices! being in Aus I will give you my rough guess - 4 continents AUD $2000 plus say AUD $500 in taxes so all up in USD $1950 approx!
Now get saving!
01-Apr-2005 07:38
I am starting to plan for a "mini" Round the World trip for 2 months over the summer.
Need help! Not sure how to start
Essentially, not sure where to start looking for best prices. It seem every airline has deals with different permutations of packages, and they range so much. Ideally, I would like to pay $1600 - $2300 for the ticket - is this possible?
I can fly out of US East Coast(NYC/Boston/NWK) or even from London/Frankfurt, if it is cheaper. I have already traveled a lot in Western Europe and Asia, so have travel experience. However, I have never purchased RTW ticket .
Basically, I started making out a list of places we would love to go to and of course, know we can't do all in 2 months. But base on these places, I would like to find the most affordable RTW ticket price even if we only go to 5 out of the 13 locations on the list. The places with an asterisk * are higher preferences . As long as we can fit 2 KEY locations with asterisks, along with other NON-KEY locations we will be happy. We can even rail the places, if need be.
Can anyone advise?
Places I want to go (anywhere from 4-6 places is good, with 1-2 locations with asterisks *)
1. South AFrica (Capetown) *
2. Morocco *
3. Egypt
4. Budapest or Turkey
5. Russia (St Petersburg or Moscow) *
6. China (Xian) *
7. Vietnam *
8. Australia
9. New Zealand *
10. Hawaii
11. Argentina *
12. Uruguay
13. Southern Spain
I have contacted 2 RTW travel agencies online and it seem tough for them to price out most affordable fare - they look at the list and will give me an outrageous cost of $XX for all the places on the list, but the only option they will offer, is if I took out AUS/NZ, it will save this much.
I'm looking for more help than that, telling me the best route. For example, I want advice with hypothetical scenarios like:
"If you take this route, it will be the most affordable covering 4 of your places
NYC->Buenas Aires-Morocco-China-Vietnam-NYC, that will be your best deal at $$"
"However, if you start from London->Spain->Morocco->Cape Town->Buenas Aires->NYC" it will be the same cost as above"
"If you want to add Moscow, it will add a whipping $800 to the fare"
"If you want to add Budapest, it will add only $100 to the fare, so may be worth it"
I know I am probably asking for too much , so I'm hoping some past travelers can help out.
01-Apr-2005 19:08
Yeah, I checked out the flea market on day two of my visit. The trams take you most places with ease. I found it easier to hop the trams or the subway and avoid the hectic drivers on the roadways. Trastavere was cool from the standpoint of being easy to get to. The booths get pretty repetitive after a while. You can start to count all the leather shops and used clothing vendors after a while. A pretty common ploy to pickpocket tourists is for a child to cut you off abruptly to check out a merchants wares and then in the process lift your wallet when you are off guard. I was fortunate to not have it happen to me, but even the housekeeper warned of pickpockets. I saw grown men with their backpacks to the front and women clutching their purses with a death grip.
Davids hands were amazing. The level of detail as a whole is extraordinary. I can't believe that Michangelo spent 2-1/2 years on "David" and didnt show anyone until it was done. To think he used a piece of used stone with a hole in it to create such a masterpiece. When you see his other unfinished pieces and study the chisel marks you really appreciate the effort that goes into sculpting even the most mundane in this medium.
Now on to your door question. I can't tell if the door you have is a sliding pocket door (goes into the wall and disappears completely), a sliding glass patio door on aluminum tracks in the floor and ceiling, or a simple closet door with hardware from above that rides on aluminum tracks. What I can tell you is a fairly generic fix for all of the above. First off, try to spray a light oil on the center of the tracks where the rollers travel. Push and pull the door back and forth to allow it to penetrate. This may solve the problem. Take note if the door is easy to move in certain directions and meets resistance in other positions. The cause of this could be due to loose hardware catching on a portion of the track or worn out roller guides which are not rolling smoothly and hanging up, hence causing the squeaking and rough operation. If the oil doesnt work, remove the door and check all hardware for tightness.
Try the oil or WD-40 whatever you have on hand first. If that doesnt work let me know and I will walk you through how to fix them.
So tell me, what are you up to now? Planning any new trips for the summer?
03-Apr-2005 17:14
kitty - travel agents often need to be walked through the decision making process. Try coming up with 4 complete itineraries and getting a price for each of them.
How about:
A
13. Southern Spain (7)
And
2. Morocco * (12)
And
3. Egypt (12)
And
4. Turkey (10)
And
6. China (Xian) (10)
And
10. Hawaii (5)
This route keeps you in a straight line, cuts down the number of stops and is IMO a MUCH MUCH more reasonable number of p laces to go in 2 months, think abouot it 60 days will include 7 days of flying! So I have put the number of days in each place as a suggestion:
If you dont like that route try another one and if you add Sth America cut Asia or Africa etc etc!
03-Apr-2005 17:20
thanks cid, I will try the simple option first - btw this is the type of door I have:
Quote
or a simple closet door with hardware from above that rides on aluminum tracks.
I think t he only oil i have in the house at the moment is olive oil so I shall get something a little more err handy and have a go at tightening everythin up!
As for trips it is a little complicated this year. The boyfriend is from the UK and hasnt spent CHristmas with the family for 5 years so we will be heading there this year, as it is a t 24 hour trip each way that will take up most of our annual leave so last night we were talking about doing a mid year escape from the Aus winter and keeping it short and cheap so Fiji or North Queensland are on the top o the list!
I will let you know how the oil goes!
A
04-Apr-2005 07:54
Hey Ally
Good effort on this thread! It's impressive!
Somewhere in here you mention the RTW ticket you got, but I can't find it again. One company you mention is Star Alliance, but what was the other one?
Cheers.
04-Apr-2005 16:45
hiya mdc - thanks did you notice that this thread is nearly 2 years old! Star Alliance is one group of airliines and the other one is One World
04-Apr-2005 16:46
oh and one other thing re the alliance programmes is that Star Alliance runs on total kilometres travelled while One World is more about number of stops, both need you to keep flying in much the same direction rather than flitting from here to there!
05-Apr-2005 08:31
Hi Ally.
Try to post this with you instead.
Im travlling with a baby(8 weeks today) and want to go to Fiji, Samoa, Bali, Bangkok,Kathmandu, but im not sure where i can get tickets that fit this route. Is it even possible? The norwegain places that does RWT can not help me, but maybe they can somewhere else? Maybe you coulde be so kind and suggest an similar routethat will work with RWT pass?
As far as i know, all thees places are recond as safe for women to travel, is that correct?
Sorry my bad english!
And thank you
05-Apr-2005 09:11
hi ally
Hoping you can help me with a ticket and RWT route issue.
Im planing my first long trip out of Europe, and i have a problem with putting together a good route.
The places i want to go is Fiji, Samoa, Bali, Thailand, Kathmandu. Been in contact with norwegain RWT operators and they can not give me much advice on how i can get to theese places easiest and cheapest.
As far as i know, and have been told, these destinations are recond as safe places for a women to travel to, is this right in youre opinion?
Im travlling with baby.
sorry my bad english! and thank you
05-Apr-2005 18:21
hiya sieren - your English is perfect I understand your post and your dilemma:
As I mentioned at post 294 there are two groups of airlines One World and Star Alliance, I have experience with OneWorld only (that includes Qantas, British Airways, and a lot of other national airlines) so I think I understand your problem.
RTW tickets have a lot of rules - in one world for example there are only a certain number of stops (or journey legs) per Continent - so for your starting in Norway you would maybe have 2 stops
Oslo
Amsterdam (eg a BIG airport)
That is two stops plus two more to get home = 4.
Everywhere else you have as stops are in either
Asia (Bali, Bangkok, Kathmndu)
Oceania (Fiji, Samoa)
Plus you will have to fly through North America to get home- otherwise it is not a RTW ticket!
The trick is to find out which RTW programme has the very remote places included and try to go with them.
In this case getting to Bangkok will be easy as it is a BIG airport but Samoa and Kathmandu will be hard! So Like I said above in 291 make a simple plan ticket and get a quote on thata and ask for a separate quote for the hard places to get to.
So Oslo ---> Amsterdam (or London) ---> Bangkok -----> Denpasar in Bali ----> Suva in Fiji (via Sydney or Wellington) then USA then Amsterdam (or London) then Oslo
I think travelling with a baby willl be a difficult experience but well worth it. Some things to think of:
1) Long flights - babies have special needs when flying - they dehydrate very quickly and sometimes their ears hurt if they cant 'pop' their ears - Maureen Wheeler has a book on travelling with children so maybe read that
2) Some airlines have an inflight Nanny - eg Gulf Air - so try and find out which airlines offer this service - especially if you are travelling alone?
3) RTW - will be a lot of travel time for you both so have lots of rest days before and after flying
4) You might want to not buy a RTW ticket and fly Oslo to Bangkok with a Nanny airline and then buy all your tickets separately
4) Try and avoid a RTW ticket that flies you through the USA - the security is a very big challenge - I heard o one family where the adults were made to wait for minutes after their children were screened before they were allowed through the security check - so their were 3 very scared and unsupervised children on one side of the barrier and 2 very angry parents stuck ont he other side. try Canada instead.
On a more general comment you might want to stay put and visit fewer places to make the trip more relaxing???
I saw lots of western babies travelling in SE Asia and they were treated very well by locals (I especially remember in Vietnam and India - so I think you will be fine!)
06-Apr-2005 03:53
OK another newbie here (3 posts so far) My question is how easy is it to change reservation dates in hostels/hotels. I'm going to be travelling in the peak summer season & theres a possibility some of my dates might change slightly. How much notice would I need to give? Is there a good change I won't be able to add days if I'm leaving it to the last minute? BTW I would have asked the hostel I'm looking at staying at but I can't seem to find a "contact us" type of link on their website.
06-Apr-2005 08:47
hi, i have never travelled abroad before. i am a british citizen with a current passport and have just split up with my partner and decided to hand in my notice at work. what i would like to do is just travel around europe a little bit for a few weeks. i would like to go this friday 8th april. i have a question which might appear dumb, but please help if you can.
i don't really want to plan my travelling too much, money is fortunately not really an issue for a month or so of travelling so....
1. can i "just" go to an airport look at what flights are available ask about availability, pay cash and just jump on? (i talk about flights to other EU countries where i don't need a visa etc.)
i know i might run the risk of all flights being fully booked or something but i am prepared to take pot luck and travel leaving it to lady luck.
thanks for any replies.
06-Apr-2005 16:49
Ally,
Since dorms seem to be the cheapest accomodation option in a lot of places (my destinations are Russia, Mongolia and China), I have some questions related to dorms and security:
- Can I just leave my backpack alone in the dormatory during the day? Do I need a chain and padlock to secure it somewhere?
- Do I need to lock all or some of the compartements of my pack when I leave it alone in the dorm? What is the best way do this with a normal backpack? Is there a big risk it will be cut open?
- What about the nights? Same security measures, or more relaxed? What to do with valuables such as wallet, moneybelt, digital camera...?
- Anything else I should know?
And finally:
- What about the social aspect of the dormatory? Are they a good way to meet fellow travelers and fill evenings in sleepy cities with a good story? Or are they just noisy...?
Thanks,
Tim
06-Apr-2005 17:19
speckster, if it is peak season then I think you should just wing it! That may sound crazy but basically - If you have booked a week in Hostel X from the 12th to the 19th you wont know - if /what to change until the 10th - so ing on the 10th and see what happens ??? I think leaving room for misadventure is the best way to have an adventure! Worst case you will change hostels......This is why I rant on and on about packing light!
06-Apr-2005 17:28
Ont he Spur - YES YOU CAN go go go! Your biggest dilemma will be - which airport to go to? Luton? Heathrow (God T3 sucks) ? If money is not a problem and you arent hung up on one destination then I say just go go go!
My only tip would be get to the airport early, that way even if you have to wait 5 hours for a flight you will still arrive in daylight at your unknown destination! This would explain why the bookshops in airports sell guidebooks!
I am excited for you!
duplix give me 5 min to ind the answer to your ? ina nearlier post and I will repost it here!
06-Apr-2005 18:00
duplix - earlier in this post I talked about security in post 81, 128, 143 so have a click through this thread (if you have fast net connection try to click on show all)
08-Apr-2005 10:33
Ally,
You are wonderful!
My question is:
If I have 6 mo to travel, which region is cheaper to travel in, South America or Southeast Asia (inc. India, Nepal)?
Thanks.
08-Apr-2005 23:38
hey thanks for the reply Ally you make a good point
10-Apr-2005 09:55
Hi Ally! I need your help. I want to go travelling in Europe Feb time next year for 6 mths or so. Im a female travelling on my own and would like to start in France/Germany travelling through eastern EU, and if money allows i would like to end up in Western EU. Ive never had the chance to do anything like this before and am really looking forward to it. However, its all a bit daunting and i would really appreciate some advice!
1. Is it ok for me to go solo or would it be better to find someone like minded (from this forum maybe?)
2. Roughly, how much of a budget do you think il need if doing it as cheaply as poss. Il be travelling by train.
3. Is it worth booking my train pass before i go, or just sorting it out when im in a paticular place? I dont want to be held to ransom about where and when il be some place, but i dont want it to cost the earth either.
I would appreciate any advice.
From a very green new friend!
10-Apr-2005 17:04
filaki - I havent been to Sth America but I believe SE Asia is the cheapest destination to go, thatsaid if you have spent 2 years learning Spanish and you are a big fan of Inca history then you pobably should go to South America???
specky - no troubles
looby -
1, I am a big fan of going alone - you will meet up with people along the way - not every day but if you pit yoursef out there and stay in hostels you wot be alone all the time.
2. I talked about this at length on page 2 (?) in this thread - pop back and grab the notes
3 Grab a Eurail pass as it is cheaper but it doesnt cover eastern europe from memory so you will simply pick up a ticket as you go, for the maybe western europe part - that is going to be tough - wait until closer to the date and then figure out if you will be travelling through Western Europe much? If so then book a pass - you still have flexibility on destinations and dates - butyou save $$$ especially if you are under a certain age (25 I think) if you just want to do one or twoos top offs in say Munich and Paris then you will be better off buying as you need!
A
11-Apr-2005 03:52
Sorry to intrude on your thread ally!
but you can travel eastern europe via rail - click here for the link for all of the zones and prices avilable!
Hope this helps a little.
Lisa
11-Apr-2005 10:45
Ally - Thanks for replying, i think i will prefer going alone. I will be 26 by the time i go so i will miss the rail discount. Bum!
Lisa - Cheers for the link, its made life a bit easier now!
Thanks again, Looby.
11-Apr-2005 17:37
Lisa Lou - I wasnt clear in my reply - A rail pass is a discounted youth train ticket that lets you travel around western europe for much lower prices. I took many trains in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria but I didnt use my rail pass until I hit the Netherlands!
14-Apr-2005 08:51
Hello,
I'm off to SE Asia and australia for 4 months in just over a week (!!!) and still haven't sorted out my travel insurance. Can any-one reccommend a policy that has decent cover but isn't too expensive? I'd like c. £2m for medical expenses/repatriation etc, and insurance for my luggage (including an MP3 player that was about £300 and a digital camera that is worth around £200). Any help would be much appreciated!
14-Apr-2005 08:55
Please help me Ally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15-Apr-2005 07:18
Ally, i dont have a question today i just wanted to say...
you seem to be one of the few (generalisation: there are others) 'judgmental' people on this forum. you read questions rather than interpreting them, and give an answer rather than 'bitch' at novice travellers/people with a different perspective/experience/outlook.
you seem to accept that the world isnt 'perfect and lovely and frilly', and are prepared to give an educated opinion of 'controversial' topics too.
i wish there were more of you. Has this forum always been this way, or am I just reading the wrong posts??
from every post i read, usually there are about 50% of the respondents just 'slagging off' or taking the piss out of the OP, for mentioning something they consider 'lame', or too 'political' to mention, is this really what this forum is about, i'd hate to think so! I was hoping on our RTW I could drop on to this forum from time to time for genuine advice/discussion about issues I'd encountered. I dont think I could be bothered with paying an internet cafe to sit there downloading loads of messages just saying....'are you stupid...is this real...are you a troll?' Im disheartened at the mo.
I've avoided getting involved with posts because of the 'obvious controversy and slagging off' going on in them, and a few were simply...'is $howevermuch per day enough to get by?'
please tell me that this is just a phase, ...and you'll continue to give good advice!
16-Apr-2005 18:42
HI Sonia - dont panic: I have only bought travel insurance in Oz and I used the Insurance offered by my travel agent, Flight Centre, they were cheap enough and replaced my camera with little fuss - altho a painful wait for the money!
The Boyfriend is from the UK and he suggests with the time you have left - you should pop into STA Travel. Here is a link to another mob:
here
Also look at the tntmagazine.co.uk - which is a mag for backpackers living in London!
Goodluck!
16-Apr-2005 18:50
gailk - hey I am not that uncommon, in any community you will meet wankers, showoffs etc, this forum and travelers are no exception! In fact I started this thread up as a refuge from a really painful time when it was even worse than it is today on LP TT I am not that experienced but what I try and do is provide an antidote to all those people who try to tell anyone about the RIGHT way to travel.
I just google if i dont know the answer, more importantly on the road I met heaps of people who are like minded and I tried to avoid the competitive backpackers, or the epic heroic backpackers!
So feel free to pop in here and ask questions, answer questions, or send us a trip report - the funny thing is when you reply with reasonably informed positive feedback the people you describe tend to slink off - have you noticed that none of them show up in this thread?
As my signature used to say " You are either Shackleton, Hilary or just another pretender"
16-Apr-2005 19:07
Hmmm, i had noticed they dont get involved with your thread ; ) thats probably why I felt 'safe' enough to make the observation
They remind me of the driver who tailgates the 'Learner' driver just to intimidate them...SAD !
I like being a 'pretender', it removes any presure : )
Brace yourself for the inevitable question...'Ally, where have I put my passport?' LOL !
17-Apr-2005 08:17
Hi
I'm looking at travelling to Europe this summer with a friend for around 2 weeks with a very tight budget.
We are interested in a mix of outdoors, culture, cities and great train journeys. Does anyone have any ideas which countries to see and any particular routes in those countries?
Cheers
17-Apr-2005 16:38
gailk - Where is your passport? _ I absolutelyKNWO the aswer to that one - unequivocally! It is in the last place you will look for it!
Richpopeeee- since you will have a short amount of time and a limited budget - perhaps rather than seeing everything, just pick one country and amble around!
Turkey is much cheaper and a greatpalce to spend some time!
Or you could train or bicycle around - say Northern Italy and camp along the way, the Hostel in Verona for example has a beauiful campground! So perhaps something in Northern Italay like:
Florence ---> Siena ----> San Gimingano -----> Verona ------> The little town outside Venice that is nicer - it starts with P???????? crap and a day trip into Verona!
Oh be warned I am an Italophile! What areas of Europeanart, history, food are you interested in?
18-Apr-2005 11:28
Hello,
You seem to sound like you know what you are talking about. Hopefully you can help me out.
I am going to Europe this summer to try to do the WWOOF thing (World Wide Opportunity for/of Organic Farmers). My dilemma right now is that I really REALLY want to go do it in Ibiza Spain but it doesn't seem like it's going to be financially possible.
I bought my ticket from my home town in Idaho, to London. (It was the cheapest) Departing on May 25th, arriving on the 26th. So now, I need to get down to Ibiza for as cheap as humanly possible for the work opportunity. I really can't afford to stay in London for more than a couple nights.
I have researched the Eurail pass and that seems pretty reasonable, but the thing is that, I need to be on the island of Sardinia (Sardegna) on or by June 28th--29th at the VERY latest.
I have researched my options, and it seems that there are no ferries from Ibiza to Sardinia, so, I'll need to rail it to Marseille France, which seems to be the only place that will ferry to Sardinia.
What my major problem is..... by looking at the Eurail website, they never actually give you itineraries nor do they tell you direct routes, so I don't know if I'll be able to directly connect from London to the border towns of either Valencia or Alicante Spain (towns that will ferry to Ibiza), or from those towns to Marseille. The website will show you individual country routes, but not a full view of the entire rail routes.
I also need to know that if all of this IS possible, how many "travel days" this will all take. I mean, how many should I pay for? One from London to Valencia/Alicante? 1 From Valencia/Alicante to Marseille?
I need help! Thanks
Solymar
18-Apr-2005 16:55
Solymar - As you probably know Ibia is to the UK what Fot auderdale is to US College Students (well that is based on me wathcing too many cheesy US movies anyway) so there are LOTS of flights to Ibiza direct .
In Europe there are a number of very cheap airlines try www.easyjet.com (or is it easyjet.co.uk) they do not fly from Heathrow so you will have to change to another airport I think it is Luton! I would be amazed if easyjeyt is not cheaper than your train ticket!
18-Apr-2005 16:56
oops Ibia = Ibiza
and Fot auderdale = Fort Lauderdale
19-Apr-2005 08:11
If time and cost are your main concerns, it may well be easiest and cheapest to simply book two plane tickets, as opposed to combining flights, trainrides and ferries:
You'll have to hurry tho! To get the really low prices you have to book well in advance, and fly on a weekday.
Keep in mind you might have to change airports.
If you go for the ferry, take a look at http://www.belvedair.com/fr/transports/ferries/ferries.htm
It's in French but will give you a better idea of European ferry routes.
Hope this helps
Quaid
21-Apr-2005 09:16
Hi,
I've thinking of doing a RTW trip by myself next year, but with a couple of rules
a. No roughing it
b. No aircraft unless overridden by rule a.
I like my creature comforts too much I guess.
I've done up a rough route (very abbreviated:- dublin-europe-Moscow-Beijing-Japan-US-Canada-Home) but I've hit two snags. First one is how to get from Japan to the US. I'm almost resigned to a catching a flight. Second, and my real problem, is Moscow-Beijing by train. When push comes to shove, I don't want to do that trip. What I'd like to do is head down to the middle east area and jump over to India and head up to Beijing. But darned if I can find a way to get from somewhere like say Oman to India. Is there any ferries from the middle east to the sub-continent? Or can someone suggest an alternate route that doesn't involve going into somewhere like Iraq or Iran?
21-Apr-2005 18:59
shhhh dnt tell anyone that you arent roughing it, or the backpacking snobs wont let you go! :) - I did some research on travelling on the Trans Siberian Railway and I LOVED the idea! Basically the ticketing system was very Class Oriented - my tip is to Buy a first class private sleeper with bathroom from Moscow to Beijing and on to Vladivsyok, from there you get a boat to northern Japan ! Is there another reason that you dont want to do that trip?
ooo I am jealous, as for your suggestions on overland through the midle east I think (?) it is impossible using your safe and comfortable needs without flying,
note that overland through Pakistan has safety challenges as wewll and note that to do it overland will REQUIRE you to rough it, eg bus to Indian border in Pakistan will not have Aircon - nor will the windows be sealed and the road will be dusty.
Looking at a map it I dont think it will be possible and I dont believe that there are commercial boats linking the middle east to India, you might find a harter service when you get there ?....keep digging and I hope you can post back in here and prove me wrong.
22-Apr-2005 01:59
Thanks for this Ally. Yea, I thought about my 'not roughing it' comment after I posted the message. If you can imagine me putting my collar up and slumping down in the seat to keep a low profile and so not get beaten up, thats mentally what I did! :-D
26-Apr-2005 20:34
Hi-
I was wondering if you could advise me on the most inexpensive way to get from tokyo to bangkok or tokyo to seoul and about how much if shoudl cost. I live in NY and am trying to do a short circle asia trip this summer in 3 months. I really want to go to Japan, Philippines and somewhere, anywhere else. As of now the cheapest flights i can find are into tokyo, which are great but i dont know how to get around while i am there. I cant find internal flights from here and am worried that if i wait till then they would be too expensive. if i know they are not too expensive i am willing to wait to buy them once i am in asia.
Any advice woudl be wonderful.
Thanks
ERIKA
26-Apr-2005 22:29
I happent o knwo there is a boat ferry service between Northern Japan and Vladivistik in Russia - givent hat you would need a visa for Russia and then to get from North of Korea to Bangkok that is probably not really that feasible.
there is a low cost air carrier in Asia called airasia.com - try them but I am not sue they are flying into Tokyo.
If money is a problem I would think about skipping Japan altogether - TOkyo is one of the 5 most expensive cities in the world??? It is comparable to New York City - if you are travelling in Asia on the cheap then Bangkok is a much better value place to hub in and out of!
27-Apr-2005 07:35
Please help Ally!
I have a flights problem - I'm travelling overland through malaysia, thailand, cambodia and vietnam. In Hanoi, I need to fly back down to KL to catch a flight to Sydney on the 15th August. The friend I'm travelling with has this flight thrown into her Singapore Airways deal, but I'm being quoted about £160 by Malaysia Airways. Is there any cheaper way of doing this? Will it be cheaper to buy a ticket in Vietnam (or is it possible there won't ve seats availeble by then? Air Asia doesn't fly into Vietnam but would it make sense to fly Hanoi-Bangkok and then take Air Asia down to KL from there? Any help/ideas would be much appreciated!!!
27-Apr-2005 17:00
I bought a cheap and cheerful ticket in Ho Chi Minh City to fly fro Hanoi to Bangkok. That was in 2001 so I am fuzzy on details but I dont recall freaking out at the price which I certainly would have done at anythin near 160 pounds.
28-Apr-2005 17:14
Thanks for the other response. Just wondering what you think about the cathay pacific asia pass or the star alliance asian airpass. I cant seem to figure out another way to get to the places i want to go cheaper. I really want to go to at least Tokyo, Philippines and Vietnam/Cambodia while im in Asia.
Any ideas
Also is land travel good in Asia? Are their international trains, buses in NEA and SEA?
28-Apr-2005 20:05
I dont have any experience with prices for Star / cathay etc, but if it ets you where you want to go then I say give it a go! Overland in SEA is cheap, compared to western transport costs it is also different across countries and also compared to western standards. Different isnt necessarily bad - Vietnam is cheap, easy comfortable! (eg the conductor will ask you where you want to stay and drop you at the front door which is very nice after 15 hours on the bus!
Cambodia was well errr rough roads, you can safely assume that it is possible to get there overland - wherever that may be????
28-Apr-2005 20:07
All Travel Questions Welcome - turns two years old today! Happy Birthday to the thread and happy travels to all the posters who have asked and answered questions along the way!
28-Apr-2005 21:24
Happy anniversary to you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
03-May-2005 22:58
This really is a great thread--tons of useful info. It seems that a lot of the questions revolve around RTW tickets; no surprise because the permutations are confusing. My buddy and I want to be flexible in our travels, which seems problematice with a RTW ticket. Our plan is to start from the US and go to Oz/NZ, mooch off friends for a bit, then head to Indonesia, SEA, India, China and possibly Nepal. I realize this is ambitious, and it's highly likely we won't be able to do it all in four months, which makes me wonder if the expense of a RTW ticket is worth it. We really want to be flexible and not tie ourselves into any particular itinerary. We both have enough FF miles to get us to Oz for free. So, I'm thinking of just buying onward tickets from wherever we are and flying into and out of Oz on our FF miles. The dollar hasn't completely crashed, so it seems like we might be able to buy cheaper tickets in these countries. Would appreciate any thoughts folks have one this and any info if anyone has tried this approach as to whether it would be significantly more expensive than a RTW ticket, which seems to be running about $2500 USD, as far as I can tell. Thanks, Lori
04-May-2005 00:54
Hi Ally, great thread!
well ive got a question for you that hopefully isnt on here already, couldnt find it using search anyway. Planning on doing a rtw trip with the one world continents airfare - ive used it before and suits my needs well. Just am unsure about one point. I want to travel from nairobi in kenya to accra, ghana, which involves travelling via london. im sure i read once that this was allowed as part of the african continent but cant find it again. Do you know if this is allowed?
04-May-2005 01:16
lorilax and sharong
lorilax - I like your plan use the FF p[ints up - that is my tip, I firmly believe you have to leave room for things to change ???? Just a thought - to save money, if you make surte that the return part of yuor FF US - Aus -US ticket stops via Asia you could pick up the return leg from Asia and not have to get back to Aus - this will hopefully save you some small money, you have my sympathy about crashing currencies - I lost 20% of my spending power the week after I started my travels, in the end it all worked out OK - different (I missed out on the USA and Ireland) but in the end I should not have lost much sleep over it!@
sharong - yikes I vaguely remember a one continent one visit rule but I also even more vaguely remember an exemption for Africa
". Three-zone oneworld Explorer fares are not available departing from the Southern Hemisphere and Africa due to network connection limitations."
THis make sno sense but I got it from : http://www.oneworldalliance.com/products/details.cfm?ObjectID=21
I tried to search the page but I think we need an expert!
A
04-May-2005 22:54
Hi Ally!
It's so great having an australian giving travel info cos you know prices etc from an aussie point of view! yay!
anyway, i'm looking for a bit of inspiration. i know i am defintely going somewhere next year and i have a rough idea. at the moment, it's a stopover in sweden to see my sister who will be on exchange at uppsala for a semester. then i want to go to the US and work at a summer camp for a couple months and see some relies. after that, i think i'm going to teach english either in mexico or china for a year and i'm wondering if you have any ideas about buying my air ticket?? i know there can be some difficulties getting into the US with a one way ticket, but if the ticket lists that i am going to another country after the US, is this a problem at customs?
does anyone out there know this?! also, i know RTW tickets are only for a year so should i just buy a tickert that goes:
syd -> london
make my own way to sweden
london -> NYC
make my own way around the country
LA ->china or mexico
and then just buy my return ticket once i know when (or if) i;m going home?
a lot of questions i know! hope anyone can help me with a more personal perpective than a travel agent could give me.
05-May-2005 17:18
Hiya Cabbage Patch!
Well what do you know the POmgolian and I just bought tickets to visit his family i the UK over Christmas and QANTAS have a FANTASTIC special on at the moment:
Syd - Helsinki - London Return for $1690 + taxes of about $250 (thats AUD)
(I know Helisnki is i Finland but that is a VERY chea ticket)
And as for the RTW ticket - if you do only half o what you have planned then you will exceed one year so definitely buy as you go!
I have never entered the US but I do know that they are very strict, ...in fact I just wrote an opinion and deleted it. I suggest you contact the US Consulate! Sorry to be so err bureaucratic but US Cutoms is well....errrr....opinion X...... self censored.
05-May-2005 18:17
re tickets in general I just ound that www.zuji.com is FAB or booking international tickets!
We love it !
07-May-2005 17:22
I will be leaving for a one year adventure in Brazil in August but am having a hard time figuring out my visa situation. I don't want to get a tourist visa because I can only stay in the country for 180 days. I would rather apply for a student visa (VITEM 1) because I plan to intern and study informally. Has anyone gone through this process? I need advice!!
Thanks,
Lauren
locaindc@hotmail.com
More about me: I am a documentary filmmaker who is studying anthropology. I just graduated and am going back to Brazil to explore my interests in Brazilian culture.
08-May-2005 16:32
locain I put Brazil Visa and studet into google and got this:
http://www.brazil.org.uk/page.php?cid=450&prn=1
it seems you can have one year!
I am not sure what country you are from (passport) so try the google search again with your home coutnry if you are not from the UK!
09-May-2005 07:02
Hi Ally,
I am starting a RTW trip in July (see my profile for details).
I want to get malarone tablets for SEA, but don't want to buy them in the UK because they're so expensive and am not in SEA until mid-November so it seems a bit risky carrying them with me for 5 months (they might get lost/stolen/wet/etc). In England I've heard they're £1.34 per pill, do you know how much they are in Oz and how readily available they are? Would I have to go to a special travel clinic and are there many of these? I am doing Cairns=>Sydney overland route.
Many thanks,
Hannah
09-May-2005 16:53
they will probably be cheaper in Aus but by far and away the cheapes place to buy themw ill be in SEA - I know Bagkok was about 20% of the Aust price so I cant imagine that Singapore will be > Aus or the UK!
Cheers
A
11-May-2005 01:27
Ally,
Im young and dont have much money. What is the best way to get a really cheap flight, standby? where is it cheapest to fly to asia and from where in california? Also i want to travel with a monkey at some point. Also... My current trip concept is hong kong to India. any suggestions?
thanks
11-May-2005 06:57
hey Ally,
I'm starting a RTW trip and need some Visa information. I am an American and most of the embassy sites I could find didn't really give me clear answers as to whether I need to obtain the Visa prior to arrival or if I can just get it sorted out at my port of entry. The countries of concern are Syria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The syrian Visa I will have to get in Europe as it is only good for three months. Should I find a Syrian embassy in Berlin or somewhere and just plan on spending a day trying to get it settled a week or so before entering Syria? Also most of the African countries SAY I can get a Visa at my point of entry, but they recommend getting one prior to arrival. Should I take their recomendation? Also how does one prove "sufficent funds?" Any info, websites with clear explanations or whatever would be greatly appreciated, I've been wandering around the internet in a haze for the past hour not getting anywhere.
Thanks!
-ken
11-May-2005 11:42
Ally can u help me.
I'm planning my first large travelling trip.
from Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland.
Have you been to any of these countries?
Can you help me dispel what I believe to be myths about safety whilst travelling in Eastern Europe
One last thing i'm going alone and i'm female....needless to say my mother is scared!
So the last few days this trip has become an annoyance rather than a joy...energy please??
11-May-2005 17:03
Wolfy = look at zuji.com for international bookings. I used it earlier this month and it compared well to my other tried and true sources, ie cheap over the phone travel agents . the best tips for your ticket are:
1) only use big airports (eg San Fran to hong Kong will be heaps cheaper than Kolcata to San Fran)
2) try different dates - there are key dates when all ticket pricecs go up - eg Christmas , Chinese New YEar etc so be flexible on your dates - the website works well if you use trial and error
cheap tickets to India will be easier to get when you are there - especially in bangkok so if you are going HongKong overland to Bangkok then fly to Kolkata (I bought a cheap arse ticket in Bangkok using Bangladeshi airlines)
Em and Kos, I will get back in here later today -run out of time and have to go and w***
12-May-2005 23:35
Kosmon
I know people were sitting around in Turkey waiting for their Syrian Visa to come through in 2001 since the world has gotten more paranoid i cant imagine you can get that one at the birder. I dont have any experience of the other countries but here is a rule of thumb, if you are travelling overland the capital city of the country you are in will have an office where you can get a visa (for a fee and wth an unknown wiatinig time)
(Assume the capital city and if you get reliable info about order offices that issue - fab)
So if you have a lot of time just make the next embassy your first stop when you arrive in a capital city. The go sight seeing while your visa is organised. I you ar eshort of time then pay a fee and have your US BAsed travel agent sort it all out for you???
12-May-2005 23:53
Thanks Ally, yea...I just wish there was some way to avoid waiting in an embassy while travelling, but I guess it comes with the territory. Since the Syrian Visa is only good for three months (maybe even two) from when you get it, my best shot seems to be an embassy in Berlin or Madrid, depending on how close I want to cut it. In these cities would I look for the Syrian consulate (if it exists...) or my US embassy to get the Visa to Syria. Second question that is a little stranger is whether the people working at the Syrian consulate (if it exists) in Berlin will be able to communicate with me. I speak a bare bones amount of Spanish, but not a lick of German. I am just sort of worried about translating from English to German to Arabi, that might be an interesting challenge.
-ken
12-May-2005 23:59
Emi
I have travelled to Hungary on my own and passed through Austria - I visited Switzerland but that was a business trip so it doesnt count!
If you are sensible you will be fine! Here are my safety tips!
- dont get drunk
- if you get that prickly feeling on the back of theneck listen to it, even if it make syou look foolish
- do not flash money, wallets, cameras passports in open places
- Travel in the morning so you arrive in daylight
All you can do to make your Mum happy is to agree to a communications plan and stick to it, eg phone once a week and email 3 days later? She has to worry its part of her job!
13-May-2005 08:07
Dear Ally
I asked a question ages ago about whether to go again or not. And I've dithered a lot over the last few months, and I've interviewed for several career option jobs, but none of them have been right even though I've been offered them. So today (after another interview where I came out with a new job, but not an element of excitement), I decided that I'm going to go away again.
It's not ideal timing, because I've just bought a house (literally this morning!), but I can afford to go away for a few months and pay the mortgage anyway. So, I'm going to try and make it a sensible trip, I'm going to go to language school and do some voluntary work with a couple of NGOs and see if I can get myself enough experience to find some more exciting career options when I get home.
It'll be a couple of months until I can go, but I just thought you'd like to know that a decision has finally been made. Now I'm scared about giving up my totally materialistic lifestyle, but even the fact I'm scared to give it up shows that I really 'need' to. It'll be cool.. and I might pop by Australia again so I'll give you a shout!
Love and slush, F x
15-May-2005 19:52
I remember talking about this; how exciting vicarious travel for me and real travel for you! I look forward to a catch up over a drink in Sydney town, I can understand what you mena about trying to avoid becoming addicted to a materialistic life. In my case I am lucky (***) to live in a town where owning a home is near impossible unless you already do. That means we have saved a sensible deposit but dont plan to touch the property market, so we just bought tickets for a trip at Christmass!
Yay Sydney --> Tokyo ---> Cambridge ---> Helsinki!
16-May-2005 00:40
Hi!
I'm new here and my question is maybe pretty stupid but..
I'm plannning trip to asia-africa for 6 months. How much money I should take with me?
I'm not going to do any work. Just travel.
Some spots to visit:
Cambodia
Tiibet
Laos
Malawi
Peace out.
16-May-2005 10:22
Hey all,
I want to travel to Tolouse, France from London, the cheapest and most exciting way possible.
I was thinking or maybe hitching a ride on a boat from London and then hitching from where ever I get off to the south of France. I'm a girl travelling by herself, with little experience. But don't want to do it the easy way.
Is this going to be possible? How far is it? What's hitching like in France? Sensible? etc? Any problems with this idea would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
clare
16-May-2005 12:14
600 - 700 miles I think from London to Toulouse.
Easily done - you could hitch from London to Southampton and hitch a ride on a yacht - might take a bit of time to find a channel crossing ride though.
Then you could hitch to Toulouse from wherever the yacht lands you.
I've hitched in France but only with a bloke. Same as in the UK - since I was about 20 (when I got 'sensible'), I haven't hitched without the company of a bloke.
16-May-2005 18:44
oznec - If you have a fast connection to the internet click on show-all and then hit Find and type Budget - I did a detailed how to calculate it early int he thread . If you are on dial up then I am guessing it is on Page 2 or 3 or 4???
clarewall, I think tha hitching will be exciting but I cant imagine that it would be cheaper than an easyjet fare to Lyon or aother nearby french airport???? THats not to say you shouldnt do it - just that with meals etc it may not be the cheapest ????
17-May-2005 16:09
Hi,
I am planning to embark on a 6-8 month round the world trip next January. I am trying to determine which direction I should go to take in to account the seasons, etc. I will be leaving from either Canada (Toronto) or the UK (London) and I plan to visit the following regions:
South America: Chile, Peru, Bolivia
SE Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia
My question is, if I am leaving in January - which region does it make more sense to go first. I know this may seem like a straightforward question but I seem to get conflicting responses from everyone I talk to! Thanks in advance, Bella
17-May-2005 19:20
Bellamina I travelled though SE Asia from January and the weatehr was fab, unfortunately Indonesia has a different monsoon than Thailand so Jan is perfect for Thailand etc but Monsoon in Indonesia.
Is weather your main concern? If you dont want to buymp into hoardes of Europeans escaping winter then go to SE Asia later.
Again South America will be cold in June - Aug do you want to be rugged up in the mountains>? Will you be doing a lot of hiking etc?
I guess the thing is with 6 months you cant be everywhere in the perfect season.
My tip. If you are burnt out from a busy year and in need of a relaxed hopliday at the start go to SE Asia 1st so you can chill on the beach? If you are 20 year old and jumping out of your skin go to Sth America first ?
22-May-2005 21:59
Hi Ally -
Thanks so much for your thread - it is so information packed and thougtful - you are doing an amazing thing here! I wish thorntree could be more like this, you kick ass. Here is my question. Me and the hubby are about to quit our jobs and blow out of the US for about six months. we want to go to Croatia, Prauge, Budapest, France for three months, then off to South East Asia for three months, mostly Vietnam, Thailand, maybe Myamar. If we still have money maybe Tokyo for a week. Any thoughts on if we should buy a star alliance around the world ticket, or just buy as we go? Thanks for any help!
22-May-2005 23:31
Hiya Maxine , thanks for the feedback - i enjoy keeping this thread going - it reminds me of how excited Iw as before I went away!
As for RTW tickets, they are very cheap options for Australians but often the biggest problem is that they expire in 12 months. Since your trip seems to have a 6 month time limit that problem disappears. I "think" from posting in here that RTW tickets from the USA are not such a good deal. Get an agent to quote you.
With the One World Alliance ticket you could change dates (depending on availability) for no cost but there was a fee to change destinations - so if you get a RTW ticket include Japan as a transit stop and if you have the money then turn it into a stop over, if the cost of a RTW ticket is out of control then switch to buy as you go, FYI London and Bangkok seem to be the cheapest places to buy tickets. (try zuji.com)
btw - dO NOT MESS AROUND WITH hUNGARIAN (oops) Visas - I did manage to get myself kicked out of the country :(
Just to brag for a minute I am going to Tokyo for a 5 day stopive r this Christmas YIPPPPEEEEEEEE~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
23-May-2005 23:20
WARNING DO NOT BOOK ANY TICKETS WITH EBOOKERS
Some poor bastard got stranded at the airport in circumstances that should see these dodgy buggers shut down! It seems very legit he has published details on what happened and his contact info for verification!
Here are the links - I hope LP make them sticky threads!
here
and here
27-May-2005 14:39
Ally,
Planning honeymoon trip to SEA (Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand). First time for either of us to this part of the world - definitely excited! Have read your threads and found them extremely helpful but came up with some questions:
1) Do you need to show definitive proof of onward passage in any of these countries and what would constitute such. We will definitely have tickets showing arriving in KL and leaving some several weeks later from Bangkok - however, if, for example we fly from Malaysia to Vietnam and then plan on using ground transportation to cross into the next country (Laos) how do we prove onward passage upon entering the country - is it even a concern?
2) As I understand it, coming from the USA, we will need visas for Vietnam and Laos. Is it unreasonable to get these visas in advance (if possible) before leaving the USA ? The very rough itinerary is Malaysia - Vietnam - Laos - Thailand. I had read on your site that some visas "start ticking" as soon as you get them. If it makes more sense to get the visas once in SEA where is the most sensible place to get them (ie: in KL before going to Vietnam // in Hanoi before going to Laos) and approximately how long do they take to get?
3) Are there parts of any of these countries that require you to pay in USD - thus making sense to bring some USD ? Or, just use ATMs to withdraw funds in the native currency ?
4) Best site for travel insurance (again we are coming from the USA)?
5) Do you know anything about the Cathay Pacific Asia Airpass or the Star Alliance Asian Airpass ?
6) Advice on malarial prophylaxis in these countries ?
-- Thanks Ally, Your site is magnificent and I agree with many of your other respondents that you are an amazingly generous person in hosting such a thread ---
29-May-2005 08:22
Hi Ally,
This thread is superb, thank you!!
Am off on RTW trip soon. My brother v sweetly has said he'll visit me in Vietnam and put me up in a nice hotel for a week or so, nice!!
The only problem is that he needs me to give him dates and because of his job, once we've set them I can't change them so he needs me to confirm when I can be in Hanoi.
I arrive into Singapore 14 November and then have until 23 January to get myself to hong kong. Planning on doing malaysian islands, thailand, laos, vietnam and cambodia inbetween.
My brother can't visit in Jan, only in November or December - can you think of a good route that would allow me to see all these places yet do vietnam in nov/dec and make it up to hong kong to fly back home to london jan 23rd?! am getting a bit stuck cos all my ideas seem to end with vietnam and then hk straight after.
currently I think I want to spend 1 week in singapore, 1 week malaysian islands, 2.5 weeks in thailand, 2 weeks in laos, 2 weeks in cambodia, 2.5 weeks in vietnam and 5 days in hk.
any ideas how best to do this? if I have to I could buy some flights out there, but am on a tight budget so not sure how feasible that will be - but obviously if it saves me 2 days etc travelling on a train then I'd do it.
thanks loads for your help.
Hannah
also, do you think I'm cramming too much into 2.5 mths? (will already have done 4 mths travelling - guatemela, cook islands, fiji, oz and nz but I realise SEA is going to be quite different).
hk
29-May-2005 20:00
hey BC - here is my stab at your questions:
1) A ticket out of the region should be enough - that said I travelled in the area in early 2001 using the same 'proof' I wasnt asked once.
2) It was specifically teh Vietnamese visa that started tickeing the day I got it, see above as things may have changed, I had heaps of time and suimpluy left my passport with a "nice" travela gent while I went to an island down south thenpicked it up when I got BACK TO bANGKok. If you have limited time and more cash ask your travel agent what the fee would be to organise it for you in advance.
3)Heaps of places , especially in Vietnam where a stash of low denomination USD came inhandy, in theory teh Dong is Fixed to the USD so it is often a convenient way to spend a large amoutn of Dong (ie fewer notes)
4) Sorry dont know that one, start with your travel agent, google and whoever you have home / loife / health insurance with!
5) not much I was on a One WOrld alliance ticket - their system is based on Kilometres and One World is based on number of stopovers, I "think" Star also was more restrictive on only flying in one direction?????
6) Malaria, it ia ll abot tprevention, take some lightweight light coloured clothes that cover your body (meck to ankles, have your shower around 4pm and make sure you are covered by sunset. A sleeping net is also useful, i am not a fan of anti malarials but I took Lariam which has since been removed from sale. Lariam induces mild psychosis in many people who take it , I decided that malaria would be better than the nightmares I was having!
goodluck and happy trails!
29-May-2005 20:07
hiya hk, exciting itinerary you have! I kwo from experience that it is really hard to time these things as tightly as you need to, here is my suggestion. Change your flights, fly into Hong Kong and out of Singapore, HK is very near to Hanoi and you can meet up with your brother more tightly -(?) does that word make sense? if you get a Chinese visa you can travel overland to Hanoi which should be cheap!
I fell in love with Cambodia, many people hate it, I can think of 2 months worth of exploring to do in Malaysia, so if you get your commitment with Bro out of the way the region opens up to you!
BTW Yes you are biting off a lot, do it with gusto and enjoy!
If you need to fly a section use www.airasia.com - very cheap and reliable with shiny new planes, good if you run out of time!
30-May-2005 02:15
Ally thanks so much for your positive spin! I'm lucky - this is a nice dilemma to have I suppose!
I unfortunately can't switch my singapore/hk flights around, since i'm on a round the world ticket which wdn't allow me to switch them (cos then I'd be flying backwards and you're not allowed to do that on these tickets).
but after what you said, perhaps I should buy a singapore=>hanoi internal return flights soon after flying into singapore?!
thanks for all your help,
hannah
30-May-2005 02:18
Ally thanks so much for your positive spin! I'm lucky - this is a nice dilemma to have I suppose!
I unfortunately can't switch my singapore/hk flights around, since i'm on a round the world ticket which wdn't allow me to switch them (cos then I'd be flying backwards and you're not allowed to do that on these tickets), I could alternatively try and change my tickets totally once I've left the UK - perhaps fly in and out of Hanoi, would that be better? Then I can do more of a circuit. Seeing the brother first definitely makes more sense!
alternatively, perhaps I should buy a singapore=>hanoi internal return flights soon after flying into singapore?
30-May-2005 08:23
destination needed!
not sure which section to post this in so yours seemed a good enough place to start....
suddenly have 2 weeks at end of june with which to go do something interesting and have a few ideas - perhaps Borneo, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, mexico (i am quite into animals) and having done independent travel before i am looking for somewhere not too difficult to get around (as time restricted) but not requiring a group tour as you can never choose the people you are stuck with!
any advice would be appreciated
thanks
01-Jun-2005 02:33
ooo errrr God I have alwasy wanted to go to Borneo, I 'think' but cant be dsure that Rwanda will need more time so my tip is to head to Borneo - do you scuba dive? If so I vote Borneo definitely, the national parks there seem great, and those Ornagutans melt my heart!
but mm Sri Lanka - tough call, but I wpuld prefer to go to Borneo and I am only fond of animals!
Let us know what you pick?
01-Jun-2005 11:31
I have a very basic question that's confusing me. Is it possible to just buy a one-way ticket somewhere, travel around to other countries by train, road, horse, etc., and then eventually buy a one way ticket back home from wherever you end up?
It seems like from what I've been able to figure out, most countries won't let you in with a one-way ticket, you need to have a confirmed ticket out of the country as well meaning that you need to travel by plane to get to the next country. So it's only possible to go on a long trip with a round the world ticket back home? Getting visas are a separate issue, I'm just asking about the plane ticket.
Any anwers that clear up this basic question will help. Obviously I'm a relatively inexperienced traveler.
cheers.
01-Jun-2005 17:03
Bobby K - it is a calculated risk but many people ignore the requirement and simply pay as they go, the level of risk varies by country but generally if arriving by land at eg Cambodia it is unlikely you will even be asked for proof, i have entered thailand over 10 times and never been asked but as a 20 somethign Aussie I was grilled about my plans to leave the UK every time I flew in! (AND HAD TO SHOW AN ONWARD TICket)
For some countries you might be able to reduce the risk by any of the following (note I said REDUCE not remove)
1) Have a bank balance that shows you can support yourself and afford a ticket out
2) have a letter from an employer saying "We look forward to seeing you back at work on the 10th of March
3) buy a return ticket from say home to eg Bangkok and then use that as proof that you plant o get back to bangkok and leave SE Asia (a return is often not much more than a One way so you can always discard that leg of the return ticket)
I hope that helps you decide how much risk you are prepared to carry.
04-Jun-2005 14:03
hi ally
managed to find some people that have been to borneo and sri lanka to talk to... and rwanda dates didnt fit with my dates unfortunately...
the opinion was that sri lanka is pretty difficult to get around alone, since the tsunami public transport is pretty much non-existant now - and what there is, is overcrowded. also, it seemed that you wouldnt want to risk driving a car on the roads there!
borneo seems to have come up trumps and for ease of getting around, the tours available when you get out there (mountains, orang utans) seem fantastic. so, i booked my ticket and i am off on the 16th!
and, yes i do scuba - i got my divemasters last year - havent been underwater since last june so can hardly wait!
by the way, for the guy who is wondering about a return ticket, i also always had to show my onward travel in NZ and Oz, however when i did south america last year i had no return ticket, and i entered from the caribbean, no-one questioned me as i think they are used to people travelling through. it worked out pretty expensive doing it that way though and if you can work out where you plan to go, RTW or open-jaw tickets will be much cheaper as you pretty much have to pay for return tickets both times as there is often no less for a one way. and travelling by land i always got questioned much less than arriving by air.
i think it depends a bit on whether the country has a problem with people overstaying their visas - good luck!
05-Jun-2005 11:21
Ally
I am planning a trip to Europe in September and am wondering what is the best city to visit in Germany? I am travelling from Amsterdam to Salzburg and would like to make a stop in Germany, but don't know which city to choose. Berlin too far out of the way? Was considering Munich.
05-Jun-2005 16:05
mmm Munich is the only city in Germany I have visited on my way back from Eastern Europe. it is logistically easy to get to compared to say Berlin etc, it was errrr nice I guess, but there is s certaibn cosmopolitan-ness to many western europe cities, why dont you go to a village instead or in eastern Nertherlands Utrecht is a beautiful town
06-Jun-2005 00:02
Hi Ally,
you are doing a great job on here. I have question about money i'm not sure if you can help me. I am going to do a 3 week tour around europe and i want to get a rough idea on how much to budget on spending daily. all breakfasts and most dinners are included. so it would be for lunch and a few souveniers.
06-Jun-2005 17:01
Oz Girl, if you are going to be mostly in Western Europe Cities then budget what a day in Sydney would cost
Lunch Between $10 and $25 (takeaway vs sit down)
Coffees and Beer say $30
Taxis as needed $10
Internet access $5
Film if you use a film camera or Postcards $5
Laundry $5
Total $80
Souvenirs set a number and dont put it in a daily budget say $500 and keep track of where you go
This should leave you change ????
07-Jun-2005 00:40
Thanks that is very helpful. So if I say about $2000 for an 18 day trip that should cover it OK. Thanks again.
07-Jun-2005 22:23
Hi Ally,
My hubby and I are heading from NZ to the UK from 27 July to 25th OCt 2005. We are on a tight budget and have had lots of advice form people who have travelled many moons ago.
Can you recommend how we are best to do things on a budget?
Basically we want to get around the UK, France, Italy, & see parts of Greece, Germany, Spain and any other countries we can squeeze in.
My main question is: What is the best way to travel----- there's 2 of us......do we rent a car/campervan or buy a rail pass or check for cheap flights??
My questions are endless but I'll leave it at that major one for now.
Cheers and thanks heaps Cassandra & John.
http://couchsurfing.com/profile.html?PHPSESSID=94cc35e33091367a4ed23aad6219d819
07-Jun-2005 23:42
ozgirl, you will notice - I hope that you wont be doing laundry or getting taxis every day so you should hav eplenty of room to move in your budget!
Cassandra - that is a close call, if there were four people then definitely a car.
my tip would be that if you are spending half your time in Big cities then skip the car altogether - a car is really not so useful, have you seen how they park in Rome???? Anyway if you will be in smaller places then a car would be great say Siena to San Gimmingano ???
But it sounds like a pain inthe arse to pick up and drop off a car so many times, the other great thing about trains is you get to meet people along the way. Oh and dont forget that road tolls are expensive in Europe! Good luck and let me know what you decide?
A
08-Jun-2005 06:45
Hi Ally, I feel like a total loser for being so pathetic but I really need advice!
I'm an 18 yr old girl from England, I've just finished 6th form, and have a place at uni that I've defered until 2006. I was planning to work full time for my gap year, to try and make enough money to pay for my 1st year at uni.
However, I've realised that I can't stand the idea of slogging away in a shitty job for a year, while all my friends move away and have a great time at uni, leaving me practically alone sob sob. I've decided just to get into debt like everyone else, and I really want to go travelling, for 3 or so months, with the money that I can earn by working for most of this year. The only problem is, I'd have to go by myself. I'm just a bit worried about how safe I would be, and also if I'd just be a bit of a loser, going off by myself? what do you think? and could you recommend any countries in particular I should/ shouldn't visit? Any advice would be most welcome!
Thanks!
08-Jun-2005 17:16
Hannah
Hey I went travelling on my own so of course I will tell you that you are not a loser! I have to say 18 is very young to go on your own. As for the idea of taking 3 months out to go travelling instead of working all year and then going to Uni seems like a fab idea.
Some countries that I have been to that I think you would have fun and be cool to travel on your own and rtelatively safe are: ............................big pause.....should I say Thailand??? How responsible are you? One of my rules when on my own was I didnt get drunk and I am worried that you will get to Thailand realise how much fun you can have and get yourself into trouble? Also many people in SE Asia are quite a lot older than 18.
I think a better idea for you will be one of the following:
1) An Intrepid (or other) tour in Asia
2) Volunteering in - well anywhere that needs you how about Sri Lanka? Or teaching ENglish in Sth America)
3) A tour through Aus - way more expensive try ozexperience
4) wwwoofing (check it out - a farmstay with work for board)
There are plenty of options get to google and let me know what you find!
12-Jun-2005 13:55
Hi
I have been reading your topic and hope you will be able to help me.
I am a 19 year old female planning to go travelling alone in the next few weeks.I have been to STA travel to plan my adventure but am looking for more info from others that have been travelling before.
I will be starting in Sydney then going to Aukland and the to Fiji. Are there any tips or advice you can give me for these places. I am mostly worried about Fiji even though i have booked to do the Feejee experience!!
Thankx very much
Laura
14-Jun-2005 02:32
hiya luscious - in the words of the Hitchikers Guide to the galaxy - DONT PANIC - you will be fine, in Aus and NZ apply the same safety rules you would at home, when picking accommodation it is really a false economy to stay out of town - pay a wee bit more and put yourself in safe walking distance from night time entertainment. One of my rules when on my own was I didnt get drunk, well I wasnt a complete boring woser but I was always aware of where I was and how I was going to get home???
As for Fiji, dress more conservatively than you think is necessary, longer loose skirts look fab and hide your shoulders, hold your head high and dont engage in small talk with people who may be a bit dodgy! A group of 18 year old boys are the same all round the world?
Being on a tour you really should be fine ! Find someone to hang out with and you will be fine !
DONT PANIC
15-Jun-2005 07:04
Thankx so much.
Your advice has been a great help.if i think of any other questions il ask.cheers.
laura :-)
15-Jun-2005 07:59
Hey Ally,
I'm a total virgin traveller so realise the answer to this question will probabley be ridiculously obvious (so try not to laugh) but its something im unsure of.
Just wanted to know a few things about visas. i understand to obtain a visa i need to go to the embassy of the country i wish to enter and apply there, what im not sure of is if for instance if wish to enter Nepal from northern india how i request a visa at the Nepalese embassy without being able to speak the language?
Is it simply a case that they speak english or is it a case of desperately searching in a phrasebook for the translation?
Thanks.
15-Jun-2005 11:05
Hi,
I have arranged to go travelling on September 1st and started to think about getting things ready for the off, I have found out today that I am being sent to India for 2 months with work starting July 1st and then I can go on my 6 month break the day it finishes, this has left me with 2.5 weeks to get everything sorted so I'm tearing my hair out, can you point me in the direction of a really good list of 'things to do/get ready' before travelling as I only now have just over 2 weeks
Thanks
Dan
15-Jun-2005 17:37
mm I cant find an emergency list in one place so here is a quick list stab in order
1) Check Passport (enough pages and many years tilli t expires
2) Move out and store your stuff
3) See a travel doctor for any vaccinations etc
4) Photocopy documetns and give to trusted person at home
4 1/2) Get travel insurance
5) scan documetns and store them in your hotmail account
6)Check camera is ready to go
7) Put contact details in Hotmail account
8) Pack - keep it under 18kgs ideally under 12kgs - arrange with work to ship home stuff you wont need after your two months iworking in India,
9) Buy a guidebook
10) Get on a plane
anything else is optional
sounds pretty simple really - goodluck!
15-Jun-2005 23:38
Dan,
I've just updated my hints page. I hope that this helps you:
http://www.wildfiction.com/wt/hints.htm
I like Ally's list though - very good. The only thing that I would change about her list would be to get a gmail account instead of a hotmail account and do the exact same with that.
I'm very jealous - I've never been to India but it's in my top 5 next travel destinations.
Good luck,
Guy
15-Jun-2005 23:47
I just discovered that the link didn't automatically convert so here it is again so that you can click on it.
http://www.wildfiction.com/wt/hints.htm
16-Jun-2005 18:29
good point wild fiction, gmail vs hotmail is a good debate to have. I am with hotmail still only because a) too many people I hear from once every couple of years have the address and b) hotmail gave me more memory / storage space (100meg i think) right before I got my first gmail invite.
the boyfriend uses gmail and swears by it. but he still has to check his hotmail occassionally so pick whichever one suits you.
17-Jun-2005 16:17
Ally,
great advice all around. quick question for you and other. I am taking a RTW trip in Sept and am researching flight prices. They seem high ($5000) through Star and One World so I thought I'd share my itinerary and see what people thought. thanks.
LA to Fiji
Fiji to NZ
NZ to OZ
Oz to Bali
Bali to Vietnam
thailand to Greece
London to San Jose
San jose to LA.
18-Jun-2005 10:02
Hi Ally its me again
Also my friend went travelling and and she said people took mini suitcases on wheels and regreted that she didnt.Could you give me any advice on this??
I was just wondering how to get a gmail account before i go away?
Thanks again
Laura
20-Jun-2005 03:56
Help me, I'm planning my gap year in India, but I have no Idea how much spending money I'm going to need and I can't seem to find anywhere that gives me a basic weekly amount.
If someones been or is going please let me know who much you took/ are taking!
27-Jun-2005 17:20
WORLD NOMADS - yes, I've read posts which mention them. Yes, everyone seems to think they are great.
My question is - has anyone claimed from them? Good, bad? What are people's specific experiences with these guys?
03-Jul-2005 19:53
sorry all I have been tied up the alst two weeks and havent gotten on here...I will try and catch up!
hiya scottnterra - that price is crazy, to compare; the shop fronts in Sydney can give you a RTW ticket for about AUD $2500 - approx US $2,000. I think RTW tickets are less common and it is the airlines that se t the prices not the "Groups" can you compare the same route but starting and finishing in say Vancouver or Toronto. Otherwise fly 1 way to London and buy a RTW ticket there.
Luscious - wheels will make more sense in places that have nice paved streets. So I guess it depends where you are going - there are hybrid bags that have both pack straps and wheel so If youa re in Europe for weeks on end I say go for the hybrid, although I am a pack girl mmyself
gmail - you need to be invited by someone who already has an account - ask your mates and failing that hotmail has much more meg of file storage which was a good reasont oswitch to gmail.
emmibem, it really all depends, what are your attitudes to sharfed bathrooms, canyou stand a cold shower in the himalayas, will you eat at the local food stalls, gt teh LP gudie book for India and it will have a basic living allowance for Budget, Mid Range and Top SHelf. All thats aid -0 just save as much as you can, start cheaply and see how your money lasts, once you are there it will be fine and if you run out then just go home.
I claimed only from Covermore and they were good, it took some time but I was claiming from Eastern Europe so all up it was fab.
Again sorry for the delay in replying I will be back to checking in here every couple of days !
Happy Trails
Ally
03-Jul-2005 20:02
hi pathfinder 1 - special apology to you. I have no problems with novice questions, gettingyour first passport, first vsa etc is VERY VERY EXCITING so I am happy to chat about it.
If you are away for a long time and picking up visas as you go then yes there will be an office near the border - your guidebook or other travelelrs will tell you where. leave time and dont rush through capital cities if they are the last place you can get visas. OFten youwill find a local travel agent who will organise it for you - for a fee, i did thios in Thailand for Cambodia and Vietname - easy!
Ask around and as for language you should be fine and if language is a problem I bet with a little forethought you could smile , say hello in Hindi (Nameste)point at your passport, smile, point at a blank page of your passport, smile, say India Visa, smile and look helpless????
Have fun,
04-Jul-2005 07:13
No question, just a soulmate! I also enjoy helping people out with their questions and worries about travelling, and I have a free list full of travel advice on my homepage. What to bring, how to prepare, dangers, safety, health, fun things to do, and loads of useful links.
Have fun preparing all your trips!!
Cecilia
04-Jul-2005 17:32
Cecilia - fab, if you are on here regularly, please feel free to post replies I get worried when I occassionally take 10 days to respond to people - so the more the merrier!
04-Jul-2005 23:28
Valet parking
It's not exactly travel related but I couldn't resist your offer: When do you tip the valet? When you drop off your car of when you pick it up?
05-Jul-2005 18:20
Cosmo - Not only do I not own a car but I am from Australia and we rarely tip anywhere - for a heap of social and cultural reasons (eg we have had decent minimum wages for staff like waiters and also it is bad form to be seen as posh or up yourself in Aus)
But here is my suggestion - will it be considered a good tip? If so then tip first; if you pelase the valet they will looka fter your car
If it is an average or worse tip that may piss of the valet then do itonce you have your cqr back in your possession!
Simple really - although you might want tot check with the Americans either on the USA Branch or there are some regulars on Your Choice who may actually ahve some experience
And your're right its not exactly travel related but I rarely let a lack of actual knowledge get in the way of me offering an opinion:P
12-Jul-2005 20:32
RTW Questioning
Hi everyone. I do have a few questions for the preparation of my future RTW travel.
First, let's take a look at my itinerary:
Starts October 2005
Montreal - Guatemala City
Guatemala City - Sao Paolo (a couple weeks a working within a religious communauty)
Sao Paolo - Galapagos
Simon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I bow to the beauty of mother earth and I truly hope
that each of us will be enlightened by its wonders.
14-Jul-2005 04:34
hey everyone!!!
Im planning on going on a working holiday to england then doing a europe/america trip for about 3/4 months. changed to study uni externally and am working full time to save some money (who said money doesn't make the world go round!!)
Even though my trip is still far off i have been looking at buying a bag. Im not looking at hiking, so i dont need anything to hi-tech and the main things im looking for is comfort, space and quality.
I found a bag i like made by mountain design.
http://www.mountaindesigns.com/Index.cfm?Action=Products&Subaction=productDetail&ParentCategoryID=43&CategoryID=66&ProductID=1166
But i havn't heard a lot about mountain design. i only know of one person who has used their gear. he loved it, raves about it but i was wondering if anyone else had any experiance. Its expensive so i want to make a good investment. Im thinking about buying about once i have half my trip money, then ill have time to wear it in a little.
My second question is, cause i might still be studying uni externally when leave, how easy is it to travel with a laptop? even just getting into england cause by the time i get their my laptop will probably be kinda old and id be willing just to palm it off onto someone who is heading home when i decide to leave to go "travel". its not really about internet connection its about writting assignments. (UK!!) still dunno if ill be able to study anyway cause i aint flying home to sit my exam (that would be one expensive unit!!!)
Thanks for any help guys!!!!
Heather
14-Jul-2005 04:39
whoops no this was the bag!!!! lol
http://www.mountaindesigns.com/Index.cfm?Action=Products&Subaction=productDetail&ParentCategoryID=43&CategoryID=65&ProductID=1160
Heather
17-Jul-2005 17:11
My husband and I are taking a RTW trip for six months. First question is about insurance (property & health); second question is about Visas & Permits.
1) We're taking camera equipment, a laptop, and an expensive video camera. This equipment is probably valued at around $6,000-$7,000 US. Plus, we want to be fully covered for health insurance. Can you recommend an insurance company that has good comprehensive coverage?
2) Visas & Permits. I'm trying to figure out which countries we'll need Visas and which we should purchase in advance of our departure and which we can purchase when we arrive.
China (including Tibet) -- 1 month
India -- 1 month
Thailand -- 2 weeks
Laos -- 1 week
Vietnam -- 2 weeks
Cambodia -- 1 week
Burma/Myanmar -- 2 weeks
Indonesia -- 4 weeks
Egypt -- 1 week
Israel -- 1 week
Jordan -- 1 week
Morocco -- 2 weeks
France (don't need one) -- 1 week
17-Jul-2005 18:29
my family (2adults,one boy 6 years,one girl 4years) are going to San Diego (USA )Do you know any accomdation that 's suit for us(50 bucks<per night, stay for 3 night)
19-Jul-2005 23:42
Well, I suppose this counts as the most basic of green questions, but I figure I'll ask -
For quite a long time now, a friend and I have been discussing taking time during the summer after our senior year of highschool and going backpacking overseas (in relation to the U.S., I use these terms liberally). Two general areas we've considered are the Mediterranean, and Asia, but we've never gone into specifics. That said, the question is, where to begin?
Are there, perhaps, some general books or websites you could suggest about international travel where we could a little bit about the basics of travelling and planning? Any help you could offer to set us on the right track would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex
19-Jul-2005 23:43
Hi guys - trying to babysit whilst Ally is sitting in sun and sand in QLD -
Simon - that's a hard one - more of a travel agent who has access to serious travel software - check your spelling of some of the destinations that could be the problem. Also in some cases it might be easier/cheaper to get nearby to desired location adn go overland/boat etc especially if overspend is going to kill you. You might be able to get cheaper bucket fares from Hong Kong to Lhasa as well - Hope some other gurus can help you more - enjoy!!!
Dolphin if yoru trust yiour friend perhaps it's a good deal but i'd go to Kathmandu or the other trekking joints in town and look around. The web is all very well but nothing beats going in person and chatting to the experts.
Mmmmm - acce - isn't there a US Visa web site - we have something similar on the Australia gov one. Pretty sure you don't need one for Thailand but all the others I think Aussies need one so I guess you might as well - sorry couldn't be more help
19-Jul-2005 23:45
here you go it's in the US dept of state website
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html
20-Jul-2005 19:34
Cirrus MMMMMM - finances might dictate - Europe is more expensive and it's can be frustrating when you don't have enough cash to enjoy it. PLEASE PLEASE make sure wherever you go you budget properly - it really can make the difference. It depends on what level of comfort you expect I'd maybe opt for Asia and enjoy travelling on the seat of your pants whilst young and resilient. You can always look at Europe after you've been working for a few years and do it with more cash. Just a few thoughts - BUT get Lonely PLanet SEA and LP Europe (or Rough Guide or Footprint) and read the bloody thing - then start asking your questions
21-Jul-2005 22:57
OK ROman Ally goes away for a few bloody days and you stop this being a sticky - she'll blame me you know - be it on your head!!!!
STOMP
FLICK
FLOUNCE
23-Jul-2005 19:56
You're right, money is definitely a big factor to consider. I have to say I was leaning towards Europe (We were thinking Spain-Portugal), but I'll definitely keep Asia in mind. Thanks for the advice and book suggestions, I'll definitely check them out.
24-Jul-2005 22:00
hiya Huzza - many thanks for ticking this branch along while I sunned myself in the tropics!
As for that nasty, tricksy Romansesses - well he is nasssty yess precious he is!
Oh and the Crowded House travel rule - Everywhere you go - always take the weather with you!
25-Jul-2005 19:29
Romanssss is very very tricksy - we be not speaking to him - treat me like secretary he does
26-Jul-2005 00:09
naughty Roman, now isnt this the correct forum for you Huzz to brag that you have finally adopted my pack light philosophy????
26-Jul-2005 01:29
Hi,
Was wondering whether I should buy a Gore Tex jacket in the UK (£150) or in Peru. Where would it be cheaper?
26-Jul-2005 17:18
hiya galyareuter - if cost is really important and you will only need your coat for the Inca Trek - then perhaps you can look at hiring a coat. If you think you need to own a good hiking coat for a few years and have a job to come back to then make the investment in the UK where sizes will be better, and warranty etc
When I was travelling in central India in winter (cold) I bought top quality thernal socks and an undershirt - that was ample for that climate and good err foundations is an excellent investment.
Happy trails
26-Jul-2005 18:40
Ms Ally we will not be gloating the packing light will last as long as the first retail pit stop mwahahahahahah
PS - tried to call you to give you life this morning but you were engaged then not asnwering and mobile offffff
I did the inca trail in August (winter for Peru) and used just regular kinda jacket and layers of t shirt and jumpers you can't forget LAYERS - it gets cold at night (but sleeping bag - hired - will take care of that) - you will get stinking hot on the trail - you start at 5.00am with tights/shorts/trackies/thermals/s shirt/jumper/coat and by 10.30am you are down to shorts and singlet. You stop for lunch and add some layers then back off again.
26-Jul-2005 18:41
Roman B B ignoring me - feee fiiiii fooooo fum - up his bum
26-Jul-2005 18:45
was I dead this morning?
26-Jul-2005 18:54
mmmm ok ok ok ok ok LIFT!!! And any more smart comments and you'll be getting a lift with the toe of me blunstone...... have I mentioned what a superior boot they are
26-Jul-2005 19:55
Ally ignoring me tooo
Ok
FRICK
FROUNCE
STAMP
26-Jul-2005 23:44
I am much too important for this banter, I am here to answer "Proper" Travel Questions, now be a dear and go get me a coffee.
27-Jul-2005 16:54
I'm way tooo busy planning a real trip of my own - nescafe in the kitchen, spoons in the sink
28-Jul-2005 22:33
Dear Ally,
I think I made it through about one hundred posts tonight. I've been scanning TT nearly nightly as I coming up against a self-imposed launch date of October for my RTW. Last time I did a long ass trip (10 months hitching and working from England to Tunisia) was in 1985. I was 18. Fantastic! Compared to the info available now, I was travelling blind without even a Let's Go. Sure I missed a lot, but my heart was in being out there exploring and I was content. Now in the Information Age, I am trying to soak up as much of this great info as fast as I can. But I am noticing that the more I read, the more I realize I have to learn so the more I read etc. I think it is making me more anxious and at ease simultaneously! Yikes! Whoa. I will have to limit my searches to very specific topics. Food for thought. Now I do have a question or two:
My main route for about a year:
SF, CA
NZ (< month)
Australia (< month)
Thailand (add Laos, Cambodia, China possibly)
India (2 months)
Istanbul+ (month?)
overland to
POLAND+ (month?)
Holland (friends)
England/Ireland (sister)
USA
(saving Africa, South America and Russia for separate concentrated trips)
My budget is quite tight. Under $10,000 after airfare. Yeah, I bet people are either laughing or gasping. #:-o #;-)
Are they? Are you? I do not need much and I would rather stay put and hang in small places with locals than feel like I have to "see" everything. Thought I would try volunteering on a farm in NZ, teach some english someplaces, and even sing in cabarets for dinner or whatever.
I've heard from some that it is a real pain to go with too tight a budget. I've also heard that you can always come back early or stay in the cheaper countries longer. Any supportive words about my budget? Tricks? Tough love?
Can you really plan most stuff as you go and as you learn things from other travellers?
Oh, and why are internet cafes unsafe for internet banking? That's a big deal.
You're a superstar! Thanks
31-Jul-2005 19:40
mr C Shaw
oooo watch me turn green! Fabulous itinerary! I really think YOU WILL BE FINE.
I travelled through SE Asia, India, Europe (including Eastern Europe + France and Spain) for a year on approx AUD $15,000 granted that was in 2001 but it will all wash out, in the end.
As you suggest extending time in India or Thailand will be an easy coping mechanism as will cutting time in Turkey or Poland to skip through to friends or avoiding bungee jump costs in NZ - if needs be! Also as you mentioned avoid the big cities and hang out in out of the way places especially in Aus, Turkey and NZ.
You arent a babe in the woods so I suspect you will be fine! Pop in here as you go with updates or specific questions if you like!
If you have a ticket and no date committments along the way just wing it! Of course plan ahead as you need - if you show up at a train station in high season you cant expect to have a seat waiting for you but dont book a year's worth of trains tickets before you go - it makes for less fun!
Re - internet I suggest you call your bank and talk to them different banks have different ways of working some require you to download software to use their site this is very secure but not at all feasible for places like Laos!
Others use the web browser sofware this is a little less secure you need to be able to clear History every time - ask someone to show you as it only takes one minute
In any case you MaY get stung by spyware that records your keystrokes and emails the data to a conman in Hoong Kong or Nigeria etc! The odds are low but life is full of uncertainties.
As my bank was only using dedicated SW when I went overseas - I gave my brother signatory authority on my accounts and my phone banking details and we talked in general terms via email! Note to self must thank my brother agaion for that!
Cheers
Ally
01-Aug-2005 23:30
Note to ally - get me a coffee
05-Aug-2005 09:50
don't I get a coffee?
08-Aug-2005 00:17
of course you do Miaka, would you like a latte, a frappucino, a cappucino or a half caff- half de-caff with lime?
13-Aug-2005 15:18
Hi - we'd like to fly to Vietnam in December. Flights are pretty pricey right now. Is it better to purchase closer to the time we leave or go for it now? Since this is a popular time to travel I'm worried that flights might be limited.
Thanks for all your help
13-Aug-2005 15:41
Ally,
I was curious if you have tried traveling via cargo ship.
I want to weigh my options before I decide to book a world ticket.
Thanks for any help. Great info by the way.
eightsevenone
14-Aug-2005 14:48
I am about to head off travelling for 10 months and have just started to look for travel insurance. My younger brother has a serious heart condition and although 'the worst' isn't expected to happen whilst I am away I would like to know that I could come home if necessary however the insurance policies that I have looked at so far all seem to include a clause regading curtailment that states that you are not covered if you have relatives already undergoing medical treatment. Has anybody else travelled under these circumstances? Is there a special company that covers people in this situation? Would be willing to pay extra for peace of mind!
14-Aug-2005 20:08
lansky - HIya I bought a ticket similarly a few years ago, there is a date when all the tickets go up in price (I think it is the1st Dec) so get onto zuji.com and see what prices are availableon the 1st, 5th and 30th etc to see what the date is - all airlines change together, then see what specials are available for your dates - my guess is there wil be few.
What you will find is that there is a date when specials for "Christams" are announced and a friendlytravel agent can help you out but they wont tell you straight up you will have to encourage them to tellyou when to fly.
871 - I havent but there is a branch on here called Life on the Ocean Wave, if you dont want to fly everywhere - look at booking nothing and just winging it - or book ahead one leg only - assuming you have lots of time, that way you can do more overland and if you can organise a leg on a shi[ fantastic!
okapi - ifyouare willing to pay extra then dont use the insurance industry - just look at your major flight son your ticket and say OK - if I have to get home in a hurry then I have this ticket - if I keep say US $900 aside in case of having to get home then I can talk tot he airline who can credit my ticket and will often be helpful in cases of a familyemergency (ie they will not charge full fare) so my ticket plus $900 will get me home just as quick as an insurance company. You can also talk to a local travel agent before you go and get them to describe what would happen - they cangive you a better estimate of what $$ you might be up for.
Please wish your brother well from all of us travellers.
22-Aug-2005 13:17
Hi! I' m russian, my name is Karina and I'm looking the chipest way to rich Bangkok from Delhi or Mumbai. i heard many airlines announced about new cheepest prices, around 150$ return flight, but i don't know how to find theese special offers and booking flights. Thank's!
22-Aug-2005 16:21
hi Karina,
I have had this exact challenge a few years ago. this is what I found
1) It is much cheaper to fly from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Bangkok so if that that is possible please try that
2) I bought my ticket in Bangkok from a travel agent and it was much cheaper
3) I flew with Bangladesh Airlines which was slower but very cheap
If you are looking on the internet try www.zuji.com also try a local travel agent in India and also try contacting Bangladesh Airlines directly in India or Thailand
Good luck - you are right there are cheap tickets you will just have to say no to the easy and more expensive tickets.
24-Aug-2005 19:54
Following is a qyuestion from elsewhere and my reply that I thought other people might like to read over:
Hello! Since I will be traveling RTW and to places that probably do not have current safety precautions in place, I was wanting to find a travel smoke detector that is also a carbon monoxide detector. I can find travel smoke alarms no prob, but have not found ANY travel CO alarms, or even any normal (non-travel size) ones that are not pretty expensive.
Any thoughts? Has anyone else had this concern or come across anything like this in your RTW trip shopping? Any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Maggie
<several paragraphs of general advice and ranting>
nmtravel, I would really like to chat this one over with you as on a bulletin board tone can be misconstrued, but I really want to talk in a friendly way about what is implied in your messsage.
When you say "but I like to think that I've done my best to prevent the bad things that can happen from happening" this is a loaded comment.
The reason I say this is because it pre supposes that you can reasonably protect yourself from bad things happenning. That if you are pragmatic and practical and plan ahead you can know in advance what all the threats are and prevent them. The world does not work like that - bad things happen to good people and flippin idiots get home safe and sound.
It is a question of degrees, when I travel alone I make sure not to get drunk so that I am less likely to get into trouble, this strikes me as fairly reasonable other people will think I am being a bit dull and square.
There is a history on this bulletin board / community of people getting themselves panicked worked up over
- SARS
- Bird Flu
- Terrorists
These are things you can only PREVENT by not travelling.
Please do not sit down before you go and write a mental list of all the bad things that could happen, it makes MUCH MUCH MUCH more sense to be thoughtfuil about your environment and be an adaptive person.
Using your CO2 example, If you find yourself in an older hotel in winter and you are worried about there being no signs of ventilation then simply turn up the heating and open the window a notch or change hotels.
The real benefit of this attitude is that by disciplining yourself to notice youyr environment, you see all the good and interesting stuff as well.
Happy travels.
10-Sep-2005 03:18
Hi Ally....
Can I ask a quick question...
As a first time traveller planning to roud the world next year.. I am apprehensive about going "totally" on my own and would like some support.... Have you heard much about the Work and Travel Company in Kent? Whare are your views on having a company like that assist?
My initial conversations have been positive and they have been really flexible in terms of my plans etc...
Thanks
11-Sep-2005 19:49
Hiya sapphy, I havent heard of these guys but a couple of quick questions:
Do you have to make a time committment to these guys? Whenyou are travelling things change, they might be useful for fionding your feet in the UK but after that I am sure that you will want to branch out!
are they doing something special that you couldnt hook into yourself? Perhaps have a look at TNT Magazine UK website, they have classifieds for jobs, share houses etc?
Do you know anyone at all (my cousin's boyfriend's sister) send them an email and see if they can help you out whenyou first arrive
If you really will be on your own when you arrive the idea seems like a good way to settle in!
14-Sep-2005 03:31
A friend of mine is looking after my post, banking etc while I'm away - I'm just thinking of worst case scenarios so she doesn't have to. I'm thinking of what would happen if I lost my credit cards while away and needed new one's reissued.
My bank would send new cards to my UK address. No idea how safe / quick it is to then send it on (unsigned) to an address in South America for example.
Would other banks send new cards to you wherever you are or can you get insurance that provides this?
Or do you just take more than one card and hope you don't lose them all?
thanks
16-Sep-2005 03:48
I think that Banks generally have partner arrangements, so if you bank woth Barclays Bank in the UK they will have an arrangement with ....Bank of Brazil for example and you will have to get yourself to their Head Office Branch in Rio or Brasilia.
This is a good argument for carrying extra card/cash cheques. If you lost everything halfway down the amazon however you will rely on the kindness of strangers and travel insurancec to get you where you need to go to get a new card etc, keep phone numbes for lost cards and travel insurance handy, many people keep that info in their email account.
goodluck
20-Sep-2005 04:21
hi there i am a completly new to all of this so hoped that you could help me with some qu. i've been considering doing my gap year with an organisation because i want to do volunteer work abroad and being a single woman felt that this may be more secure than travelling on my own do you/ anyone have any recommendations or suggestion on what are the best places/organisations etc that don't cost an arm and a leg all suggestions welcome!!!
20-Sep-2005 11:38
Hi Ally
I'm traveling to Tanzania next week, meeting my wife who's doing volunteer work in Kenya. We're going on an animal Safari and to Zanzibar. She took our LP guidebookwith her, so I'm writing you...
Do you know what's the latest advice regarding money: cash (USD--which denominations?), traveler's checks, ATM and credit cards?
thanks!
sam
20-Sep-2005 17:13
Ally,
I will be traveling to Hong Kong for business mid- Oct. to mid- November.....
approx. how much money would i need for eating out everyday? i am not a big eater and will probably have one big meal ( is the meat okay over there?) and one small meal......
also, are the bugs bad? cockroaches, etc......
thank you sooo much
20-Sep-2005 20:19
dudedaisy - I havent used a volunteer organisation but if money is yourmain concern I would email some local groups in the country you are interested in and get yourself there. If you are moreinterested in having someone pickyou up at the airport and making sure you have company etc then go with a western based group. As a first step I would think about where you are interested in going, eg if you have spent 4 years studying spanish perhaps central / south america? If you love reading about Buddhism then perhaps SE Asia???
sam1906 -USD Cash in small bills is the best form of cash for Africa, also take travellers cheques and a credit card, as a rule of thumb I used credit card whenver I could, also be careful not to flashyourcash around - I took a small purse/wallet and put one day's money in that., I opened this in markets etc knowing htat if someone grabbed it, I coullive with the loss.
Hong Kong is like London - there are good places and bad, cheap food and expensive food, there are millions of people living a first worl plus standard of living, I ate meat off the cheapfood cartsa in Kowloon - no problems - of course that doesnt mean that all food carts are OK, as a rule always pick the busy place with a lot of locals eating there!
Happy Travels people!
26-Sep-2005 20:15
quick question - have you or anyone else reading this heard of the global ekit sim cards?? or any other company that has pre paid sim cards for overseas travel???
Cheers,
kel
27-Sep-2005 01:25
If you pop in here: http://www.ekit.com/ekit/MobileHome
they quote rates AS LOW AS:
Europe to US - €39c per min
Europe to UK - €39c per min
Europe to Australia - €39c per min
Free to receive calls
since I have to go cook some dinner I havent time to read the fine print but I hope you can check if this is a good deal or no?
16-Oct-2005 01:45
Hi Travelgoddess!
You are a wonder. I am a US citizen on a six month trip. My hubby and I will be flying from London to Thailand in afew weeks. We only bought A one way ticket to Thailand as we will be traveling around Asia for a few months before we head home. When we bought th e tickets on ebookers.com, the agent told us we might not be able to get on the plane without a return ticket or visa! We have been to Thailand before and no visa was required, but we had return tickets. I am kinda nevrvous about this, can you help with any information?
Thanks so much!
16-Oct-2005 20:13
hiya Maxine I am no goddess I am just a frustrated traveller - since I cant wander indefinitely I am here at w*** chatting about other people's adventures. I have heard a lot of people show som concern about this, my tip is to go to a cheap Asian Air Carrier say www.airasia.com and book a cheap and cheerful ticket that you will need down the track (say Hong Kong to Singapore)
Print out your receipt and use that as your onward proof, I bought a ticket from Kuala Lumpar to (airport in North malaysia for less than AUD $50 one way)
17-Oct-2005 00:32
Hi Ally!
I'm sarah, a 21 year old from Melbourne. I'm a planning a trip beginning early -mid next year. I want to go to Europe, especially eastern europe. But I also want to see Cuba, do you know if its possible to include Cuba in a RTW ticket? And if holding a polish passport will allow me to work within the UK without applying for a WHV? Also, do all RTW tickets require you to book all airfares in advance?
Thanks heaps!
17-Oct-2005 16:07
Cuba will be a pain in the proverbial for a RTW ticket, put the nearest big airport with direct flights to Cuba (eg Mexico City ?? and not Florida)
Poland is not part of the EU so you probably wont have automatic work priviledges - so yes you will need a WHV
Yes you will need to book airfares in aadvance you can change dates with no penalties but changing cities will cost you! (my tip - when in doubt just book big airport hubs eg Athens for Eastern Europe access not Warsaw)
17-Oct-2005 19:35
Heya Ally,
Taking a year off work next year. Starting June 2006 - Heading to Germany (world cup), Greece (family), London (friends) then going to start the solo journey towards Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, India, Nepal, China, Japan, Thailand then back home to Sydney.
First question I have is when is the best time to travel these areas in your experience. I want to try and avoid Morocco, Jordan, Egypt during the Ramadan 2006 – First day: September 23; last day: October 22, 2006. Ultimately it seems it would be better to do it the other way around but I want to catch the WC and friends in Greece.
Do you see anything wrong with the places I've listed? I'm a bit nervous/scared about travelling solo (23 y/o male, first time travelling alone. Did europe in 2003 for 3 months with friends). I've read through this whole thread (took me a 3 days while at work) which was extremely helpful and reassuring.
Also, have you done any volunteer work before? Or can anyone recommend a company in Sydney? I want to fill some time in either India or Nepal doing some English teaching... even noticed some companies do IT computer training or even soccer coaching which are 2 skills I could take with me.
Thanks again to all the helpful people here, making my first rtw trip a little easier.
17-Oct-2005 23:18
hiya geovou, good idea to miss Ramadan (I dont know how people can function when they fast in daylight hours I take my hat off to them) Turkey is a secular state - as I am sure you know so if you want to get out of Western Europe (very expensive) a little early then head to Turkey - it will be easy to spend a month in Turkey.
(BTW I had an ex boyfriend who was an Aussie with Greek parents and he ended up living happily in Turkey for a year despite all the talk about Greek / Turkish troubles)
As for being nervous/frightened - well that is normal and if you were blase about it all then hey you might as well stay at home and watch the Movie!!!
Trust me you will meet couples, groups along the way that will make you glad you are travelling on your own, once you get on the road you will (hopefully) get in the groove of of just saying hi to people and having a chat.
The only volunteer stuff I have done is in cambodia, but my tip is to find a country based organisation - and talk to the people in country, as an aside you should think about how much time you can commit, if you only have a few weeks to offer it will be better for the charity involved if you give money instead (that is my opinion but I have managed volunteers in another job) If you have say 8 weeks to do Soccer skills in an orphanage that would be great (say 2 hours an afternoon) That wopulkd be FANTASTIC
Have fun and let us know how you go both along the way and planning to go.
Cheers
17-Oct-2005 23:29
Really? I'm certain that Poland is now a part of the EU. So if it is, I won't need a WHV?
Thanks for the help!
20-Oct-2005 18:26
oo miss sarah - sorry about that I missed that great news! If theya re part of the EU then you should have automatic work priviledges. It is probably worth checking at the Polish embassy in Canberra (02) 6273 1208 or www.poland.org.au
Good luck!
A
21-Oct-2005 00:03
Hi Ally,
Have just got back from one year RTW trip across SE Asia, Australia and NZ, and am now starting my job-hunting. Need to update my cv to include my year off, but need to word it so it comes across well to future employers and not sound like i've been a beach bum for the past year. Would be grateful for any tips or recommendations.
26-Oct-2005 20:04
oops sorry Farker (BTW I imagine you look like the Prince in Shrek ) but put a list of skills developed under the section in your resume wherre you talk about travel. Some of the important things to mention are:
- Motivated Independent person
- Adaptible
- Good at managing a tight budget
- Up to date on many international issues
- language skills
- good at research
- Adanced Map reading
- good interpersonal skills
Anything I have forgotten?
08-Nov-2005 05:02
Hey Ally,
I'm looking to do some work in France in summer (or from July-September anyway) and wondering if you or anyone else has had any experience? I'm from Australia 22 year old male, and have been learning french for 3/4 of a year but I think i'll pick it up quickly while i'm there. Willing to do anything, but just looking to see if anyone else has done work around france during summer with only limited language skills or rather language skills that will be bad at first and get progressivly better?
If anyone else has had experience I'd like to hear about it as well!
Cheers
10-Nov-2005 17:39
johnny - do you have an EU Passport? Without one you might struggle to get wor but could try - grape picking in any of the many wine regions? Or show up in Nice before the end of April and get a job working on the sailing boats?
Note that France has a fairly high unemployment rate and there are many people seeking work with perhaps better language skills.
If you are up to conversational French and you have a EU passport then perhaps you can pply for jobs in Paris -
10-Nov-2005 17:42
ally
as a newbie traveler i am not sure what to pack and what not to pack i am planning on going to nz oz sea china nepal (maybe india) china then trans-si rail to mongolia then on to msocow then home. I cant get my head round what to take and what to pick up on the way.
any help would be great
thanks
13-Nov-2005 18:14
hiya fenrir
my attitud is that less is more (well less is lighter actually) check out post 50 on this thread) Are you going somewhere cheaper than your home country. eg a T Shirt in SE Asia will cost you about $3 AUD - so itmake smore sense to buy themas you go. Sunscreen will cost you the same as at home!
In Nepal for example tyou can hire hiking gear so maybe just pack good thermal socks and some thermal underwear but that leaves you struggling in Siberia. just remember if you really need it there will also be locals who need it and you will be able to buy it as you go.
If you are travelling alone that means you cant share toiletries, guide book or medical kit which is a pain in the proverbial.
What time of year will you be in oz nz?
Make certain you pack and take well fitted shoes is my number one priority! (hiking boots, walking sandals)
14-Nov-2005 23:36
Hey ally,
I'm visiting Germany in December and I am staying in hostels. I have no idea about cold weather being from somewhat northern australia and was wondering will I need a sleeping bag. When the hostel says "Sheets included" or "Sheets 3Euros" etc. does that mean full on blankets?
Thanks for answering my stupid question!!!
18-Nov-2005 10:07
Hi,
I'm desperate to leave work to take a career break and go travelling but don't really know where to start -
Can anyone recommend any good sources of career break information? I've
used www.thecareerbreaksite.com which is really useful, but any other advice, books etc. would be useful.
Thanks, Suzanne
22-Nov-2005 14:45
hiya Andrew - when they say sheets they mean the cotton stuff. All the hostels I have stayed in in Europe had a blanket on each bed - As I am a fan of the warmth I haent been to Europe in Winter but ny guess is that the official YHA places will have central heating so if space is a problem in your pack, and you are going to stay in YHA places then leave the sleeping bag at home?!
suzanne, I have a few posts near the beginning of this thread, my tip start with second hand books on things or places that interest you. Do you love Rennaisancc e Art? DO you get weekly cravings for yum cha? Do you have a shoe fetish that means you should head to Milan? Any thing that interests you really!
Ally
06-Dec-2005 15:17
Hi. I don't know if this is a stupid question, but I'm not sure how things work. I have a flight to Bangkok with a connection to Sydney 9 hours or so later. I am Australian... so am I allowed to leave Bangkok airport for a look around before my Sydney flight? Or am I not allowed? Similar thing... I fly into Helsinki and have a day before my light leaves for Bangkok. I assume I can go to a hotel for sleep etc?
Cheers for any answers! Oh.. while I'm here... Is a 60L backpack big enough for Europe (winter) - 1 month? Thanks again!
06-Dec-2005 17:09
hi looney bin!
There are no silly questions and it is kind of confusing with the whole layover thingy!
Bangkok Thailand
a) 9 hours is too short a time to get into the city and back again
b) your ticket may not let you leave the airport they will leave you in 'transit' in transit you can walk around the airport, buy overpriced souvenirs, go for a cigarette or a meal or maybe even a shower
c) even if you had 15 hours and your ticket let you head into the city you would have to pay the 500 baht exit tax so it would get expensive
Helsinki
a) is part of the EU so no visa problems and no exit tax
b) you have enough time to head into town and chillout (literally)
c) traffic will be less chaotic than Bangkok
d)Helsinki is expensive
Your bag will be ok as long as you arent trying to fit a winter coat inside the pack. It iwll be tight but you will work around pack size constraints, try throwing out anything you havent used for a week - do that every week.
07-Dec-2005 02:30
I know you guys arent the visa and passport experts but i was wondering if anyone could help from personal experiance (the most recent the better)
My grandparents on my mothers side and my mum immigrated to Australia from Scotland when my mum was 3 in April 1960. My grandparents became Australian citizens and my grandfather has since passed away. My mother has never become an Australian citizen but because she came over when she was 3 she has never held actually had a passport.
I want to know if anyone has ever had any experiance applying for a British Passport on the on the basses their mother is a british citizen. I know of one person who has done this but it took them 2 years. is this typical? and will having a British passport make me a British Citizen? will this gove me EU citizenship? If thats possible it sounds to good to be true! Im not planning on leaving for 2 years because i need to wait for my braces to finish. But if applying is going to take 2 years im gonna want to start now.
Thanks heaps for your help. If you can think of a more appropriate place to post this that would be great.
Heather
07-Dec-2005 03:43
Oh my god i just read the best tip
this one is for female travelers
keep spare money tucked in a small pocket in your bra. but dont use paper money. aus dollars are great. why? well if you accidently wash your bra with the money still in there you will be fine (just dont put it in the dryer) plus it sweat's there so you dont want it to get wet.
what a cool idea, and a very good point lol
heather
07-Dec-2005 11:47
Hello all,
I just thought I let you guys know that hurricane and myself will be looking after this thread for a while as of 9th December until 10th January, as Ally will be enjoying the Silly Season 2006 away from TT.
Well, we will try our best as we all know that nobody can actually beat Ally.
How someone could even think about leaving TT behind is a totally different question...
Cheers,
C.
07-Dec-2005 16:38
hiya dolphin , I have been reading about David Hicks and I thinkit is important what date your Mother was born. Mr Hicks is around 30 so you might be OK - two years seems like a long time but as you guessed it means UK Citizenship and the right to live and work in the EU - so fill in the form and see what you can get!
hiding stuff in your bra seems like an excellent tip dolphin! Plastic money only !
07-Dec-2005 16:43
Cosmopolitan and Hurricane are too kind - in fact I never set out to answer all the questions I just wanted a quiet refuge for all us people who arent into becoming travel gurus!
Be warned Huzza and Cosmo this thread will make your feet itch!
08-Dec-2005 09:07
Oh don't worry Ally. I have been used to quite a bit during my life on TT...
08-Dec-2005 21:24
Well everyone, I have had a boozy lunch, collected my Kris Kringle and now I am off to the Airport!
08-Dec-2005 21:28
Mwahahahahaha - Ally is about to depart - the lunatics are running the assylum
08-Dec-2005 21:30
HEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLP!!!!!!!
08-Dec-2005 21:30
Have a very nice trip Ally!
08-Dec-2005 22:52
I know I am supposed to be on the answering side of this thread but even the most cosmopolitan Cosmopolitan does have a question from time to time. Good thing, this thread is temporarily managed by two people.
The travel bag for my grand piano needs to be replaced and I need this thing to be replaced rather urgently for a quick weekend break. Would prefer to order from an online shop that delivers free of charge.
hurricane, can you maybe assist?
11-Dec-2005 21:50
Dear or dear - sorry I missed this one Cosmopolitan - in hindsight one feels one should perhaps one might have had to physically enter a piano bag store
Hope the weekend trip was fab
22-Dec-2005 06:45
Thank you Ally and others for lots of useful information. Can't find answers to my question:-
I am in the planning stage of a RTW backpacking journey. However, I want to see places out in the countryside, not just the main cities and sites.(I can go back to those by just taking aflight when I'm older and greyer). I have masses of time - the rest of my life and, visa's etc. permitting, would like to stay in rural areas. Do you know of any world wide or single country/continent only organisation(s) that welcomes foreign travellers into homes. Like 5W. Any info and web sites etc. would be appreciated. Thanks.
22-Dec-2005 07:37
Cosmopolitain--Your grand piano? Remind to invite you for the WE....No, I saw this guy who moved grand pianos by himself; a futuristic electro-pneumatic, compact, radio controlled gizmo. Probably costs a million vucks and you can't even use it on the highway
23-Dec-2005 09:02
To answer #477: I travelled extensively all over SEA and I think it's a great region where you can easily spend a year or two. Visas are usually easily obtainable or not required at all. The countries have so many things on offer: nature, culture, cities. I think it's a great area to tour around.
23-Dec-2005 09:03
As Razzak said the other day: "burn that Steinway!"
26-Dec-2005 23:32
Hi Ally,
I've been looking and looking for the elusive "page two or three" RTW trip cost calculator that is so often referred to in this thread but can't seem to find it -- can you give me an idea of what else is in the post so I can do a search? Also, I searched on Rough Guide's site for a trip cost calculator and couldn't find that one either -- anyone else can chime in, too...know of any others? I'm usually not terriblly clueless about budgeting but my trips have been 2-4 mos, and I'm planning my first RTW (trans-siberian from the east, eastern europe, india, nepal, tibet, if there's time some of the middle east) and as you know a wrong estimate of daily costs multiplied by 365 can make a big difference. Thank you!!! I know this has been answered a zillion times. Sorry.
27-Dec-2005 12:09
Hi DelilahM,
I am currently looking after this thread as Ally is touring over the holidays. You'll find that information in #25 of this thread.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
C.
08-Jan-2006 16:36
Hello everyone I am back! Yippeee many thanks to Cosmpolitan and Hurricane for your help please stay and pop in with useful tidbits!
My own new travel tip comes to you direct from Helsinki:
When wandering the streets of Helsinki in January remember that your favourite swanky large silver drop earrings will conduct the cold right through your earlobe and into your brain!
09-Jan-2006 07:09
It's been very quiet on this thread as you might have noticed. I guess people didn't trust us and were holding back until they were sure they would get direct advice from you Ally.
09-Jan-2006 18:21
nah - Cosmo it is a quiet little thread - thanks for your help! Now I must pop off to ask Roman where the sticky bit at thetop of the branch has gone?
10-Jan-2006 00:00
The sticky on the Canada branch recently vanished as well and so did my FAQs a while ago. I guess, LP does not use the best glue in the world and it simply dries from time to time.
Time for me to unsubscribe from this thread btw. Let me know when you're on the road again and need a back-up for this thread.
11-Jan-2006 07:31
Hi,
I just wanted to introduce myself to the thread, it took me three days of sporatic reading to get through this entire thread but I just couldn't stop, so much wonderful/helpful/funny/intelligent info. What you have done here Ally has made traveling seem much more possible for those people who haven't traveled before but want to, and are scared and don't know where to start and don't know how to go about doing particular things, and it's amazing. Of course you probably already realize all that, but there might be one thing that you're not realizing...have you thought about how many more tourists you're going to have to deal with now when you go on your trips? I mean everywhere is going to be that much more crowded just because of you... ;)
Anyway, I'm off on my first GY trip in April, heading to Nepal and then SE Asia and even though it is still three months away and I don't like to be much of a 'planner' I can't stop thinking/reading/planning/dreaming etc. about it. I'm pretty sure all of my question that I had before reading this thread have been answered (probably three times over) but i'm going to subscribe to it and I'll probably get really nervous a couple of weeks before I leave and post a whole whack of crazy questions for you, so I'm looking forward to getting some great advice as I know you're capable of giving.
Take care and thank you so much for this thread,
Hitchhiker
12-Jan-2006 18:08
heya hitchiker, glad to hear you read the post (i havent done that in a year or more) please feel free to pop in with trip reports and useful snippets alongtheway!
A
12-Jan-2006 21:40
Ally - the reason it "looks" so quiet is Cosmo and I had a flaming spam war and nearly got banned and Roman had to snip two weeks off this thread
12-Jan-2006 21:57
when I think Hurricane I think anti-Cosmopolitan - from here on in you will be known as Parochial! (Is that the opposite of cosmopolitan?)
13-Jan-2006 14:45
Hiya Ally, maybe Hurricane & Cosmopolitan
Hope you're all well! & Ally how's Helsinki?
Since it's quiet 'in here' at the moment I thought I'd ask a couple of questions. I'm off on my RTW from April 2006, just three months away now although it feels like I've been waiting or more like saving for it forever!
My itinerary is UK - China (15 day tour) - Thailand (1 month) - Oz (6-7 months) - South America (Chile overland to Bolivia and into Brazil) (2 months) - UK
Please accept my apologies if these questions have been answered before or if they seem a little insignificant but I have scrolled through the history on this post but there's just so much there that I haven't managed to read it all!!!
I've booked an rtw ticket (with STA travel) and I'm now beginning to wonder if that was the correct choice as I have a WHV for Oz and now perhaps think that I may wish to spend an entire year there rather than the six months I've planned - although I know that plans are bound to change once I've started my adventure.
I think I am able to lose my on going flights from Oz and get credit to use up on a service from STA travel at some other point in time (time restrictions apply) - however I do need to check this out to be certain. Do you know of anyone who did something similar? I guess there's also a posibility that I may be content with the six months in Oz too.
I also wanted to know your opinion on what budget I should be looking to take too...
I have already paid for my flights and various tours and excursions (including a China tour, diving course, white water rafting, tandem skydive and Ayers Rock tour). And just wondered how much would be advisable for me to have. In terms of accommodation I don't want to rough it but I'm not looking for luxury either, just looking to stay in clean and reasonably comfortable places. (I'll be travelling alone and I'm happy to stay in dorms but at some point I imagine I'd like to have my own room for a while/ just for a break) And with food I'd be eating out mostly in China, Thailand & probably South America but in Oz it would be a mixture of cooking my own meals too. I have looked at various websites to get an idea of what type of budget I'd be looking at but I'm still a little paranoid that I may not have enough. (I think the websites suggest I'd be looking at around £7,000?). I have read many of the previous posts including the earlier advised formula to calculate your budget and it kinda scared me!!!
What's the best way to keep your funds? Travellers cheques with just a small bit of cash on you, your atm card and a credit card? And am I best taking US dollars for China? (I think that's the case but wondered what your experience was?)
Ally I'm hoping that as I think you're from Oz you may be able to answer this one too - Is it easy to find office based work in Oz? Or are employers reluctant to recruit travellers as they can only work with them for a maximum period of three months? (I'm thinking of either doing that or three months harvest work to gain entitlement to a second WHV)
Sorry I promise that I'll end my message soon...
Many travellers have included a Swiss knife and a Maglite on the essential items to pack however I went to purchase one but I have no idea on what type I'd need. Please could you advise me on that too?
Many thanks in advance for taking the time to read and hopefully respond to my many questions!
With kind regards
Lenora
14-Jan-2006 12:49
I really want to visit Iran, (possibly) Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Taiwan from June onwards, but have had trouble finding an inexpensive and not too time-consuming way to get there from England
This is especially difficult since I only have 2 months to stay in the first 3 countries (I'll stay in Taiwan for another 2 months to do research), and I'd prefer to fly to Taiwan from Pakistan. While I'd be willing to do some overland travel, given the limited time and the impossibility, I would have to take some flights on the way. The other problem, of course, is the expense of flying from Pakistan to Taiwan, which have no direct connections! And then I've to return to London at the end of all this.
Sta Travel told me they didn't offer RTW tickets for my destinations--I'd have to fly to Iran, overland to the Stans, return to London, then take another flight to Taipei (airfares to Tehran and Taipei from London would cost at least 1200 pounds during peak season) . I'm wondering if this is the only freakin' way? If so, then I might have to drop Iran or the Stans, or scrap the whole idea altogether. Or are there cheaper Mideastern alternatives to Iran (I've never been to the Mideast)?
BTW, I checked this RTW web site web site, but the quote they gave me was USD$3000-ish!
PLEASE HELP! and THANKS for reading!
15-Jan-2006 18:17
Lennie - hello, I hgad exactly the same problem in that I threw away half my RTW ticket. I was in Europe in 2001 and was suppose to go to the middle east and then on to NYC and in th end I changed my plans.
As I had a one-world ticket I went to the British Airways office and discovered that I was entitled to a refund on the ticket BUT and this was the gotcha - the part of the ticket I had used (ie Sydney to London was calulated as a full price ticket. In the end I didnt bother and simply bought a new ticket. There isnt much you can do now as you have purchased your ticket. Just take it as it comes, it is worth your while phoning British Airwayts (if it is a One World Alliance ticket) or the main European carrier (if it si Star Alliance) Befre you get started.
Dont worry too much about it like you say things change! For Sydney budget AUD $100 per week for mid term accommodation. Cost of living is approx 20% cheaper than London so put what you spend in a week into AUD and then take %20 off!
Work is possible in offices in Sydney or Melbourne (will be the quickest) you will get basic office work, just get registered with an Agency when you arrive - look in TNT Magazine (for backpackers) or 9 to 5 free city magazine!
Simple swiss army knife (one with a corkscrew, a blade and scissors is a minimum! IMO the torch isnt neccessary unless you will be camping a lot I never took one but others will say t heya re the best thing ever!
15-Jan-2006 18:23
giugo, it is alwasy a battle between time and money! since you are on limited time you sreally should buy the best plane ticket possible. My tip is that you need to try and find a "better" hub. By this I mean somewhere that has cheap flights to Pakistan and Taiwain. London is one choice (it is a big airport etc) but really I would think that you should try and use an Asian Hub Airport!
Say
Bangkok or Singapore or Kuala Lumpar or Jakartaq (the last 3 are in countries with a large Muslim population so that is good for a cheaper onwards flight to Pakistan) So maybe try
Home ---> Kuala Lumpar --->Pakistan ----> KL ----Taipei
the other option is to arrive in Bangkok and organsie all yoru regional flights from there. This would be a better option if you had more time to be honest!
Ohh and I just thought of Gulf Air, you could hub in Saudi - they are often the cheapest airline for Aus to the UK. So try them for a direct ticket to Pakistan return to Saudi and then connect with an East Asian flioght - if you do this you could also look at buying your Taiwan ticket separately! goodluck!
15-Jan-2006 20:37
Emirates fly to Iran and to Pakistan via Dubai -
You could fly into Dubai - side trip to Iran then back to Dubai and on to Pakistan. From Pakistan you would have to book with another airline - bucket -
15-Jan-2006 20:46
Stop press - Emirates Do fly from Karachi to Taipei - give them a call - you might get a good deal
16-Jan-2006 12:45
I'm not going on an RTW anytime soon (well hopefully within the next 2 years). I'm just wondering, do most people book their tickets through a travel agent or on-line? Someone mentioned way back when (yes...I read through ALL these posts!LOL!) that they usually pay for their tickets by installement...Does anyone else do this? It sounds much better than having to come up with all the money for a plane ticket right away?
Second question...usually when I leave my backpack at the hostel, I never bother locking it up, but I have padlocks on all the openings...I never worry about my stuff getting stolen...should I be worrying?
Lastly, can you take travellers checks to any bank to get them cashed? I have to admit, that I have never used travellers checks and generally rely on using the ATM wherever I go. (Haven't travelled to anywhere remote yet!)
16-Jan-2006 12:51
Hi Ally,
What are your experiences with booking you're flight at the airport instead off weeks in advance?
greatings, Miek
16-Jan-2006 15:29
misspriss - it i more expensive to book and buy as you go, unless things change. I bought a RTW ticket but so much changed that I barely used half of it. - I wasnt quite out of pocket but could have saved $$ if I bought as I went.
If you have a deadline to return home andit is within a 12month period (say you have to be back for a wedding or a job) then buyt he RTW ticket, if you are really short of $$ then buy up front else I say leave your options open!
marie - hiya it will cost you a lot more money (I mean a LOT ) - those fares are List prices with no discounts, the exception used to be easyjet.com had some low prices but as business travellers started using the cheap carriers they started charging for people who just show up. As a rule the only times to do this are if you are travelling on business or you have a family emergency etc!
16-Jan-2006 15:32
Hurricane you are a research guru I think you should become a travel agent and then give me lots of discounts!
16-Jan-2006 16:02
ohhhh....I think maybe my question wasn't very clear. I meant do most people usually book their entire RTW ticket through a travel agent or on-line?
16-Jan-2006 17:31
Ally - aaaah that would be good - lot's of freebies and discounts would be loverly
16-Jan-2006 20:15
sorry about that misspross - you would think I had mastered the art of reading by now! Anyways I bought my ticket from a travel agent. When I went which wasnt that long ago - you couldnt buy International tickets online (you could get quotes) so my tipis to talk to an agent get an itinerary then try andbeat tthe quote beofre you fork over your hard earned money!
18-Jan-2006 19:50
Hello Ally,
I am intrigued by your post - so I think I'll take the bait and ask you a really embarrassing travel question (which will immediately show you how green of a traveller I am). The train/metro. I am going to France and am so nervous about the metro - my own city doesn't even have a metro. I've been looking around various sites and people keep mentioning this and that fine they got by getting on the wrong train or because they didn't get their ticket stamped - would you be so kind (and I am really red faced now...) to walk me through this basic process? Do you not just walk up to a machine, put some coins in and it pops out a ticket? No? Anything I should know to save this first time solo traveller big headaches?
Thanks - I appreciate this thread!
Green-as-they-come Murphy
19-Jan-2006 00:44
Ally, im sorry if this has already been asked before, but you have soooooo many replies its hard to find the time to look through them all, although I have been slowly making my way through them!
Anyway, its a boring insurance question. Have you heard of any good or bad experience with insurance companies? Im looking for a 12 month policy and just want some good recommendations so I dont fork out £200-£300 on a company that has a reputation for not paying out. From doing a little research it seems that all insurance companies are run by crooks!
19-Jan-2006 17:36
Hiya Murphy - metros are cool but scary at first -you know who loves the Paris Metro is Hurricane but I will try and help.
Maps - there areplenty around colour coded and really good to keep one handy at all times - canyou read a street map>? Metro maps are easier. in fact I am sure if you google paris metro map you will get one befire you even leave home (make sure you get a colour printout if you go this method)
Tickets in Paris you buy a collection of about 10 tickets (approx 2cm x 4cm pieces of cardboard) then to get on a metro you simply put one in the slot at the gates - it gets printed and you keep it until the end of your trip and then you put it int he machine again! Easy!
Also make CERTAIN you can say in French, in French is the important part here:
"Excuse my name is Murphy I am from Murphyland and I cant speak French" If you master that much most Parisians -including the ticket sellers will be happy to help you in English (PS Hurricane speaks French")
PS Paris is lovely and wonderful and pretty and I am green with envy!
19-Jan-2006 17:41
hiya sdavi: I must confess I dont have strong opinions about travel insurance, I usually feel ambivalent until the last minute and I think - God If I die I dont want my family to organise shipping my body home, so I rush off to the travel agents and buy what ever is on offer and leave again!
There are plenty of people with comments and experience in
Insurance - the great debate
Start here and see how you go!
19-Jan-2006 17:45
woo hoo round of applause - my hyperlink works! (PS that debate is another post on "The Gap Year and RTW Branch"
19-Jan-2006 17:59
Damn it's been 8 years since I was on the MEtro but found it really easy from memory there's two main lines Metro and RER and these intersect at key places like Les Halles/Chatelet -I think RER lines are signified by a letter and Metro lines are numbered.
According to the web site (in French) you can buy tickets from a number of agencies (book shops etc) throughout Paris and it's like most places you can buy passes or packs of ten.
19-Jan-2006 18:05
PS a link to the map
Paris Metro
and a link to the website
Good news there's an English translation
metro home
Good news is you can get daily travel passes at Metro, SNCF and RER Stations for 8 - 23 Euros a day depending on how many zones you want - click on the RER map and it shows you the zones. Single tickets are 1.40euros and a carnet of 10 tickets is 10.70
Over and out Ally
19-Jan-2006 18:41
Wow you guys are awesome! Thank you for the info - I feel better already! If you don't mind my asking...what is an RER train? Also these ticket booths - do you know if they sell tickets 24hrs/day? If you are doing a day-trip out of Paris (say, Verdun) - do you need to buy those tickets in advace?
Cheers,
Murphy
19-Jan-2006 18:54
RER is just the train line - I think it goes further than the metro - ie to Versaille etc - I think it's similar to the difference between Brit rail and the Udnerground. The ticket office should be open when the train is - otherwise you can get tickets and certain hotels and travel outlets. Day trips you can get on the day unless your train is actually one of the big intercity/TGVs that happen to stop at Verdun - then it's probably ticketed AND way more experience so get someone to explain the timetable symbols to you at teh train stations -
19-Jan-2006 18:55
Ooops I meant train station not no train
19-Jan-2006 19:31
now I would bnever say Hurricane is a trainspotter but I bet there are thousand sof trainspotters just dying to meet her!
19-Jan-2006 19:32
now I would bnever say Hurricane is a trainspotter but I bet there are thousand sof trainspotters just dying to meet her!
19-Jan-2006 19:41
Very droll n'est pas? Ally you double posted. I be dobbing you into Roman
19-Jan-2006 19:59
dont hassle me just because I stutter,
19-Jan-2006 20:07
Why you hassle me because I slobber?
19-Jan-2006 20:34
and you hassle me when I stumble
19-Jan-2006 20:46
And you give me grief when I fumble
20-Jan-2006 00:42
must stop sillines now...cant hold on much longer..............bumble
20-Jan-2006 12:51
Ally, Hurricane and everyone else,
I've been slowly getting caught up in this thread, and enjoy reading it, so I figured I'd wade in with a couple questions.
Question 1: How do you all show any discipline when picking out where you want to travel on a RTW trip? My wife and I are currently planning on making a 6 month trip in about 1 years time. We started out by both making a list of dream places we'd like to go. Then we compared the list and narrowed it down to about 10 places.
This is probably still too many, so we've been trying to eliminate place, cut it down to something we think would be managable in about 6 months. But, it seems like, for every place we cut, we add another. So, we just sort of end up running in circle... fun circles though they may be. So, I'm just wondering how other people have decided where they are going. I'm sure there isn't a hard an dface way, but I thought maybe hearing what others have done would help me and my wife make some decisions.
I have a feeling I'll be throwing more questions out in the coming weeks and months, but figured I'd start with that since its where we are in our planning.
22-Jan-2006 05:31
Okay
6 months ago i left uni to work full time so i could save up for a trip. 6 months later i have a new car that i have car repayments i owe my gran 4 grand and i have no savings... seems i have gone backward. Good news (maybe) is that i cant leave for 2 years because on thu i had my wisdom teeth out because after all that pain im having braces put on and they wont come off for 2 years.
So that gives me 2 years to save and i get a big pay rise in june cause i start getting paid full adult wage.
Either way im a lousy saver and i have tried a savings plan etc put it still dont work. the only thing im good at is paying bills. At this current point what im thinking will be my best bet is to go on a working holiday in england. Then when i feel like i have enough, i can go to paris for a week or so and hey, no 2 grand air fair to get there. this means i dont need heaps and heaps of money.
How many ppl have done this who cant save? or am i going to get to england and never go anywhere cause i cant save money when im there either? Is it diffrent once your one the road? i can keep my spending low for a few weeks but then i blow my money on something like a hair cut or a weekend away. im guessing i could do this in england but id be blowing it on a trip to paris or germany right? or am i dreaming??
thanks heaps for calming my nerves.. its this or valium (jj)
heather
22-Jan-2006 17:01
Hi spongebob! I think that is one of the best problems to have! hee hee! you have a few choices, you could pop the whole list up on the Your Choice branch and let the lunatics there make your choices!
Something a little more logical is to remove the following places
a) Near by easy to get to places, so hey I am Australian and I can stop in New Zealand but it is fairly easy for me to imagine that one day in the future I can get there, so skip it!
b) easy places, so hey I have alwasy wanted to see Canada and maybe do a train trip through the rockies but I am in my 30s and it is fairlyeasy to imagine I can get there in my 50s on a 8 week tour!
c) first world - somewhere like Japan was high on my list of places I wanted to see, travelling for a long time is a big drain on the budget so I left out Japan!
goodluck and I am now really keen to see your list!
22-Jan-2006 19:42
dolphin - discipline sweety - you need some discipline - what on earth were you thinking buying a new car when you wanted to go travelling, a secnd hand one or a couple of thousand dollars is one thing but brand new?
I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that you really wanted to dorp out of Uni and needed a good excuse? I am not saying that this means you cant go travelling - but you need to pay off all your debts and then save some money, how about a second job, see what your car is worth and stop spending any money, this means some tough times ahead. But hey spend Friday night with your Gran and not your mates, and change how you spend your time and money.
A
23-Jan-2006 04:15
Dolphin: I agree with Ally, you really have to discipline yourself when your saving. Maybe opening an account where you have to give 7 days notice before you withdraw anything might help. I am leaving for a trip to Europe in six months and have already made good progress, (I have only been saving for about 1 and a half months) I also have a car which I have to pay registration/insurance as well as my decreasing (yay!) credit card bills. Before this I didn't realise how much those magazines/coffees/bought lunches added up.
Keep your eye on the prize! If your having a bad day at work or want to go out with friend or away for a weekend, just remember that you could be having that weekend in Paris or seeing ancient buildings in Rome.
By the way Ally, I know everyone else has said it, but thankyou so much for this thread. I have had some questions which I have been afraid to ask on this board for fear of getting a heap of mean messages from "experienced" travellers who cant seem to remember their first time travelling! My questions have been asked by others on this thread and answered by you very well.
By the way, maybe when you get to 600 posts do you want to start a new thread and maybe the moderator can make this one a sticky? Only because its taken me a few days to get through this :)
23-Jan-2006 13:05
Thanks Ally! Good points all!
Yeah, my wife and I have already eliminated most of the more expensive countries for just the reasons you mentioned. We are from the States, so we figure we'll have other opportunities to make trips to Europe (we've actually each already made one) later in life. And since we live on the West Coast we figure it would be easy to do a trip to Japan at another time too. The only expensive places we are still considering are your own Australia and its neighbor New Zealand.
I keep revising a map of our trip as we continue to refine what we think we might do. Here's the most recent one: Map
Keep in mind, that map is still super rough planning... so I think its keeping an unrealistically brisk schedule. I'm guessing we'll continue to par it down as we get closer to our departure date and/or ticket purchasing. Feel free to make any suggestions though, I'd be all ears.
23-Jan-2006 15:46
My (South African) husband overstayed his WHV in the UK by a considerable margin (he ended up being there 6 years...). He didn't get deported or anything, but his passport expired while he was there, so his current passport says issued by Home Office or Dept of Foreign Affairs (or something like that). Our problem is this: we'd love to go back and visit our friends there, but are afraid he will get turned away at the airport. Do you think that's likely? How long is the exclusion period for overstayers in the UK?
23-Jan-2006 17:32
Sponge - it looks ALMOST doable. If I had one month in our region would consider only doing Australia or NZ. One month in South Asia - It took me 3 weeks to see Vietnam and was just the tip of the iceberg I would pick two countries max maybe Vietnam/Thailand or Thailand and Cambodia.
Where are you starting in Turkey and when - remember it's bloody freezing from November until May. We did it in a month including some time on the Greek Islands - I can send you a suggested itinerary if you like.
With regards to Africa - I would extend my time in Kenya and go to Tanzania - it's got the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater - I'm busting a gut to get there. Also you can then see Zanzibar - spice isle yum yum - Have been to Jo'Burg and not Capetown and other places but personally would cancel that and focus on the Kenya region
Buenos Aires is wonderful but if you're pressed for time I wouldn't spend a whole week there unless you're going out to the Igazu (sp?) falls. F
Finally try and extend Cairo to 2 weeks or at least 10 days. That gives you 3 days Cairo - and then time to see Luxor and Aswan - I did a three day felucca trip between Aswan and Luxor - best time
23-Jan-2006 18:41
PSD - make sure you do a chill out at least 3 days every month - ie - end Australian trip in Barrier Reef and just sun and sand for a couple of days, end Turkey trip in Santorini for a few days.
24-Jan-2006 13:04
Hey Hurricane, thanks for taking a look at my map and itinerary. It's good to get feedback and advice, and would defintely be interested in any suggested itineraries for Turkey/Greece or wherever. Here's some of our thoughts in response to your questions, and just to give you an idea about what we were thinking.
I'm not sure where we'd be starting in Turkey, and only have a rough idea about when. We think we will probably leave on our trip between January and March. So, if we followed this map, that would put us in Turkey sometime starting between March and May... so it sounds like we might need to rethink that a bit.
With Africa, we have a friend that lives in Kenya, so we definitely are visiting there. And, if anything will just increase the amount of time we are there, since we'd have a place to stay for free for at least some of the time, and also someone to help us out and guide us a bit. We also knew we wanted to do Peru and Bolivia, so it was sort of a matter of figuring out how to get form there to Kenya. And the Buenos Aires and North Africa route seemed doable, and both places were places that we wanted to go to.
I've actually been to BA (and Igazu Falls) once before, so I agree that we probably won't even need a full week. I figured we'd probably just take enough time to show her around some of the stuff I enjoyed the most last time I was there. But, for the map purposes, I was just breaking thinks into weeks... didn't want to start micromanaging my time too early. More time for that later. :)
I agree that I'd like to do Cairo for longer too. My wife was getting concerned about time, and asked to cut it back. But, I'll probably push for longer. Seems like there is so much to do there.
In regards to Southeast Asia, I like your advice there too. Same with Australia and New Zealand. Thanks for all the advice.
24-Jan-2006 13:15
PS: Hurricane, also, I copied and pasted your response into my travel blog (it in my signature). I hope you don't mind. It's just sort of a running record of my planning, and a way of sharing any info I undercover with my wife (when we are both at work). Thanks again!
24-Jan-2006 16:02
Hi Sponge
Glad to be of help - and no probs` about pasting on your blog
With regards to Turkey we got there in May and that was ok – as we did the tourist things up north first and then trekked down to Kaz/Fethiye and chilled but we started in Athens – flew over to Samos (Greek Island) and then ferry to Kusadasi BUT I would suggest if you fly into Istanbul spend 2/3 days there – accommodation is disproportionately expensive to the rest of Turkey, We spent 20 US each for a triple and it was still a dive so we shopped around and stayed at the grooviest place called the Hotel Ararat - it was worth EVERY cent
After Istanbul we went to Cappadocia (Goreme) by O/N train – it took longer than the O/N bus but same price and we had a sleeper. You get of in Ankara the capital and if we’d had more time I would have stayed a night and then went to Goreme the next day. We spent 2 nights there but could have stayed another – can’t remember the place we stayed but it was similar to the Flinstone Pension BUT high up with a magnificent view – if I find the business card I’ll let you know
After Goreme we went O/N to Olimpos – and stayed at Caretta Caretta which means little turtle. We met Pelin who runs it with her parents. Last year she came to Australia and it was great to catch up – recommend the place highly.
Then went to Kaz and stayed at Ates Pension
The guys is a bit of a sleeze but show him your “spongey” muscles and he’ll behave. If you can ask for a twin room NOT a double (actually this goes for a lot of places in Turkey and Greece) the rooms a larger. Some people we met were in doubles you couldn’t swing a cat in. You can always push the beds together and it’s worth it for a little room to move. I think we stayed in room 12 at place and the view was lovely. It didn’t have a swimming pool when we were there so it must have been a new addition. If the owner offers to take you to the “authentic” sauna DON’T – there are better ones in Selcuk and Istanbul.
After that we went to a small village called Patara
What a place – long long sandy beach – the only one I saw in Turkey. We stayed at a wonderful place – I think it was called the Hibiscus – I’ll try and remember – the rooms were dark pink and green and the host was wonderful terrific home cooked meals. Patara is worth it – not that many travellers seem to stop there – so you really do feel special.
Then on to Fethiye and we stayed at the Ideal Pension – again run by lovely people with a great view. Some people stay in Olundeniz because it’s on the lagoon but we liked the feel of Fethiye – would just get a local bus to Olundeniz – it was only 12 Km
I stayed briefly in Mamaris at the YHA – which was fine – would have like to stay longer but was running out of time and got the ferry from there to Rhodes after that went to Santorini – just beautiful – both islands.
Now backtracking what I’ve missed is the rest of the west coast – we actually landed in Kusadasi and then went to Selcuk to see Ephesus which is MAGNIFICENT. Stayed with Bron and Jimmy in Selcuk at Artemis – great people and lovely spot – Bron’s from Melbourne and is a walking encyclopaedia on Turkey.
Finally, my travelling buddy went back later and went to the Bodrum area which is also supposed to wonderful.
Hope that helps
AraratGoremePataraIdeal
24-Jan-2006 16:51
PS - Ally and I have both been to Gallipolli but it mightn't have the same significance to you. It was a humbling experience
24-Jan-2006 18:03
PPS
The hotel in Goreme was Kelebek - can't recommend the view enough
Kelebek
Sorry guys have hijacked the thread - should take this to the middle eastern branch -
Sponge i suggest know you've locked in a lot of your itinerary that you start giong to specific branches and posting area/country related questions there - Ally Moneypenny and I post on the Australian branch as well
24-Jan-2006 22:08
Patara - Flower Pension
Finally remember the name - it's not as posh as some of the others but the food and hospitality makes up for it
Flower Pension
25-Jan-2006 08:24
Thanks Hurricane for detailing your itinerary! And sorry to everyone else for highjacking the thread!
Hurricane, you've given me a lot to think about and look into. And, yeah, I'll definitely be moving into the other regional threads more as I get locations picked out.
That hotel Kelebek... wow!!!
25-Jan-2006 10:42
Hi,
I am in the last stages of buying a RTW ticket from circletheplanet.com but have read on here that that outfit is a bit suspect and am now thinking what else I can do.
Who are good for legitimate round the world tickets, or is it best just to buy all the tickets myself independantly?
Star Alliance want 3800 and I have to get back to the US ( I am relocating to Australia ), Oneworld want 4000
I am flying NY or Boston to Barcelona
Athens - Bombay
Bombay - Bangkok
Bangkok - Brisbane ( terminating in Australia where we are relocating to )
Should I just go visit a travel agent locally, or book each leg independently? I would rather have someone who I can contact if I need to delay my departure for a flight, but I don't want to pay 4K ( two of us travelling, $7.6K-8K blows the budget )
Any recommendations?
Thanks
Damian
26-Jan-2006 13:45
hi aly,
I have about 2 weeks free in mid february, and not sure where to go. Will be flying from Canada to London to Tel-Aviv, so I can either fly out of London or Tel-Aviv for a couple weeks. In that time of the year, do you receommend europe, tanzania (looking into it but $$), Thailand...?
thanks
26-Jan-2006 17:40
tamara - I suspect it will be OK! Make sure that you do the following:
ring the consulate before you get a ticket
have onward tickets printerd before you arrive
have a bank statement printed up to show you arent poor
If ytou are still nervous you caould always request a new passport?
Goodluck
Ally
26-Jan-2006 17:42
spongebob - Hi, I had a look at your map and I think you are still overloaded, can you stretch the time at all? If not can I suggest you cut a continent? Perhaps South America as it is closest?
26-Jan-2006 17:53
damiansmith - those prices sound high but I have heard other people from the USA talk about this before. RTW tickets seem to be more expensive when you start in the USA. Can you try and get an online quote
RTW with OneWorld starting in SYdney is less than $3000 AUD in the shop front windows (approx $2500 USD) Try and get a quote for 2 x one way ticket Boston to Barcelona and Europe to SYdney.
Keep digging and get a new agent, also worth remembering that London is a cheap hub so try:
Boston London (book in usa)
London Barcelona www.easyjet.com
London Sydney book howver works out the cheapest!
Goodluck!
26-Jan-2006 17:56
Europe willl be cold but much less crowded? Western Europe could be fun but you will sepnd a lot of time in museums and galleries? Alternatively go to Egypt first for a couple of weeks. (cheaper) Thailand is way out of the way if you have to go via London! The UK could be fun but very expensive and also cold!
Or go chill out in Morocco?
Or use the time to travel around Israel?
Or go to Petra in Jordan nearby?
What a fab 'problem' to have !
27-Jan-2006 16:09
Ally, unfortunately, we cannot extend our trip too much more. I think we could probably extend it up to about 7 months, but after that would be pushing it for a variety of reasons.
Yeah, we've talked about cutting a continent too (also because -if we did the OneWorld ticket- they charge by the continent). I think if we did that, we'd actually probably end up cutting out Australia/New Zealand though, just because they are some of the more expensive places on our itinerary.
As I mentioned, we are still in the early planning phase though. So, who knows, the final itinerary will end up looking completely different. :)
29-Jan-2006 13:20
hiya,
well, planning my RTW trip for '07. Now could you tell me if the below schedule is doable in my time frame and how much i should budget. I have made a plan myself, but i'd like to see if i've been realistic! =)
london -
lima (6 weeks) will also see bolivia
easter island (4 days)
two of the pacific islands (total 7 days) any reccommendations?
manila (4 weeks) travek a few islands
cambodia (4 weeks) will see also vietnam
delhi (4 weeks) plus sri lanka (2 weeks)
london
am i realistic? =)
i realise not all connections are possible, so will have stopovers and spend a few days there. But these are my main interests.
Thanks
Mariekexx
01-Feb-2006 14:06
Hi guys, Just a Newbie Post...
I've read a coupe of pages of this thread, great fun, will catch up on the rest as I go along.
Just a couple of quick questions regarding what I take:
I work in IT and love my gadgets but know that I'm just asking for trouble if I take a laptop away with me. However, I deperately need the ability to send/receive mail, access on-line accounts and do it all from the security of my own equipment as I know only too well how easy it can be to obtain a user's information from a public terminal. So, what do I do...? I'm thinking of two options:
1. Take a small laptop and a PDA and use the PDA as the primary device and the leptop as backup
2. Just take a PDA and be really mercenary about what data I take
I know I probably could do without either, but do I really want to be accessing my account details with some local shoulder surfing...? No Way...!
On a seperate issue, Documents:
I have access to around 1Gb of web server space, god know how many domain names and intent putting a copy of EVERYTHING on their just in case.
BTW Ally, thanks very much for the tips on money, cards and security --> very, very helpful.
Also, if anyone needs info or advice on putting stuff on the web please feel free to PM me.
01-Feb-2006 14:42
Oh, and on homesickness:
The grass always looks greener on the other side, but when you get over there, you just discover it's astrofelt...!
01-Feb-2006 17:31
Hi Ally
I think, following numerous calls, I have bottomed out my Itinerary and just wondered if you'd take a moment to look at it and tell me if there's any glaringly onbious holes in what I'm thinking of doing as I have never travelled this far for so long before.
I've posted an image on the URL below, red lines indicate overland travel, blue flights and I've also given an indication of desired length of stay. I know the total duration is way short of 12 months but I'm working on the assumption that I'll probably prolong my stay in some areas and shorten it in others.
Route Plan 01
PS: I have reaserched currencies, visa requirements, going to get the jabs (ouch) and eventually get round to buying a backpack.
Any suggestions welcome Ally.
02-Feb-2006 16:23
Harlequin - hi I know that many gadget nuts take their bits and pieces with them, basically I did my banking via emails to my brother, but over a year he only did about 4 transactions and he had access via phone banking which was fab!
Using that method security became much less important. It is amazing to think how quickly technology changes, I travelled through 2001 and back then there was no room to store scans in tiny teeny hotmail accounts! Digital Cameras were rare then too!
So basically take the Laptop if you want it! It iwll also solve security problems but there are other ways if you want to travel lighter! Can you do internate bankingon a PDA?
hang on marie and harlequin I am off to gaze longingly at your itineraries!
02-Feb-2006 16:38
marie - hiya
sth america and easter isalnd seem ok,
with 7 days in the Pacific I suggest you stik to one ISland group. Cook Islands or Tongo or Fiji but doing two islands in 7 days may take all the relaxation out of the south pacific!
Is there a reason the Phillipines gets the same time as Cambodia and Vietnam combined? (Family or something?) If not I would take the 8 weeks and give 2 to Cambodia, and 3 each to Vietnam and Phillipines, Vietnam is a hard palce to love and you do need to give it some time!
does Delhi mean Delhi or part of India ? (If Delhi only then 5 days is more than enough, if you have amotnh in India can I suggest you pick one state and go there, Rajasthan for example!
have fun!
02-Feb-2006 16:42
harlequin, intinerary looks a little rushed for Africa and also there seems to be too many cities in Asia, I would drop either Hong Kong or Singapore as they are some of the most western style cities in Asia. You could draw the same comments for KL but the food there is the absolute best, i maintain KL has better eating than even my beloved foodie heaven of Sydney!
02-Feb-2006 16:51
oh and put in some less City type places instead! eg Perhension Islands in North Malaysia!
Have fun!
02-Feb-2006 16:53
Hi Ally, thanks very much for your comments.
I've decided to ditch the laptop unless I can find a really light and small one but thus far I'm looking at a souped up PDA as it's just lighter and easier.
As for Internet banking on a PDA, I bet there's a watch out there that'd do it...!
02-Feb-2006 17:02
I could happily frop Hong Kong, looks like i'd be spending more than a few days in Kenya anyways.
As for Singapore, Yeah, could drop that too.
The Perhentian Islands sounds like a great idea and I'd love to try my hand at diving.
How would I get there though, I assume I'd still have to get to Kuala Lumpur and then just boat it out there...?
I've always wanted to learn to dive so please let me know if this is a good idea...
02-Feb-2006 18:28
useful link for Se asia is www.airasia.com cheap and efficient and new planes!
02-Feb-2006 18:29
i think (from memory) you fly into kota bahru (sp?)
02-Feb-2006 18:37
Cool Ally.
I was just told by a friend that smokers are not allowed to dive, is this true...?
I was considering giving up anyway as I travel as it's an unessecary expense and there's the obvious helth benefits when lugging a bloody backpack around the world...
02-Feb-2006 20:38
you need a medical certificate to dive, some Drs may consider you unfit if you smoke, I smoke and I dive no problem! Although strangely I just popped a nicotine tablet under my tongue for the first time about half an hour ago and voila
No Cravings!
02-Feb-2006 20:43
Thanks again Ally --> Font of all knoledge.
Is there anything I can ask you that you will not have an answer for...? I suspect not.
I suppose I could get the certificate from my Dr the same time I get the jabs but please tell me if this is incorrect.
04-Feb-2006 13:29
Hi Ally.
I've been discussing my route with a friend that's travelled and she's suggested heading West as this will place me in the warmer countries when they are slightly cooler (if that makes sense).
This means I'd be staring in NY and heading overland to LA. Now, I want to make the most of this trip so was wondering what the best way is ov crossing this country as I think hitch hiking is actually illegal in some states and am not sure if this is the best way of getting accross the US anyways...
04-Feb-2006 18:58
Ok this might seem like an obvious concern...is it really stressful to change money in third world countries, or in any other country for that matter? Is it better to use your debit at an atm or go to a bank or money changer? Change it at home? Everybody says to bring your own calculator so you dont get ripped of, but I just dont know anything about money from other countries (what it looks like, what bills look the same...etc.) Of all the wonders of travel this one concerns me the most...as does losing my stuff. Anyway, if you could enlighten me on the fine art of money changing I would be ever so grateful...thanks
Sara
04-Feb-2006 22:19
Howdy :)
Excuse if i'm re-asking things that have already been done! But i seriously need advice So i've decided on a RTW ticket (as I wanted to go for longer than 1year but alas got told i can't so may as well go RTW!).
My main priority is canada - vancouver/toronto/montreal/quebec ! So excitement:) I plan to spend a good 3-6months there - any canadians wanna offer advice on best way to travel super cheap from vancouver to toronoto? I understand its a big journey but i've driving perth to melbourne several times and have no issue with buses and trains etc :) So.... I'm hoping to be able to work in toronto and stay there and travel to montreal etc... how long would you give yourself in canada ?
Then I plan to see europe... I want to see italy but via public transport so I would like a month or two to just be able to travel about relaxed and without schedule... anyone done this before? Just flown in and seen where the wind blows ?
I also would love to see spain/france/germany/switzerland and would love to do a week or more in each - anyone got any favourites?
My dilemma is that I also want to see the middle east... but as i'm 22 and female i'm a bit weary of travelling alone so i thought I would take a tour (the only one of my trip and the only time i would stay in hotels!) I have found an awesome tour by explore! - anybody used these tours before? Are there any tours that are more dedicated to backpacker young type folk who have little money! The tour i would love to do is like 2.5k (aus) and would be 1/4 of my total money and would mean my working time in canada/europe (namely london) would be more i guess to make up for the lose of $$
I also plan to stopover in hawai or somewhere on my way to canada! HOw exciting...
Anyway I'd love any advice - especially about canada! its crazy but its my dream destination so i guess i'll do it even tho the wonders of the midddle east/europe are somewhat more culturally different from wee perth.
cheers, amy
05-Feb-2006 14:03
Hey Ally, Hurricane, everyone...
I'm setting off on an RTW trip in March and I'm going to be on my own... so I'm hoping to just befriend other travellers as I make my way round. I'm 18 though, and was wondering am I going to be younger than everyone else? Or are there lots of 18ish year old travellers? I'll be mainly in Oz, NZ, Japan and SEA if that makes a difference.
Thanks, Ben
05-Feb-2006 17:57
Hrlequin, grab the certificate whenm you get your jabs but I am sure that if you need a certificate in Malaysia most of the dive shopss will have a local docrtor who can help out! Check on www.padi.com
Rather than temperature check on wet seasons, eg Malaysia the wet will be more of a problem than the heat. your guide book will have the details!
senjarose - hey not silly I can only speak rfom Sth East Asian experience but changing money was easy. If you insist on only changing money at a wetern bank you will have all sorts of trouble but there are changers everywhere, just keep yourself informed of the rate also take a few small us dollars with you and use your debit card whenever you can.
amy - as for Italy there is a great rail pass that runs from one date to the next and gives you unlimited rail travel, great for wandering around! Although be warnewd a month in Italy is still tight and you will be pushed for time!
I cant offer much on Canada as I havent been but I think somewhere so similar to Aus you should be fine to wing it, ie go to the bus depot and book a bus along the way! Tour for the middel east sounds fab I was supposed to go there in October 2001 and I had to cancerl as I was concerned about security, so it is on my wish list still!
Hi Benl - wow 18 is young! You will meet heaps of 21 year olds in Aus and NZ, you might be a little younger than the average though in SE Asia, Japan??? I am not so sure as I ahve only been to Tokyo for a week! If other travellers are all a little old then why not go out of your way to talk to or hang out with locals, it will take more work and you might need sto spend more time in one place but the rewards would be great!
06-Feb-2006 00:35
Ally - how long would you give yourself in Italy? I was ideally thinking 3 months <3 that would be grand :D hehehe
I'm still looking for my middle east tour, a mate told me to look online for cheaper deals!
Also, I'm planning to do turkey for ANZAC day - I'd love to hear from people who've made this trip !
06-Feb-2006 07:40
amyblue,
The cheapest way from Vancouver to Toronto would most likely be by bus, the greyhound (greyhound.ca) usually has a really good deal if you are able to book in advance. That way you would be able to see a lot of the country but this would also be a very long trip. I took the train from Vancouver to Toronto and it took nearly three entire days straight but it was beautiful and I had a blast! Your other option would be to look at flights with westjet airlines (westjet.com), they are very inexpensive, at least compared to say aircanada...but either way I'd say you're looking at about CAN$200-$300 perhaps even cheaper though with greyhound if booked in advance. My train ticket was about CAN$500, but that was years ago and that was round trip as well so you should still check out VIA rail but for some reason I think that would probably be a more expensive way to go it. Yet another option, if you had the time and patience, would be to try hitchhiking of course. And of course only if you feel comfortable doing that sort of thing, but in Canada it is very safe.
If you have any other questions about Canada pm me or just write back on here.
Jesse
06-Feb-2006 07:54
Oh Amy,
Actually, I guess the best advice would be to check out the Canada branch here on TT. :) That would more than likely give you all the info you'd need.
Jesse
07-Feb-2006 06:44
07-Feb-2006 06:46
how do i unsubscribe from the thread?
07-Feb-2006 09:01
You go to the top of your page here and click on the 'today' tab. There is a list of your subscribtions there that you can choose to unsubscribe to. But why would you want to unsubscribe to this wonderful thread?
Jesse
07-Feb-2006 12:55
Ally,
thanks for your advice, you seem to put the hard yards in for everybody!
cheers
Damian
07-Feb-2006 23:10
Hi, wow this is a great thread! I am graduating in May and want to travel to Europe and the Middle East and have about 2.5 - 3 months. I studied Russian for the past two years so i want to spend a couple weeks there, fly or take a train to Poland and then head down eastern Europe, through Turkey to Syria and fly back home from Beirut. The places in eastern Europe I thought about hitting are Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Skopje. This is all pretty much in the early stages of planning.
I realize I may be overbooking my itinerary. But I think with my personality I wouldn't need more than 3-4 days in a given major city. However I have never backpacked before, do the train/bus rides every 3-4 days put a drain on the trip? And should I be thinking about making side trips to smaller, cities outside the big ones?
Thanks, I'm sure I will be asking more questions soon!
Nick
08-Feb-2006 04:39
Nick,
IMO I think that 3-4 days in any given city is not enough time to experience it...I know this can a lot of the times be one of the major misconceptions with people new to traveling because I did the same thing when I went to Europe for the first time. I suppose it also depends on the type of person but when I went to Europe for the first time I thought I wouldn't need more than a few days in each place and I rushed around to get to as many places as I could but never really experienced the culture of any one place in particular. Plus I was actually traveling so much, yes train/bus rides every few days, and it does drain you. So not only are you not really able to get a good feel for any particular place but you are always really tired too.
So please relax and take your time in places because other places will always be there to be visited on another trip or at another time. Of course though, if you are in a city and you're not feeling it and you don't want to stay then you don't have to right? And yes! defineitly visit the smaller cities too, that's where you'll find the real adventures and cultures.
Jesse
08-Feb-2006 05:32
Ally,
First of all thank you for helping! I think I was looking for someone like you to answer my qns for some time!
I'm a Singaporean male in my early 20s. My goal for this year: to travel overseas. My goal is to travel to as much countries as possible (Im looking at the Americas and Europe). I may or may not return. My goal is to see the world, interact with the locals, probably find someone reliable to travel around with, who knows, I may like a particular place very much and may end up living at that place! This is the first time I ever intend to this kind of stuff, thus, I would like to find out:
- For a budget of US $1-2K, which country(ies) should I start with? I'm looking at Americas (my first choice), Europe (2nd). How long should I travel? (Just in case I got homesick, etc.) Of course, I do hope I can travel from place to place!
- Where should be the reliable place that I could find travelling partners who are friendly and helpful?
- Any precaution that I need to prepare, look out for, e.g. I'm Asian and since I'll be travelling to places with little or no Asians, will be the locals might just not get used to seeing Asian faces, will they still be open to me?
Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!
08-Feb-2006 10:20
Rick,
I don't mean to be rude and i'm sorry if I sound rude to you for asking but is US$1-2k all you are going to have for your entire trip? If it is, i'm sorry but that isn't going to get you very far, unless of course you're really going to rough it, ie. hitchhike, bring a tent, eat next to nothing, which personally i love to do, but even so, your flight alone is going to probably cost almost that amount. Have you looked into flights yet? Where in the Americas were you wanting to go specifically? North America is expensive. Where in Europe did you want to go? Western Europe is expensive.
As for precautions though, you don't have to worry trust me, at least in North America and most of Europe people are very used to seeing Asian tourists...but besides that you shouldn't worry anyways, you'll be amazed at how friendly most people are.
Jesse
08-Feb-2006 10:20
Jesse, thanks for the help. I had a feeling you would say that, and you are probably right. I might cut the middle east out for now, to spend more time in the other places plus it may be better as an American to save that tour for when my president leaves office and stops pissing off the world. So I will probably spend another week in Russia, a few more days in each city in Eastern Europe, and maybe another week in Turkey or pass through Greece.
More planning questions. Once I get my itinerary pretty much set, should my next step be figuring out visa situations or specific travel plans? A friend who went to Europe said he mainly just knew where he was coming from and going to then booked travel as he went from city to city, and booked hostels at the next city a few days in advance. Does that seem like a good idea? Then you aren't locked into staying a certain amount of time in a city. THanks again!
Nick
08-Feb-2006 10:24
Har1equin, how long do you have in the States? I may be able to help out a little bit, I have lived in NY for a few months, and done many a road trip from the east to the midwest.
Nick
08-Feb-2006 12:30
Hello fountain of knowledge. I’m planning to go on a gap expedition/tour with a gap company. I have found many gap companies’s offering voluntary work, however I just want to travle in a group of 18-19year old gappers. Can you point me in the direction of a good company one please.
Thank you for your time
Auryn
08-Feb-2006 16:20
Jesse,
Thanks for your help.
Well, I'm more interested at this moment to travel to Latin America. Any places which could be suggested? My last resort would be joining an adventure company for its tours, or at least volunteer/homestay/language schools. Of course, I want to learn an experience foreign living to its fullest. At least the exchange rate is justifiable for me travel. LOL
Western Europe is expensive? What about Spain and Portugal? Are they expensive too? Which European country would be less expensive? Would north africa places such as Morocco?
Another way of course is to work in a cruise ship. Anyone knows if there is an opening for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or any other ships that sails through the western hemisphere?
Cheers!
Rick
08-Feb-2006 17:38
yikes guys work has been busy and I have had a progression of visitors staying in my house so sorry for any delays! I will try and catch up now but if I dont reply today then I promise to get back to it soon! Or else ask Hurricane and The Hitchiker to help out!
amyblue - I am a slow traveller adn I like staying put in places for a few days but I saw lots of Italyin a Month - that said I could live there for years and not see enough!
gusto - I went through the ccapital cities of Bulgaria Romania and Hungary and I definitely missed out by not staying on more smallish towns! Please add Sofia to your list, - for the time you are away you shouyld plan a few breaks! How about a week ont he Black Sea? Or 3 days in the hills of Romania? It is still like life and if you have boundless gusto then keep on moving, just leave yourself room and time to stop when you have had enough! I also think your brain can get overloaded and you do need to stop so that you can better enjoy the next vista!
Orange - you are very light on for money, can I suggest you have a look at some Lonelyplanet guidebooks such as Western Europe on a Shoestring, the front section will estimate what you need per day! You mighr nrrd to save quite a bit more. IMO being East Asian will be no big deal in Canada, the US Coasts and the cities of Western Europe. (as a tip Asian in the UK usually meaans Pakistani or Indian) I am not saying it will be a problem elsewhere but the places I have listed are very international and have substantial Asian populations.
Iago - all those companies are making a profit and you will spend more $$$ than a top shelf tour. I worked in fundraising and think you would be better off travelling cheap doing no volunteer work and donating the difference in cost to a reputable charity. Or you could contact local organisations and organise to volunteer yourself. Try Sunrise Childrens Orphanage just outside Phnomh Penh for a first example!
11-Feb-2006 03:37
Hey Ally & Co., this topic seems like a full time job for you. & how refreshing it is to read replies that are without the sarcasm of other threads!
I'm not sure if anyone will read this in time for me but here goes...(ps. I have posted this question/dilema elsewhere).
I picked up my UK working visa this morning (saturday 11th) & to my horror I saw that the date Valid from was the 1st of May...too bad I arrive in UK on 19th March!
What a complete idiot/loser/etc I am - I actually put the wrong date on my application - stating I would be in UK 1-5-06 which is totally wrong date & no idea why I did this but i must of had too much on my mind etc etc.
Now I don't know where i stand because 1. I've never travelled o/s before so have no idea how things work. 2. Nobody else I know can offer any kind of informative advice. 3. I called my travel agency early this morning (remembering its saturday) & the woman asked to take a msg then never called back (i waited by phone all day). 4. Can't call British High Commission until Monday morning. 5. (& here's the real beauty...) I LEAVE FOR THAILAND (1st leg of trip) ON 20TH OF THIS MONTH (that's just 5 cosy working days away)!
HELP!
Thanks.
11-Feb-2006 05:00
deamail
I have no idea about this sort of thing, but just a thought, can you enter Britain on a visitors visa but not start working until your working visa kicks in????? I have no idea if that would work.
this is from the high commissions website:
Australian citizens intending to visit Britain for less than six months either for a holiday or on business do not normally require a visa- unless you have previously been denied entry to Britain. Stays of longer than 6 months are not permitted for those wishing to visit the United Kingdom only for a holiday.
If you wanna check it out and stew over the website here is the address: http://bhc.britaus.net/default.asp
Good luck
*note to self: get someone else to check the dates on all forms before i submit them :P
12-Feb-2006 10:33
Hi Ally & CO,
finally I´m done – I´ve read the hole thread through – lot´s of questions are already answered but still there are some specific around our own RTW – actually I only would like to hear your opinion - sorry it´s going to be a really long one.
Actually I have two questions – first one is – can you pls have a look on my detailed route and tell me what you think about it – if you have any ideas how to improve it or specific recommendations specially about India I would be happy if you can share those with me.
route is like following:
05.05.06 till 05.07.06 india (I know it´s the hottest time in India but we really would like to go to the Himalayan mountains and therefore it need to be summer & in july there have been the huge monsum rains & I want to avoid this risk)
we are from germany actually I thought it would be a good idea to start with the most different country to germany but in the end I still get a bit nervous – as I know that you already have been in India maybe you can get me some general advices where I specially should have an eye on: we are starting in Bombay and will stay there for a couple of days to get used to the heat, the smell and the people – after that we will travel the north of India all by train – I know about the risk in trains that your stuff might get nicked – what where your experiences??? What was the most exhausting and amazing you have made or seen in India?
After Bombay we are going to the rajastan desert via Ahamabad to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, …to Delhi – than hiding to the mountains – we will not go to the Kashmir region – we don´t want to get in any conflict – the region in the Himalayas we will be is around Dharmasala after this we will go back to delhi and if we still have enough time we will go to Varanasi otherwise we will fly from Dehli to Bankok.
05.07.06 we have 7 weeks for a bit of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos – the plan is like this: we arrive in Bangkok take care of our visas for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos – go by bus to Cambodia for 1 1/2 weeks (visit Angkor, Phnom Penh, and actually I thought about going till Kratie but I need to see how the road conditions are because of the monsoon rain. After Cambodia we will cross the border in the Mekong delta to Vietnam we will go along the coast to Hanoi (4 weeks time) from Hanoi we will go via the mountains to Laos and over
Vietnam back to Bangkok (1 ½ weeks)
27.08.06: we will fly to Darwin – from there we will go by camping van along the coast from Darwin till Perth (of course the long way, westcoast, northcoast, eastcoast – really a lot of travelling but we have 2 ½ month time and I hope this will be enough)
16.11.06: New Zealand – we have 6 weeks which will be plenty because the north island we already have done
26.12.06: Auckland to Santiago de Chile: for south america we planned to stay for 6month to see the hole continent. starting in RIO and staying there for one week, going along the eastcoast over the Iguazu Falls to Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires and from there to Ushuaia to catch in late february a boat for an antarctic tour - back on the ground the next big city will be Santiago the Chile and over the Andes to Lima, from there we will get a boat on the amazonas to Manaus. From there it will lead us north to Venezuela - if we have enough time we will try and see Caracas. Than the journey goes on the eastcoast back to RIO.
So that´s it – now what do you think???
Almost forgot my second question:
there is a 4days tour to Machu Pichu and this one should be amazing – here the problem is that you have to book it quite far in advance – latest we have to book it in January to do it in april or may 2007 – I don´t want to organise everything in the beginning because that should be the challenge of our journey (I already booked Antarktica and the Camping Van for Australia) – not to know what the next day brings you – on the other hand I really would like to do this tour – I think it will be a pitty to miss it. What would you do???
Thanks for reading all this – sorry sorry sorry that it turns out as a roman – I´m just so exhausted.
Thanks for your afford beforehand.
Wish you a nice weekend.
Simonne
12-Feb-2006 10:37
of course I´m excited - not exhausted :-)
thanks again.
14-Feb-2006 06:23
Jaruisbo - I am from Perth and I'm happy to help if you wanna PM me regarding your perth-ian leg :) I may be crazy but do you mean your planning to go from darwin to perth to the eastern states (of aus.)? I've driven that a few times! Its lovely :) Anyway, I'm unsure but if you plan for 2.5 months in WA thats bucket loads of time!
14-Feb-2006 18:17
crap I did a 3 paragraph reply to Jaruisbo yesterday full of witty comments and amusing observations! Where did it go? (sob tears)
14-Feb-2006 23:52
Just in case anyone has the same visa dilema as me (eg. putting the wrong arrival date on working visa 7 days before you fly out - see above!) then you might be interested to know what happened too me..
1. on Saturday morning sent email to British High Commission stating my dilema.
2. on monday rang Brit High Commission & spoke to someone who assured me my only option was to FLY TO CANBERRA & re-apply in person & may or may not be charged $209 for visa again.
3. looked up prices to fly to Canberra & realised not an option if I want money to spend on holiday.
4. rang travel agent who laughed nervously & then said he would see if he could change my departure dates...rang back later to say he could but now I'd be travelling in new Season so extra $400+ to change!
5. consequence of changing departure dates - one less week in Thailand!
6. did new visa application on line but realised could'nt send off bank statement because I'd moved money outta there since last application so would have to wait two days until holiday pay went in there.
7. Tuesday morning comes & I get a phone call from a (wonderful) lady at the Brit High Commission who (in response to email sent on saturday morning) said - don't worry, have your file here & spoken to someone at the top & all you need to do is courier your passport with short note confirming arrival date & I'll courier it straight back! I told her I'd rang previously & was told by two people there that I had to do application again & she said don't worry about that we'll fix it up!
8. by this time too late to change my flights back so $400+ down the drain plus have to hang around here another week & 1/2!
MORAL OF STORY
1. don't put the wrong date on visa applications & don't send it off only 3 weeks before you are leaving country!
2. when someone on the other end of the phone tells you that you have no other option, make them double check this (use me as example if you will).
3. send an email via their website because those who read emails are more in the know (& probably higher up in the chain of things) & therefore more able to help.
Thanks to those who replied to my many postings (although none where really right at least it eased my mind a bit over weekend!).
15-Feb-2006 18:03
deamail - you have my sympathy. Did i ever tell you guys about the time i got hauled off a train at the Hungarian border?
16-Feb-2006 11:44
I'm planning a trip from Houston->London->Bangkok->Tokyo->Honolulu->Houston departing June 6th, if possible. I checked with Airtreks and they gave me a quote of $2466 and Star Alliance gave me a quote of $3800.
Do you know if there is a less expensive way to go about it than what Airtreks is offering? The price looks good to me compared to Star Alliance, but I'm not experienced with RTW travel.
Thanks!
16-Feb-2006 16:11
it is so strange that RTW tickets seem to be sooo much more expensive when commencing in the USA. Airtrek seems to be more, the best option I can think of is buy a one way ticket to London then buy a RTW ticket that starts in London (you just dont use the last bit of your RTW tick. London has some of the cheapest flights int he world.
Have you checked on zuji.com?
goodluck~!
18-Feb-2006 01:20
This is a great thread...thanks for doing it. We utter noobs appreciate it!
Here's my question, brought over from the gear board since I'm not sure anyone's seeing it and besides, I need it put to me from a newbie-know-nothing POV. I had a look around the thread, or rather a search around, and if someone's already asked this, I didn't find it (haven't had a chance to actually read through the entire thread yet):
What size pack does everyone use if they are traveling with only one pack that they can use as a carryon? The site referenced in the thread about pack sizes and what goes in them on the gear board said the 35L can be used as a carryon, but also that it's a bit on the small side. What's the biggest bag (in terms of inches or cm if possible as well as liters as I'm looking into buying one used on ebay and they usually only list measurements) one can take as a carryon, as a general rule (since I'm sure all airlines have a slightly different requirement and I'm not sure which I'll be flying on yet)? I've tried looking around to figure this out but I'm an absolute dunce about bags, so... But I've been confused by a lot of posts here because everyone talks about packing light and traveling with just one carry-on-able bag, but then they also talk about these huge packs that I'm sure are not allowed as carryons...
Backstory is that I'll be off on a church mission-type trip to Costa Rica end of June/beginning of July. It's just two weeks, and it'll be mostly work, so I don't need to pack nice clothes or makeup or anything like that (though I will be packing a shirt and long skirt or two because I imagine we'll be attending church services). And there won't be much of a chance for shopping, nor will I probably be able to afford to. So I need just a few sturdy clothes that'll be not-too-hot but also protective against sun and critters, and then of course my loads of sunscreen and bug repellant and such. Hoping it might be possible to get it all into one pack to carry on and make life easier.
TIA :)
19-Feb-2006 09:28
hey ally, new here, so dont know really how it works, but basically me and 2 friends have this idea for a route next year starting in january:
1) Fly from london->mumbai. work our way down the coast then up to Dehli
2) Work into Nepal and then out again to Calcutta
3)Fly from Calcutta--> Hanoi
4) Work our way down to somewhere in Indonesia
5) Fly from Indonesia---> Cairns
6) Fly from Melbourne---> NZ
7) Fly from NZ ---> London.
could u recommend any rtw air fares that would be any good? we can organise the calcutta--> hanoi flight ourselvs. so basically,
London->Bombai->(Surface)Indonesia->Oz->Nz->London.
THANKS VERY MUCH
19-Feb-2006 18:08
I put this on another section but was hoping ally might have some experience/insight:
We (I, american; my wife, canadiene) will be in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam August - October of this year and need to get into India in November and Pakistan in December for a wedding. What's our best shot at getting visas without going completely mad. it's in the 6 month window for both -- Someone had mentioned actually Hiroshima was a good place. Any other cities out there that are Visa-friendly for this area/time? Much, much appreciated. - Andy and Sarah
19-Feb-2006 19:26
boddah - hello have you triedwww.zuji.com?
They will help you out with the 'main' legs. any shorter hops are best organised locally!
You migth be best organsising a RTW ticcket thart goes LONDON - BANGKOK - overland to - HANOI - JAKARTA - MELBOURNE - AUCKLAND etc
come back about the proce you got for verisons of the above as I have a bee in my bonnett about this at the moment!
Andy - I really cant say- I know that the Viss for India that I go tin London wa s big production and a lesson in patience! but perhaps it will be easier when you are nearby??? Let us know what you discover!
Cheers
20-Feb-2006 04:39
Andy, what about Tokyo? Bejing? Bangkok?
and does your wife know you're calling her a Canadiene instead of Canadian? :) Sorry I'm sort of patriotic.
Jesse
20-Feb-2006 09:46
Ally, thanks for the reply. Im a bit of an idiot on websites, and it seems zuji dont do multistops? Or am i wrong? Also, cant fly from London to Bangkok, because India is a must. I haven't got any prices, but im checking with my travel agent tom. Im worried that i wont be able to fly to mumbai, which is kind of a must. Do you know how good the escapade ticket is? Beacuse it looks good value, but need to know if it will be suitable for my route. thanks for your time. cheers, nick
20-Feb-2006 18:57
Katja - hi oops I nearly missed your post, I travelled with 70l for a year and that was too much. I think 35 litre will be OK as carry on for a long flight - if it is a big plane you tend to get more carry on.
Also I think 35 will be OK as you are going somewhere warm so your clothes tend to be smaller. you will need discipline with such a small bag but IT IS SOOO WORTH IT!
I thought 70l was ridiculous by the end of my trip !!
Cheers
Ally
20-Feb-2006 19:09
boddaboy - I think what ally is saying that it might be cheaper to fly into Bangkok (major hub) and get a bucket flight to India from there -
21-Feb-2006 17:13
ally-thanks for the reply. will let you know.
hitchhiiker - tried my best at a mangled french interpretation. - best, andy
21-Feb-2006 17:20
hitchhiker - thanks for the bejing/tokyo/bankok tip. will let y'all know.
22-Feb-2006 02:27
Thanks Ally!
22-Feb-2006 19:03
Ally's too busy to talk - she's plotting afternoon drinkies with Huzza so you understand where her priorities lay in this instant -
23-Feb-2006 04:15
Andy
Don't take my word on any of those places, i was just throwing out suggestions. I would only assume that the larger the city the easier it would probably be to get the visa?
And ahhh, zee frÉnch Canadiens, i understand now, it must have been that extra 'e' you put on the end...yes that was it, that's what confused me ;)
23-Feb-2006 06:54
Hi,
I am wondering if anyone has some adresses from Bangkok based travel agencies. We're planning on doing a RTW trip and are considering booking the ticket in Bangkok.
Cheers :)
23-Feb-2006 16:53
Hiya Fuchsie, from memory when I was in BKK all the agents seemed to be greared to working face to face, I wonder if any have websites etc these days? I used Pilot Express travel in 2001 and highly reccommend them, they even went to the trouble of posting me a cheque for a return leg airfare I didnt use!
23-Feb-2006 22:08
hey. i was wondering how hard is to travel as a permanent resident of the united states and as a holder of a passport from a third world country? i've never traveled outside the US, except to Canada and the Philippines, and so i don't know what it's like to get a visa or what i have to go through to get one. will i be experiencing a lot more beuracracy since i hold a filipino passport? or will countries grant me the privileges of a citizen from the US since I'm a US green card holder? i've had this on my mind for a while, so any information would be greatly appreciated. thanks so much
xpamela
23-Feb-2006 23:02
Here's another one, about clothesline...what's the best stuff to use to make one of the ones that don't require clothespins? On on thread it said use surgical tubing and braid it up, on another I read DON'T use surgical tubing...any tips?
26-Feb-2006 16:00
ohmessyroom - I can see why you are concerned. but I wouldntthink the Philippines is the most difficult Passport to hold. Think Sudan or Cambodia? As a rule of thumb, entering and leaving Europe will be a lot easier than the USA.
Much of SE Asia I would think would be OK as you would be thought of as a neighbour! Perhaps you could test out the waters by applying for a visa (say the UK) prior to booking a ticket. Where are you planning on going?
Katja - hiya again - my tip is dont bother with a clothesline, we already talked about how small your pack will be and to be honest you can drape stuff over a chair, a window ledge or a local clothesline? I hate to add confusion but that is how I got by for a year!
Ally
26-Feb-2006 20:35
Good point. I'm not entirely sure what the place we'll be staying at will be like, so I'm not sure if it'll have that type of thing or not. Maybe I'll pack up my pack and if I can fit one in, fine--if not, I'll find some other way.
28-Feb-2006 17:27
Hi guys can you do me a favour and pop out to the Bluelists (on the LP Main page) and find my Top Tips I learnt when travelling list and vote for it. I have a mammoth 6 votes since last night and I am very excited we might crack 10!
01-Mar-2006 04:12
Hey great list Ally, but I never knew you could actually buy friends and family to come along for the ride...? ;)
01-Mar-2006 04:27
Oh actually I have a question as well...I know you've been around Asia quite a few times. So what about Malaria pills? What has your experience been with them? Do you recommend taking them? Is it possible not to take them if you are careful about wearing repellant with DEET and using mosquito nets, ect? Because I've heard conflicting stories. Of course, most people say you should take them, but apparently there are sometimes some nasty side effects, ie. they can make you feel really sick, or make you lose hair even! And I know in some places it isn't a problem, like a lot of Thailand, but let's say we're talking about India, Nepal, Cambodia...places like that. And if one is going to be there for an entire year or longer, how are the pills going to effect you after such a long period...they can't be good for you right?
And I guess while I'm asking, what are your opinions on the Japanese B Encephalitis and the Meningococcal Meningitis vaccines?
Thanks, I don't think I remember these things coming up on this thread yet?
Jesse
01-Mar-2006 18:02
Thanks heaps hitchiker - we are now up to a mammoth 10 votes! Yep 10 people thoughtmy list was alright!
Malaria is one off those diseases where preventionisbetter than a cure - just ask my cousin! THe debate is all around how to prevent it, so if "safety is something you do not somewhere you go" then you really should cover up before sunset I had some long trousers that had elastic at the ankles, light weight socks and a long sleeve shirt - that plus some repellent and I was "almost" covered.
I took lariam for a while but stopped due to some horrific dreams (I even woke up from one looking like an extra in a B grade horror movie) luckily lasiam has started to disappear from the list of prescriptions. So talk to your doctore about what the effects of malaria are (weight loss, weakness and exhaustion for possibly the rest of your shortened life) and compare that to teh side effects of the drug that is currently recommended
You can also take quinine (present int he tonic half of a gin and tonic)
Encephalitis is more common in locals than travellers but the same "Talk to your Doctor" rule applies and Meningitis vaccines have limited efficacy so aqgain talk to your Doctor!
Cover up before Sunset wherever you are! Sleep with covers and a mosquito net - these barrier methods mean no bites!
Ally
02-Mar-2006 03:20
Hey Ally,
just to let you know, I got a quote for a ticket which allows London-Mumbai Calcutta-Hanoi Singapore-Cairns Melbourne-Auckland New Zealand-London. its the Escapade and its about a grand plus tax through STA travel. That seems pretty reasonable to me. One quick question, how easy is it to buy plane tickets once you're out there, might have to buy one from Calcutta-Hanoi, how early do u have to get one? THANK YOU! MWAH
02-Mar-2006 17:04
cadkinsa - where are you going? What books are you taking along? What llanguage do you prefer to read in?
There are many mentions of bookshops in LPs books. I am thinking Paris has mentions in Europe on a shoestring?
If you want a Danish language copy of an obscure out of print book - many Central Post Offices will hold Poste Restante - where the main post office (Aussies call it the General Post Office) will hold packages for you and you collect with ID.
Cheers
Ally
04-Mar-2006 16:37
Wow what can I say!! Sensational thread Ali and gang!!
I posted a question on a main forum here a few months back and got my head bitten off, so I'm going to attempt to ask a question here ;-)
I am planning on a 6 week trip (10Nov-20Dec06) over to Thailand.
My problem is this..and its a small prob I know lol
I can't decide whether to fly into or out of. Should I fly into and out of Singapore, then to KL, and make my way up to the tourist areas such as Phuket, Phi Phi, Pattaya, then on up to Bangkok to do the River Kwai, then finally up to Chiang Mai to stay at the Elephant conservation camp...then fly back to singapore to come home? Or should we do it in reverse...fly in and out of Bangkok. I have looked into what I think are called open jaw tickets, but all the agents have said they are really really expensive :( And because we are going for 6 weeks we have to buy a 12mth tickets which of course is a lot more expensive than the normal 35day ones.
I have looked at asiaair and their baggage limits are 15kgs. My thought was, would I excede the 15kgs once I had visited Bangkok and Chiang Mai as I have been told these are the places to spend your money on stuff such as silks, presents etc... So should I leave Bangkok till last??
This is my first trip and decided that I would do Thailand after discovering $3500 AUD including airfare would not be enough money to do Europe LOL <---- this is all the money I will have (mortgage & credit card has placed a limit)...LOL
I'm 35 almost and only now discovering that I really want to travel... its amazing what urges you get when you end ya marriage LOL
I'm planning on doing a mixture of backpacker lodges and also 3 star places every now and then.
Any thoughts, suggestions would be fantastic!! I hope I haven't confused to many people lol
OH btw... I was reading the first part of this thread and was watching 'ozboy' getting ready for his trip asking all those questions.... does anyone know how his trip went?? that was 2003 I think....
Lori
04-Mar-2006 17:21
Ali = Ally so sorry a friend spells hers the other way lol
05-Mar-2006 18:16
Ally's the expert here but mu gut feeling would be in and out of Bangkok - I believe you can get cheap tickets there to Malaysia etc. Given you're limited time is Singapore high on your list or just a transfer point. If the latter is the case I'd definitely do the Bangkok option - what say you Ally
BTW it was Ally's birthday last Friday - happy burfday tooooo yoooooooo
05-Mar-2006 18:33
Elja - hi its always about time versus money - since you have limited time you will have to spend more on a plane ticket that works for you. Perhaps pay excess baggage with Airasia or pay for a full open jaw ticket, I think it is easy to choose direction. Start with Smelly exciting but fairly easy to navigate Bangkok, head up to CHiang Mai for some hard work trekking then Spend last days in KL and Singapore where you can do lots of great shopping and that means you do your island relaxing near the end of your trip!
hey Elj - I think 35 is a great age to start travelling, you will have a richer experience taking along some life experience (good and bad) on your travels!
as for ozboy - I asked him to let us know how he went, and did I hear back? Oh nooo not I - once they leave the nest I never get calls, not a card not even a PM - (hee hee) Hint Hint
well I best go do some work
(Ps I never travelled on my own until 28 - I am really pleased I never did the year Year in London thing!
05-Mar-2006 18:33
Elja - hi its always about time versus money - since you have limited time you will have to spend more on a plane ticket that works for you. Perhaps pay excess baggage with Airasia or pay for a full open jaw ticket, I think it is easy to choose direction. Start with Smelly exciting but fairly easy to navigate Bangkok, head up to CHiang Mai for some hard work trekking then Spend last days in KL and Singapore where you can do lots of great shopping and that means you do your island relaxing near the end of your trip!
hey Elj - I think 35 is a great age to start travelling, you will have a richer experience taking along some life experience (good and bad) on your travels!
as for ozboy - I asked him to let us know how he went, and did I hear back? Oh nooo not I - once they leave the nest I never get calls, not a card not even a PM - (hee hee) Hint Hint
well I best go do some work
(Ps I never travelled on my own until 28 - I am really pleased I never did the year Year in London thing!
06-Mar-2006 01:46
Hi Ally... Hi Hurricane...
thanks for the kind reply, I was rather nervous about that lol
So you would recommend doing the shopping in KL & Singapore?
My main reason for wanting to go to Singapore is to do the Zoo. I have had a lot of people tell me to stay away from Singapore because its to westernised....but I like tall buildings and bright lights LOL
I had thought of flying in and out of Singapore using Gulf Air because they offer a 2mth ticket.
If flying to Bangkok I was considering Royal Brunei Air, but they are only 35 day tickets too.
If getting an open jaw ticket (fly into Bangkok and out of Singapore), do you have a favourite airline you prefer to fly with?? Thai, Singapore, Qantas etc... ??
After I pay for my ticket, do you think $2,500.00 will be enough for a 6 week trip? I will only do 3 day tours out of Bangkok, probably doing half/half with 3 star ($45p/n) and backpackers, eat mostly from street vendors and I won't be spending much on purchases. Maybe the odd elephant thing for my mum, was thinking of getting a phone and thats about it. Or do you think with that amount I should do all backpackers?
Sorry for all the questions, I suppose I really should just hang off for another year and save up some more but I've wanted to travel for so long but 'the other half' had NO interest in it at all, so now I'm free... I want to fly...and now LOL Impatient I am LOL
Thanks again
Lori
06-Mar-2006 03:19
Ally i was wondering if you can help an 18 year old English about to start travelling on my own.
I want to earn money in either Canada or NZ/Aus working hard to save money and fund the year.
I have heard about tree planting but i will arrive just after the season in August or September...Have you any ideas on jobs that are hard work but pay well??
Thank you v.much
Freddie
06-Mar-2006 17:27
Elja - I think it's fairly easy to get cheaply around out of Singapore so if Gulf are doing a good deal go for it. I've heard their good - ally has flown with them I think. Other than that I've flown Thai and love them. Shopping is also great in Bangkok IMHO - I got lots of goodies.
$60 a day should be fine - Ally would know better - I mean there's be days where you won't spend more than around 20 so on average you should be OK.
Also you have itchy feet - GO!!! - you can save up and go somewhere else in a few years -
PS - do get a massage at Wat Po in Bangkok
fjb - on the Australian/NZ there is a post at the top which deals with this kind of query.
PS - DID ANYONE WISH ALLY A HAPPY BIRTHDAY - hint hint
06-Mar-2006 22:34
Happy Birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Ally
Happy birthday to you!! :o)
HIPP HIPP HORAY!!!.....HIPP HIPP HORAY!!!
06-Mar-2006 22:43
Thanks Hurricane,
I hope 2500 + airfare will be enough, otherwise I'll be in trouble LOL
I will have a credit card to just in case but I'm really hoping I won't have to use it as some of the money I'm going with is a personal loan lol
I've got some ideas now, so I will see what the fares are doing around Sept... I hear we are having another travel expo in October so I might be able to pick up a good deal then.
I will certainly be getting a massage, trust me!! :) I'm hanging out for it, I've been told they are sensational :)
Only concern I do have, is I have a rather 'touchy' tummy lol doesn't seem to take much to give me the ... you know whats LOL
Public toilets like in phuket, bangkok etc.... are they all squat loos or can you find a proper dunny? lol
07-Mar-2006 04:00
HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY ALLY!! Hope it was a good one...
So, yes I had asked my doctor about Encephalitis and Meningitis, but of course his answer or rather i should say his responce because it's not exactly an answer, was that of course i should consider getting the vaccines for them, 'it's your health' he said, but obviously it is ultimately up to me. The risks of getting the diseases are very low, but at the same time you really really don't want to get these kinds of diseases because, in the end, you are risking death. And then you have to think about things like, what kind of a person am i, do i do things without thinking sometimes, or am i very careful and will i be able to take good preventitive measures to help reduce the risks? As well, the vaccines aren't 100% protection right, and they are costly.
I already have Malaria pills but i'm still not sure if i'm going to take them or not...there are just so many factors. So i guess what i was really trying to ask before is what have your experiences with all these things been? Have you had the vaccines? Have you taken the pills? And what side effects did you experience? As well, most importantly, because you don't want to go with just the experience from one person, what desicions did everyone you have met on your travels or other people you know who have traveled a lot make? What are other people's experiences? Hurricane?
Thank you so much,
Jesse
07-Mar-2006 15:13
Elja - I had no problem finding loos in Bangkok - lot's of hotels and restaurants with bogs - Sukhumvit area had these kick arse shopping centres with loos to match.
Sigh Ally will know this - but you have touched on a subject dear to my heart - we all love a good poo or loo story -
07-Mar-2006 22:15
LOL I'd love to hear some good poo or loo stories OMG did I just say that??? hehehe
Do you know of anyone who wants to do SEA in November? we want one or two more people to go along as well. We might get bored of each other LOL
Is Ally still getting over her birthday is she? ;)
08-Mar-2006 09:35
happy birthday ally.
just a quick question. can i send a Swiss Army Knife home (Oz) to my brother for his birhtday or will customs crack up? I've looked at he royal mail website and can't find any answers. thanks for any advice.
Amy
08-Mar-2006 17:14
thanks everyone :) I was hoping for an all expenses paid trip to Borneo for my birthday but it appears that isnt going to happen :( Maybe next year!
Elja - I will PM you my personal experiences but I was being just as carefula s your doctor. Imagine for a minute that you are 16 and a friend says to you: "Hey I am thinking of stopping using condoms with my boyfriend, what should I do?"
In each case the answer you give might not be the same as what you would do yourself! That is why your Doctor and I are being just a little evasive....
ozgirl - posting to Asutralia should be OK pop into the post Office before you buy the jknife and check, I promised a number of USA people Tim Tams if they voted against GW Bush in the last elections - only to discover I needed certificates approved by Arnotts bisuits and verified by teh US FDA before the package could get through!
Ass for Poo stories they are liek cash - eseential in SE Asia - In Vietnam I was faced with an err urgent situation - my fuzzy brain said "OK Ally you have time to either remove your trousers OR deal with the ants on the toilet rim (no seat) so I sat on the ants - ouch. To add insult to injury for Two weeks I had a ring of toilet seat shaped ant bites on my arse!
08-Mar-2006 18:42
Bring on the inscense ohhhm
08-Mar-2006 21:55
Hiya Ally,
What a bummer about the trip! I'd put my order in for an expenses paid holiday to, but I know it would be a waste of time lol
omg you had ant bites all over your arse, geez that must have been SOOOO painful!
Do you recommend starting lomotil or something similar before going? I just have to look at chinese food in a restraunt and the next day I can't leave the loo...so this is a major concern for me :(
I think this....
>>Elja - I will PM you my personal experiences but I was being just as carefula s your doctor. Imagine for a minute that you are 16 and >>a friend says to you: "Hey I am thinking of stopping using condoms with my boyfriend, what should I do?"
>>
>>In each case the answer you give might not be the same as what you would do yourself! That is why your Doctor and I are being >>just a little evasive....
was for thehitchiker ;)
I'm so glad I didn't get caught with all my tim tams then lmao when I went over to the States, about 9 years ago... I took 2 family packs over for each friend...there were 15 of them LOL
09-Mar-2006 04:43
Hey Ally,
I understand your concern there, but of course i wouldn't make my own decision based upon hearing one person's experience. Although i would consider, for example, not taking malaria pills more if i heard from nine out of ten people that took them say they experienced horrible side effects. It's always good to get as much information as possible, opinions are never right or wrong but a consensus is more often than not the best opinion. This is why i asked you about other travelers you have met, out of all of them, what would you say you have experienced as a consensus? And still, i know that it will in the end be my own decision, and i wouldn't make that decision based soley on a majority of opinions or experiences but i would add those to my list of pro's and con's. I do understand that eveyone is going to be different, react differently to any drug, depending on health, sex, physiology, etc. so just to take in as much information as possible is my goal, before i make my own decision.
So thank you for your concern and the pm if you send it to me...maybe you sent it to Elja by accident?
Jesse :)
09-Mar-2006 18:32
Hi Freddie,
the trick to a job when you are travelling - is to have fun and live cheaply. Tree Planting seems to be a case of bad timing - was that in Canada? You are 18, do you love skiing? go to regiopnal Canada and get any work you can. Do you love the beach - then get your bum to Sydney and work in a bar.
It seems you are interested in non metro stuff and maybe you could try fruit picking in Victoria - check out www.....bugger I cant get to google to check for you.
There will be a lot of picking work in North Qld but I suspect the weather will do you in.
If it is all about money then get to Sydney or Melbourne or Toronto with a visa and work on construction sites or work nights in clubs.
Good Luck!
Hitchiker - check PMs
11-Mar-2006 19:10
Question about insurance for much older travellers
Ally, thought it best to post here as you seem to have access to lots of worthwhile info. You have provided a valuable resource and reference for us all.
My husband is now 75 and is apparently thus unabled to be insured. We have provided a full medical history and have been knocked back on age grounds. Is this a universal cut off line? We are in Australia so just wondered if it was applied elsewhere. It will certainly limit where we can travel to those countries which have reciprocal Health agreements as the older you get the more likely you are to have things go wrong. Thanks.
15-Mar-2006 20:20
Ok Joy Vee - here goes my third attempt to write you a reply , honestly it is so rude how work keeps interrupting My time on the Thorn Tree!
If the compkanies direclty wont help you out with insurance then contact an Insurance Broker - they have contacts directly with Underwriters and you may need to sweet talk him a little, tell hinm you need his help handling all your big complicated finances etc but with a little sweet talk then you may well get a policy that covers your hubby
I did this when I was under 25 (quite some time ago now) and Car INsurance Premiums were quoted at 70% of the cost of my car!
As for travelling without insurance you seem to have done your research and know where Australians have reciprocal health - In addition to these places you caould also think about visiting somewhere like Thailand - there is a Health Industry there that offers world class health treatment. Granted not many Thais can afford it but I know that in some cases Westerners travel to Thailand for uninsured health treatment (eg Root Canal Dental or a knee replacement) I think places like Thailand, China, India all have affordable health care for westerners without insurance???
You know what I think you and I should start a business selling this - I cant believe that Insurance of some kind isnt on offer!
Best of luck
Ally
15-Mar-2006 21:03
epicsaga - this sounds like one of those cases where - If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is! Thousands of people train in the travel industry and if all of them were using the card then the discount would be teeeny weeny - my guess is that you need to have a business card etc or actually be working in the industry?
That said I dont even have a fly buys card - I decided a while ago to steer clear of all of those clubs/deals...
18-Mar-2006 03:28
Hi again,
I just learnt yesterday that I cannot use my debit card overseas!!
I read in one of the other threads about a debit card, I got the impression it was like an universal one.
Has anyone heard of this one?
If not can you recommend a good one?
I have been doing searches through the aussie banks and they seem fairly expensive... St. George was $5.00 per transaction + 2% of total withdrawn.
Also I see that travelex has a cashcard (could this be the universal card that may have been mentioned?)... has anyone used that? I had a look on their website but I couldn't see anywhere where is said their charges :(
Thanks :)
Lori
20-Mar-2006 07:30
another boring insurance question! ive still not decided on what policy to go with but have just checked out a company called Navigator travel insurance and their policy seems pretty good. however i haven't really heard much about them so wondering if anyone has had any experience with them, if so any comments or advice would be much appreciated!
21-Mar-2006 11:58
Hello, from october till march I will travel around the world. I start in Belgium, that s where I live, and then I want to go to South East Asia, afterwards Australia and ending in south America. I know I can buy an around-the-world-ticket but I m not sure if this is the cheapest option. Is it possible and realistic, without losing to much time, to book my flights overthere. For example when I arrive in Bangkok, I book a flight to australia. And do the same thing in Australia but then a flight to Peru. Is this cheaper? Is this realistic?
Thx steven
21-Mar-2006 17:52
hiya again elj - dont panic about Debit Cards - Does your Card have the Logo for Cirrus or PLus on the back, I have a card with St George and here is how it works, It is a Visa card but it uses my own money.
I try and pay for everything as a credit card transaction - that way the fee is paid by the seller. In many plaecs the seller knows this and charges more for credit card transactions
$5 is not unusual and on the upside you dont have to worry about the exchange rate. It is all swings and roundabouts, Travellers Cheques charge a % commission and if you carry cash you spaend half your time worrying about the exchange rate.
That said I bet we can find people to argue that Debit Cards are better or that Traveller Cheques are better too.
Mym - In Australia we have the Australian Consumers Association who rate tonnes of products for a small fee you can download the reports. Try googling on your country's equivalent?? If they are in Australia then I have never heard of them!
steven - steven - it is never cheaper to book a series of one way tickets. That said a RTW ticket will NEVER EVER last more than one year. That is the main reason that people buy tickets along the way. As youahve a definite return date then just buy a RTW ticket.
I was supposed to go to the Middle East and USA in October 2001 and when I threw away half my ticket - it was = to a one way ticket equivalent.
Goodluck!
Alison
22-Mar-2006 00:58
Are you looking for the cheapest way to get to Asia from Australia? Try out this hot tip that I heard on the grapevine the other day:
The cheapest one way flight to BKK from Melbourne from December 27th - peak season -It is also the most time consuming.
Virgin to Darwin from here, then on to Singapore with Tiger Air and then from Singapore with Jetstar Asia. Tiger leaves at 5 am yuk but each economy fare works out at under $500 which is about half the price of an economy one way fare from Melbourne.
22-Mar-2006 15:32
Hi again!
I've found, as I've been preparing for our Round the World trip, that one of the best sources of advice, ideas, etc is reading other peoples Travel Blogs. I noticed that, on the thread above this, there are some links to RTW Travel Blogs/websites, but I was wondering if anyone here had any additional recommendations or has a list of similar sites.
They make a great way to research... and waste time at work :)
Thanks in advance!
22-Mar-2006 22:08
oh spongebob, I am devastated - have you been seeing onther threads? have you been err sniff sob sniff experimenting with blogs? oh wail sob howl
hey that is cool to be honest I dont go far beyond my mates and the TT so please post up here any good sites you find!
23-Mar-2006 11:02
Hey Ally,
I haven't been "posting around" on you, honest. :) Actually, the best batch of links for Travel Blogs I've encounters is on the Welcome Thread for the RTW Branch (The list of links is in a post about halfway down the page).
Of the blogs in that list, I think the one that I end up visiting the most is FullPassort.com, if only because those two lucky people got to travel for 3 years straight and seem to have been to pretty much every country imaginable. So, if I'm considering including a country in my trip, I know I can go there and get at least their opinion of it.
I know that each person is different and has different travel tastes, but at the same time its great seeing other people adventures.
23-Mar-2006 14:25
So, Visas scare me.
I've travelled a bit, but never to a country where I need one. But, looking around, it looks like some of the countries I'll be going to for my RTW trip will require them. Generally speaking, how does one go about getting them? Do you have arrange them in advance? Or can you get them at your point of entry?
I've noticed that a lot of them say "application, 1 photo and $xxx." I'm presuming that the application is something I can aquire. But, am I going to go need to get a dozen passport photos made, since I'll be going to several countries that need them?
This is probably a bone-head question, but the thread said those were accepted here. :)
23-Mar-2006 15:11
I am going to paris in two weeks I already paid for my lodging and I was wondering if 25 euros a day is enough for groceries, trasnport and sightseeing, and the occasional cafe?
23-Mar-2006 16:04
Ally - I hate to contradict you but the nice lady at STA said that QANTAS/BA do an 18 month RTW -
23-Mar-2006 19:49
Huzza - this is hot gossip worthy of an OP!
23-Mar-2006 19:55
Geez - you know how shy I am about OPs
23-Mar-2006 20:01
this was one of the most oft repeated questions on the Gap Year Branch - "I want a RTW Ticket but I am not sure I can get aroudn in one year, what should I do?" In fact it was grumpy old buggers who flamed that question that got me started on this thread!
A
25-Mar-2006 04:59
Whats an OP?
25-Mar-2006 23:58
hiya Rightz, sorry about that - it is an Outside or an Original Post. A brand new thread!
02-Apr-2006 21:10
Hey, I have a question:
What short-term work options are available for young people without a university degree in Shanghai / China and how would I obtain one?
I know I'd need a work visa... but that's about it XD
Thanks in advance.
03-Apr-2006 11:45
Hello Ally & friends
Great thread for newbies
We are just starting to plan a RTW trip and gathering info as to where and when. So far we have US, Oz, NZ, SEA and India on the list. We are used to planning 2 week trips and not being able to fit everything in and are finding it ridiculously difficult to fit things into a year's travel!
A few questions to start us off please.
We have no dates as yet and like if possible to be in a country in the shoulder season, any advice as to what time of year to set off and how long in each country? We plan to go west from UK to US to get used to the budget travelling before hitting the culture shock of the east. (we have been to Thailand before but not in budget accom). OR my other half fancies Japan, but I think this will be too expensive and would mean dropping the US.
The absolute must sees are:-
Oz - Sydney, Blue Mountains, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Uluru, Perth
NZ - Christchurch, Milford Sound, glaziers, not yet sure of details of North Island
SEA - Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, maybe return to BKK
India - too numerous to mention
Is it asking too much to fit China in?
Also we don't fancy dorms - are there plenty of budget rooms?
Any advice appreciated
03-Apr-2006 18:49
hi akroma - with a degree you can teach English, without a degree it gets more tricky? Do you speak Mandarin? If not you will be competing for a job with locals who will work for less money and have local language skillls. Perhaps you could look at doing a TESL Course (Teaching English as a Second Language) I am not sure what Degree requirements there are.
03-Apr-2006 20:51
hiya kitbit - hey I was in Tokyo for a week in December and I have to say it was not as scarily expensive as you would imagine. We ate in noodle bars and stayed in a traditional Japanese Guesthouse - which was lovely by the way and were spending less than $100 AUD per day for 2 of us! WE did a couple of splurges on food and what not but it was not too different to costs in Sydney!
Oz - Go in March get
NZ - If you ski go in July else go in Feb
SEA - Too complicated theere are two monsoons and January is peak season so go there after Aus.
India - too numerous to mention - and the timing is impossible to find a shoulder season summer is probably too hot to do much so avoid
China - depends how much money you have and how much time - but I think it is too much!
Cheers!
04-Apr-2006 08:20
Hey Ally,
I'm going to do some solo travelling soon.
I only speak English so I'd like to go somewhere where I'll be able to get by without speaking the local language fluently (I'll obviously have a go but won't be much good). I also want to meet lots of other travellers.
Would SE Asia be safer/less hassle/less problems with language (i.e. English more widely understood) than Central and S America?
What particular countries would you recommend? Excluding those in Europe and USA, Canada, Oz, NZ.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
04-Apr-2006 16:57
hiya hafb, if you are only able to speak one language (like me) then English is the most useful for travelling IMO.
I reckon the way to go it to pick places based on what you are interested in seeing and doing and let the language issue sort itslef out!
I have spent a lot of time in SE Asia and I love it there but it seems like you may be more of a party person than me?? I believe Spanish is more necessary in the C and S Americas than a local language is needed in SE Asia but I am guessing!
07-Apr-2006 02:51
Hi all,
I'm on a RTW and have been buying plane tickets as I go. It's not bad for the flexibility it offers, especially when you know the local travel websites/discount airlines to check out. I was hoping you could help me compile a list of them around the world. I'm looking for sites like Travelocity, Expedia, Sidestep, ones that consolidate many of the local airlines and discount airlines that would not be on those sites. Here's my list:
USA
Travelocity.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Hotwire
Priceline
One Travel
Site 59
Sidestep
Travel Zoo
Southwest
JetBlue
Hong Kong
Zuji
SE Asia
Air Asia
Tiger Airways
General
Which Budget (budget airline listing worldwide)TextTextTextText
Thanks!
Yuppie Nomad
09-Apr-2006 18:28
hiya cammura - I have some extras for you:
Europe:
www.easyjet.com
Ryan Air (?)
Australia
www.flightcentre.com.au
(lists all flights for www.virginblue.com.au, www.jetstar.com.au and qantas.com.au)
10-Apr-2006 09:22
Hi Ally,
Maybe you can help with this one. I gonna be away for 12 months, what can I do about getting new bank cards sent to me abroad? I've asked my banks and card protection plans here and all have said that they can't send abroad only to my home address. The post office has said that I can't get unisgned cards sent through them and it seems that private international couriers won't offer any compensation for bank cards?
So, what do people do if they lose or have their cards stole aboard??!
Thanks
Vicki
10-Apr-2006 14:52
10-Apr-2006 14:53
The number of the beast!!!
10-Apr-2006 15:21
The neighbor of the beast!!!
Oh so bored, it's so boring being only the neighbor :(
10-Apr-2006 15:32
Hey guys!
I'm just starting out organising my RTW trip thats starting Jan 07. SO much to take into consideration - sure there'll be something I forget to think about! I also forget the world doesn't go away & if I don't go somewhere it will still be there later!!! OK I know many people are putting there draft itinereraries on various threads but as a newbie I quite like you guys so your thoughts, hints, tips & ideas please....
London - Mumbai overland possibly into Nepal to Delhi (still to fiture out the india bit - suggestions please!)- Singapore to meet my friend then overland through SEA - Intrepid Tour (any experiences of??) overland from Hanoi to Hong Kong - Sydney - Cairns - Auckland - Fiji - West Coast USA & possibly New York.
Am I being too ambitious? I don't have pots of money so I'm not sure I'm trying to do too much in 1 year. Reason for Intrepid Tour is that's where I leave my friend who's heading the opposite direction. Really want to go to Hong Kong but find thought of going overland across from Vietnam through China to Hong Kong on my own a wee bit daunting. I also have a dilemma in that I can't decide on whether to work in NZ or Oz...
Ally you said you only took a 35L - how on earth did you cope! I was thinking 65 - 70L but worried I may end up resenting my pack. Took a 35L away for a 2 weeks recently and it was overflowing! I know my clothes will be smaller as countries will be warmer than Scotland (except maybe Nepal in Jan!) but I'd be worried I'd run out of pants with a rucksack that wee!
What else should I think about planning this early on? I'm quite a disorganised girl so I'm not sure where to begin with everything, visas, insurance, jabs or anything else....
Cheers!
Caro
10-Apr-2006 19:10
Hitchiker - if you is soo bored then why not answer poor Vix ettes Querstion :P
Vi 10 - What I did was goi to the bank about 6 weeks before i left and ask for a card that had an expiry date after I planned to return, the bank then sent one with teh exact same date as teh original card, so I went back and explained my problem. They shipped another card with the same (too short) expiry date. So I went back again and did my nana (Australian for losing your temper) and got a card 24 hours before I flew out!
Then I hoped like hell i would nt lose it!
10-Apr-2006 19:29
I may have to go into Buffy mode and slay the beasts at and near 666!
10-Apr-2006 20:14
mousi you may be being a little overambitious but hey whats the big deal? If you rui out of money you go work in Aus (you can apply for visa in Say Singapore or Hong Kong) or you just spend one week in North America.
I have never been to NZ but lots of people love it so perhaps get two visas and do 6 motnths work in each?
I met an Intrepid tour leader and I was impressed with how he ran his outfit but I really think you can do it on your own, you and your friend can live comfortably on less than US $15 per day each including food and meals etc that may give you more time.
This early on the best thing you can do is save your money and think about what you want to see, buy some second hand books and read up on the countries you want to go to, stop spending money on nights out or clothes etc. It is much easier to stay excited when you are home (I remember watching Parkinson on the ABC for weeks on Sat nights)
Hey I took a 70l pack for a year but i did write that I would like to take a 35litre - those things get annoyingly heavy very quickly. In all theplaces you are going you will be able to buy top ups
Good luck and pop back in here with your ??s
11-Apr-2006 04:35
Come on Buffy, bring it on!!
Well Ally I probably would have tried to answer Vix10's question if I had have known the answer... :P But were you talking about credit cards when you responded to Vix? Do regular bank cards have expiry dates on them in Oz? In any case, my advice would have been, if you're worried about losing your bank card, get an extra one before you leave and get them in separate places on you, ie. one in your backpack, the other in a money pouch...or if you don't want to do that, leave the extra card at home with someone who would be able to mail it to you :)
Mousie: To me that sounds like a good amount for a year, but yes I agree with Ally that you might want to try and have a limited amount of time in the US if you are low on funds. My advice right now would be to RELAX, you have tons of time to figure everything out, and things will fall into place as time goes by. Do you know of Globe Trekker? Or, it is called Pilot Guides in some countries. In any case it is a television show that LP created, or at least I think, didn't they? I would very much recommend you get watching those...they get you so pumped to go traveling. Actually, on second thought maybe that will just tease you because you don't leave for so long yet. No really you should watch the shows, especially the ones that Ian Wright hosts, he is so funny and natural therefore he really make traveling seem exciting and easy, which it is!..most of the time....
11-Apr-2006 18:47
Hey Hitchiker it's aesthetic you dyslexic demon!
12-Apr-2006 04:50
Oh but Ally I beg to differ...it can be spelt either way. Esthetic is a variant of aesthetic; do they have dictionaries in Oz? And I wouldn't be the one accusing other people of dyslexia if I were you...I've read all of your posts in this thread remember ;) you bombastic beelzebub basher!
Oh, I do actually have a question as well, even though it's not exactly a travel question...does anyone here know how I can put a link in my signature. What I mean is, how can I make the http://fotki.com/viator that you see in my signature, into a link?
Jesse
12-Apr-2006 22:43
hey hitchiker - stomp flick and flounce harrumph - you and your American spellingz.
For all things Techie i suggest you contact Lan on PM or go to All About Thorn Tree and hiot the search button!
BTW - To any newbies reading this - the hitchiker is a regular on here and we are simply having fun. Mocking other posters is not supposed to happen in here, Hitchiker perhaps you and I should take this to the YC Branch!
13-Apr-2006 04:57
It's true there should be no mocking in this thread! But that doesn't change the fact that Ally should probably see a professional about her spelling or dyslexia problems...I mean personally I've never heard of the word 'hiot' before. Anyone?
Thanks for the tips though; as you can see I found what I was looking for.
13-Apr-2006 05:09
Oh and I figure I should change my signature into an actual quotation because that's what it is...I don't want to look like a plagiarizer. But that's how I knew that esthetic must be right as well, because I copied it. Sorry, now I'm the beast...oh wait I was all along, hahaha. So, yeah yeah bring on the rage, I know I deserve it.
16-Apr-2006 12:31
So my significant other and I are planning our own (mini) RTW trip. We going to India, Sri Lanka, Auss. and all through SE Asia. We're having a problem getting from SE Asia to India cheaply. Our budget is very small and the $ US 500 flights from SE Asia to India are totally blowing our budget! Does anyone know of a way to get cheaply from one area (India) to the other (SE asia)? We looked at going overland via train, bus, walking, whatever, but most of the borders seemed to be closed. Does anyone have any advice? Also, we found a flight from Singapore to Colombo for $ US 204. Does anyone know if there's a cheaper way to get to Sri Lanka? I read that there are no boat trips anymore. Any advice?
thank you so much in advance! This is our first backpacking trip by ourselves and we're very excited - we're just trying to do a bit too much on our budget, so we're trying to make it work. Thanks again!
17-Apr-2006 07:27
Hey Laretta, are you trying to book the flights online before you leave? Because from what I've heard (don't take my word on it) it is much cheaper to buy a plane ticket from SE Asia, Bangkok in particular, to other parts of Asia, at the flight centre's there. Have you thought about doing that?
17-Apr-2006 22:00
hiya Laretta - I flew from Thailand to Kokata in 2001 with Bangladesh Air, I roganised the ticket in Bangkok and it cost bugger all! WEll under US $250 return from memory, dont try and buy from home you will get a better deal in an Asian Capital City!
18-Apr-2006 08:37
My concern is that our schedule is very tight - if we get off by three days, we may miss all of our other pre-booked tickets. Do you think we will be able to buy a ticket for that day or the next day? Especially considering we don't speak the language. It seems a bit risky to me. Is it really?
18-Apr-2006 21:16
Laretta - it always comes fdown to a choice4 between time and money - if you are tight on time then spend the money! If you are short on money it will take some time
Please note that in Bangkok in the tourism industry English is pretty much universally spoken!
19-Apr-2006 21:46
Almighty Ally
I'm doing research on travel insurance and according to my travel agent dude (he's such a dude) and he suggested this:
Click on the first one "global extras plus"
when I put it to my mother she freaked out, saying it was a stupid amount of money... can someone advise! I thought it sounded reasonable?
19-Apr-2006 21:50
p.s I'm going around the world, SEA, Japan, India, Europe and America
21-Apr-2006 03:21
Ah! STA's insurance! That's what I always use. The biggest issues for insurance that you (and anyone else reading this) who is travelling for the first time need to know is that:-
1) It's my firm belief + almost every other seasoned traveller going + LP themselves that if you can't afford the insurance you point blank can't afford to travel yet. An ex of mine had appendicitis on Ko Phi Phi and had to be urgently air medi'vac'd back to the Thai mainland at vast expense + then had the op + then had 2 weeks in a 5* - and her mate with her - to recover (all covered by her insurance). Another mate went diving in Cairns, boarded a flight 14 hrs later (the dive master said it was fine) and got the bends in mid air en route to Brizzie. Cue emergency landing + high speed transfer to a decompression chamber + 2 days treatment + cancelling all his flights for the following 2.5 weeks. All covered by his insurance. Not that it matters, but both of them were with STA as it happens.
2) If you are going to the USA (which you are paperpeace), medical costs are a massive issue, primarily because they cost an insane amount out there. A guy I know broke his arm and the cost for sorting it all out came to something ridiculous like $4K USD. At the very least you want a very high medical cost limit, if not unlimited (such as this cover provides).
3) Check the reputation of the proposed insurance with your own country's board on the thorntree to get the locals' opinions.
That aside, what did they quote you? All insurances (be it travel, house, car etc) have rocketed post 9/11.
21-Apr-2006 05:52
they quoted 1300 or there abouts... for everything it seems to be offering it doesn't sound terrible...but everyone seems to be freaking out about it :S
23-Apr-2006 10:18
Hi Paperpeace,
To me that package sounds a bit excessive to start with...but how long are you going for, a year? Does that cover an entire year?
Some other questions you might want to ask yourself if you haven't already, are things like, what am I'm bringing with me, do i really need $15000 coverage for my luggage? Are you bringing laptops and expensive camera equipment or something? Also, are you going even going to be renting cars? Do you need that coverage at all?
Again, I don't know how long you're going for but even if it is a year, do you have bad teeth, do you take care of them? Couldn't you see your dentist before you leave and then be good and brush everyday? Personally i don't see the point in dental insurance but that's probably because i rarely have problems with my teeth because i take care of them.
I don't know, that plan just seems excessive to me, the prices of things over the top. Like, do you need unlimited cancellation? Hijacking? Kidnap? It's not like you're going to the middle east...I don't know, i suppose it is a personal prefrence thing, but i just hope you are asking yourself these kinds of questions...1300 AUD is it? I got a year's worth insurance for, i guess it would be about 500 AUD...so 1300 seems a bit crazy to me.
23-Apr-2006 17:27
Ditto what everyone has said above, my tip is that the agent has quoted you a policy that covers insurance costs for the most expensive part of your journey, ie the USA. This means that you are on the most expensive plan for the whole year even if you are only in the USA for a few weeks. From memory there isnt much you cna do about it.
Taking Fwoggie's examples to the worst case scenario; say you are killed overseas - the cost to your family to have your body shipped back home will be over $50,000 (or some other ridiculous amount of money)
Go back to your agent and see if you can stagger your policies by the dates you are in each region.
From memory I paid about AUD $1100 for a year's coverage in Feb 2001.
23-Apr-2006 21:58
thanks travellers!
24-Apr-2006 09:16
Hi. I was hoping for a little advice from a few of you.
Basically I'm coming towards the end of my gap year, long story short I had to resit some exams which kinda messed up my travel plans, but I'm hoping I'll still have chance to do some travelling this summer. I have around £3000 saved up and was hoping to get a RTW ticket and spend a few months away.
Looking at all the information it's all becoming rather overwhelming and I'm curious as to whether a couple of months would be long enough for a "proper" RTW trip? Would I feel like I was rushing through places? I was particularly keen to visit Oz and new zealand, then make my own way across america from LA to NY. Am I looking to fit in too much in 2 months?
Also my time is currently constrained by the fact I have to be back for my results in August, has anyone else been away whilst recieving their results and uni confirmations? Is it simple enough to get your parents to sort it out for you whilst you talk to them over the phone? After last years results day I get the feeling it would be far better for me to be back in England in case of any problems.
I suppose the main problem is simply my laziness, had I put more effort into organising this I could have it all done by now, instead I'm trying to get one organised whithin a month. Any advice would be great.
25-Apr-2006 04:59
That sounds to me like a bit much for two months matt. But of course, this all depends on what kind of a traveler you are. If you like to rush through places, then it would probably be possible to do all that. If there is anything I've learned for myself while traveling it is that I like to take my time and really experience each place that I visit. Last summer I (tried) did almost all of Europe in one month and that was just insane. It wasn't any fun, because traveling is tiring in the first place, but when you do it like that it becomes almost completely unenjoyable.
If I were in your situation I would probably do either Oz and NZ or the US and take my time. But again, that is just me...and I'm sure a lot of other people as well.
25-Apr-2006 17:38
matt - perhaps you need to focus on what you really want from your break? I travel a lot like the Hitchhiker at 691 but with only a few weeks you may really just be after a chance to let your hair down before you start University. I wold say you have enough time to go to New Zealand or Australia and have some fun.
Also check in with your University or Admissions centre about online processing of applications - perhaps all that can be done by email. I know in Aus that the results etc are now available by SMS.
26-Apr-2006 06:41
Hi< I was hoping for some help with a two month trip. Coming from the US, I am planning on spending 1 month in Southeast Asia and 1 month in Turkey and Morocco. I am having trouble figuring out the best type of plane ticket to buy. I am thinking of buying a RTW starting in Los Angeles to Bangkok to Istanbul to Morocco to NYC, and just arranging my SE Asian travel when I'm there(Air Asia seems cheap and convienient). Is there a better cheaper way? Thanks so much!
27-Apr-2006 05:07
Cheers for the advice, i think i've decided to just go with the US. 5 or 6 weeks spent going from coast to coast.
27-Apr-2006 17:37
hi cake girl - Air Asia is a fabulous airline! so definitely use them for hopping around the region as for tickets, based on where you need to go it sounds like a RTW Ticket, I have notied that RTW ticks seem to be more xpensive from the USA than from other places eg Aus approx $2500 AUD
Can you get a quote and let us all know how much?
Cheers
01-May-2006 05:27
Hi Ally :)
Just wondering if you know whether it is possible to get a pre-paid SIM card that can be used in several Asian countries. I currently have a Vodafone pre-paid in Australia which, from their website, will only be able to be used in 2 of the countries I will be going to. Last time I travelled I went on normal (not pre-paid) internation roaming but my phone got stolen and calls made before I could get through to Australia to cancel it. I don't want to end up with a huge phone bill to pay if my phone is stolen which is why I would like a pre-paid, but I assuem that a SIM I buy in Asia will only be able to be used in that particular country? The countries I plan to go to include Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, South Korea, and China.
01-May-2006 18:04
hi jazzy A quick google and I got this:
Sing Tel Global Roaming Prepaid
SingTel are a Singapore basesd phone company they are worl leaders and they bought out Optus a few years ago (to give you an idea of how big they are) There are a lot of very mobile people in SE Asia especially business travellers ex Singapore adn Hong Kong so start there!
Note your phone may not work in SE Asia!
05-May-2006 04:38
Hey Ally
It's been quiet here as of late hasn't it? Maybe a little too quiet?... Wait, I guess it's only been like four days...
Well I have a quick and easy question for you, just to keep you on your toes...if I am planning on going to Asia for a year, how much money would you suggest I convert into travellers cheques?
Jesse
07-May-2006 17:59
hiya Hitchhiker - it appears that planning a gap year is seasonal? I know that if you are leaving Aus it makes sense to give up your full time job in Dec not May (you get a big tax return)
As for travellers cheques in SE Asia I got around with none, that said you should really spread the risk, I took a Visa Credit Card loaded up with my own cash and I took USD about $300 and that was it! In India travllers sheques were much more useful as ATMs were far and wide apart so I took all my cash in Travellers cheques.
So If I was going again (assume i am taking $100 then put $50 on vredit card, take $20 in hard currency and $30 in cheques)
08-May-2006 09:53
Hi Ally
Okay so if i'm going to SE Asia and India you would recommend that division still? Is it basically that you would use your cash for food and then put everything else on your cedit card? Wouldn't the service charges on using your credit card that often really add up?
09-May-2006 18:39
as usual it all depends, if you are going to be in Mumbai and Delhi in India then ATMs will work fine for you, in Goa you may be OK (with a bit of travel) but for many places there are no atms. Converting Money is a service offered by banks, they can and do charge for it, so I reommend you check your banks' fees andexchange rates to the commission charges for travelelrs cheques and cash and take a punt. If that makes your head spin then the best way to 'average' the price you pay is to cover all th bases.
eg in Agra commissions on travellers cheques may be higher due to the amazing number of visitors - there you may be better off using the ATM, in Bangkok where services are competitive - your cheques may convert at a cheaper commission.
09-May-2006 18:44
seven hundred yippee!
12-May-2006 03:35
Hi Ally,
Am a newbie to TT and still trying to find my way around. Hope you can help with my q.
Anyway, am based in the Philippines and most of my travelling has been local, always for work or with friends. Lately, I've been getting the itch to take some time (maybe a week or 2) off and explore another country. If I do this, it's quite likely I'll be doing it alone and for the first time ever.
Any suggestions on where is a good place to get my travelling feet wet? I would love to go west, but my budget (800-1000USD) is likely only going to take me within asia (maybe australia?).
Can you help me out please? Or point me in the right direction? I really have no preference in what to experience. Just keen on experiencing something.
Thanks
13-May-2006 15:07
Hello
I am planning to volunteer (teaching & orphanage work) in nepal from August - October and am very interested in trekking. Single female (42 yrs) never trekked before and would really appreciate your advice regarding fitness, what to carry (suffer with back pain) how to keep leeches at bay? Also some companies have stopped sending volunteers due to current unrest - are travellers at risk? What about volunteers in homestay villages? Any advice regards volunteering also very welcome indeed.
If I've posted in the wrong place pls forgive my ignorance, Thorn Tree virgin .......... sorry
Best wishes
14-May-2006 20:17
hello starshep, interesting question...I think yes you need to stay out of Europe and North America and Japan - given your budget. For a first experience try to go to the most different place you can afford so while Thailand is perfect for your budget perhaps the beaches in the Philippines are too much the same!
Have a read up on the LonelyPlanet world guide on
Part of India (pick an area say north western India - Bihar and Bengal States
Cambodia (a personal favourite of mine)
Java (looks interesting but I havent been
I think in Aus you would struggle on your budget to see much but perhaps a short trip in to Uluru would be as different to the Philippines as you can get.
Good luck and let us know where you can go!
14-May-2006 20:27
hello flutterby I havent been to Nepal YET but I do have the guidebook? Do other people do this? I was talking to a friend about it just two weeeks ago and the conventional wisdom seems to be that now is not a good time to go due to the political troubles, please dont take this as advice and go to www.google.com and pop in trekking in Nepal and see what regular visitors have to say etc!
I think you need to sort that out before planning which backpack will be best for your back (Btw go to a good store and get one fitted to you - this takes about half an hour and will make your pack seem half the weight) you really also should learn to put your pack on without swinging it over your shoulder - my mate Hurricane puts it on a chair and walks backwards into the pack)
Cheers
Ally
16-May-2006 07:20
Hi Butterfly,
I am planning nearly the exact same thing. I will be in Nepal either September or October most likely, perhaps we could keep in contact and share our research findings? What places have you looked into in terms of volunteering? Do you think you will go with one of the many NGO's that, for a fee, will place you in a local village, with a family that will provide room and board? Have you heard of 'Hope and Home'? That is one of the best looking ones that I've found in my searches. Although, you can never be entirely sure from just seeing a website of course, but if anything they seem to be one of the least expensive ones. It is here if you wanted to check it out. The only concern I have is, what exactly does less expensive mean in this case? In terms of, does it mean that where the money might mostly be needed it isn't reaching? As well, what does it mean for us? Will our placements be less desirable? Less liveable? In any case, I have a lot of other info as well but if you are interested either pm me or email at avius.viator@gmail.com so that I don't turn this into a 'volunteering in Nepal' thread.
As far as risk is involved, you should take a look at this thread and decide for yourself. But as far as I know, right now things are the best they've been there for quite some time. I am personally not concerned too much, as far as travelers go, there hasn't been any problems, except to those who were stupid enough to get involved in the masses and the marches and so forth.
In any case, hope to hear back from you,
Jesse
16-May-2006 21:09
Ally/Sharship and Hitchperson - China might be another place. I was in Yunnan provence and it was absolutely wonderful
PS: Ally thinking of you and family
17-May-2006 07:50
ally,
i am in southern spain and yesterday my purse (containing my passport, wallet, camera and some other valuables) was stolen from me. i have already filed a police report and had somebody wire me money. but regarding my passport, i have been in the EU (and Schengen) for almost 90 days and i was planning to stay 2 months longer illegally, and then head on to non Schengen countries. while i am down here i had really wanted to go to morocco next week, but now that i have no passport i guess that is out of the question. i technically have a plane ticket to return back home (USA) for the last day of March, but I was planning on calling the airline to delay my return flight until the end of the summer. i called the American embassy already and learned that the only way I can get a temporary passport is if I can prove that I absolutely need one right away. if i were to wait to change my flight home until i had a temporary passport, how long would it be valid for?
otherwise, i have to apply for a new passport here in Sevilla and pick it up in Madrid. are they going to ask me my arrival date into the EU (March 1) or do they have that information already stored somewhere? if i told a little lie and said that i arrived on April 1 (in order to buy myself more legal time in Schengen), will they know the difference and am i risking big trouble? also, how do i get around the questions that they will most likely ask me about my travel plans but solve the passport issue? help me please!
17-May-2006 19:34
yikes - bummer about the theft ramble!
my tip is don't lie, go to the US embassy again say - hey I have a ticket home from Europe for date x, but I want to go to Morocco and I can not enter the country without a passport.
Collect new passport - go to Morocco - this means you leave the Schengen region and your 90 days start again! Easy you get new passport a triup to Morocco and no hassles!
Good luck!
Ally
17-May-2006 20:50
hiya Huzza Hugs and Kisses!
18-May-2006 06:57
Ally- I have arranged my ticket through Just Fares which has given me the lowest price. <My route is New Orleans to bali to Bangkok to istanbul to Casablanca to New Orleans for $3100. How does this sound and do you know them as a reputable company? I am planning to purchase tomorrow.
18-May-2006 18:35
I dont knowthe company just fares but if they are selling tickets at the best price that seems good enough to me (as long as Im not flying with dodgy airlines I am happy to pay as little as possible) - I think with fuel prices so high that ssems ok, does this price include all surcharges? (taxes and fuel levy)
BTW Australians it Fuel or Petrol and USA calls it Gas
23-May-2006 04:27
Hey did anyone else who's subscribed to this thread recieve an email from a username 'niamhprior', that was a reply to this thread and said 'That's what I think about it.'? If so does anyone else find it strange that the reply isn't here on the thread or that that username doesn't seem it exist? I actually recieved another reply to a different subscription I have signed up with on TT that was from a different username but said the exact same thing...again the username doesn't exist and the post is not there???
23-May-2006 14:56
Hi Ally,
It has taken me a really long time to read through all these posts over the last 3 years! Am trying to think of some original flattery...but can't! So will just say it's amazing.
I'm not a total newbie, having travelled over the years through western europe, south east asia and south pacific but my memory is sometimes very bad and i can't always remember what was useful!
I'm planning a trip through eastern europe, this summer (western russia, finland, baltic states, croatia, hungary, romania, bulgaria, albania, etc etc as long as the money and health can take it!) and notice that generally you haven't spoken much of your travels there. (due to there not being a huge list of questions on the topic) What really inspired you/do you remember the most? most memorable experience? Eastern europe really excites me as a destination. (oh and what WAS that story about being thrown off a hungarian train?!)
My practical/bad memory question is related to shoes. i can't remember what i took through westren europe when i travelled through there over a summer 8 years ago. I'm thinking this trip is a bit...not 'city-fied' exactly but not as 'off the beaten track' as sen monorom in cambodia or something. I'm also thinking of stylish cities such as helsinki and trying to find a good compromise between good shoes to walk around all day in but that don't make you look as if you just walked in from cambodia or something! plus something that you can wear at a restaurant/bar or whatever at night time.
what do you think?
and should i take my north face hiking shoes (not serious hiking ones, just can't think of a better description!) or is it unnecessary weight....
finally (sorry!) I'm really interested in the volunteer work you mentioned in Cambodia what/where did you do/go? I spent a month there and it has been my favourite destination so far, such amazing people
24-May-2006 00:45
thanks nashie, I really think this thread is good just because it is so bloody exciting when you first head off to see the world, I get excited all the time reading about other people's trips.
You know how I ramble on about doing background reading on a place before you go there - well I just kind of lobbed into Eastern Europe by mistake and I spent most of my time I absolutely loved Sofia in Bulgaria, I really did nto enjoy Bucharest in Romania and as I arrived on Friday evening I really wanted to get out of town on the Sunday, so rather than patiently wait for Monday to go to the Hungarian embassy I checked on line (got some dodgy advice off the thorn tree -) and decided I would be OK without a visa - hey my guidebeook was 2 years old... so off i went to sighisouara (sp) which was lovely and charming - almost as good as Sofia! Then I jumped on a train to get out of Romania and when I entered Hungary the not so charming customs guy pulls me off the train takes me to the police station for about an hour then walks me down the train track back into Romania, some old blokes laugh at me and then charge me $20 us to go to the free way where there is another customs office which can issue a visa - go figure... so I walk about 2 kms down the freeway - literally on the road when I get to the booth I stand in queue with the cars - just me and a backpack, by now I love Hungary and feel a little foolish
ok it's home time so I will finish this little saga tomorrow!
24-May-2006 02:46
Hi! Ally,
I'm a new friend here. First of all, I'd like to say "Amazing You" You've done the greatest job!!! And i'm sure that i could get help from you. My husband and I planing to go to Prague, Vienna, Budapest in August. It's our honeymoon trip @^^@ But we are backpakers, so I'm trying to get as much info as i can to make the most wonder trip once in our lifetime.
Thanks in advance for ur kindness.
25-May-2006 23:33
Ramble on, you cannot just go to Morocco and then return for another 90 days to Schengen as Ally suggests. The Schengen allows you 90 days in any 180 calendar days. So if you leave a week before your 90 days are up and then return 2 weeks later all it means is that you then have one week you can legally spend in a Schengen country.
Ally if you are going to set yourself up as an authority on Schengen then perhaps you should first find out what it is all about before giving people advice that may land them in trouble.
TheHitchhiker, what it means is that the poster has been banned and all of his/her posts removed. It sounds like he/she then attempted to re-register under another handle from a different IP address but got found out and banned again. Simple really.
26-May-2006 03:55
do you know the best way to find out how to learn to cook in india and in a cool location,heading there in august
26-May-2006 04:08
Ok aaaa, I don't think it is quite that 'simple really'. First of all I was sitting at my computer when I received one of the emails and when I went directly to the thread it wasn't there...how could the post or poster have been banned that quickly? Secondly, why would the person only post the sentence 'that's what I think about it' on both occasions? That seems a little odd doesn't it? Why would he/she get banned for saying that? Maybe that's what was written in by the moderators in place of the original post. But still why would they send anything at all then?
And don't be taking that tone with Ally, how did she ever set herself up as the 'authority on Schengen'? All she is doing is giving her advice to people, she never claimed to be the authority. Even if she is wrong, well those things happen, she is only human and going on what she knows to be the usual case, because normally you can leave a country and re-enter and you're days of admittance are reset. If anyone is smart they are going to double check those things with the real authorities before they do anything and not just go with what someone on the internet has suggested is a possibility.
27-May-2006 20:39
Well if you received an E-MAIL as you wrote, that is totally different than receiving a PRIVATE MESSAGE within the TT. If it was indeed an E-mail, that E-mail could have been sent at any time in the past few days. E-mails do not always appear on your computer instantly you know.
Regarding why a person might get banned. The person most likely got banned for something he/she said on ANOTHER thread, not the one you were looking at. No one would get banned obviously for writing, "that's what I think about it". The point is that the ONLY way a handle and posts disappear from the TT is when the poster is banned or has requested that they be removed.
As for my tone, that's my business The Hitchhiker, not yours. Leave it to Ally to respond for herself if she wishes to.
As for her advice, if you set yourself up as giving advice, you have an OBLIGATION to insure that you either give factual advice or write I THINK THE RULES ARE rather than THE RULES ARE. Yes someone smart would double check. Are you under the impression that everyone here on the TT is smart enough to do that? That no one here takes what someone writes as being a fact if it is written as if it were a fact and then acts based on that supposed fact? There are plenty of naive posters here on the TT who believe what they read.
Sometimes it is good to remind someone that they have an OBLIGATION to either make sure of their FACTS before posting them or post what they believe to be true, in the form of an OPINION.
29-May-2006 00:03
I've posted this on the insurance thread but it's all getting a bit old over there so.. Ally or anyone else, any recent (travel insurance) experience/s with either Medibank Private, or World Nomads or alternatively- any policy underwritten by Allianz/emergency through Mondial Assist? Any other recommendations.
Cheers
29-May-2006 20:26
ok OKa111 - this thread was specifically set up as a haven from carping know it alls. I appear to have made an error of fact somewhere here:
Quote
my tip is don't lie, go to the US embassy again say - hey I have a ticket home from Europe for date x, but I want to go to Morocco and I can not enter the country without a passport.
Quote
Collect new passport - go to Morocco - this means you leave the Schengen region and your 90 days start again! Easy you get new passport a triup to Morocco and no hassles!
Is the error?
a) You can not ask for a new passport from the US Emabssy in Spain
b) Morocco is now part of the Schengen Agreement
c) US Citizens do not get 90 days in Schengen countries
d) "my tip would be" is not seen as enough of a disclaimer to say it is personal advice, what sort of disclaimer should appear appear before every single post on the Tree?
Perhaps you would like to clarify in the spirit of this being a community of travellers.
29-May-2006 22:23
oops OKA I didnt see your detailed comment son the 180 dayt on the previous page, the confusion is in the way you and I are using the word Schengen. I am using it to group a number of countries together - being an Australian I dont need a visa at all and the EC website advice for Australians makes no reference to teh 180 day calendar rule.
The 90 days out of 180 applies only to people who require a visa to enter Schengen countries and the USA is NOT one of these countries so the 180 day rule is most likely not relevant
but hey that was a lot less fun than just chatting to peopl now wasnt it!
29-May-2006 22:25
so now will you back off the Hitchiker or I will have to read in detail your pedantic ramblings about the grammar of a Hitchiker! sheesh
29-May-2006 22:50
hello wonderland - I have only used covermore and they were OK - the good thing about them was that they paid on my claim while I was still travelling and my agent was able to process a new policy with them while I was still away when I extended my trip.
Do you have your Aus Health Insurance with Medibank? If so you should save yourself some time arranging to pause your local health insurance while you are away? Also read the fine print to see who is the Underwriter on the policy, I cant remember for sure but i think QBE Insurance underwrote Covermore, the underwriter does everything except sellt eh policy and print the brochure!
29-May-2006 22:55
You are absolutely right OKa, I shouldn't have been trying to defend Ally, it wasn't my place to do that...and besides she is much better at defending herself. But as for your tone, I'm sure you can figure out (because it seems like you are an intelligent person) that it is really not wanted on this thread and that's all I was really trying to say.
I could argue much more about the whole subcription/getting those emails incident but it really isn't that important. I was really only curious to know if anyone else had received the same posts.
30-May-2006 11:24
Nope, you still haven't got it right Ally.
"The 90 days out of 180 applies only to people who require a visa to enter Schengen countries and the USA is NOT one of these countries so the 180 day rule is most likely not relevant "
The 90 days out of every 180 calendar days applies to everyone who is not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country. ( It's actually more complicated than that but not more detail is not needed to advise anyone who is not from an EU or Schengen country )This topic has been covered many, many times in great detail here on the TT. That citizens of some countries do not require a Schengen visa is irrelevant. Nor will an EC (your term) site provide info on Schengen since not all EU countries are in Schengen and not all Schengen countries are in the EU. They are two separate and distinct groups of countries.
I suggest you read up on Schengen and/or do a search here for Schengen and find out what the real rules are before commenting on it at all.
"what sort of disclaimer should appear appear before every single post on the Tree?"
A disclaimer isn't necessarily needed but a differentiation between what you KNOW to be a FACT and what you THINK is so would be nice. The problem is when someone reads a post on a thread that purports to offer new travellers answers to their questions. In and of itself a noble endeavour. However as I said earlier, if you SET YOURSELF up as being able to give answers, then you have a responsibility to ensure that when you do provide an answer you are sure it is correct.
It is not a little thing to get the Schengen question wrong. There can be and are serious implications and penalties that can and do occur. Your insurance will not cover you if it is determined you were in a country illegally for a starter. Imagine beiing in an auto accident where personal injury occurs and then discovering that your insurance company (rightfully) refuses to cover you or defend you if there is a court case. Then there is the question of deportation. It happens. Fines, jail cells and being declared 'persona non grata' for up to 7 years in ALL Schengen countries can occur. So it isn't something you can just brush off as not being a big deal. It can be a VERY BIG DEAL for someone.
There are newbies who come to the TT and believe every word they read. Naive yes, but that is reality. So all I'm saying is be sure you know what you are writing. In the case of Schengen, you do not.
As for your comment about, "this thread was specifically set up as a haven from carping know it alls.", I'm sure I know what you meant but I will point out to you that it is YOU who has set herself up as the know it all with this thread. With over 700 responses, perhaps your answers should be getting checked by others more often.
Hitchhiker, not to belabour a point, but TONE is something you hear. You cannot read it. You may THINK you know what tone the writer intended but in fact you do not. People tend to read tone into the written word based on their liking or disliking of what is written. I tend to write exactly what I mean. No more and no less. I have taken exception to what Ally wrote about Schengen. It was incorrect. That has no tone. The written word can only provide 7% of the message that a face to face interchange can. Tone provides 38% of the message and body language provides 56%. For exampe if we are face to face and I am smiling while saying in a calm and pleasant voice, 'I have no reasonn to be angry with you', you can see and hear that I mean what I am saying. If on the other hand I say the same thing through gritted teeth in more of a growl and am staring at you, chances are you will realize that the words and my meaning are diametrically oppossed. My tone and facial expression will give the lie to the words. So, because you only have 7% to work with, it is worth remembering that is the case and not reading into those words something that you cannot really know. My tone and body language if you could hear and see me is one of total indifference to you or Ally as a person and one of concern and insistence regarding getting the facts right when giving advice.
30-May-2006 18:57
Ally, thanks- exactly what I was looking for, though pricey, it seems being able to claim on the go is a rarity find in the world of travel insurance - who would have thought.
Oka111, I couldn't help but 'overhear', since you were yelling, and being a freak about all things in writing.. tone can be read, and written. Yours, for example, is distracting me.
04-Jun-2006 20:01
Alright the last word on this schengen debate from me is this: I offered an opinion someone else has a different opinion. I stand by my opinion or what i called in my orginal reply "my tip" People are free to listen, validate, ask or ignore at their leisure. This thread has lasted so well because it is a haven from hysterical postings and flame wars. It was started back when this branch in total read like post 727.
04-Jun-2006 23:54
ok so there I was stuck on the Hungarian border on a freeway without a car, literally me and my backpack and a woman who looked like she would be at home running a Gulag. So after I suffered through her scorn and indignation that I had shown up without a visa she issued me with a $50 US visa for transit - so great 48 hours is all I am getting I think fine, if the rest of the country is as bad as the roadside visa office that will be plenty of time. By this stage I have said nothing other than yes, no thank-you. So I have my Visa and I politely say OK where is the nearest town? On my left is a field of sinflowers on my right a field of corn - all as far as the eye can see. I look tired and hot and bothered mostly on account of the fact I am tired hot and bothered.
Her face softens and she says please take a seat the next car that stops is a classic mercedes after a loud and heated conversation with the driver she comes over and tells me that this young man will drop me in the next town. Bless the kindness of strangers.
05-Jun-2006 07:03
Woke up in Toronto at 0600 the day of departure. Had a very long day getting ready, getting to the passport office (yes last minute passport problems of course), and getting to the airport from there. We got our plane and I figured I would do at least a bit of sleeping during the flight...didn't happen. We get into the airport in Amsterdam at 0600 their time. So, so far I have been up for about 18 hrs. We get off the plane and have no problems getting our luggage and getting through customs. The train into the city centre however was another story altogether. What should have taken us ten minutes turned into a two and a half hour excursion. I think it probably would have turned out differently, ie. better, if we hadn't have been so tired and jet lagged. So, very stressed, tired, and famished, we finally get into central station. We had decided to camp at a place called Vliegenbos, so we took, yet another form of transportation, a bus to the grounds, got a site and tried to get some shut eye right away... tried being the operative word. It was the middle of the afternoon and the sun was beating down on our tent relentlessly, and with no wind as well, it quickly became a sauna. So, no sleep yet again. Now, I don't smoke pot or hash or do any other drugs very often at all, but for some reason we decided it would be a great idea to go into the city to find some brownies. I had this crazy idea that getting really high would make it easier for me to get a good relaxing sleep for that night... Oh the wonderful life lessons that traveling teaches you... We got the brownies and headed back to our camp, ate them, and the fun began. At first nothing, we thought maybe we had been ripped off, so we lied down to try to sleep. I was up all night thinking our whole camp site was conspiring against us and planting little bombs all around our tent. And that is just the start of the kinds of things that were going through my head. The day after the day after that, when I finally had gotten a good nights rest, I calculated the amount of hours I had been awake straight... it came out to over 60 hrs.
Moral of the story... semper ubi sub ubi
05-Jun-2006 19:07
"Alright the last word on this schengen debate from me is this: I offered an opinion someone else has a different opinion. I stand by my opinion or what i called in my orginal reply "my tip" People are free to listen, validate, ask or ignore at their leisure."
Well Ally, if that is the best you can do, I think anyone posting a question on this thread better beware.
I did not offer a 'different opinion'. What I wrote is the FACT, not an opinion about Schengen. I accept that you wrote an opinion which you thought was right but now that you have been told it isn't, you should have the balls to accept that you got it wrong and file that bit of info away for the next time someone asks about Schengen. You sure as hell shouldn't be writing that you stand by your opinion. About 2 minutes with Google looking for Schengen or a search here on the TT, will get anyone the correct information. It isn't subject to any if, buts or maybes.
Nor do you need to write, "This thread has lasted so well because it is a haven from hysterical postings and flame wars." What are you suggesting with that line? That anyone who corrects an obvious mistake about something simple like Schengen is flaming you? Get real girl. You are coming across as pathetic and incapable of accepting a simple correction. All you had to write was "thanks for correcting me OKA. I thought you could come and go and didn't know about the 90 in 180 rule." That would have put you in a far better light than this last response.
You got it wrong. You're human. You're forgiven. Just acknowledge you got it wrong but will get ir right the next time round. If you had done that to begin with, we would both have moved on long before this.
08-Jun-2006 20:01
look dont come in here with your snide insults and your patronising tone and your half baked opinions then try and stop me from defending myself against your bombastic t point of view.
I stand by my post based on personal experience, anecodotes picked up in hostels along the way and a quick check of a couple of Australian websites.
09-Jun-2006 08:39
Hi There,
Well this is sort of a travel question and I hope some one may be able to get me started.
Im interested in doing some community aid or foriegn aid/support work but I dont really know how to get started. Ive had a look at the travel companies featured on your website and like the idea of the community projects but I am more interested in spendin months in a place rather than days or weeks. Can any body offer me any info on where to look for information or useful web sites.
Thanks a bunch
Kate
09-Jun-2006 14:20
Kate,
You first want to work out where you want to go (even roughly - SE Asia, S America, Africa etc), after that you need to work out roughly what sort of work/placement you're after (teaching, environmental, aid ...).
There are literally hundreds of organisations out there, most of whom offer a good service, so until you answer these two questions, it'll be very hard for anyone to give you meaningful help.
12-Jun-2006 03:05
OK, prize of a guidebook to whomever posts the first official government link to clearly explain the answer to the Schengen question above.
I'd also just like to give a big thanks to Ally for answering so many questions, so well, for so long! Ally, you're a star :D
12-Jun-2006 10:31
The German embassy in Australia: "Australian citizens can enter Germany as a tourist or on business without at visa, if they stay there up to a total of 90 days within in six months period."
The French embassy in Australia says the same (if you fill in the form).
Conclusion: any visitor is limited to 90 days within 180. Some nationals need a visa to get this 90-day allowance. Others, e.g. Australians, don't, but the 90-in-180-days rule applies to everyone.
13-Jun-2006 15:34
Good links guys! Can you both PM Roman with the name of your preferred guidebook and your postal details, cheers :)
Oka111, you've made your point abundantly clear, so please stop attacking Ally. Thanks.
So, who's next with a nice travel question?
14-Jun-2006 00:56
Thanks, Zed. But I'll pass the honour on to Ally, who is doing the good work here. Ally, PM Roman in my place.
14-Jun-2006 04:56
I have a four weeks' holiday coming up, and really want to go to Thailand. However, I have never been there so I have a couple of questions that some of you might be able to answer:
Since it is the wet season in July, is it still nice to travel (and dive) in the more southern parts of Thailand (especially the gulf islands) (do u still get enough sunshine ;)
I'm also travelling alone this year, do you have any tips for the solo traveller (must sees and places where you can meet other solo travellers)
tnx in advance
14-Jun-2006 21:25
yay floeby,Thailand is a fab destination for a 4 week break. I havent been to Thailand in July so I am guessing a little. Often the monsoon rains are a heavy shower that dont wipe out a whole day the real problem will be the visibility in the water after heavy run off from the rain.
Adrian seemed to have a great time check out his pictures here: http://www.adriandarr.fotopic.net/ Some bloke from Google's Holidat snaps in July 04
Thailand is very relaxed and I travelled through their alone, take a good book but make sure you stay in the family run guest houses that have a friendly common dining area, I stayed at Ao Leuk (sp?) on Koh Tao and it was lovely and friendly. I was happy to amuse myself through the day but it was nice to have a chat over dinner and a drink in the evening, if you need more company you could always do anpother scuba course!
my tip is just go!
oh and about the weather - if it goes really yucky get a cheap flight to somewhere out of the monsoon, I think southern malaysia or bali would be good? www.airasia.com
17-Jun-2006 10:30
Hiya! I have just signed my contract to work in Medan for a year. The company will refund my flight money on an economy return trip but I can't find any flights that let me stay 13 months as I would ideally like to travel for four weeks after my contract is up. I'm also struggling to find a flight for just one year. They only seem to allow maximum 11 months stay. Do you or anybody know any sites I can look? Cheers for any help.
Koodles
18-Jun-2006 18:39
No airline issues tickets good for more than 12 months. So your first idea is a no go. Even with a 12 month ticket, you would still have to work a few days under 12 months at least. Why not discuss this with your employer in Medan. Ask them to pay for a one way ticket now and another one way ticket at the end of your contract. That second ticket will cost them the same whether it is for today or a month from today.
18-Jun-2006 18:42
No airline issues tickets good for more than 12 months. So your first idea is a no go. Even with a 12 month ticket, you would still have to work a few days under 12 months at least. Why not discuss this with your employer in Medan. Ask them to pay for a one way ticket now and another one way ticket at the end of your contract. That second ticket will cost them the same whether it is for today or a month from today.
22-Jun-2006 13:35
hey-
so i'm a sorta newbie, as i've already backpacked by myself, but i'm doing it outside of europe this time, and i'm going to stay away from the u.s. as long as possible. i want to go from california to hawaii to new zealand to australia to the south pacific, southeast asia, and probably move inland from there. but when i look at the entry requirements for a lot of coutries, it says "proof of onward travel or return ticket". don't people travel all the time without knowing where they're going next? do you really need this? because i don't want to plan how long i'll be in each place, i just want to go and see how i like it, and buy my tickets as i go. is this possible?
thank you for your reply!
22-Jun-2006 21:15
Koodles, I used to think there were no RTW tickets available for more htan 12months but as Hurricane pointed out back at post num 649 she got a quote from an Australian travel agent for a ticket that runs longer than 12months you fly with British Airways / Qantas and partners! I think the industry is catching up with people taking a real break! The company sponsoring you might insist on a return ticket instead so get a quote for that for 10 months and show your new employer that the prices are similar and you could even offer to pay the difference. Goodlck, when do you fly?
hiya odd offering, I must say I have only been asked for proof of onward ticket in Europe altho the rules cover SE Asia etc as well. So when I flew in to the UK on an easyjet flight from Spain I showed my RTW ticket which picked up again in Ireland, so if you bought a 12month return ticket from home to either Sydney or Bangkok that should keep immigration in New Zealand happy as well as in Thailanbd or Australia.
If you really cant bear the through of an onward ticket home I guess you could just make a point of arriving at overland borders instead of airports but I wouldnt recomend this - and hey a return portion of a ticket is not much more than a one way ticket!
24-Jun-2006 15:32
Hi All,
I see the recommendation of return ticket above, but wouldnt be able to get a return ticket as I dont know where I would be returning from. Is it possible to get a bank statement to show immigration instead of an onward ticket?
Thanks for responses!
25-Jun-2006 07:34
thanks ally, but i do agree with badboba. i don't know yet where i'll be returning from! i'm planning on covering at least three continents and not returning to the states in just a year, so then what?
and another note, i'm thinking i need to resort to a travel agent or something, because all of this solo research/logistics of each country is giving me a headache-- especially visas for all the asian countries, and russia, aahhh!!
ahem.
:)
26-Jun-2006 19:13
It is a choice guysa fdo you wnat to show up with no "proof of onward travel" or risk blowing money on a leg of a ticket that you never use, it si a choice - you need to check the difference between a one way and a return ticket. Often the difference is marginal and you can get a percentage refund on the unused leg or change the destinations for a fee.
So wether or not you use the second portion it will help ensure you gain entry, this is only 'necessary' if the coutnry you are entering insists on proof. It is up to the country to determine the rules and it is impossible to confidently say that a bank statement would be enough, in fact many places that require proof never asked me when I entered, but that of course doesnt mean they never ask.
oddoffering, I have heard that the Russian visa is complicated in the extreme so perhaps find a specialist agent, as for the Asian visas I found the Thai Travel Agents in Bangkok quick and cheap and efficient for all my visas in the region.
26-Jun-2006 19:34
oddofferings - yes Russia is a nightmare - work colleague was going there as she had a friend living there. I had some memory that you needed sponsors, an organised tour so warned her to leave plenty of time - in the end it was a nigthmare as the red tape was incredible - definitely would go through agent for that one. I found the Asian countries I've been to fairly straigtforward but some more time consuming. ie the Chinese visa takes a long queue only to be sent to another long queue for the stamp to be sent back to the original long queue so I got the Travel agent to do it whereas the Vietnam visa was a drop it in on Monday and come back in a week to pick up deal.
PS who the Feck is Oka1111 - AKA Dick Nosed Bandicoot - Ally says in the outside post that Travel Gurus can scroll on by. We're all human and fallible as he himself has proven over the 12 months RTW ticket but what issues does this chap have with chips on shoulder. Now OKA can you have some balls and admit your wrong or will you be "pathetic".
mmmm - sure you weren't a guru in a previous life
26-Jun-2006 22:43
Hurricane, in #649 you wrote, "Ally - I hate to contradict you but the nice lady at STA said that QANTAS/BA do an 18 month RTW -"
I did not respond to Ally's comment (#747) referring to it as I had made my statement. No airline issues tickets good for more than 12 months. The person who asked about it is free to conclude what they want. Ally is free to refer to your comment in #649 if she wants, even if she went from 'said' to 'quoted you'. The fact is, you did not state that an 18 month ticket was available from Quantas or BA, you stated that a 'nice lady at STA' told you[/b ]one was available. In fact I disagree with the 'nice lady'. You didn't buy one obviously so all you have actually offered is second hand hearsay. I have yet to see anyone say they bought a RTW ticket good for more than 12 months. So as far as having been fallible, says who? Why not ask the 'nice lady' for a quote on a 13 month ticket and see what happens. At best you will get a RTW ticket good for 12 months and a second ticket for whatever.
27-Jun-2006 00:12
What a wally - STA have informed me that one is available and they have issued tickets - for goodness sake you really have some issues.
27-Jun-2006 07:42
If 999 people have written here on the TT that they cannot get a ticket for more than 12 months but some 'nice lady' tells you that you can, how exactly do you know that she is right and everyone else is wrong? I would consider it good news if one is indeed available but I still haven't heard of anyone getting one.
28-Jun-2006 00:01
Hi everyone,
I just graduated from high school this year and am currently living in Canada. I've always dreamed about traveling to new places and am actually planning to travel somewhere next year's summer for maybe a month or two. However, since I am completely new to this i really need you guys help!! this is goin to be my FIRST TRIP ever on my own and i have one year to plan and save up. Any suggestions of where to go? I dont want my parents to freak out so perhaps nothing overly exciting yet...and since im still goin to be a student next year nothing expensive...and perferably if the people there speak English too...any suggestions? you guys seem to know everythin about travelling here!
Thanks!
misswong
28-Jun-2006 00:11
#754 - how does this 24 month ticket work then?
Bunac
28-Jun-2006 01:02
Oh, and one more thing, Oka, you said,
"Sometimes it is good to remind someone that they have an OBLIGATION to either make sure of their FACTS before posting them "
Then later you said,
"The written word can only provide 7% of the message that a face to face interchange can. Tone provides 38% of the message and body language provides 56%."
Can you tell me your factual source for that? I'm interested.
28-Jun-2006 08:56
My best friend is overseas RIGHT NOW on an STA-issued 16 month RTW ticket. No doubt Oka will freak out about this being hearsay, but those of you actually interested in an answer to this can be heartened that they'll get a pleasant reception at their local STA office.
28-Jun-2006 09:20
Sigh, what has a special deal offered by Travel Cuts got to do with RTW tickets onlyMark? It is only available to Bunac participants, you must attend an orientation meeting (read sales pitch), you can only land at one of 2 Australian airports and you must let them book your first 2 nights in Australia. It isn't a RTW ticket at all. It is a USA to OZ/NZ return ticket with which you can make a couple of stops enroute to or from. Quite possibly a good deal for someone that it suits but useless for a RTW trip.
The info on the breakdown of communication comes from a study by Mehrabium and is quite well known in the consulting field. I became familiar with it as a consultant working through Wilson Learning, the largest People Skills training company in the US. Here is a link to a related article. www.thechangeagent.com/communication I simply Googled for 'communication percentage body language' to find hits. You'll find all you want.
Lacereza, I cannot comment on your friends ticket. The question would be is it indeed one RTW ticket or is it a combination of tickets. As I said I would be happy to hear that more than 12 months is now available but so far no one has come up with one first hand. I have started a separate thread on this branch asking if anyone has come across a Quantas/BA 18 month RTW ticket as suggested by hurricane. Check the thread.
28-Jun-2006 10:56
Sigh, Oh dear Oka, oh dear dear me. What are we to do with you?
You said, "No airline issues tickets good for more than 12 months."
I said, "how does this 24 month ticket work then"
The plain fact is, no matter what the conditions are, the web site states,
"The best part is that the flight ticket is valid for up to 24 MONTHS from date of outward flight."
and then goes on to say,
"Many air tickets are valid for a maximum stay of 12 months from the date of booking (not the date of first travel). So, if you want to travel for longer, you have to junk your return sector and buy a new ticket home. Now, you can book a 24-month OPEN ticket and determine your actual return date within the first 12 months. You can even change that date later if you want to."
The post from Koodles talks about a simple return trip NOT A RTW. Your answer also doesn't refer to a RTW.
Yet again you make a statement and when it is disproved you move the goalposts and add in conditions that were not there in the original question.
Oh dear Oka, your "been there done that" attitude is indifferent to me. I'm afraid you're not really worth the time and effort.
(but I'll continue anyway)
More soon.
28-Jun-2006 11:26
Oka - re: the percentage rule.
I am aware of the study by Mehrabium.
I am also aware that it was done in the late 1960's and is flawed.
Your link doesn't seem to work by the way, at least not at the moment, the web site is fine but after the slash there is a problem.
I also am aware of this through working in the field of human performance improvement.
Quoting from one source, here, "but this is not a general rule that you can transfer to any given communications" and I would say that your usage of it is misleading.
Also from here
"he (Mehrabium) does not caution the reader adequately of the limited application of his study results."
To put it simply, you have given an answer - ("The written word can only provide 7% of the message that a face to face interchange can. Tone provides 38% of the message and body language provides 56%) that misleads the reader into thinking that there is blanket coverage of this rule.
Not so.
Only so within the limited scope of the study where one word was used and substantial ambiguity takes place in that communication.
And what also bugs me is that you've quoted something and got the maths wrong. Go back and do it again.
28-Jun-2006 18:28
I believe that what STA is offering is in fact two one way tickets, with the second (return) ticket being for the following year. You are free to believe whatever you want onlyMark.
I find your silly attempts to refute me somewhat boring onlyMark. But I'm glad to hear I bug you. I on the other hand am indifferent to your comments.
For those looking for a RTW ticket that is good for more than 12 months, I have still to hear of one. Whether you like it or not onlyMark.
28-Jun-2006 23:44
Oka - no, you are wrong yet again.
You do not bug me.
You say you are indifferent to my comments, I am actually indifferent to you as a person, but not to your comments. I take exception to what you write, not who you are.
You mean nothing to me but your comments leave a lot to be desired, "I find your silly attempts to refute me somewhat boring" is an example of your problem that only you know the roots of.
And to be honest you are just entertainment value, rather like and old black and white film on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Plus the fact that when you come across someone who can give an intelligent response to something you say, like with the flawed percentage rule, your inappropiate application of it and your maths, you conveniently forego any mention of it in your next response other than to fall back on puerile comments, e.g. "I find your silly attempts to refute me somewhat boring onlyMark" and "I on the other hand am indifferent to your comments."
You poor silly little man.
But to be concilitory, which you never are, I'm with you on the ticket thing.
29-Jun-2006 22:57
Hi Ally
Not sure if I'm in the right place - wow, very long 'possible length of tickets' debate -
Have a SEA newbie q or two... I am heading off alone in Sept and thinking through things came across a few problems which well travelled friends aren't really answering adequately for me, here's the scenario:
(a) hopping into a cab at Bangkok airport (10:30pm), do I say, 'hi, please take me to KSR' (and since it's probably all too obvious that I have no idea what I'm doing or where I'm going) am then taken wherever the driver likes - is there a better way, am I being to suspicious, is giving the driver a written address of a hostel near KSR an even worse idea?
(b) arrive at hostel (somewhere in the vicinity of KSR) have a pack and daypack but I want to head out, I have my most important things (passport, some cash) on me/in my daypack but some important things are still in my pack- what do I do with my pack to keep it secure?
(c) same as (b) but travelling on a train/boat around Thailand/SEA, is strapping bags to the seat sufficient or is one of those big metal nets a good investment?
Cheers
30-Jun-2006 11:54
Wonderland,
I hate booking accommodation in advance, but would always recommend doing so for your first night when you're flying into a new country. If you have a place booked and let the driver know this, he has limited options (I'm sure he'll still recommend his brother's/cousin's/uncle's place, but if you've booked, you won't be turned). Secondly, you're in a new city and will not have much of a clue where you are, but this doesn't mean you'll have no idea at all - study the map of Bangkok before you get there. Work out where the airport is in relation to the city, how long it should take you to get into town, what the likely route will be, any landmarks on the way. And most importantly, try and follow the route once you're in the taxi - don't collapse in the back and go to sleep! All easier said than done, I know, but worthwhile.
As for (b) and (c) - keep you rucksack tidy and packed away as much as possible. Never leave kit lying around - most thefts from travellers are by other travellers (unfortunately) and it's mostly opportunity theft - grabbing the camera you leave on your bunk etc. If there are lockers, then use your padlock to secure the pack in one, otherwise padlock your rucksack to your bed/seat/bench etc. Looking after your kit is not about being invulnerable (clearly impossible!), it's about not standing out as the obvious target - if you have all your valuable stuff on your person and the rest is tidily packed away in a rucksack and locked to your bed, chances are that the thief will look elsewhere.
Ultimately though, you shouldn't have anything valuable/important in your rucksack. If it's nicked, it'll be irritating as hell, but not the end of the world.
As for a pacsafe, I'm not a fan of them - I see them as a waste of time, money and weight. And all they really do is hang a big sign over your pack saying 'I've got something valuable in me'.
02-Jul-2006 04:01
Hey!
I'll fly to Peru in september, and need advice about a backpack! Why buy one, and not buy the other one? :) I will stay in Peru for 3 months and then travel to Argentinia (via Bolivia and Chili)
I saw an advertisement for a Wildebeast-backpack, does anyone know if that's ok?
Couldn't find it with the search option, but may be wrong!
Please help me? What do I have to look for, how big etc. etc.!
Thanks, Len
03-Jul-2006 01:32
hellooo misswong - that is a fab idea to set your goals on where to go to suit your age and yoru parents ability to freak out (by the way my Dad freaked when I went travelling in my late 20s so it is good you are training them early) - I think that Europe is an OK suggestion but the cost will be a little overwhelming. What about something nearer to home, perhaps Mexico and how about you take a friend with you? I am leaning back to Europe again and perhaps France for a month is do-able. (I found that with a basic apology in French for not speaking French meant that many people were more than helpful in speaking to me) I am thinking France outside Paris you could see a lot on $50-$60 US per day and about US $20 more for Paris - so US $2000 spending money plus a plane ticket and a rail pass and you could do it! I have concerns (no your Mum and Dad didnt email me) about you going to SE Asia so young. How much do you think you can save ?
yay wonderland
a) I did exactly the same thing and all I had to do was ask for the meter to be turned on - the fare was reasonable and a few months later when I was feeling poor and experienced I got on the local bus for about 30 baht (2 AUD) that was a long long long 3 hours to somewhere near Banlamphu- When you get off the plane go out of the terminal and on your left is wheere the cheap cand cheerful 50baht (estimate) tourist bus goes from - ask if it is still running - 11pm wil be borderline and if not get in a cab!
b) are you planning on getting drunk? my tip is that just have a couple of drinks and keep your wits about you. That said you will look a little fresh and shiny so leave a little in your room oh and if you think the place looks a little dodgy then dont stay there. some simple things is the night desk staff friendly and helpful, is the key safely stored on a visible hook? I tried to split the risk so at night I would leave my camera and passport in the rtoom but take my credit card with me
c) when you are in transit you are more easily a target of theft so I always kept my stuff on me with a money belt and I didnt leave my day pack alone , anything in my big backpack was easily replaced so i didnt attach it and I could relax. Just go asuming somehting will get stolen and then just work to minimise the risk and leave the family heirlooms at home.
When do you go?
03-Jul-2006 01:39
yay Meths I just saw your reply and I think we are similar, I forgot to mention that in Bangkok you can get a private room for 150 baht (well I paid 100 but that was a few years ago I stayed at Thai Thai guest house super cheap but friendly and relaxed.
Len - are you a man? how tall? how big? I am 182 (yep tall for a girl) and was overburdened with a 75 litre backpack, I am thinking though in peru you will need room for warm clothes which are bulky but not heavy, I left home with my bag just under 10 kilos (for hot weather) but it rapidly filed up along the way. I am a big fan of the zip open ones rather than a drawstring one and you really reallly should buy one from a hiking store so that a trained person can adjust the straps properly - a well fitted pack feels much lighter than a badly fitted one, I have had mine for nealry 10 years and I think he has one more big trip left in him so the cost has more than paid off.
03-Jul-2006 01:53
Indian Cooking: Hi guys there was a question froma ges back which got lost in the shuffle and I am really sorry - I hate it when that happens: I love Indian food and it is somehting to which I could devote lifetime of research!
I preferred the West / North West Indian spice combinations on my trip and I still go all gooey at the thought of a Malai Kofta yumm so if you are learning to cook Indian that is the region to head to - unless you are a chilli freak and want the back of your head blown off by the chilli in that case head south to the spice routes where all manner of spices mingle in an incredible yet terrifying fashion. Oh and Mango Season starts in about March in the south so make sure you eat Mangoes.
Oh and in Jaipur I saw the most beautiful human being I have ever laid eyes on, at a fried egg stall that is mentioned in the guide book, I know this is a crazy reply but so is the complexity of India and its food
03-Jul-2006 07:03
how much money euro's will i need per day for 2 weeks in greece/ Greek islands?
03-Jul-2006 17:42
Ally and Meths
Thanks! You've both made me feel heaps more confident. Meths - love your point about the packsafe, didn't really like the idea of having to get it on and off ten times a day anyway!!
Ally - heading off early Sept, and counting down :) No doubt many more ridiculous 'scenarios' for you before then!
04-Jul-2006 01:58
yippee - are you excited? I am of course envious, ask away - there are no ridiculous scenarios just ridiculous flamers!
04-Jul-2006 09:29
hola ally,
i am living in barcelona and need to get me and my boyfriend to genoa italy.
it looks like the easiest and cheapest way is to take the bus overnight and arrive in the early morning. i found the price to be 139€ per person.
what do you think?
about the train? i was thinking to buy a ticket from bcn to montpellier and from there to genoa??
this way on the way back, we can stop in montpellier for the night and board in the morning. i heard tickets are much cheaper if bought in france...
what do you think?
also, any ideas for best cheapest lodging for a couple in genoa??
i´ve been on hostelz.com and i think i found a double private room for 70€ night with breakfast...Hotel Assarotti
what do you think?
also, what do you reccommend my boyfriend to do all day while i am in a training seminar??
gracias,
margaret
05-Jul-2006 01:45
aussiemarni - as a basic basic living budget I think you can get by on AUD50 or 60 per day that will cover basic accom some local transport and a daily cheap cafe meals, try for self catering for at least one meal a day to be on the safe side. PLus it is always fun shopping in local markets. Add as much money for drinks, shopping and splurges as you can justify! I am kind of averaging here as some of the Islands will be more expensive (think Australian Holiday Isalnds and how much more they can charge than a small country town) If money is tight then start conservatively and play it safe until you have your head around the costs!
hola margaret - have a stroll down la rambla for me! I am not an expert on the train ticket prices but I recall that the Spanish train system had a great timetable website in 2001 so start here -grrrr cant post link but O got there from Google searching on Spain Train Timetable
this site links to the RENFE site, that way you can check train prices from Spain to the Bus, I dont know if France has the same service???
As for Genoa if you are on a conference than the price you have seems OK you could save money by finding a hostel but if youa re in a conferecne and the boyfriend isnt then a room may be nicer. As for what to do in Genoa - well it has a strong maritime history and I think there is a great museum, I havent double checked but I know that the town has a great maritime history, oh and your boyfriend really should take a day trip to the area of Cinque Terre - the train goes there and I think it can be reached in a daym gbeautifulscenery an good sea side hike and wonerful little cafes along the way! On second thoughts take a day off the seminar and go along with him,
happy travels!
05-Jul-2006 19:38
Hi Ally
Yeah, I am excited, too excited and way too organised this far out so the stress has started to build!
In terms of money, I've heard the carry a bit of everything - but how much is too much when it comes to travellers cheques, and do you know anything about cancelling them and how 'refundable' they actually are once cancelled? I've never used them before and have had a look at a couple of websites but it's like wading through mud...
thanks
07-Jul-2006 13:21
Hi ally - thanks for the help so far...i really don't know how much i can save up...if i try REALLY hard i think i can do around 4000$ CDN by next april...you think that'd be okay?
09-Jul-2006 20:11
i thought (think) travellers cheques are overrated and carry a lot more admin - personally I was quite cautious with card and that got me by. Since you have so much time to either:
a) sit at home tapping your feet or
b) wade through some mud
I vote you read up on it and post us a "Traveller Cheque Report" pretty please?
misswong, that is a lot of money - with an open ended return date you can always come home if you run out. Probably a better budget for Mexico than France but you could see and do a lot in France with that money.
Are you any closer to picking a destination?
09-Jul-2006 20:43
Bah humbug - wrote a long reply and computer stuffed up
Agree with Meths - do book your first night - just makes life easier. I stayed at the Royal Hotel - little pricey ($25US) but a block from KSR right near royal palace and a swimming pool is a bonus. It didn't cost much for a taxi - and from memory they're pretty regulated. 3 hours??? Ally hope you had a good book
Royal hotel price in BahtRates in USD
09-Jul-2006 22:31
Ally,
Good thing you started this thread.
However I've lost the count of how many times questions were aimed at you for places you've never been to. Drove me nuts.
I want to ask, did you go on a round the world trip for an extended period of time ie more than a year?
What are your must haves what you'd take with you on your travels?
Allie
09-Jul-2006 23:44
Mawaawaaaaaa - whilst Ally is not on I'm going to run amuck - yes Ally extended her time as a smelly hippy backpacker.
Now Ally and I differ on what to take - Ally is mininmalist - and I believe in the kitchen sink theory. It gets interesting as Madam Ally insists on inspecting my packing before I go O/S and starts taking stuff out with a "you know you don't need two pairs of those" kind of lecture. I then wait till she goes and put it all back.
Seriously I travel with around 17 kilos - but I don't complain. The trick is always to wear boots when you're carrying pack. Better support. And as Ally says a properly fitted pack.
Ally swears by electrical tape - I swear by Blundstone boots. Also take one nice dress/skirt and one nice but cheap and replacable jewellery. There are times you really want to feel like you're not a smelly hippy backpacker tee hee. I took a small medical kit - just with bandaid/lomitol/antiseptic swipes etc. Hardly needed it but often gave away at end of trip to locals or needy travellers.
BUT there is a packing list either on this thread or somewhere on the tree - do a search
HAPPY TRAVELS
10-Jul-2006 00:00
well, my history teacher is crazy about traveling and i asked her for some advice and she suggested south east asia (especially thailand)...she said its relatively safe and everything is cheap and fun. honestly, i'm interested in everything so the answer would be no, i haven't decided where i want to go yet. i'm still open to suggestions!
$4000 is if i save REALLY hard...more idealistically would be 2500$...of course, i will still rather a cheap, economical vacation rather than an expensive one...
10-Jul-2006 19:05
your teacher is right that Thailand is a great idea, the reason I didnt suggest it to you is that there is a tendency to get swept up in the backpacker party scene - you could go to Thailand VERY cheaply - and spend the whole trip at rave parties and the occassional trip to the beach - Read the Beach and let me know what you think, and get saving!
11-Jul-2006 18:39
BTW everybody Hurricane forgot to tell you that she now has a permanent hunchback from lugging her 10 tonne (ton) backpack all over the planet. You have been warned!
11-Jul-2006 19:00
Pigs bum - Ally it's only improved my strength and flexibility - Huzza touches toes with elbows and carries her 40 kilo handbag up 40 flights of stairs
11-Jul-2006 20:29
all true huzza - but everyone should picture hurricane with her handbag slung NOT over her shoulder but swinging from her hump!
11-Jul-2006 22:11
I get guide books from the library before hand. This way I can see if I'm actually interested in the place and satisfied with the writing and info before I fork out money for a guide book. If you're dropping guide books and picking up new ones along the way as you move to new destinations, this could be your solution to having to work out budget before hand/not wanting to buy the book until later. That, or trying to read as much as possible in bookstores until "they" find out what you're up to...
12-Jul-2006 14:05
Travelling with a dog? Is this possible?
I love to travel but would also like to bring my very well behaved doggie with me. She's about 35lbs. Is this possible?
I'd love to go to many different countries with her. I know they offer pet passports and I'd look into getting one for her if I could bring her along on some adventures.
Thanks in advance :)
Kristi
12-Jul-2006 18:09
Ally you'll keeeeeeepppppp = on ice
13-Jul-2006 02:16
Hi there!
Just a couple of stupid questions -
1. I dont have a credit card and I leave in a few days (very organised me!) so what is the best way to deal with money in Oz, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia??
2. When you are at the hostel, do u just leave your rucksack (with clothes etc) in room??
Thanks
13-Jul-2006 23:29
Hiya Kristi - I foudn this website for the UK - I saw some sites in google for the USA but they were more for helpoing people mmove rather than travel -s o check out what the POMs have to say:
Travelling with Pets as an anecdote I saw a family in India who were travelling with their puppy - he was having a lovely time!
yay Bothsidesnow - a handle after my own heart - I also find second hand book shops useful - if you are planning a rtrip to ROme the description of the Collosseum probably hasnt changed much in 10 years?
justin -
1)do you have a Cirrus or Maestro logo on the back of your Debit Card? IF so it should work in the countries you have listed, phone your bank today and aske themt o conform - also you should take some travellers cheques and say $200 USD in cash! you should be sorted
2) Usually that is the case - in some places they will offer you a locker, in Thaialand you will get a private room most of the time (very cheap) I tended to leave some of my valuables in Dorm rooms only, backpakcers are thieves too, but split the difference, dont carry everything in one rucksack and clutch it in a paranoid fashion the whole time, you are bewgging to be robbed, just spread the risk.
14-Jul-2006 02:07
Thanks Ally!
:)
14-Jul-2006 04:30
Hi
Just wanted to know- me and the other half are going oversea's in a few weeks and wanted to know what people used with eg. Travelex or debitcards and who people recommend? With the lowest fees and the easiest?
Cheers
15-Jul-2006 05:59
Hi Ally,
I've posted this elsewhere but thought you may be able to help - I'm heading off on extended rtw trip later this year and was wondering whether you could recommend a good (and free) online travel diary/blog website? Want to record my travels in the one place where friends and family can access it as well. Probably would want to include a small selection of photos also.
Cheers in advance for your help!
15-Jul-2006 12:52
I don't want to interfere Ally.. but for Fuzzymungbeans i'd recommend travelpod it is all free, you can upload as many photos as you want and i believe it's the best.. i am a little biased but check my profile for more..
BTW the edit of the OP makes reply #12 of this thread redundant, you should have kept it 'ewbie' to keep newbies guessing
17-Jul-2006 19:52
litlekris Ally won't mind at all - i do it all the time and she's only hit me once
COUNTING DOWN TO POST 800 woo hoooooo
17-Jul-2006 21:02
That was funny I read fuzzymungbean's post and thought to myself - uh oh I have no idea - I know I shall PM Lan who knows all sorts of techie things and ask him to reply. Before I did that I read littlekris' reply and Yippee - littlekris answered the question!
thanks mate
17-Jul-2006 22:15
Huzza It took me ages to post , slow puter here today - yippeees all round for littlekris
20-Jul-2006 23:06
mmmmm - come on guys - two more posts
22-Jul-2006 18:40
Hey Ally or anyone else that can help, I am a Londoner student and wish to spend my not very hard earned student loan doing some backpacking these winter holidays for a few weeks. Initially I thought Russia..... then i thought a Russian winter might turn me into an ice cube. Then i thought Japan, before i remembered that i was a student and Japan may be too expensive. Are there any other ideas of where I could spend a memoprable,fun,cultural winter, Xmas and New Years without going bankrupt or turning into an ice cube. It'll actually be my first backapcking adventure and i want to make it a good one.
23-Jul-2006 00:07
Roman. Does the 800th poster get a free guide book?
23-Jul-2006 17:47
And can the 801st have a pony?
26-Jul-2006 19:27
And can the 802nd get any help with the question she asked in number 799????? top stuff x
27-Jul-2006 01:46
sorry majik primcess
Quote
Hey Ally or anyone else that can help, I am a Londoner student and wish to spend my not very hard earned student loan doing some backpacking these winter holidays for a few weeks. Initially I thought Russia..... then i thought a Russian winter might turn me into an ice cube. Then i thought Japan, before i remembered that i was a student and Japan may be too expensive. Are there any other ideas of where I could spend a memoprable,fun,cultural winter, Xmas and New Years without going bankrupt or turning into an ice cube. It'll actually be my first backapcking adventure and i want to make it a good one
What about you go to Chile and then to the Galapagos Islands
By the way my English boyfriend thinks it is hard to go past Thailand
South Africa will celebrate Christmas
I am thinking Mexico
India is always hard to go past!
sooo many choices - I tell you what send me your loan I will check out all these places and get back to you? :)
27-Jul-2006 03:37
Ally-
While i'm sober.
I 'plan' to go to Central America (Mexico to Panama/Cuba by Chicken Truck) - then Canada {work holiday visa} (>Paris)- then India/Nepal/Tibet etc and back to Australia via Thai/Viet. One year minimum starting in October '06, flying solo, green as grass.
Travel insurance - thinking worldnomads or YHA.
Visas- through visalink.com
Health stuff - sorted.
Money- travellers cheques/cash/credit card/busking
Tickets - i'm still a bit lost who will let me be my own travel agent...
Volunteering- w independentvolunteering. Maybe some WWOOFing.
Currently doubling money (best done sober) and halving pack (best done drunk).
-How can i get around this "You can only go for one year on a Round the World ticket" thing?
Besides finding work (which i'll take if offered- anywhere!) or making one-way tickets and not getting through some borders due to 'no return ticket'?
- Tattooing... Of course i will- but why SHOULDN'T i get a tattoo in Gautemala? Anyone?
Livin' the Dream.
Cheers.
27-Jul-2006 06:20
Does anyone know how to subscribe to the list without posting?!
Oh well, I do have a quick question anyway - Has anyone used those visa debit cards in South America? They are supposed to work on credit card systems, but using real cash? How safe are the atms? I am trying to work out my balance of travellers' cheques, cash and various credit and debit cards. I am not too keen on the travellers cheque as they turned out to be a hassle and unneccessary when I was in China - how different is it in Peru?
27-Jul-2006 06:35
ATMs will see you fine in Peru - don't bother with travellers cheques, they're a bit of a waste of money nowadays. I would always recommend taking a reserve/emergency fund of US dollars ($100 or so in varying denominations) - you'd have to look long and hard to find someone who will turn down a handful of dollars (and in Peru, this is doubly true as USD are a parallel currency to the Sol there). Otherwise, rely on ATMs - think ahead slightly; get $3-400 out at a time; but otherwise, you should be fine.
27-Jul-2006 06:59
Thanks Meths - and yeah, I was planning on just taking some US dollars. I hear Aussie dollars are a pain too! =)
27-Jul-2006 20:41
Hey all! I posted this as a new thread but thought this Newbie friendly zone might be more helpful!
Planning a RTW trip starting in mid-2007 and finding the sheer volume of information available overwhelming! I thought I’d try to start with some questions to you guys…the people who have actually done it or are currently planning it!
I lived in Spain for the year of 2005 and traveled extensively through Europe but I found it different from this next trip as I had my home base nearby and it was ridiculously easy to get around Europe.
As the trip is a last minute extension (it was originally supposed to be 6 weeks in Europe with my Mum and sister who have never been overseas) I have a maximum of 4.5 months put aside.
The original plan was to spend 6 weeks in South America, 6 in Europe and 6 in Asia visiting (roughly) the following countries (in no particular order):
Brazil 2 weeks
Peru 2 weeks
Mexico 2 weeks
Greece & Greek Islands 2 weeks
Italy 2 weeks
Paris, Barcelona, Malaga and London 2 weeks (I have visited all these places extensivley, just want to show mum and sis!)
Japan 2 weeks
Vietnam & Cambodia 2 weeks
Thailand 2 weeks
My major issue is that I really really want to go to Mexico. It was the main inspiration for the trip) as I have friends there that I lived with in Spain and I would love to visit them…however after some basic research I see that this adds the North American continent to a RTW ticket and it seems like a waste to pay for the extra continent and only visit one place. SO…I am now thinking of cutting Asia down to say 2 weeks in either Japan or Thailand (I have to go home to Sydney via either Asia or Africa) and adding the extra 4 weeks to the Americas (maybe New York, a Caribbean Island, Bolivia, Argentina????). This makes sense to me because as much as I’d love to see all of Asia, it is quite cheap and easy to visit SEA from Australia (where I live)…plus my main purpose for the trip is to see Latin America…
So I guess what I’m asking is:
1. Do you think I am making the right decision in cutting out most of Asia on this trip
2. Can I visit Mexico without adding an extra continent to my ticket? Like cheap flights between Peru and Mexico or Bolivia and Mexico?
3. Would it be cheaper/easier to ditch the RTW ticket and just go step by step?
4. How easy/safe/cheap is overland travel in South America?
Please also feel free to comment on my itinerary, costs etc…anything right now is a huge help!
Thanks for making it through this long post…I’ll try and keep it short and sweet next time!
Cheers, Nat.
29-Jul-2006 23:51
1. if someone was inclined, do you think its possible to travel for years???
2. being american, should I avoid certain countires or is it just use common sense??
01-Aug-2006 03:24
Ally/Hurricane-
What, pray tell, does one need in the way of kitchen/foodprep items?
I'm taking a pocket knife (kept in First Aid kit, in backpack, not hand lug) and a can opener, metal cup.
What else might i need going from hostel-to-hostel, to home-stay, to side-of-road-stay?
I'm budget travelling and don't want to be eating out ALL the time- so what are the absolute essential basics for food prep abroad, besides toilet paper and clean hands?
Cheers big ears.
P.s. #809- 1) i think it possible to travel for as long as the will exists to do so.
& 2) i honestly don't know.
01-Aug-2006 23:26
Hungry Poet - is it a swiss army knife?
Side of the road would probably require more stuff like a plate, forks, etc but that seems a little to much excess - where are you going? Most Aussie youth hostels are well equipped in kitchens as (from memory) are European and US. food is so cheap in most parts of Asia that you'd be crazy to want to cook/make it - except when you do what ally and I did in Hoi An and get some bagettes and vegies and cheese and the local market and make you own on the road snacks.
02-Aug-2006 03:21
in no particular order I will try and catch up, it is so rude when work gets in the way of the thorn tree!
pha nat - do you have a job to go back to? are you on limited money, it is always a debate between time and money, if you are so keen to get to Mexico then get your butt there, if you have to hub through the USA or Canada to do it, then try and maybe see one place well. So if you hub thru New York and love the idea of the city then spend 5 days and have a look but dont turn your trip into a very expensive one. I am a big ASia buff and especially SE Asia, I really think if you have time and little money then skip the USA and Canada but if you are tight on time then see what you can, spend money on the fabulous places. go where your heart
RTW tickets are CHEAP so again it is all time vs money?
IF you have a lot of time, can you go voerland from South America to Mexico or simply buy a cheap flight from the SOuth to Mexico and return to meet up with your RTW ticket?
\force- there are ways to travel indefinitely but I havent found them....
and if you are from the USA then travel well and be a good amabassador for your country?
Thanks Meth! georgie I havent been to Sth America yet so I wil defer to Meth's advice!
02-Aug-2006 03:25
Poet - I would take a shallow bowl, a swiss army knife and a cup maximum. If you find you need some extras then head into the cheap local shopping parts of town and buy where the locals shop? Oh and you should report back?
after our shopping in hoi an I ended up with a mysterious plastic bag of pepper - that looked a little suss and it went missing - I remember wondering as I went through customs of I would end up in trouble.
02-Aug-2006 03:32
Hi there - quick question - I'm off on my travels in November and am lucky enough to have purchased a cheap flight through my air hostess mate. Thing is, I won't actually receive a paper ticket just an emailed itinerary to print-off. Will this be a problem anywhere - e.g for visas etc? THanks
02-Aug-2006 18:40
livly, that sounds like an "it all depends" type of answer...If youa re hubbing around Europe then e-tickets would be common and I suspect it wont be much of a problem,altho the Russians are sticklers for travel Documents I hear, so where are you off to? For how long? What passport are you travelling on? Which Visas will you need?
02-Aug-2006 18:48
mmm Ally it's about the pepper - there's something I've never told you...........
02-Aug-2006 21:38
ahhhhh choo - bless me!
Note to newbies, when evil people like hurricane ask you to carry small plastic bags of smelly spices around Vietnam, my tip is:
JUST SAY NO
02-Aug-2006 22:08
Evil???? Moi??????? Mwahahahahahahahahahhahahah
PS - got an email from Moneypenny
06-Aug-2006 19:28
We're planning our RTW and have a couple book shelves full of travel books. We'll need some of the information in each one but won't be able to carry them all. We already know we can tear out the important pages. Ideally, we would like to be able to buy new travel guides, such as LP, as we travel. Does LP know where LP travel guides are sold around the world? Occasionally, the LP writers tell about bookstores in different cities, but don't say whether they carry travel guides. Does anyone know how we can find guidebooks as we travel?
06-Aug-2006 19:33
I bumped into a number of guidebooks along the way, SE ASia was easy (especially Bangkok) IN Eastern Europe train stations etc I would think not, in Aus theya re all available at the airport. If you already own them how about getting someone to POst them to your using the Poste Restante service ? (ie care of the local port office, so eg you are in New Zealand for 3 months - one month beforeyou leave you ask a friend to post hte Aus LP Guidebook (that you already own) to Auckland Post Office addressed to You with Poste Restante?
Where else are you going?
Ally
07-Aug-2006 19:16
Ally,
Where else are we going???? What do you mean. I never mentioned Fiji, New Zealand, Australia.... so how did you figure that much out? Is the RTW is so mundane and predictable? Well, it just so happens we’re planning on visiting all those places on the map marked ‘autonomous zone-permit required’. Thanks for the Poste Restante suggestion. That might work for some locations. But say we knew where in Beijing, New Delhi, Moscow, and Cairo we could buy LP guidebooks that would be helpful.
07-Aug-2006 19:45
AvidB - I am psychic and I read your mind through the computer - spooky huh?
I think you should pop over to the branch called all about Lonely planet and ask there, For those cities I am not sure where to buy the books. (Note to self Must travel more)
08-Aug-2006 21:16
Hi Ally, I'm also a newbie RTW traveller and I have a HUGE question to ask...
We are planning to go to the following places leaving Sydney next May 07:
- Hawaii (2 weeks staying with friend)
- UK (London, Ireland, Scotland) 2 months
- Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switz, Greece and anywhere else the wind takes us) 5 months
- Egypt (2 weeks)
- Sth Africa (2-3 weeks)
- Thailand (2 weeks)
Are you able to give me a round-about idea of how much money I should take, suggestions on better/cheaper places to go and best times of year to go to each place? I told you it was a big question!!!
Any help is much appreciated, Cheers Leah
08-Aug-2006 22:48
hiya Leah
Here is a cut and paste from earlier in this thread, I wrote some extra comments on here about 15 min ago but the page hung and I lost the notes and then work got crazy so here is a straight cut and paste. be sure and come back with more questions and let me know if these notes make sense.
Old post follows:
How much money do I need?????
This is tricky. Sort out the following information first:
Where do I want to go?
How long will that take me?
What are my standards of accommodation - tent on the ground (with ensuite) OR a YHA approved Hostel OR a Rat crawling over your foot at 3am in a wooden hut on a beach in paradise (dont ask) OR a sheraton
Will I eat with the locals beside the road in Nepal or do I want Pizza Hut in air con comfort overlooking the Pyramids?
Go buy the lonely planet guidebook for that place or region and read thr first one hundred pages!
Ring up a travel agent and ask for indicative prices on tickets, insurance and visas.
Take the suggested budgets and multiply by the number of days you will be in that place, repeat for each place (I split Paris out from France as the costs are so different)
Add to the quote from your travel agent
Add about $150 AUD per month if you a re lgoing lo live cheaply but still buy bits along the way (eg film, new shampoo etc)
Add it all up!
Add 10 % just in case
Prey!
Simple really, I cant stress enough that buying and reading the guidebooks before you go is a major help in figuring out what you want to see and how long you might need and what your COSTS might be!
14-Aug-2006 13:56
Leah,
I recommend that you look into the logistics of the Schengen visa. You'll most likely only be able to spend 3 months in the countries covered by this visa (most of western continental Europe), not the 5 months that you've estimated. Should be heaps of information on it in this thread and in the western europe branch.
15-Aug-2006 16:40
my only advice to a newbie is always look like you know what you're doing. this was passed on to me years ago by a seasoned aussie girl who had crossed the wilds of europe and lived in london for 6 months. where ever you are debbie allen thanks . my first trip abroad this advice served me well and saved me from more then one embarrassing moment. since then 20 years and 37 countries later it still serves me. so that said all you newbies venture forth and remember "always look like you know what you're doing.."
15-Aug-2006 17:09
hellas14 - good advice, I remember talking to a US woman in Italy (she spoke Spanish) who's Grandmother told her - if you cant speak the language just pretend!
This will work if you can speak Spanish and you are in Italy - I doubt I could do the same in China but the idea is similar
16-Aug-2006 16:26
Having "dipped my toe in the water" in South America and found it to be warm and appealing, I now want to get on and travel more. Unfortunately at the moment, I am tied to my job until next summer but after that the world is my oyster. I'd like to start thinking now though so I can start saving.
I want to spend 5-6 months going round Asia (Tokyo, Shanghai, HK, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, Jakarta, Brunei, Manila), Australia (mainly Melbourne as a base as I have a friend there), NZ (base in Auckland with friends) and a couple of the Polynesian/Pacific islands (Fiji, Tahiti) and then back to London via the USA (which I'm not too worried about as I've done a fair bit of that on other trips).
I have looked at a couple of RTW tickets (OneAlliance and TheGreatEscapade) and both of these seem to be around US$2,500-3,000 for the kind of route I want to take.
Firstly - am I trying to do too much in too little time?
Secondly - does the flight price seem about right or can anyome recommend somewhere I might get this even cheaper?
Any other tips welcome!
Didn't see the point in making a new topic as I've read bits on this one and everyone seems very helpful :)
Thanks for your time, patience and knowledge-sharing!
Pete
16-Aug-2006 18:07
heya predman - those dipped toes are a great way to get travelling,
you know 5-6 months is a long time but then again 2 years is not enough time, so my tip is to do what you can with the time and money you have! I did noticve that your list in Asia is all cities - are youplanning to just hop from city to cityor will you spend extra time in each of the 8 countries you have listed? If that is the case then yep you will be pushed for time.
Is that price RTW from London or Bermuda? If its London then yep I think it is too high, I have seen over time that RTW tickets originating in the USA seem to bemore expensive than ones that originate in Aus or London, it was so long ago that the price I paid prbably isnt relevant, then againa lot of airlines are charging a fuel surcharge since oil is so expensive now!
Ask the travel agent if the y have done many RTW tickets in the last 6 months and get them to comment on the prices, ask them to see how to cut the ticket cost and then get a secxond opinion! I would be interested to know how low you can go?
Good luck!
Ally
17-Aug-2006 04:12
Hi Ally,
Thanks for the response!
The RTW will start from London. Bermuda is just where I work at the moment (incidentally, not somewhere I'd recommend!) but when my contract finishes I will be repatriated to London by my firm.
The list was just cities but they will be my base in each country rather than the only place I stop - I'm hoping to explore the countries beyond the cities I mentioned.
Thanks for the tips on the ticket prices - one thing with living in Bermuda is that travel off the island is very over-inflated so I'm used to getting ripped off for flights (US$400 to New York and US$900 to London!) but for this trip money will be tight and I can't afford any more than necessary.
Do you know any other good websites for RTW tickets that are worth looking at just to get an idea?
Cheers,
Pete
18-Aug-2006 03:30
Hiya all, I'm kinda new to this whole forum, but I guessed this would be the best place to ask my specific question, many apologies if it's all been asked before but i was hoping for advice on my personal situation!!
I've just finished college in the UK, got good grades :) as did a few friends so we have decided uni can wait for us and we plan to head off travelling sometime next March, once we've saved a little bit of money.
There are four of us going, and the general plan is that we just want to go for as long as money can take us! We are quite happy to live ridiculously cheaply for any amount of time as we like to think we could be quite hardcore when called upon =P, and are well prepared to work to earn money whilst we go if that's at all possible??
Anyway what I'm trying to ask in a very long winded manner, is given that we would like to see.....
Canada, USA, Mexico, S America, S Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Egypt, SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand
how much money would be the absolute minimum it would be possible to do the trip on, and is it even possible???? We have relatives we can stay with in S Africa, Australia and N Zealand and an unlimited amount of time, any help would be greatly appreciated!!
18-Aug-2006 04:21
Well, I know from my travels round the USA that it is tough (but not impossible) to live ridiculously cheap but like most places, if you stay away from the big cities then it can be done cheaper.
Even somewhere like Manhattan - I'd only ever been there for work and the hotels near Times Square are EXTORTIONATE. However, when I went myself I found a number of hostels, fairly central, which were decent rates and didn't blow my credit card up!
20-Aug-2006 18:16
hiya predman the websites aI know are all Aus based but have a look at webjet.com.au but for RTW tickets I have seen in the past (pre webjet) are stupid and you really need a good travel agent! Also try the London traveller scene (TNT newspaper and website)
srober - In Aus and NZ get yourselves a WHV so that if you are running short of cash you can go and pick fruit for a while! With 4 people you can buy a car and share to save money, In SE Asia assume AUD $20 per day and since you have accommodation in Aus NZ assume $40 per day (and add a bit) plus ticket - say $2500 and Insurance assume $800. I dont know Africa at all (its still on my list) If you are buying a RTW ticket leave the USA for last pick one or two places, say San Francisco, New Orleans, Manhatten or just Montana and plan to spend more money even 4 or 5 days ionn one place in the US would be a worthwhile stopover!
21-Aug-2006 17:39
Well, Im not planning a RTW trip (yet!), but I just had a general question about plane tickets that didnt really fit into any of the other catagories...
I am very intersted in travelling, but am just starting college so time and funds are very limited.
I am already planning to go to Brasil for 2 weeks this December to visit a friend, and parting with the $1112 plane ticket was a struggle.... next summer Im hoping to plan another trip somewhere else in the world, though Im not sure where yet. My question...
Do you know of a website that offers very very cheap (or special discount) plane tickets?
They dont have to be RTW or anything, just from here (NY) to there and back a couple weeks later.
Thank you so much. :]
22-Aug-2006 18:08
hiiya dreamingJapanese - I am not an expert on US Plane tickets, I knwo in aus you can use
www.webjet.com.au or www.flightcentre.com.au
In the UK for Europe I tend to look at easyjet.com.au or ryanair.com.au
It would be fantastic if you can check it out and post back on here, which sites are more helpful etc.
It seems the US is expensive for RTW tickets but I thought they were fairly cheap for other flights - can you try posting on the North Amrica Branch to see if there are any uSA people who hang out there?
23-Aug-2006 04:34
I might be able to help a little on US flights.
Companies like American Airlines and Continental often charge MORE for a single than for a return ticket.
However, there are many internal airlines in the US which are cheap and convenient and often go to some of the smaller towns and cities. USA3000 and US Airways are usually good value.
BUT, I have been recommended Jet Blue by a colleague of mine who flies a lot in the States and can choose any airline she wishes to fly with. I have not used them myself but have flights booked for early September to fly from Bermuda to Buffalo via New York. The flight price is around HALF what American were going to charge...
Sorry but I can't help on RTW tickets from the US!
Pete
23-Aug-2006 17:53
Dear Ally
I have a question about travel insurance. I intend to head to the UK for a year at least. I am travelling through Europe to start with and then heading to the UK. However the Aussie travel insurers I have spoken to insist that you return to Australia at the end of your policy, otherwise they can only offer 5 days cover if you aren't returning (which I'm not). However ideally I'd like 12 months cover for my time in the UK and all the side trips to Europe I will be taking. I am heading to Germany first, can I get travel insurance there to cover me til I get to the UK (and then get some more there), or do I have to be a resident in these countries to buy the insurance?
Thank you very much
James
23-Aug-2006 22:31
thanks predman - I am very ignorant abotu travelling theough Nth America, I will fix that one of these days I swear.
jimmy - that is really annoying.
Can I suggest you go back to the Ins company and ask what would be considered proof of your intention to return to Aus? (ie a Return Flight?) I got 12months Insurance and was able to renew through my trravel agent when I ended up being away for 14months - That was the garden variety Flight Centre Travel Ins, in Aus.
I also wondfer if you are going to spend a large amount of time Livingand Working in London (Where there is reciprocal health care arrangements for Australians) do you need travel insurance for that part of time?
Also log onto the tntmagazine.co.uk (guess) for advice for Antipodeans in the UK!
Goodluck
27-Aug-2006 05:46
Hi Ally,
I am wanting to travel by independent means (motorcycle) from Nepal into Tibet and then China by crossing the border at Kodari. Is this possible as I heard the Chinese authorities will only issue a permit if you are on an organised tour?
regrads
Andrew
27-Aug-2006 18:44
Hiya Garrad,
What kind of bike? That sounds awesome. I am pretty sure that the answer to each part of your question is yes. It is possible and you do need a permit that takes you on an organised tour. I am aware of people who have travelled through Tibet outside the rules of their Tour Permit but I am worried that your bike may make you stick out and be very noticeable to Authorites.
Stories of people travelling independently in Tibet
I think the Motorbike is your biggest rpoblem, hiding on a local bus is fairly common, but I am worried you will be noticed and detained by the Police with your plan!
Cheers
Ally
Then again there are Motorboke tours available - so you might not stick out or you could sign up and get yoruself lost from the tour??
Tours on Bikes
" And before we end up in a big debate about what you are allowed and not allowed to say on an amateur and public travel forum, let me say that this advice is based on personal travel stories and web links, this post contains advice that is contrary to the tintent of the Chinese Government's Visa System and should not be followed by anyone ever! "
27-Aug-2006 19:53
oh and bythe way I have a 1988 Vespa that would just love to come along and do that trip!
31-Aug-2006 09:45
Hi Ally
I've just put this post in another forum so apologies if you see it twice - but maybe you could help.
My girlfriend's Peruvian and we're checking which countries she doesn't need visas for for our RTW trip. I've been told there's a website with this list on but I can't find it and it's taking forever trawling through embassy websites.
Please, if anyone knows which countries Peruvians can visit without visas (or knows the website's address), drop a quick email to agrantabroad@yahoo.co.uk.
Thank you and enjoy travelling!
Ali
31-Aug-2006 17:24
from one Ally to another ali, I had a look and I cant see anything better than putting two countries into google with the word visa, I tested Peru and Thailand Visa, and Peru and Untied Kingdom.
I will ask another pster who knows a lot about Asutralian visas and see if she can pop in to help
Ally
01-Sep-2006 15:04
Hey,
I'm planning my first big overseas trip. I'm planning to go from Veitnam across to India over a year, spending a month or 2 in each country. What I'm wondering is with so many things to do, and so many things to see in so little time, is it actually worth rushing round trying to see as many things as possible or is it better taking your time spending a wee while in each place? Obviously this comes down to personal opinion, but perhas you could point me in the direction of a related post? Thanks :) .
03-Sep-2006 17:18
hiya jabber - i am firmly in the "stop and smell the roses" camp. I think that it is when you stand still literally that you get a chance to see the small and interesting things going on. Of course this means I miss out on seeing things, I am still annoyed that I never made it to the Golden Temple in Amritsa. I spent 7 weeks in Vietnam and had no time to get to Sapa - other people get from top to bottom in under a week. In Vietnam I drank coffee at the same "hole in the wall" cafe for a week by the end of mytime in Hanoi I had a great relationship with the cafe owner and his daughter.
There are plenty of people who will tell you the exact opposite - so that you dont miss out on the Golden Temple. But hey you know what - you have a year spend some time finding your own groove adn setting your own pace. If sitting in Hanoi for 5 days drivex you batty then move on, if a month on the beach is not enough time - then take 5 weeks, one of the joys of a year off is that - well - you have a year off! This is without a doubt one of the greatest luxuries you will ever have - yep even better than a Plasma TV
07-Sep-2006 20:11
Whew, I finally finished reading the whole thread!! So helpful!! I am planning a solo trip around the world, but I have used frequent flyer miles for the portions of the trip I have planned so far. I had a travel agent quote me $4800...rediculous. So, thus far I have the following lined up.........
I am sailing from Boston to St. Croix, and then the company I sail for is flying me to Puerto Vallarta. From there I am sailing to Tahiti, where my planning begins. From Papeete I am flying to Rarotonga, then onto Auckland. Then 4 months later I have a flight from Sydney (yes at some point I will get there from NZ) to Singapore and then to Hong Kong. This is as far as I have planned.
One thing I found out, that might be useful, is that you are allowed one stayover one every round trip ticket that has a stop somewhere! (How I am going to Rarotonga and Singapore). And, thus I finish with the background and I have a couple of questions.......
1.) Is it worth it for me to get a global cell phone for the obligatory "hi mom I landed safe" phone call. They seem reasonable, but I am wondering if there is something huge I am missing.
2.) How safe are the trains from Hong Kong to Bejing? I would like to take one, but I am a bit nervous.
3.) Where should I go after Hong Kong? I get there on June 13th and I need to be in Athens by July 17th. I was thinking the train trip, and then onto Dehli?
I am sure I will have more questions to follow, and I appreciate the help!
08-Sep-2006 20:45
aligrant@841: Info for Australia only.
Anyone visiting Australia (except New Zealanders) needs one type of visa or another. It sounds to me like you don't plan on workign in Australia, which is good, because she is not elegible for a working holiday visa.
As a tourist (not able to work at all) she will have to apply for a tourist visa, unfortunately the easy and quick ETA - electronic travel authority is also not available to Peruvians.
The visa she needs is a Tourist Visa (subclass 676) - all info available here
It costs $70.
Because visas often change, you really do need to work out which countries you are going to and find out individually.
This site tells me that Peruvians need a tourist visa for Turkey.
The US Department of State has this website for US citizens to show them what the requirements for US citizens going to other countries is. Does the Peruvian government have something similar for their citizens?
08-Sep-2006 20:48
OK, easy as. Google knows everything.
Google search " Visas worldwide" came up with:
Project Visa
Purports to show every country , who needs a visa, who doesn't.
09-Sep-2006 06:20
Here's another one that gives visa and health info for all nationalities visiting all countries.
Qantas
------------------
10-Sep-2006 15:18
Hi, I don't know if this has already been asked elsewhere ...
I'm planning to go travelling on my own in New Zealand for three to four weeks. I'm a 34 year old woman and not particularly shy but previously I've only spent a week holidaying by myself and I'm wondering whether you have any advice on coping with the inevitable loneliness? I'm don't have a problem with being on my own but I'm guessing that, at some point, I'm going to be climbing the walls and crave companionship. Obviously I am intending to speak to people but can you give me any tips? I'm a bit wary of hanging out in bars just to make new friends and don't want to be a Belinda no mates.
11-Sep-2006 17:39
Hi Twisted, I know what you mean I have travelled on my own and it has some great benefits but sometimes you do need some company. I try and spend some time picking the right place to stay, in my 30s I do NOT want to be staying in a hostel geared at 20 year olds getting drunk but there are some great places that will have a good vibe in the common areas.
I havent been to NZ but in Aus I like staying at Pittwater YHA (as an example ) and I have had some great BBQs of an evening. There are a lot of day trips especially in the Sth Island so signup for a glacier trek or a dolphin watch and you will be fine.
Another upside of travelling on your own is that locals will find you more approachable, so if you have 3 days in Napier (for example) go to the same cafe every day, say hello and you will end up having some lovely conversations with people who know Napier
12-Sep-2006 05:48
Thanks Ally - sounds like good advice.
Drat those pesky nerves!
12-Sep-2006 07:22
Ally? Anybody? Anyone have any info on the safety of trains in china or the other questions I posted? I would really love some insight! Thanks ~Danielle
12-Sep-2006 11:27
im a australian female about to live in spain for 3months i need information on general things like weather living conditions and things i need to know any advise thanks
12-Sep-2006 16:39
Schoonerdee, I'll try to answer your questions, but I am not an expert by any means.
With the phones, I had my australian mobile on global roaming and sms'ed mostly to update on my location. And to say merry christmas/happy new year.
I've not travelled by train all the way from hong kong to beijing, but I did take trains in china. I did beijing - xian, xian - shanghai, shanghai - guilin. And a sleeper bus from guilin to hk, which was not the most comfortable way to travel. hk - beijing is a long trip by train... I'll ask if any of my cousins has tried that, if they have, i'll post what they say about it.
My experience of the trains have been quite pleasent. The bunks are reasonably clean, there's food and you can even rent a portable tv/vcd player to watch movies on the train. It will be the usual keep an eye on your things, possibly more so if you're travelling alone I would guess.
The trip from hong kong through china and back again, if you stop and look around, would pretty much take up the whole time you're in the region. I don't have any suggestions as to where else you should go and i've never travelled to europe.
12-Sep-2006 17:58
1.) Is it worth it for me to get a global cell phone for the obligatory "hi mom I landed safe" phone call. They seem reasonable, but I am wondering if there is something huge I am missing. (I dont travel with a phone but your Mum would probably slap me for saying that, give her a chance to SMS you, and if you limit to SMS you WILL be able to make cheap land line ph calls in many places in Asia)
2.) How safe are the trains from Hong Kong to Bejing? I would like to take one, but I am a bit nervous.
(I havent taken trains in china but have heard nothing but good reports - book one short leg from Hong Kong on a day train that arrives by 3pm - basically an easy introduction; as you get more comfortable on the trains you will be happy to do overnight or if you hate it you can get a plane but I really doubt that will happen)
3.) Where should I go after Hong Kong? I get there on June 13th and I need to be in Athens by July 17th. I was thinking the train trip, and then onto Dehli? You will only have 5 weeks to get to Athens I suspect that you can spend All of that time in China, India is too big to squeeze in that time and if you have one city to see in India Delhi is not the best choice)
How about Shanghai, or go see the Shao Lin Monks, or fly to Lhassa in Tibet or head to Mongolia.
13-Sep-2006 00:28
Thanks a bunch!! One more question....what is SMS? Sorry! Hope everyone has a great day!
13-Sep-2006 06:20
sms = short message service?
A text message, like an email to your phone?
13-Sep-2006 17:19
Hi,
Heading off to South America in a couple of weeks to travel Patagonia, Chile, Ecuador...as far as the money takes me. However, because I dont know where Im going to end up, I dont know where Im going to be flying out from. So my question is, would it generally be cheaper to get a one-way ticket in and a one-way ticket out again or buy a return into one airport and get a domestic flight back when Im ready (obviously would have to be an open ticket)? Is there any other option that would fit better?
Thanks a lot,
Joel
13-Sep-2006 20:00
schoonerdee- SMS is way more common outside the USA - if you see people typing away at their mobiles for hours while you are travelling you can assume they are sending an SMS. SMS is expensive/difficult/uncxommon in the USA.
JDJ, as a rule of thumb buy the return and best case buy an open Jaw ticket, a return should cost less than 2 x 1 Way and if you take a guess on where you will end up you fly out of the nearest big city. Then if funds are running low and you need to go home, just buy a local flight to your return airport!
Good luck
14-Sep-2006 14:30
I'm traveling to Thailand for 9 weeks and then going on to Vietnam for 3 weeks. Should I get a Thailand visa on arrival for 30 days and then renew or buy a tourist visa that will cover my trip? What will cost less?
14-Sep-2006 21:05
If you get a visa on arrival in Thailand it is my understanding that it cannot be renewed. You either need to leave the country and re-enter, or pay a per-day fine for overstaying when you eventually leave.
It's relatively easy to cross the border into a neigbouring country and re-enter. Keep in mind that you'll have to pay a visa fee of some amount to enter any country around Thailand except Malaysia, plus your transport costs etc. If you plan to spend the full nine weeks in Thailand without leaving, it may be simpler and cheaper to get the three month visa before you arrive, then you won't have to worry about it.
However, if you're planning on doing some travelling to nearby countries during that nine weeks, I'd just get the free 30 day visa and make sure you went on the other trips at times that would assist you in renewing the visa.
14-Sep-2006 23:19
meekong is right, I spent a whole day heading up to Poipet to leave Thailand for an hour. If you plan to stay put get your visa in advance. There was a dodgy courier service in Sthern Thailand where they took your passports across to Malaysia for you it was of course illegal.
Like meekong says there are worse ways to spend your time than border hopping in SE Asia!
20-Sep-2006 13:51
Firstly Ally, Hurricane, and all you guys I cannot begin to thank you enough for this thread- I have read every single message about two months ago and can say with out a shadow of a doubt this has been the single most helpful source of info for me to start planning my trip.
Hoping to finalize with my Girlfriend this weekend but its looking like this
Start in London
New Zealand
Ecuador
Galapagos
Peru
Bolivia
Chile
Easter Island
Moscow -Trans Mongolian train to Beijing and then onto Hanoi
And then the rest of SEA
Maybe ending up in Sri Lanka then back to England
- I hope that once all is finalized I can run it past you guys for your opinion!!
Anyway I digress, the actual reason im posting is this... and I apologize if this is already common knowledge but...
Site insurance as mentioned earlier in the post is now again offering insurance!! Would be interesting if the earlier posters who have used them could compare the policy to the one they took out - but ive looked and it looks like it could be!!
Thanks again
Kato
21-Sep-2006 05:55
Hi guys
First of all I just have to say what a great thread, have read it all and I am oving that lack of vile bile that you seem to get on other threads. So kudos to Ally et al.
I have just received my rtw tickets I leave 1st November, am excited and nervous. I am a first time solo female traveller and it seems the more try to araange things, route, ticket, insurance etc the more there is to do. My route is UK-USA/Jamaica (2 weeks for both) then Guatemala-Peru-Bolivia-Chile-Aus(1 week due to routing)-Thailand (from where I plan to overland) Vietnam/Lao/Cambodia-Thailand-UK. I have given myself just over 6 months.
I'm actually fine about travelling solo, I just won't be taking any chances and being vigilant and sensible. Although when I'm on the plane and it is finally 'happening' as opposed to somewhere in th efuture, I may feel differently. But, hey ho, tis all part of life's rich tapestry isn't it??
Anyway, I have a couple of question, one of which I am really losing sleep over - seriously, I need major help.
Firstly, I do not wnat to bring a huge pack as I know I'll feel so much more at ease with a smaller on and also, I won't be so concerned as I'm less likely to be separated from it on buses etc. I haven't really bought any gear yet so I don't have to buy a pack big enough to fit my stuff. I intend to take the barest of bare minimum, so
1) What is the smallest size pack anyone has travelled with for approx the same length of time?
2) I intend to take a v v small sleeiping bag trekking shoes, sandals, a light fleece and a few clothes and essentials like first aid kit, meds, tickets etc- what size pack could I get away with?
3) Any recommendations for any packs - I don't mind id it is toploading or a travelpack. I haven't used either before so both would take some getting used to. The copious amounts of research I've done here and on other boards do not really help in that most say the best entry level bag to get is approx 60-80 litres, whereas others say anything over 45 litres is way too big.
The more I read the more confusing it is. Help me please.
Then there is theissue of whether to bring clothing made out of technical super fast drying, wicking etc fabrics. But I'll leave that for now. One headache at a time methinks.
Thank you for your patience, I have gone on a bit haven't I?
21-Sep-2006 06:13
hi there
A couple of friends of mine are going on a RTW trip and are looking at a budget for their trip, I have done a lot of travelling myself but a few years ago and wondered if anyone had any uptodate information on pricing for the following places: 8 weeks SE Asia - Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and fly out of Singapore.
4 weeks new Zealand, 8 weeks Australia.
Any ideas would be fantastic, they are a married couple so would prefer to have their own room!
Many thanks
22-Sep-2006 01:05
hi i'm looking to travel and work for a couple of months in south east asia/ europe/south america...anyone done anything like this recently? my plan was to travel to a place, work there for a month, earn enough to supprt travel for another month..does that sound like its too wishful?
24-Sep-2006 17:27
Hey there,
I'm a 19 old guy (20 in March). I got my A-levels and began to study an Art course at college, but 5 or 6 months into the course I decided it wasn't for me. I now have your basic Shop Assistant job, it brings in the cash, but that's about it, no fun, awful hours, no future prospects. Thus I recently decided I want to travel, I'm young with no real responibilities or worries, disposable income with an urge to achieve something with my life, and I feel this will help me do it.
My plans are sketchy at the moment, and that's an understatement, I'm just going to start saving up my cash for a year or so.
I do know that I plan to travel for 2 or so months, alone, as I want it to be an experience, not just a 'holiday' and I want to grow as a person, build my confidence and independance, and actually feel my age, rather than like a kid, which I honestly do now.
To the questions;
1) Is it wise for me/a person with minimal experiences outside home-life and self-independance to embark on such a trip, or is diving in at the deep end the only way to really gain such experience/knowledge?
2)The main thing which really deters me from actually planning it and going through with it is fear I suppose. I can just see myself getting off the plane and standing outside the Airport and thinking 'Ok...what the hell do i do or where do I go now?!' Am I just being paranoid?
3) I've always had my heart set on visiting a Tropical Rainforest, is this a realistic possibility?
4) For a first-time traveller, what would you advise on specifically planning to see? I would like my first trip to be as visually spectacular and memorable as possible.
5) And finally, do trips like these change your life? (Cliche question I suppose, but it has to be asked :) )
24-Sep-2006 22:57
i swear i check in here 10 days in arow, nop questions then I had a wee little emergency and I am off li e for 4 days and bammo!
so here are some answers that I feaqr may be too brief!
kATO - glad you enjoy the thread, unfortunately my travel planning has all been done out of Aus (same with Huirricane) so i dont know the insurance company, Roman has a sticky thread with a big discussion about ins, head there, this thread has many new travellers so insurance experience may be a little light ont he ground.
peppa girl - good stuff with the smal pack, someone travelled se asia with only a shopping bag that is a little too extreme for me.
I am very tall and carrying a 70 litre bag was fine but tiresome after a while. You can plan to throw nearly everything away and buy specifically for SE Asia when you get there, but with shoes, medical kit, toiletries and a book or 2 i think 50 litres is about right, whatever bag you buy you will fill it up! as for brand dont worry just look for good zips, (heavy and solid)) and not a top opening one one that zip around!
HI TROUT - IT is hard to say, at a guess AUD $25 per head and they will be ok!
immobile - hey you may have some troubles, most jobs for foreigners will require some time commitment (eg teaching english, scuba instructor) many jobs for locals will not pay you enough to save! that said you might find a fab job and prove me wrong!
Matthew I hate to say it but your fear may not be of travel -a 2 month trip might not be the answer, whenI have a couple of chardonnays, I start banging on about education. It is the key to a good life, dont spend your life wondering about what i s possible, get out there and live it. It does not seem like shop assistant is the thing for you and you seem clever enough to learn more, that is what you need to be doing right now. If you want to change your life you really have to change your life. That said you have an EU passport go and pick olives or whatever in Greece and ponder over your nect steps in living a great life. And go get yourself educated. PM me if you want to chat more
Gotta go get ready for a funeral now (seriously)
26-Sep-2006 08:49
Ally,
I've just found this Post and i've got to say you're doing a great job.
I have a bit of a problem and it probably needs some explanation. I've travelled a bit in the past 5- 10 years a go and thought I knew what I was doing. I've since gone back to work and although it has financial advantages I've been missing the open road. I recently got married and whilst making plans we thought of going travelling before we have to really settle down.
The oppertunity came up for us to have a subsidised 10 months off and we jumped at the chance. We've been running around like crazy sorting out our house job etc etc - we booked the first 6 months (we have to return to the UK in May for a week) so far this inclules 2 months in OZ 2 in NZ and 2 in South America - Peru, Bolivia and Argentina most of which one or other of us has some experience with and want to show the other where we've been etc etc.
Our problem is that we have 4 months left and have made the very ameteur mistake of not really reading about our next destinations. We were planning on 2 months for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia 1 for India and 1 for Nepal (in no particular order). The time has come to look at booking the second set of flights and I started looking into the weather - it's monsoon time - pretty much everywhere we want to go (eastern India, North western India and Nepal all look OK in June but after that it's full on rain.
My questions that I need some help with are
1) is the monsoon really bad?
2) do a lot of trips / agencies etc stop operating?
3) Where would you recomend?
to give some context to Q3 I really like Natural Geography and wildlife, my wife likes the people and contemporary culture (oh and the sun), both of us like a drink and a good time and neither of us are really into monuments etc. We also can't wait to bee free of all our obligations and constraints without a plan for each day.- I've worked all over Europe and in Canada travelled in the US, South America and China and some of East africa. -
Where would you go if you had 4 months?
many thanks
26-Sep-2006 15:56
All hail the goddess that is Ally for she knows all that is dear to the thumb wearing backpacker, now; I have a question of my own. Asia. What is the best way to sort out visas, especially for Japan? I hear that if you hold a French passport (et oui, je suis francais) you don’t need to apply for one as you can just get your passport stamped once you get there and it’s good for 3 months (or something). I’m wondering if this is true and if it’s the same for Korea and China. I am currently 17 but I’ll be 18 when I leave, does this change anything? Thanks for your time.
I’d like to add that I truly am in aw at the way you help others out without fail, I admire your charitable nature.
simon -.
10-Oct-2006 14:04
Can I do an open jaw (Arrive Hamburg/ Leave Stuttgart) and still do a long layover (4 days in Paris), on the same round trip ticket? Thanks
11-Oct-2006 20:05
sorry guys I have been having the sort of life lately that gets me wanting to pack my bags. So I will try and do a quick reply or 3 - if I am not back in the next couple of weeks I will try and get someone else to pop in.
Bum with a job, there are 2 monsoons in Asia, one in the north and one in the south, quite conveniently they are in different months of the year, so if you get to India and Nepal in June you can go to Indonesia or Malaysia if Cambodia is rained out, my tip is to wait and buy your flights when you are ther, airasia.com is a great airline and very cheap. If there was one place on your list that I wouldnt miss it is India (but thats just me)
Visas, My estimate is that you can get arrive with a passport and no pre-arranged visa for Hong Kong and Japan but Mainland China you will definitely need one. This can be organised through a travel agent or similar when you are in Hong Kong (ryb out a great link to a visa reference site on about post 800 - so scroll back)
gearhaeart I expect that is possible I am not sure where you are starting from but worst case you book 2 one way tickets and many of the discoutn airlines only issue single tickets these days. Get your travel agent onto the job and compare a Hamburg Return price with the ticket you describe to make sure you arent being ripped off.
A
11-Oct-2006 20:09
here is the visa link that ryb found: Project Visa
13-Oct-2006 02:31
Dear Ally,
Firstly I think its only right to congratulate you on a great thread and thank you for your input which has been of benefit to planning.
Ally, if you were planning a travel adventure for the very first time, aiming to leave sometime in the new year around Jan/Feb, had a budget of about £7,000 (give or take a bit) which had to include flights and insurance, were a 23 year old male, travelling solo, confident and excited, where would you go????? (and you were starting from the UK )
Also are you or is anyone aware of a website existing that lists the destinations that are cheap to fly to from any chosen country? For example catching a flight from Japan to hong kong, then hong kong to china may work out cheaper than japan to china, then china to hong kong. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks a bunch
4ze
15-Oct-2006 05:34
Hi. I'm planning a round-the-world trip next August and in the new year I'll look for a suitable ticket to buy. The problem is, I may be travelling for up to two years if I like Australia enough to get a second working holiday visa. As I understand it, the round the world tickets are only good for up to 18 months, so does that mean I'm stuck getting one way's?
15-Oct-2006 22:28
4ze - sheesh with that kind of money you will be fine, unless you want 3 months in New York I guess, money is not a challenge, if you go through western europe you will be fine but I am guessing that since you live in the UK somewhere a little further afield tickles your fancy, I have been wanting to do the Trans Siberian Railway or overland across the Silk Road (there are a number of roads and you dont have to go through Afghanistan - I checked)
What about overland to and around INdia. The big question is what tickles your fancy? If you speak Spanish and can Rhumba then South America beckons?
spurious - RTW tickets are cheaper but they run out. I stilll think that for ease of travel (ie proof of onward hjopurney, what to do if you have to get home) buy your ticket RTW and when you decide you have to throw it away just take it to the agents who will give you a bit (not much of cash back) WHat they do is take the whole ticket and subtract the bits you have used at one way rates. So you get a little back. That said if you have lots of cash then one way tickets and freedom to go where you want when youwnat is very enticing!
A
22-Oct-2006 05:01
Can somebody tell me something about their experience with World Nomad travel insurance? Yes, we know the website and thus the facts. But now the experience: are they really helpful when you need them, do they give the service they promise? How are experiences with coverage, do they pay out or make an issue of everthing, etc?
Hope you can help me with this. Thanks
Karin-Marijke
22-Oct-2006 09:10
Guys, Gals anyone...........I need Help!!!!
I had my trip sorted knew times dates- ish and after speaking to a BA representative was trying to book my One World RTW ticket - and to my utter joy I found out that the ONE Major query I had when I called up originally - which I was assured was ok - is I wanted to cross the pacific twice the route planner seemed to let me (though did throw up a warning )- I didn’t think I would be able to in the first place but I called and checked and was told it was ok – the Deceit!!!!!
I’ve tried the Argument that i called from work therefore have this call recorded. unfortunately this wont (excuse the pun) fly with them. And I’m not really interested in getting anyone into trouble…
Now what I need is help in the order of the countries I want to visit to try and get at least semi decent weather somewhere!!
Ok (and now in no particular)
New Zealand
Ecuador & Galapagos
Peru
Bolivia
Chile & Easter Island
Russia (Trans Mongolian) through to china
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Thailand and maybe Malaysia.
I’m planning two months in NZ and between two and four weeks in the others.
I will be traveling with my GF and between us we have about £16k we can stretch a little more if we need to although I have done costings previously and this seemed ample.
My Original plan was Traveling in a constant Easterly direction
London - Flight
NZ – Flight
Ecuador -overland
Peru –Overland
Chile – Flight
Russia (transmongolian) Beijing Overland
Vietnam – Overland
Thailand covering the aforementioned countries. – Flight
London
But this route crosses the Pacific twice. This route would have cost £1800 each
As I say I’m mega disheartened have spent two yesterday and today all day trying to find an alternative (I haven’t even told my girlfriend yet as this is really gonna upset her) so I’m hoping someone here can help - at least get me looking in the right direction so I can give my gf some decent news!!
Cheers all
24-Oct-2006 07:41
Hi there-
My boyfriend and i are travelling around the world this summer. We are planning to go to Africa (Kenya/Uganda), Middle East (Egypt, Israel, Syria, Lebanon), India, Thailand, Bali, China, and Japan. We have decided to not get the larger around the world ticket but try our luck at getting individual tickets. Can this be done while we are travelling? How easy is it to get smaller tickets (India to Thailand) while in the country we are departing from? Or should be secure tickets before going? We were hoping to get the big tickets from the US (US to Niarobi and Tokyo to US).
Thanks,
Emily
24-Oct-2006 13:16
Planning 3-4 month trip to;
Los Angeles-Japan
Japan-Vietnam
Vietnam-Thailand
Thailand-Tanzania/Kenya
Tanz/Kenya-Morocco
Morocco-Los Angeles
Trying to get recommendations from travellers who have successfully used rtw tix and which carriers you had good experiences with. As I search online, it looks like the trip will cost roughly $4,000 per person for airfare.......... is this high or about right?
25-Oct-2006 20:51
mailking, there is a heap of discussion about Ins companies on this thread
I also saw a scathing comment on world nomad as a stand alone post in here (Gap Year)
25-Oct-2006 20:53
Kato - the fewest changes to your original itenarary that lets you keep on a cheap ticket is to start in Sth America, go to NZ, SE Asia, up to Russia (Vladivostok) then overland and fly home! Goodluck!
25-Oct-2006 20:56
ecarmody, are you doing that entire tip over one season (US Summer)? If you only have 3 months you will be very pushed for time, yes you could get a ticket in each place but it may take a couple of days, with 8 flights to organise that is a week out of 12. I think you should book up front. That said the RTW tickets seem to be horribly expensive compared to Aus, UK etc. it does depend on how much time you have up your sleeves.
25-Oct-2006 21:22
gred, if you get a RTW ticket (which I think is a good idea see my comments at 883) tyeh ticket is bought through an alliance of airlines
eg if you want to Fly US to Australia on the OneWorld Alliance you will have one (maybe 2) carriers available on your ticket. The other Alliance is Star Alliance. I have said it before the US RTW Tickets seem to be about double the prices in Australia $4000 us seems crazy but EVERY single US quote has been similarly high.
I have no idea what the hell that is about.
25-Oct-2006 21:25
ok thinking again about your ticket gred, the $4000 probably includes all the little flights eg Vietnam to Thailand? cut out anything to or from a smaller airport and get another quote. Try
Los Angeles-Japan
Japan- Bangkok
Bangkok to Nairobi
Madrid LA
(I know Spain wasnt on your itinerary but it may save you 000s - then you have to get yourself to where you want to go using eg airasia.com)
26-Oct-2006 13:24
Plannin to set off in Jan for five and a half months on this route
London > Beijing > HK > Singapore > Auckland > Fiji > Hawaii > Vancouver (overland to) Toronto > Mexico > Lima > Buenos Aires > Madrid > London.
Been quoted £1800 + £440 taxes for that route. Any thoughts? Also, anyone know of any overland routes within that that might be good?
28-Oct-2006 18:23
Beijing - HK and Lima - BA could easily be done overland.
01-Nov-2006 17:26
Hi Ally,
I ve posted this on the main branch and thought this thread is probably better for it.
I ve been reading this branch for a while as I had planned to start my RTW trip in March 07. I was going to fly to Argentina and make my way to San Fransisco in 5-6 months then fly to Japan or India and travel in Asia/SE Asia for another year. No specific itenery yet but have been taking spanish classes!
I have a really very general question.
Can't decide whether I should accept my company's offer to go to Jersey (currently live in the sunny British Virgin Islands) for four months and have the extra $15000 in the bank or just say no and leave BVI at the end of Jan/Feb (my company asked me to leave if i don't go to Jersey at the end of January) and start my trip. By the end of January I will have $30000 saved. If I go to Jersey I will start the trip in May with extra $15000. Of course the answer is obvious I should take the extra cash but Jersey is going to be freezing cold and I will be 36 next week so the presure to get RTW trip out of the way is there. I have been talking about it for ten years and only now i have the means to do it. It is almost bloking my way to settle in one place- I ve been like a nomad!... should i just get on with it and started in February or delay for three months.
This is my first long (over a month) trip but i have been to places like Kabul (7 months after the US went in)... Only mentioning this to say I will be OK where ever I go eventhough I am a solo female traveler. I hope to do a lot of climbing/hiking and windsurfing along the route.
Sorry for taking your valuable time if you thought this was a bit pointless posting...
Yegane
01-Nov-2006 18:00
x pav, like rosstralia says cut out the smaller flights and get another quote, try
Lon - Beijing ........Singapore to Auckland Auckland to BA (or Santiago) ........Miami - Vancouver then Vancouver to London.
it is the smaller legs in a RTW ticket that tip the prices up. Of course if you are short of time you should spend the 1800 and have more sorted out before you go.
Yegane
Sheesh $15,000 is a lot of money - I think I could seriously consider ignoring the itchy feet for 4 months but that is me and I know how I was ready to go travelling 4 months BEFORE I left - (BTW I am almost 36 - so I know what you mean) I think you want a good excuse to say no to the job and the delay so try this:
"Gee that is a lot of money but mt feet are too damm itchy"
02-Nov-2006 05:10
Thanks Ally. I don't want to go to Jersey. It just doesn't appeal. If it was middle of the summer it would have been different! But yes with the extra $15K I could do a lot more not so inexpensive outdoor activities during my trip or treat myself to five star camping as I climb some of the mountains rather than buggeting all the way. If I start later, then I need to think where should I start my trip. Rather than bottom of SAmerica it may be better to start from Venezuala. I would like to access as futher south as possible in Argentina and Chili which would be harder if I get there just as the winter starts.
My the other concer is my prospects when I return from the trip. Currently aparently UK legal market is booming and they can't get enough lawyers. If i delay the trip then I might miss the boom to get a good job when I return. I keep telling myself financially i will be OK where ever I go and what ever I do from this point onwards but of course can't completely rid of the "what if" question as you get older and don't have a pension, boyfriend/husband or anyone else to rely on !
Another Q actually Ally, should I first go for 6 months, see how it is to do a long trip, then work couple of more years (may be buy a flat in London as a pension) then complete RTW for a year? I am now stepping backwards... I ve got to do it now, don't I?
03-Nov-2006 03:24
Is this the most 'newbie' question ever?
I am off on an 18 month RTW with husband and our two girls (8 and 9) next month. I will be the one who has to make sure everyone has clean clothes etc, and as I have grown up with washing machines I don't have a clue about handwashing.
This may sound daft, but is there a 'best way' or a knack to hand washing? Will I need detergent? Would shampoo/bodywash do the trick? Should I bring a scrubbing brush or will a smaller nail brush do (I don't want everyone to end up with bobbles on their clothes)?
Kids just don't stay that clean for long and as we are trying to cram as much as poss in the adults packs we won't be taking many clothes and I don't want smelly crusty kids (or husband!). I realise there will always be places to get clothes laundered but we can't rely on that every day or two.
07-Nov-2006 16:28
Hi Guys,
Have been thinking about taking a 12-month career break in early 2008. Since making the decision I have come across many dilemas including when I should take my trip. I have decided to move home to my mum's to save for a year (originally to fund my RTW trip) but now I'm wondering if I should put my savings towards buying a flat first as I'm scared of being completely priced out of the London market before too long. But if I do buy a place I might not have an opportunity to save like this again.
My other dillema and what spurred me to write this is that I am not sure whether to take an official career break through work or give up my job to go. My job gives career breaks for up to 3 years with the promise of an equivalent job on return. The only condition is that you have to work for them for 10 days each year you are on the break. Which would mean me flying back to London from wherever I happen to be for 2 weeks. Has anyone else had to do this before? If so which country did you fly back from? Or where do you think is the most economical place to fly back to London from? My itinirary depends on a lot of things but the main thing I wanted to do is travel in central and south-america and learn spanish along the way. I also want to spend some time in SEA. If my trip is less than 6 months long though I don't have to come back to work in between, which would probably mean me seeing SEA another time and just seeing latin america - hence dillema!
Anyway, I'm interested in any comments you have about the above. Thanks guys!
07-Nov-2006 16:35
Bailey's my first ever question on the Thorn Tree back in 2000 was "Should I take a sleeping bag?" I think that has to be up there as a newbie question. (the answer is no by the way)
I have some observations on handwashing.
In SE Asia it really is cheaper and easier to pay someone to do it for you. (I recall baying 20 Baht in Thailand for ALL my clothes).
The pace you are travelling at will affect wether or not you have time to hang dry stuff
Climate will be important - if you hand wash you need to be able to dry the clothes - over the heater will work in cold climates
Pack a clothes line - with 4 of you it will be worthwhile
Travelling is hard on your clothes. Plan to replace T Shirts every few months.
Take worn old bath towels - the thinner old ones dry quicker
When hand washing there are some tips. You really do have to scrub hard. I would lather up eg the armpits of a Tshirt and rub really hard and fast between my 2 open palms for ages. Rinse and Repeat.
I bought a small bag of washing powder as I went in many places, but I think if I went again I would take a bar of Sard Wonder Soap - stain remover cake of soap (in Aus)
Hand washing mixed with laundromats seemed to work for me, full time hand washing only will lead to smelly clothes
Wash your undies in the shower with you each day
WRING - WRING hard, twist and wring will get the water out so it dries faster, it also means your clothes look very crumpled, so if you have a few days to get your stuff dry then dont wring it and you will have neater looking clothes, if you only have a day then you need to get as much water out as possible.
You could get the kids involved and helping - a bit of child labour would be useful with all that scrubbing and wringing to be done.
07-Nov-2006 18:28
Yegane - hi, when you said
Quoteyou wree spot on, you can always find 100 good reasons not to go. If it is something you really want to do you need to give it priority. If you really want to own a house, and look after your career then you should do that but waiting until there are no excuses to stop you from travelling will only ensure you turn into Shirley Valentine!
I ve got to do it now, don't I?
08-Nov-2006 06:37
Made this post in the main branch before realising exactly what you said Ally. here it is again in a more suitable place i think:
hey, me and my mate (UK nationals) are on our gap year and have a planned trip for 5.5 months that starts/ends 21st March/1-10th August. The route is Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique (to the coast), Tanazania, Kenya (plane------>), Bombay, Through north/west India, Nepal, China too Beijing. My biggest question is what essential clothwear do we need, for example should we take barely any and buy the clothes as we go along and change regions etc, or is it better to stick with a solid pair of shorts and a few tshirts. Also any other points that anyone feels we should know and would be of any help would be great. This is our first real trip of such a kind, and so honestly we dont have any experience. I have posted threads in each different branch of the trip and the answers returned have been extremely helpful. Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
10-Nov-2006 13:44
yes, there is no better time than now...thanks Ally.
15-Nov-2006 02:13
I've been travelling with two friends and am now working my way through Laos and Cambodia solo, though we plan to meet up again. Apartfrom the awful side effects from malarone, am now feeling like I need something to "do" like a yoga retreat, or some volunteering in Cambodia or back in Thailand. I've got about three weeks from now, and need some focus to my days whilst I get used to being on my own.
Any tips, locations and advice welcome
Cheers
J
15-Nov-2006 17:33
luke, travel light it is always more fun - although some people (only Hurricane) says take everything. A few t-shirts, a couple of pairs of trousers and a warm jacket. You can replace as you go!
Some of the places you list in Africa, it might also pay to have a "nice' outfit so you can nbe presentable!
juliepops - what a great dilemma: I regret not going looking for freshwater dolphins on the Mekong in Cambodia, In fact I got waylaid ands never made it to Laos at all but from allreports the great thing about Laos is (was) how slow paced life is, so why not try stopping put and actually immerse yourself inside your own head? Sorry that reads very transcendental.
16-Nov-2006 12:33
Bit new to all this!
Excuse me if I've put this in the wrong place, but not only am I new to the travel thing am also new to the forum thing too (had to be told what a 'thread' is - sorry!!).
Anyway, love travelling, but not done much. 3 week holiday to Australia and group tour to Northern Thailand has whet my appetite. Have been trying to persuade my other half to take time out for the past 3 years or so. He's very much ruled by his head and so hasn't been up for it...until now. He's finally realised we're 30 something, no kids and you only live once etc etc.
ANYWAY, we want to go in April 07 (house sale and good temporary home for beloved cat depending), for 6 months, possibly longer. Can you tell me if the following is too much and if we are going in totally the wrong seasons. (Have tried to research weather and have rough idea, but would like clarification):
Start April (from UK) - India (Northern plains kind of area 4 weeks), possibly Nepal (2 weeks), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam (4 weeks), China (2-3 weeks - perhaps pick up a tour here), Australia (4-ish weeks), NZ South Island, Cook Islands (brief stop for r & r), States (overland West - East), Home.
Probably quite a typical RTW kind of itinerary from the UK, but any comments/ suggestions/ advice would be most welcome as this is quite a big deal for me.
Thanks
16-Nov-2006 12:39
Bit new to all this!
Excuse me if I've put this in the wrong place, but not only am I new to the travel thing am also new to the forum thing too (had to be told what a 'thread' is - sorry!!).
Anyway, love travelling, but not done much. 3 week holiday to Australia and group tour to Northern Thailand has whet my appetite. Have been trying to persuade my other half to take time out for the past 3 years or so. He's very much ruled by his head and so hasn't been up for it...until now. He's finally realised we're 30 something, no kids and you only live once etc etc.
ANYWAY, we want to go in April 07 (house sale and good temporary home for beloved cat depending), for 6 months, possibly longer. Can you tell me if the following is too much and if we are going in totally the wrong seasons. (Have tried to research weather and have rough idea, but would like an opinion):
Start April (from UK) - India (Northern plains kind of area 4 weeks), possibly Nepal (2 weeks), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam (4 weeks), China (2-3 weeks - perhaps pick up a tour here), Australia (4-ish weeks), NZ South Island, Cook Islands (brief stop for r & r), States (overland West - East), Home.
Probably quite a typical RTW kind of itinerary from the UK, but any comments/ suggestions/ advice would be most welcome as this is quite a big deal for me.
Thanks
16-Nov-2006 22:06
Thanks Ally for the advice. Am taking it slow, but am going to head into Cambodia tomorrow and see where the mood takes me after that.
19-Nov-2006 05:00
Hi Ally how goes the advising? Wow 900+ posts now eh? Great stuff. I have a couple of quick questions. I'm planning on coming to AUS to work and live for a few months. How difficult is it to find 1. A place to live and 2. A job. Can you give me any recommendations? Oh and which city would you suggest to be best for that? Thanks in advance.
20-Nov-2006 15:26
hiya HelenM - yipppeee that sounds fantastic, tyhe weather looks good with the only question mark being on Thailand /Cambodia/Vietnam in May-June (China India and Aus are big enough that the time of year is less important) If the weather is crap in Thailand you can go further south. SE Asia has 2 monsoons and if it is wet in Thai it is dry in Malaysia and Indonesia and vice versa.
My only thought on your itinerary is that you could be a bit rushed and you might want to think about taking more time or at least organise your life so you can extend if the mood takes you. You and hubby could each work in Aus or NZ if $$ become a challenge. You can decide that from Bangkok and organise visas there. For what you are trying to do
Happy travels
20-Nov-2006 16:27
hiya Hitchy, yay 900 not bad huh?
Aus is going nuts at the moment, rental accomm is scarce but there are a lot of jobs going. It is quite regional so here is a quick Summary
1) Western Aus - big boom lots of work but accomodation is very scarce
2) Sydney - always (usually) lots of casual work going but accomm is more expensive
3) Melbourne - more civilised living than the other more brassy cities in Aus
4) Qld the State - lots of tourist work and lower cost of living
IMO Sydney is a fab city (thats why I live there) but if you have lived in Toronto your whole life you might prefer to try something more different !
21-Nov-2006 09:28
Thanks Ally. Firstly - sorry for posting twice - I will get the hang of this!
Time-wise I think we will have a bit of a re-think and miss off China and possibly New Zealand (no offence to NZ but have family to catch up with in Aus.) Will maybe decide from Bangkok where to travel in SE Asia. Wasn't sure if we could get work visa in Aus being 30+.
Will continue planning...the branches are all useful but take some sifting through!
21-Nov-2006 16:48
I have a cheap return flight booked from Sydney to Bangkok in March 2007, but now want to continue on to London instead of returning home. It seems I have to lose entirely my Bangkok-Sydney leg.
How can I find cheapest Bangkok - London flights while I'm still in Australia (all the web-sites seem to want an australian origin).
thanks
ruth
21-Nov-2006 17:50
hiya Ruth - how about you buy a bangkok to London Return ticket and then hook up with your original BKK - SYD flight?
You probably need to use a Thai or London based website, in Thailand there are a lot of travel Agents in Bangkok I used Pilot Express Travel a few years ago and highly recommend them. They even posted me a partial refund after I returned to Aus, I hope you can find them. Failing that start with prices at Thai Airways website
Thai Air
Goodluck!
22-Nov-2006 10:17
22-Nov-2006 17:31
Thanks Ally
I'm looking for a one-way to London, because I'm planning on not coming back for long time
Thai Air one-way fare Bangkok to London is AUD 1300.00 (1308.35 actually). It's cheaper to come back to aus and get a deal from here.
I heard there is ?street? in Bangkok that sells cheap flights.?
ruth
22-Nov-2006 20:52
Ruth, hiya around Kao San Road there are plenty of tTravel Agents who will do everything for you and (back in 2001) were very cheap and competitive. The trick is trying to find a good agent from Aus as there is no white pages in English for Thailanbd (that I know of) and these guys probably wont have web sites (the cheap ones anyway)
perhaps pop into the Thailand branch and se if someone can help you out.
Street is not how I would describe them, they are operators who know the best deals and bulk buy tickets and on sell them cheap to backpackers.
23-Nov-2006 05:48
Hey ally,
Thanks for the info on that... so if I were to choose Melbourne say, could you suggest any jobs in particular and how I might find them, or where I might find them listed? And also where I could look up accom?
Thanks!
Hitchy
23-Nov-2006 13:47
Hi Ally
Looking for reasonably priced accommodation in London. Where is the best part of London to stay.
Regards
Agriffo
23-Nov-2006 14:53
agriffo - London and "reasonable prices" dont often appear in the same sentence:
Last time I spent a whack of time in London - Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush were popular amongst the Working Holiday Visa crowd. You can try looking at
Lonelyplanet's New Accommodation Section
or go to the London Backapacker Newspaper TNT Magazine
Good luck!
24-Nov-2006 05:34
hey, this seems to be the place for info.
Basically the first stop on my round the world ticket is tokyo japan, i will be arriving there at the start of february. I only plan on staying there for a few days, the reason i'm posting on this topic is because i need info on how i can get to seoul in korea from tokyo and get back to tokyo again to continue my travels. My best friend is living in seoul and i want to visit him and stay for 3-4 weeks there. Since none of the round the world style tickets fly to seoul as a hub destination i've to organise this part of the trip myself. Ideally i'd be looking at gettin a return flight icket from tokyo to seoul but i'd like to keep the dates flexible in case i decide to spend more time in japan or korea, is this possible? I'm not sure what airlines are the cheapest etc. Another thing i'd like to try and find out is when would i need to book this tickets i.e. months in advance or just days? I'm completely clueless and probably shouldn't be allowed travel.
Love roro
24-Nov-2006 20:16
Hi Ally,
One-way tickets from South America to Africa - South Africa seems the easiest and cheapest place to fly into yeah? (from either BA or SP / Rio)...
Getting from Africa to Australia - Again South Africa to Perth seems the easiest... Would you know of any others, namely from the North? (Actually, now that I think about it, flying through UAE, India might be the same in $)...
Any thoughts or do you know what others are doing?
Thanks in advance. Rob.
24-Nov-2006 20:22
HitchHiker
Hi there. I lived in Melbourne for a year. I think you could get a lot of job satisfaction in hospitality work... namely in (small unique) bar work or working in a cafe. Melburnians are an interesting lot, and a lot of what happens revolves around these places. More so than I've seen in Sydney and Perth.
24-Nov-2006 20:27
RuthC (Sorry Ally, I'm doing your work here for you... no more from me... zip it... zip... zip... ahh... zip...)
One way you might be able to get a cheap flight home from Bangkok would be to fly to Macau with AirAsia, and then hovercraft to Hong Kong, and then fly with Oasis to London.
I reckon you could save a heap that way (maybe half).
no more.
24-Nov-2006 23:17
Hello Ally. I'll be posting again.
27-Nov-2006 17:27
Ally & Robye: thanks for suggestions. was able to cancel the "non-refundable, no-changes" ticket and replace with a one-way (same airline) Syd-Ldn with stop in Bangkok. I will paste the Macau-HK suggestion into my brain for future reference - I like it.
as a PS - is there any way to get this thread sorted reverse chronologically. I have extremely SLOOOOOW internet and getting to the bottom of the thread takes forever.
thanks for helps
ruth
30-Nov-2006 18:00
yay Ruth great news,
Robye - no need to apologise - anyone should answer a question - fire away,
roromako - I am not sure if that route is covered but try airasia dot com for cheap asian flights, otherwise I think you might be better off booking in advance - as you dont want to spend too much time in Tokyo and organiseing a ticket might be time consuming while you are there.
hi catholic -
03-Dec-2006 23:40
Hi Guys,
So i started reading this thread yesterday at 14;00 and finished at 23;25 last night.......probably could have got through it faster if i wasnt so distracted by the growing numbness of by butt!!! Anyways, great job!!!!
I am a newbie (only travel done was to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos this year but by myself none the less!). Im from country oz and the only person in my family to leave the country.....i have had a number of conversations with the rellos that Thailand is actually not China just as there are many different countries in Africa!!!!
In any case i am leaving in late Feb 2007 to travel for 12 months (or so) to volunteer as a nurse in developing world (self-funded), hopefully setting up primary health clinics and educating locals to run these....
Questions: It is very difficult as a nurse to get "backing" , everyone says "Oh yes we need nurses but..." so i am doing it on my own and am wondering do you need working permits in Africa (spec. Uganda and Kenya) to volunteer, how do you get them? Do you need criminal records checks to nurse?
Same deal for Thailand and Myanmar?
Also, should i go to Africa first (season wise) or asia....?
PS: If anyone has done this before and wants to give me advice or share contacts please PM me....all comments welcome - constructive ones that is :)
04-Dec-2006 14:27
Hey Ally,
im a first time traveller but im not sure about how much money im goign to need to go to OZ, NZ and SE Asia for about6-8 months. Also how early do i need to sort out my flights by? Any help would be fab.
04-Dec-2006 14:57
hi crofti, we may well be related. My family think I am either crazy or irresponsible or both. Although granted they well understand the difference between thai food and chinese food so probably realise they are different countries!
As for volunteering overseas you really should go under the banner of an organisation. I actually worked for UNICEF for a number of years (in an office in Sydney) and highly reccomend them, UNICEF tend not to use volunteers so much and you should check out
medecins sans frontiers
They are a large and well respected volunteer organisation, going under one of these groups gives you assistance on visa issues etc but it also gives the country you work in confidence that you are the right person for the job (qualifications, Police Check etc).
I would talk to these guys and see what they say about placements etc.
07-Dec-2006 04:06
Hi
I would appreciate any and all help/advice. My husband will be on a one year sabbatical next school year (we're Canadian) and we plan to leave at the beginning of August and travel for almost a year. Our 7-turning-8 year old daughter will be with us.
We're intending to travel to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Egypt, Jordan, then through most of Western Europe plus a dip into the Czech Republic. We know it's a fairly ambitious itinerary but we've roughly worked it out so that we have almost no one-nighters, shortest stays of three nights in a number of places and lots of one-two-three week stays along the way. Also, we've tried to balance some time in major cities with time on the beach and time in more rural, quieter locations.
My biggest concern right now entails the weather in SE Asia and I'm playing around with our itinerary to try and get us just a bit better weather.
Most recently we'd planned to go to China (Aug) first, then south through Vietnam (Aug/Sep), Cambodia (Sep), Thailand (Sep), Malaysia (Oct) to Singapore (Oct).
But now (having /really/ looked at the annual weather charts) I'm wondering if we would be better going in through Singapore (Aug), Malaysia (Aug), Thailand (Aug/Sep), fly from Bangkok to Beijing (get multiple entry Thai visa) and come back down through China to Hong Kong (Sep), through to Vietnam (Oct)and Cambodia (Oct) and end up back in Bangkok and take our plane to Delhi from there.
Originally we were going from south to north and then to India but someone pointed out how much we would save on our tickets /and/ get better weather in Beijing if we went from north to south.
Are we crazy for going near some of these countries in typhoon season? Is there a better way of doing this given that we want to do Asia/SE Asia first and have to be in Delhi (meeting grandpa) in late October.
We know we're going to end up with rain (given the countries and the fact that you can't get ideal weather in every place on a trip) but tons of rain might get a little exhausting after a couple of months.
Thank you!
10-Dec-2006 17:43
jrbobo - good plans so far - there are pros and cons with each plan - you know if you are travelling for a year you will go nuts trying to be everywhere in the 'best' time of year. Just pick a route and set off. I will guarantee that you will almost definitely hit some bad weather over the timeof your travels.
Those tropical monsoons tend (but not always) to be a really heavy down pour for one hour and then thats it till the next day - some places will be slower going but I think just get going and stay flexible with time and directions etc.
OF the countries you list I think the more difficult to get around in during heavy rain would be Cambodia and to a lesser extent India.
Goodluck
11-Dec-2006 14:49
Hey ally. cool thread, maybe you could help me. like everyone else here, iv'e never backpacked, but i am planning on going in april/07. i just havn't decided where in the world to go, and was hoping maybe you could give a little advice. I knew it depends on my intrests and all but i still am not sure. so here's what i've been thinking. time is not an issue for me, i can be gone as long as i wish, but money will be the determining factor. I'll have about 15-16,000 CDN. here's the places i've been thinking about:
Europe - Lots of cool places to go, lots of back packers like me to meet. easy to travel i assume. But i feel it might be a little to crowded and overdone, plus i'm sure it's pricey to which would drain my bank account a little quicker. Unless maybe i go mostly to eastern europe
Africa - Pyramids in egypt, Mt. Kilimanjaro and the safari are all things that would be a must if i was to go here. price i assume would be a little cheaper (no clue) so maybe i could spend more time here. i've heard crossing boardes by land are hard though. am not sure
South america - some countries cheap, some expensive. I'd have to go see Macchu Picchu (spelling??) and other then that am not sure where.
South East asia - I've heard it's very cheap and i could probably spend alot of time there, depending on how much it would cost to get over there. beaches of thailand i've heard are great.
those are pretty much what i have been thinking about, and i can't decide. i'd love to go to all but will only have 15 or 16,000 cdn. any ideas? i know i'll probably get the standard, go where you are most intrested in, but i simply can't decide. they all intrest me. so where would you suggest a 24 year old guy goes in the world for his first time back packing? I wanna have fun, but don't want to simply go drinking at the bars everynight. i'd love to come across a few cheap beaches to lounge for a while, want to meet some cool people, see some wonderful sights our world offers, just want an adventure. sorry for typing so much, and thanks for reading my short story! lol
12-Dec-2006 00:47
Do you know how my girlfriend and I can get from Thailand to Greece in a two-month span for cheap, and with no planes, and maybe get paid doing it?
Anything tips or ideas will help. Just email me: nic.nakis@gmail.com
Thanks!
- Nic
13-Dec-2006 16:18
jay, you sound the most excited about Africa, if $$ are a problem then skip Europe as you can visit there easily from Canadia when you are older. There will be more adventure to be had in the other continents. so how about plan Africa, fly in to Thailand if you like it stay and explore SE Asia or else go and sit on the beach for a few weeks before you fly to Sth America and travel around till you runout of cash? Sounds fun.
nic - in my opinion 2 months is too little time to travel overland, you would need a Pakistan and Indian visa, plus meals plus rooms plus tickets etc etc etc so with no time to get any enjoyment out of stopping to look you will spend more than the price of a plane ticket and spend 2 months in transit - its always time vs money! I can think of no legal way to get paid for that trip.
21-Dec-2006 01:36
Hi everybody!
Ally will be away during the silly season and as before, I will take over the steering wheel on this thread from 22 Dec to 8 Jan. Happy Holidays and a happy and successful 2007.
Cheers,
C.
21-Dec-2006 07:21
Hi Cosmo! I am undecided on whether to buy a backpack with wheels or one without. What do you suggest?
21-Dec-2006 20:23
Hi wonga, personally I would not buy one. The ones that come with wheels usually have a bigger frame which will also increase the weight of your backpack. I don't find them easy to handle and I am usually very comfy with just carrying my backpack.
There is a good thread over on the A&G branch btw you might want to check out.
21-Dec-2006 20:59
Hiya cosmo - popping in before I head off and I discover that you are givign better advice thanIwould have (I am much too lazy to link)
Merry Christmas Everybody!
21-Dec-2006 21:12
No worries, Ally. Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, too. See you again in 2007.
22-Dec-2006 07:26
ally, trying to figure out what size travelpack to buy...any comments/suggestions? leaning towards a 70 lt... our plan it so be out for 9 months traveling parts of eroupe, africa, asia, oz, nz. thanks, von
22-Dec-2006 23:07
RE: 927
Well, we figured out how we're gonna make the transit (for the most part), so don't worry about us. Emailed tips are still encouraged, though.
Peace,
Nic
22-Dec-2006 23:31
Sounds good nicnakis! Happy travels :-)
22-Dec-2006 23:35
Hi yvswim!
Ally is off during the silly season and I have taken over for the time being. I just posted a link to an excellent thread about backpacks in #931 which has a lot of advice on sizes and stuff. 70 liters is quite a big backpack but then I usually travel very lightly. You will soon find out that the less you have, the better it is.
Here is some advise from one of my FAQs which pretty much wraps it up:
"Finally you have decided where to go, what to see, how much money to spend... so now it is time to get your backpack ready! Compared to a suitcase backpacks have many advantages and they are the only real option if you go hiking for hours.
Do not pack too much and travel light! The following is a witty and helpful post by cmcmc on TT (it was an advise to a women backpacker but the message is clear - for both women and men): "Yes, you can have too many clothes, shoes and handbags. This will become very evident when you have to walk from the train station to your accommodation carrying your pack, then carry it up three flights of stairs, then carry it back to the train station, up some more stairs, haul it onto the train... repeat every 2 to 3 days.
Trust me, it's not fun. Some tips... at the most, you need one pair of daytime closed shoes, one pair of daytime sandals etc, and one pair of nicer shoes for going out at night (even better if you can combine the last two in one). Your daypack is your daytime bag, maybe one small bag for night. Two skirts, two pairs of pants, one or two tops for night and four or five tops for day. One jumper or jacket. They have laundries in Europe, you can wash everything (and everything you take should be able to be machine washed). Yes, you'll get sick of wearing the same clothes, but it's better than carrying your whole wardrobe, especially given you're covering a lot of ground in a month. When the monotony gets to you too much, you can always buy something new.
As for the hairdryer etc, forget it. You'll have to hunt round your room for a power socket, carry adaptors and lug them in your pack everytime. Put your hair in a ponytail, or cut it short and take a tub of wax. At that time of year in Europe, you'll be glad not to have hair all down your back, it's far too hot.
Sorry if I sound like a bit of a packing Nazi, but I've learnt my lesson. I took about this much for two months, and will take even less next time I go. Anyway, I'm sure someone else will post telling you that they did a 12 month trip with a 30-litre pack and two T-shirts."
23-Dec-2006 10:45
Hi,
You said any Newbie Question, right?!
Ok, my husband and I are very interested in taking a year off (we're a young couple and not satisfied with our jobs and that whole bit). Neither of us has done any extensive travelling, although we both want to (we never seem to have had the time or $$ at the same time)...
Anyways, we would really like to take a year off and "travel the world". We don't really care WHERE we go, although probably Europe would be best, but we would like to go to Africa...and South America...and Australia...and I think you get the point. We just want to go somewhere.
Where do we start? What would be a good beginner trip for us? We are both active and would like to hike/bike/horseback ride.
Economy is better than luxury.
We prefer to stay/eat with locals, get the entire idea of the country.
How many countries is suitable for a one year tour for us to get a feel for the place but also visiting as much as possible without it just being a whirlwind?
How do we start budgeting? Is it best to book in advance? Just go?
We are looking at this now although we plan on saving for a couple of years first...maybe taking the year starting Sept 08.
This all came from us thinking of going to Italy for 3 weeks next fall but now wanting something more.
Please point us in the right direction! There is just so much information and it is so overwhelming!
I was scrolling through the other posts on the other topics, however, they all seem to know where they want to go or at least have some kind of itinerary.
Thank for any help you can give us!
Tara
23-Dec-2006 18:09
Hi ATHouse,
Loads of questions in your post but I'll try to make my way through it, although my first question back would be: where do you live and what nationality do you have as this will kinda influence where you start your trip or if some countries are off-limit to you.
Obviously your budget will be very much defined by where you go to. Europe is probably one of the most expensive regions you can travel in, although it is not easy to generalise as some parts of Eastern Europe are still very cheap. There are quite a few tips on my Europe on a Shoestring FAQ on budget. Africa can be cheap but also quite expensive. Specially getting around can be pricey but if you have enough time and can travel overland, you can cut costs quite a bit. As far as number of countries is concerned: you can probably easily spend one year in Australia alone so it is all about how much do you want to stuff in. Is a glimpse good enough for you? The other thing is of course visa restrictions: how long can you stay in a country.
Since you seem be quite clueless at this stage where to go, I suggest you get some nice coffee table book that covers the entire world. Look at the pictures and get an idea what different regions/countries look like. Which one has the most striking architecture, scenery, culture etc. Then try to draw a line around the globe and put those places together.
Lastly, do also check out the RTW branch which has a lot of advice on... well RTW :-)
Happy travels,
C.
27-Dec-2006 09:38
Hi All
Please don't kill me... I have tried to have the answer to my question but the search engine here is really bad...I did start to do a "Ctrl F" on each page but that was taking way toooo long. Basically myself and boyfriend are doing the usual RTW trip and taking in South America (Argentina, Peru, Chile), NZ, Fiji, Oz, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. I would like advice on whether we will need the following items:
a) Sleeping bag - I've heard it's pretty easy to rent bags or linen as we go..I have a bag liner in case we do decide to rent
b) Mosquito Net - At the mo not planning on entering any zones of high risk..possibly maybe Cambodia or Vietnam so we have got some malaria pills just wondering whether net was needed??
c) Pacsafe Backpack security cover - you know the one that covers the entire pack and lets you secure it to a bed post or sink etc...
Thanks a mill.....any advice by some seasoned travellers very much appreciated!!!
Deirdre
Dublin, Ireland
27-Dec-2006 20:43
Hi Deindre, here is my advice:
a) A few hostels will actually provide linen but I usually always carry my own, too, as there are still many places where you have to pay for it. Also, some places are bit dirty and you might actually want to have your own. A rather simple hostel/linen sleeping bag will usually suffice, unless you intend to travel in cold regions. So the answer is yes. the bag will be cheap, is light and small and overall most likely cheaper than renting.
b) Again, many places provide nets but sometimes they are not in very good conditions. I usually always carry my own. No need to buy them back home where you probably have to pay a lot. You can buy one once you arrive in the tropics. They sell them everywhere on the markets and they are cheap. Keep in mind that the first and best protection to actually not get bitten by mozzies, so use it whenever necessary.
c) Never used one myself. There is just dirty laundry in mine and don't think people bother to take that :-) You can usually always leave valuables at the reception or in lockers. Bring a small padlock along as some lockers do come without locks.
Hope this helps a bit.
Cheers,
C.
31-Dec-2006 18:27
A Happy New Year and all the best to everybody. May 2007 be a happy, healthy, successful and peaceful year for you!
C.
01-Jan-2007 05:56
Hi there,
Myself and my girlfriend are going travelling in August and we could do with a little financial advice. I appreciate that costings are difficult but if you have any rough ideas of what the daily allowance would be in the following places i would be truely thankful. We would like to stop in hostels if possible, camp if not possible and if we get really desperate maybe a hotel but generally hostels. We are to a budget but as this is our first travelling experience we are CLUELESS!!!!
NZ
OZ
Thailand
Cambodia
Vietnam
Beijing
Moscow
01-Jan-2007 08:21
I am afraid I have to pass on this one kate_ant. I have been to all those places but it's a long time ago; maybe someone on the country/region related branches will be more advisable.
07-Jan-2007 15:23
kate ant - hello, have you gotten yourself a copy of SE Asia on a Shoestring? Chapter 1 should have some indicative prices for budgeting purposes...in addition if you look earlier ion this thread (before post 150?) you will find some more details on how to flesh out your budget.
And a huge thanks to Cosmopolitan who's sage advice is always spot on!
08-Jan-2007 10:48
Hi all,
Myself and my girlfriend are off backing for the first time in August. We are leaving the uk to fly to Christchurch (6months) where i have a job lined up then we are overlanding to Aukland (allowed about a month),Flying to OZ (2weeks in OZ), From OZ to Bangkok, from bankok we are going to overland through Cambodia, Vietnam and then up the west of China to Beijing( we have allowed about 4 months), Trans Siberian to Mongolia( 2weeks in Mongolia), carry on to Moscow, from Moscow we will either fly hom or inter-rail home through Europe if we still have money and energy.
As we are new to this we are a little scared but very excited. If anyone can give us any advice we would be truely thankful. We have no real itinerary or any clue of how much money we will need. We would really appreciate any answers to the folloxing questions.
HOW MUCH?
DO WE NEED TO TAKE A TENT?
ANY OTHER ADVICE WOULD BE AMAZING?
thank you so very much.
09-Jan-2007 19:07
I have very hot gossip - Ally the intrepid backpacker has bought a suitcase -wheely bin mwhahahahaha
09-Jan-2007 20:02
I certainly do - on account of me being a proper grown up - so when I am in airports and hire cars I now have a proper suitcase and I can strut through the airport feeling terribly posh!
09-Jan-2007 20:13
grown up????? Pull the udder one
11-Jan-2007 01:22
That is a big call dfrom a goat whisperer!
Hi Kate dont mind hurricane she is the queen of the dramatic entrance - given your trip I would skip a tent. The time in Aus and NZ mean it isnt worthwhile and SE Asia there is nowhere to camp and private rooms are cheap as chips.
11-Jan-2007 20:33
Happy New Year to you Ally! Glad you're back. I have been travelling myself for the last couple of days so sorry for not picking up the questions in due course. Over to you again :-)
11-Jan-2007 23:06
Cheap Spanish language school instruction: I've studied in Antigua Guatemala and enjoyed it, I'm curious if anywhere in the world is cheaper to study espanol then guate?
14-Jan-2007 20:10
Do international airports have lockers to store luggage? What costs are involved? I'm looking at Amsterdam, London, Singapore.
Thanks
14-Jan-2007 20:46
badsanta - I havent been to Sth or Central America at all but when I was in Spain I met a lot of people who had arrived in Spain after 3 months learning Spanish in the Americas somewhere, it seemed to be the rule of thumb to start there. I found some Discussion Groups here:
Search Groups on Spanish Language Courses
maurs - I just remembered this website about Sleeping in Airports I dug into Amsterdam and found that yes they do have a locker, I will leave you to dig up the rest!
Cheers
22-Jan-2007 03:26
Hello,
I'll be embarking on a two-week round-the-world trip in March, taking in Japan, Australia, LA and Mexico. I'll be travelling as part of a group and all the tickets have already been booked.
As we're only spending a couple of nights in Tokyo, I'd like to fly out a week earlier to explore Japan. However, I've been told that because of the way the flights were organised, to remove me out of the group booking will affect the whole booking (i.e. you have to start again and the seats won't be guaranteed because everybody will have to go to the back of the queue). Also, because of the way a round-the-world ticket is booked, if I don't show up at Heathrow with everybody else (as opposed to flying out on my own), my entire journey will be automatically cancelled.
Is this really the case? How easy would it be to change my ticket so I can fly out to Japan a week earlier than everybody else?
If anybody can help me out on this, I'd love to hear from them...
Chris
22-Jan-2007 04:15
hi Chris - group bookings do tend to be heavily discounted and cheap tickets have rules. If this advice is what the airlines are telling you then I am afraid you will have to go with it....Tokyo would be a tough town to do on your own. save it 4 next time
28-Jan-2007 23:01
Hi all,
I've been looking through this wonderful forum for a couple of months now and this is my first post.
I'm planning a trip in Nov this year. Flying from Auckland to London to have guy falwks in London and meet a few friends scattered around England. Mid Nov a friend is meeting me in London and we embark on a 2 month trip around Europe, we plan to see (bits of) France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Greece.
We as yet have no idea where to spend Christmas or New Years, any suggestions would be great!
My travel buddie leaves at the end of Jan and I then meet up with my b/f in France for Feb. We would use this month to see more of France (wish we were there in summer, would love to cycle through some of the wine regions)
Then for 2 months (March + April) I'll spend doing some work exchange or WOOF-ing. so I can really get to know the locals (I think I'll do this in France or Italy)
After that I want to spend between 3 and 6months volunteering with orphans somewhere REALLY remote, somwhere that is in desprate need of help. I'm thinking Nepal. I would like to live in a home-stay enviroment and get to know the country.
Well that is my trip. Any advice, places to go, places to aviod. Things that are going to cost me an arm and a leg would be grand. I'm trying to save up as much as possible for this trip. Also any idea what to take for a trip to so many diffrent climates.
Cheers
30-Jan-2007 18:56
I am another newbie traveller, planning a trip to Hong Kong and Zhongshan in March 2007. I will be visiting a friend in Zhongshan but plan to spend 4 days exploring Hong Kong on my own. I have never travelled outside of N. America, so I'm excited yet terrified!
What would be your top 3-5 general newbie travel tips?
What are must see/must do activities in Hong Kong?
What Chinese customs should I familiarize myself with and can you suggest a good web reference for this type of thing?
Thanks so much!
01-Feb-2007 03:53
hiya becca, welcome to teh Tree with all us monkeys. I think if it is your first winter in Europe then wouldnt it be fabulous to have a white Christmas? How about a castle on the Rhine River in Germany- there is a castle that is part of either the Hostelling International or Youth Hostelling group - try Google and if you cant get there let me know (it is 11pm and I have been at the pub so I am a little lazy) Oh and keep saving - Nepal is on my list ofplaces to get to I will soon I swear. If you are looking for a good charity that works in Nepal what about the Fred Hollows Foundation? They restore sight to people in developing countries and they do amazing work, let us know where you end up going huh"?
hiya lizrsg YAY a first trip is sooo exciting and HK is a great place to start it is very safe to explore and awesome, so No1 tip is relax everything will be fine (do get travel ins) and 2nd tip is take the ferry to Kowloon A LOT while you are in Hong Kong. Oh and buy 1 thing to remind yourself how brave you can be and how exciting the world really is!
Happy travels
04-Feb-2007 16:09
He ally,
Do you know how I can trust Gap-year organisations? I want to participate in one and I am wondering that my money is not disappearing as snow. Cultural Destination Nepal is an organisation that offers a program for a very reasonable price. What do you think?
Thanks very much in advance,
regards,
Nathan
04-Feb-2007 16:44
it depends what you mean by trust I guess. These organisations are often companies run to make a profit. This is not such a big deal IF the work gets done. I often hear people who are suspicious of these companies because they charge more per day than you would reasonably spend as an independednt backpacker, but like I say these companies IF they get a school built that is fine by me.
So in my books by trust I would expect that the development work is appropriate and it gets completed and that the safety of the volunteers is maintained.
To find the right group I would look at each website and ask to see some referees bot in Nepal and returning volunteers. If they cant show you a new scholl or 20 sanitation projects then walk away.
05-Feb-2007 11:17
Hey Ally,
Trying to finalise my route for a 12-month (ish) solo trip starting in July. This is what I have:
Seoul (1 week) fly to UB
Mongolia (3 weeks) train to Beijing
China (3 months) exit to HK
HK (1-2 weeks) fly to BKK
Thailand (1 month) overland
Cambodia (3-4 weeks) overland
Vietnam (3-4 weeks) overland
Laos (3-4 weeks) fly to India
India (2-3 months)
either home or possibly Nepal (depending on funds).
I've checked all the VISA reqs for me (UK/m/UK passport) and am unsure where to get the Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Indian visas from given that my plans may change. I'm hoping you can tell me I can pick them up in Bangkok (C/V/L first time, Indian second time after the loop).
Also any tips for a cheap single flight from Incheon to Ulan Bataar? I need to play around with dates a little more but so far I can only come up with £320 from Korean Air which is the only direct flight (others stop in Beijing).
Thanks for any help.
06-Feb-2007 10:49
nathanroberto: I just did a program in cusco, peri, with a group called world youth international, based in adelaide. another TTer told me about them. they also have projects in nepal, which was the one he did. if you give them a call they´ll talk to you about it and get you in touch with some past volunteers. they also have a website.
06-Feb-2007 15:15
hallucinasia - I got all my SE Asian visas (except India) from Bangkok, I left my passport with a nice looking travel agent in Bangkok and went down to the islands, when I got back I have a passport full of SE Asia Stamps.
I would think that to fly cheap to somewhere like UB you would have to go through Beijing, hopefull you can get good connections.
Looking at your timetable it is pretty good, I would try for more time in India but thats cause I loved it there and it is a very large country!
happy travels,
06-Feb-2007 15:30
nathanroberto - see the Today Page - LP have a competition to win a place on a project.
06-Feb-2007 21:55
Hi Ally, i posted this on another branch but didn't quite get the answers i was looking for (apologies to anyone seeing it again!) i'm planning a trip starting in july this year going something like: perth - london(transit) - wroclaw (travel/visit friends in poland and eastern europe) - ireland (for working holiday, getting visa now) - i don't know what! seeing as I don't have concrete plans do u know if i will have problems at immigration without a return ticket home but if i have on going tickets to other countries? i used my WHV for the UK so will they let me transit/holiday without a home bound ticket? Cheers!
06-Feb-2007 22:05
hiya nixus - I understand that you need "proof of onward journey" so in theory a combo of your ticket, a visa for ireland and $$ in the bank would be proof
06-Feb-2007 22:38
thanks ally! btw, i heard london immigration is particularly anal about letting people in without return tix, has anyone here had any probs?
07-Feb-2007 00:38
nixus they certainly are, my cousn arrived in Heathrow from Sydney (24 hours) his ticket to go skiing in Canada was in his mates london pad (he had been to aus for christmas) his mate was at work and UK gave him 8 hours to ring his mate and get teh ticket to heathrow. It didnt happen so they sent him home 55+ hours travel time and a full fare ticket later he was back in Sydney
so ring the local UK Embassy
07-Feb-2007 07:24
I am hoping to take 12 months off from the middle of next year to travel. I've been to South America, my g/f is American and I'm English... so we've already ruled those places out as "to-do later"
We've not thought out exactly where and when yet (except the Olympics bit!) but we are planning on spending 9-12 months travelling. How much should I think about saving for this trip? I currently have zero!
Thanks for your help,
Pete
07-Feb-2007 23:47
hi pete - these numbers are in Aussie dollars and per person on account of me being lazy.
Flight $2800
Insurance $900
Daily Living $40
Moving around $400 per mth (but i am slow)
Shopping $200 per month (shampoo and web access etc)
Extra Stuff - olympics tickets add a whack of money!
08-Feb-2007 05:17
Thanks Ally, that is a great help!
I'm not sure now about the Olympics anyway - it would mean being in SEAsia during the wettest part of the year. Coming from the UK, I don't need to see more rain!
Missing out the Olympics makes a big difference in terms of time and money... still want to hit Beijing but after the Olympics is just as good!
08-Feb-2007 05:45
Also, if you move "slower", does it work out cheaper? Sorry, sounds like a stupid question, I guess!
Current route looks like
UK
Russia (St Petersburg/Moscow) 20 days
Trans-sib to Mongolia 10-15 days depending on stops
Beijing/North China - 30 days
Japan - 15-20 days
Philippines - 10-15 days
NZ - 30 days
Aus - 60 days
Thailand - 30 days
Vietnam - 20-30 days
Nepal - 10 days
Egypt - 15 days
Kenya - 15 days (g/f wants to do a safari though)
Zimbabwe/Zambia (Victoria Falls) - 10 days
South Africa - 30 days
Total 325 days (gives us a month to play around with if we want to do a year!)
That comes to around US$20,000 (AU$16,000)! Each! Sh*t! Best get saving! Have I worked that out totally wrong???
08-Feb-2007 14:22
I am planning a six month trip, bringing as little as possible with as I'll be travelling mostly by bicycle.
My roomate said I could have things shipped to a Amex office in different countries.
True or not?
Can you recommend any alternatives?
08-Feb-2007 14:38
hi predman, good point ( I really should learn to proofread) Because I am slower it works out cheaper per month. Of course if your trip was ditance driven and not a time consstrasint like I assumed then it would be more expensive....
or more simply its alwasy time vs money
08-Feb-2007 14:42
Well money is short but time could be plentiful... hopefully we'll be doing the slow and cheap route!
Also a bonus that I have friends in Aus and NZ which will be some of the more pricey places we'll visit!
10-Feb-2007 09:02
hi i'm a "mebie traveller" as you put it and am terribly stuck on the purchasing of my oneworld explorer RTW!!! is there any chance you could tell me the easiests and most helpful pklace to bvut ticket
thanks
10-Feb-2007 17:04
Phew...................it took my two days Ally............but thanks for all the insight
But i do have a few further questions..............you mention the time money balance, i have nothing tying me to the uk and so when i go on my trip next year time isnt a constraint however funds will be
I had planned to start in Vancouver....i have family there so that would bring costs down
then was going to get a greyhound discovery pass and over land into the US (discovery pass gives unlimited stops)
I was thinking niagara for the day(id imagine it would cost to much to stay there) onto new york for 2-3 days and maybe las veags and miami depending on costs
then the greyhound down to mexico city and overland from there through central america and into south America...is it easy to get buss'es or trains from mexico city and are they fairly cheap?
I wanted to do machio picu(i know i cant spell......lol)...can it be done on a budget
igazu falls, rio, chille and cloumbia spring to mind
then onto oz and nz..............i wanted to do a whv in either.............but the age range is 18-30 and i turn 31 this june............wasnt sure though if i could get the visa before my 31st..........as it is valid 12 months from issue...........or do i need to be 30 on entry to nz or oz?
i think oz and nz will be the most expensive on my trip although im seeing if an old friend can lend a floor in nz and possibly in oz a work colleagues cousin may be able to put me up for a short while............aklthough could i camp in oz and would it be that cheap?
on from their to thailand.........i love thailand went there is january and fell in love with the country..........thailand is dirty cheap and i dont mind dorms and the were beach huts in had tien for a 100baht a nite...........so would dent my fiances greatly...........thought id see parts of thailand i missed as i was only there for 2 weeks.........which wasnt enough.........then back to bangkok to arrange visas and go to vietnam,cambodia,laos,mymanar...........possible maylasia and indonesia
Id love to go to china but think that would push things, then onto india..............not sure were to go to india but i like to find the history and cultual etc and im hoping india will be easy on my budget
Then if i have any money left off to africa and possibly tel-avi and a few weeks in a kibutz and then back to reality in old blighty
Sorry about the whole ramble, think i can get the RTW for £1500, would buy the discovery pass before i get to the us the exchange rate means about £340 for the pass, insurance £? , spending money circa £2000........possibly more but i dont want to tap my savings as i want to buy a flat when i get back.
would £2000 be enough.................i dont think id be able to save any more by the start of 2008 and unless i sell my body........lol although it could take awhile as id possibly only get £1 a time.........rofl
Bassically i need to go next year because of the following reasons..........a,ive always wanted to do it an im 30 now and i dont want to leave it to late...........b, i was married and had a house...............my ex would never have done an rtw..............so its good we split cause by the end we were different people and i want to do this trip and i now have nothing keeping me here
C, next month i pay off a loan and then im debt free whoopee.............. d,im planning to change careers and so its now or never.....casue when i get back it will be studying and then starting my own buisness
E, i need to go before i make any ties again............like a g/f house,car etc
Im so sorry for waffling and giving my life story.........................i just it would help with were im at and what i want to do
Thx
Mike
11-Feb-2007 18:09
Hi Ally!
I will be arriving into Venice late at night, on a Monday, in early May. I have to make my way from the water bus stop to my hotel (a short walk I believe), will this be safe? I will be by myself, and I am a female!
12-Feb-2007 02:47
Hi sorry i havent read through all the posts (i got up to 119 :) ) but i want to ask whats probably a silly question. Is it possible to get a cheaper RTW ticket if you shop around? im probably going to go on star alliance 39,000 miles simply because they cover the places i want to go much better. But that being said i probably wouldnt be able to do one of those deals where you go to particular places for cheaper. So does the price for a standard economy ticket vary between travel agents or is it just one flat rate?
The only reason im thinking this is because of the deal with normal plane tickets, where it seems every site has a different price.
12-Feb-2007 10:26
Hi Hotdog buns, not to steal Allys thunder, but i have family in Mestre just outside Venice and so i tend to go to Venice every year.....i couldnt think of a safer place to go...........in fact my Sister worked for Benetton for 6 months and stayed in treviso by herself (treviso is an hour away from Venice)........May will be a good time to go...last year i went in march and was permanently in my fleece around Venice.
The vapretto(water bus) is reasonably priced and is easy to negotiate around the grand canal etc, depending on your budget and how long your in Venice you may want too miss out a gondola ride..........as it is quite pricey now the euro is the Italian currency.
When eating out in Venice, the further out you are form St marcs the cheaper it gets.............st Marcs is rip off city i think its about £5-£6 for a coffee
Anymore help Hotdogbuns.............just holla or send me a pm............if im not sure on aspect i can always pick my dads brains..........as when he was a young lad he was a gondolier.
Take care
Mike
14-Feb-2007 17:47
sorry everyone I havent been in here for a few days. So will try and pop in and out this afternoon,
hotdogbuns, Italy was the first place I went to on my own and it was fine, I actually stayed in Verona and did 3 day trips into Venice (I had an unlimited railpass ) and Verona Hostel is the BEST IN THE WORLD FACT but I found Italy great for a sole Female traveller with the exception of Milan which I hated.
15-Feb-2007 09:52
Hi
Has anyone tried to get a 15 month rtw ticket? I'm finding it difficult! Have been advised to buy return flight to India for my first 3 monthsfrom uk then head on out on usual 12m rtw. I've also thought of not showing for home flight from LA & sorting my own flight home from Mexico City/C America for last 3 months instead. What would happen if I did?
16-Feb-2007 02:48
Hiya Mikey - wow what a post where to start - so here i am home on a Friday night after a shitty week at work and wishing I had your dilemmas. I went travelling just before I turned 30 it is a big point in your life. And hey you know 3k isnt too much money but that is no reason not to go, i have never been as good at making the big plans as you seem to be, you have certainly put a lot on your plate there mate, so look just go, well pay off the debts 1st - you dont want to come home and have your legs broken by the mafia.
like you i didnt have that much cash when i left and you know it was fine. i spent more time in asia and less time in western europe - but perhaps you should take a 2nd job say as a glassy or barman on sat nights? or move in with the parents for a few months - that way you have a little more and let things fall - worst case you come home a little early? Just get saving and then get going and let life happen.
cat circle world - definitely shop around - try and find the most experienced flight booker you know (say a PA or secrectary type) and shamelessly use their contacts. get 3 quotes you seem to know what you want so that should make it easy.
yay i love this thread sorry it took me all weelk to get back to you!
16-Feb-2007 09:46
Hiya alley, thanks for the reply.........glad your still alive and you havent died of boredom at work or they have overworked you to death :)
So i have some savings which i was going to use for a deposit for a house,but i thought i can save again when im back, so im buying my ticket in the next month and arranging my WHV's for OZ an NZ around about may so i have enough time to get over there to start them...maybe i could look you up:)...when im over............also had some good quotes for insurance.........ive also had some cash back for a claim i made recently so that will help and im just going to be boring fart and stay in etc until December and try and save about £5000 for my trip...plus a couple of credit cards if needs must.........hoping to head out on December 27 or 28th...so i spend new year away........just need to make mind up which continent to start with?
plus any money i make in Oz an Nz plus my tax back should help my onward adventure........if been talking about it that much that 2 of my friends are going to pay off debts and head off on RTW's later next year and they may meet up with me were ever i am:)
Im thinking maybe the oneworld ticket and go for 6 continents?
Ive shopped round and most tickets are around the £2200-£2500 mark..........but well im greedy i want to go everywere..................lol
Take care all
speak to again soon alley
Mike:)
17-Feb-2007 15:29
skellie - hi I thought that 18mth tickets had finally been invented - try another travel agent, I cant suggesta company as I dont know where you are. i havent booked in a few years so I havent been around for that invention. I havent found a good website for booking RTW tickets as yet so if you do find one please let us all know.
I ended up throwing away half my ticket and buying a one way to insih up my trip - it happens and I dont think of it as wasting money it is a simple fact that things happen while you are away. goodluck
18-Feb-2007 03:31
mikey - sounds like you will be fine for cash but 6 continents? yikes! I must remember to remind myself that I am a very slow traveller so 6 continents would take me about 4 years. I am sure you will see heaps! Just dont give yourslef a deadline and definitely try and get the mythical 15mth ticket that skellie is searching for! See you for a beer when you get to Sydney.
18-Feb-2007 09:37
Hi alley...as is envitable ive decided to ditch the 6 continents ticket idea and try to spend more time inthe places ive shortlisted.......i had to ditch Africa off me plans,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,will have to be next trip....lol
However i think my plans will change again before long......so my last stop is india and then im overlanding back to bangkok and flying back to NZ to finish off the remaining 18 months of my WHV.........i will look you up as im planning 6 weeks in OZ:)
Bye for now and take care
Mike:)
Ive searched everywhere and cant find a 13 mnth let alone a 15 0r 18mnth ticket
22-Feb-2007 21:20
Hi Ally,
First I want you to thank you for your effort to give answers to everybody. It is really awesome that you're helping so many people.
And if you can help me out with this question would be great.
I am looking for cheap one-way airfares between different countries. It seems like there is always a cheaper airline on every track. What is the trick in finding these airlines? Some examples are Virginblue for domestic flights in Australia and not Qantas. Airarabia for between Kathmandu and Istanbul. Tiger airlines for between Darwin and Singapore. And the list goes on. You understand what I mean?
I hope you can help me out.
thanx.
Nathan
23-Feb-2007 09:50
Hi Ally (and anyone else who may have answers)
I'm 21, female, and I want to take a year off from university to see Eastern Europe and South America travelling alone, but my parents are having some safety concerns. I'm all over the don't go sketchy places at night, pay extra for a safe place to stay, etc...but one of their biggest worries is that I could disappear and no one would know for five days or something. What would you recommend I do to prevent that?
Thanks!
25-Feb-2007 02:52
hi nathan
great question, i know some airlines from my travels but I must admit the Americas and Africa are a bit of a gap in my list so perhaps check out those branches on here to see if someone has some info;
Asia
airasia dot com is my all time favourite airline, check them out on line
Bangladeshi Airlines was the cheapestway I could find to get from SE Asia to India
Gulf Air has the cheapest flights in and out of Europe but their planes are a bit rough and crowded (loose seat, audio broken)
in europe use either easyjet dot com or ryanair dot com
plus all the ones you have already found.
25-Feb-2007 02:57
Kally - you know my Dad seriously flipped when I told him I was going. I tried to show him maps and plans to help put him at ease. all to no avail. There really is nothig to say to your parents theya re goig to worry.
Just make certain that you commit to and follow up on a get in touch plan. In one sense they are right you may go missing for 5 days aznd they wont know. If they absolutely have to heaqr from you more often take a mobile with global roaming, of course you may end up out of range so if that happens send an email
BUT - this is not going to solve their worry.
Perhaps better that you ask them to trust that they raised you well and perhaps give them some stories from your teenage years to show them you have made good choices in the past.
02-Mar-2007 13:49
Are Swiss Army knives allowed on Eurostar on Eurail, or will they be confiscated?
02-Mar-2007 18:53
Hi Ally,
Looking for a flight that starts from Kuala Lumpur - Hong Kong - Los Angeles - Kuala Lumpur, which airline or alliance group will offer the lowest price for this? Also, I actually plan to add in other US destinations such as Hawaii and New York, or probably a city in Latin America. Do you think its economically advisable to add these destinations as part of the round the world travel itenary, or is it better to reach Los Angeles and buy a domestic/budger ticket?
Peace
04-Mar-2007 01:00
I am curious to know what kind of meals people prepare when they stay in hostels.
I am used to cooking up large meals and freezing the portions to eat later, but this is not really practical when moving from place to place.
Any suggestions for easy-to-make single portion meals for a gal travelling alone?
04-Mar-2007 03:26
star 69 -the last time I was on a train inEurope was in mid 2001 - so my experience will most definitely be out of date, I had no troub;les. I tried to do a google search and got nowhere. I would think as long as it is tucked away at the bottom of your zipped up pack you would be OK. Best I guess to phone Eurail before you head to the trainstation???
orange abundance - check out the cheap local hubs at airasia dot com -great deals. Use a local travel agent to get you from HK to LA and do it yourself for the asian legs.
dyani - great question - it is late Sunday night I will pop in during work tomorrow and tell you all about the joys of tuna nicoisse and pasta napolitana - cheers
04-Mar-2007 05:03
Hi Ally,
I dont really get you. do you mean that instead of purchasing a one-ticket (some sort like a RTW) KL-HK-LA, I should do it seperately so that cost will be reduced much. When you suggested the local travel agent that I could seek that can get me from HK to LA at the cheapest price, do you mean the local travel agent at Hong Kong?
04-Mar-2007 05:15
Oh ya Ally,
One more thing. If thats what you suggest buying tickets seperately, which is most likely a one-way ticket, will I get asked to show a proof of exit from that particular country? If so, what should I do? I definately do prefer one-way tickets as I can get to choose how long I want to stay, should I like a country, at least I could extend my stay without the need to worry about returning on that particular date. Of course, I will return before my pass expires in that country.
Peace
06-Mar-2007 12:35
Hi there!
I'm hoping to go on a 1-2 week backpacking trip sometime this year and am looking for some ideas for where to go. I'm a 22 year old Canadian girl with a bit of prior experience backpacking. My last trip was 2 months in Greece, Switzerland and Italy with a girlfriend of mine, but on this trip I will likely be going by myself. I'd welcome any ideas you can give me of relatively "safe" places for a solo female traveler to go for a few weeks. Thanks for any help you can give me!
07-Mar-2007 04:22
1000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
07-Mar-2007 04:33
1001 - Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee
oops orange what i meant was buy a return ticket from an agent before you leave home and buy the chorter asian legs of your trip with airasia dot com - of course also get a quote for a full ticket but I think it will be cheper as I flew with air asia in lat 2004 KL - Koya Bharu for about $20 US
Sportstar - Tokyo and Japan springs to mind because it is different to where you have been, very safe and relatively cheap at the moment and because I loved Tokyo last year and I am very keen to see rural Japan.
07-Mar-2007 04:35
rosstraya - BTW I love how red your profiles map is - in fact it is making me green, you should (like me) be ashamed of yourself for not having been over the ditch to New Zealand
07-Mar-2007 14:41
hello,
im a total newbie. have 4 months off from 1st of june and would liek to get away from london for about 3 and a half moths. i could spend like 500£ well maybe a little more and do not where to g. I wouldnt mind working abroad. would liek to either go to spain, cyprus, thailand, china, and not sure what else.
Please would you give me some advise im 23 as well. female. someone advised north sea but it would take forever for an untrained person and i think it would exceed 500£. also, the holy city. i dont even know where to start. also, dont truly have a travel mate for exerise like travelling althoug i would have someoe to wokr abroad (many of their sites i don not trust)
help
thank you
08-Mar-2007 21:21
Hi Ally,
I would like to find out, are ATM machines for Cirrus/Maestro/NETS available in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Southern China and USA?
What advise would you normally give for backpackers in terms of carrying cash and valuables? Is one ATM card good enough, safe enough, what if it is lost? Who should I report it to? Is it replacable? What do normal backpackers carry, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, ATM or Cash?
I heard of this travellers checque? Is it very troublesome? What are the advantanges and disadvantanges.
Thanks and Regards
08-Mar-2007 22:47
Also, another thing,
I am wondering how possible is it to purchase a one-way ticket. Will I get asked for my return ticket? Of course I do prefer one way ticket, in that case I can manage my trip as and when I want. If that place that I go to didnt turn out to be exactly what I wanted, I could at least book an immediate flight.
Another thing, the places that I am exploring to go to are M'sia, Hong Kong, Southern China, USA, Canada and probably Mexico. I want to find out another thing, which is, will I get asked where will I be staying? I do fancy having a wanderlust kind of travel, where I go there and find out whats available, will I get by just by stating a name of a hotel, even though I didnt made advance reservations? My wish is to go there and see for myself what's good before I make a decision on my accomodation.
The other thing, for places like Southern China and USA, I am rather unsure on how many days I want to spent there. I might even travel extensively within the country, I might extend, I might shorten the trip. Will I get asked by the immigration department on how long, how many days exactly I will stay, where will I be staying exactly? Will they check? Will they demand my hotel booking receipt or something like that? What is the best way to tackle such a situation? As I mentioned, my intention is to go there and explore with minimum accomodation planning, thats my preferred style. I definately do not want to have all these checkpoint issues to affect my travel. You can say its some sort like a hippy-kind of travel.
If this information could facilitate your reply, just to let you know that I am a Singapore Citizen.
Thanks!
10-Mar-2007 18:34
I'll be traveling RTW starting in May. Naive I know, but in the U.S. how can I obtain visa's for the countries to which I will be traveling? I'm definitely going to Egypt and India, probably Indonesia and Thailand. (I believe these destinations require Visa's). How do I get them?
Thanks!
10-Mar-2007 23:26
dvani - try this dinner out in a hostel.
lots of Ricotta cheese, a medium tin of tuna, some pasta and some chilli and pepper plus tomato and a green veggie.
Boil Pasta - drain. In the same saucepan you cooked the pasta warm tuna and ricotta add chilli and pepper. Mix
Cover with a sliced tomato - eat!
mmmmmmmmm
10-Mar-2007 23:35
This may be a really novice question, but here it is: When should I buy my ticket?
I've decieded that I'm not going for a RTW ticket, I'm just doing point to point. I want to leave mid Nov and start in Paris, I'll be gone for about a year. How far in advance should I buy my ticket? Also as I'm staying in Europe over Christmas and New Years do I have to book hostals for this time?
Any help would be great.
Cheers
13-Mar-2007 18:18
beca - thats actually a tricky one, it depends on when the specials come out. If you ring up they probably wont tell you - as a rule of thumb the earlier you buy the cheaper it is but dont borrow cash as the interest might be more than the savings. I havent stayed in hostels over Christmas in EUrope, I would think if you ring ahead by a couple of days and see how you go? Some oplaces (eg Swiss Alsp?) may be busy even though it will be cold!
Intuitive - there are plenty of ways to get visas,roughly your choices are;
a) Use an agent or go tot he embassy yourself (I have done both)
b) Do this in your home country or in the country next door.
Sadly - it all depends - in Vietnam the clock used to start ticking on yoru Visa the day it was issued so it made sense to get it in Cambodia, organised by a local agent. I got my India visa in London before I flew out to Asia at the Embassy - how fast will you be travelling? IF you have heasp of time then aim to ocllect them as you go. If you ar ein a rush then get as many as you can before you go.
Orange - I always recommend a mix, take extra hard cash (eg USD) plus an ATM card and a credit card, I am not a big travel cheque fan but they do have theire benefits in some places
One Way tickets - always best to have proof of onward travel when it is advised eg entering the UK or Thailand. Interestingly being a rich white westerner over 30 seems to help!
erika - it really depends - what nationality is your passport? Given your small budget why not try something closer to home. Go and waitress in Spain? or Pick Olives in Greece? Do not use an agency - find some interesting towns and show up and look for work! You will often get a small wage and accommodation. Start with Google and pick a country you are interested in visiting then find out if you can work there. goodluck
13-Mar-2007 18:20
Orange - I also saw your Southern China Post - it will be fine make an estimate and tell them its an estimate, there are plenty of people who's plans change - it will be ok as long as you follow the rules. So if you have a return ticket form Hong Kong to LA. When you arrive in LA that is your proof of onward travel, it would also be your proof of onward travel even if you were in Thailand unexpectedly.
15-Mar-2007 10:30
Hi Ally, im back again:)
Decided on my current itinerary: North America,Central America,South America, Oz,Nz,China, Tibet, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam,Lao, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei/Borneo, Myanmar, India, Nepal and Overland back through India and Bangladesh to Bangkok and a flight back to Nz to use up my working visa, save up enough cash in Nz and fly to Canada and 2 or 3 months in Canada and then back to the uK:)
The plan is roughly 18 months- 2years...........im really excited, i have a question though, when im India about to overland back to Bangkok my RTW will have run out hence no proof of onward journey...will it be such an issue as i will be overlanding back to Thailand?
Thx Mike:)
15-Mar-2007 18:25
YAYAAAAYYYYY
Should be OK Mike, just as insurance, go top www.airasia and buy a plane ticket for later in your trip. You wont need to spend more than $40 AUD, even if you buy a flight from Kualal Lumpar to Denpasar that should show youplan to leave Thailand. That said I never had to show proof ont eh many times I entered thailand.
Talk soon
17-Mar-2007 13:11
Thanks for the recipe Ally. I'll keep that in mind.
I have another question - when staying at hostels, do you shop for food each day, and if not, how do you store stuff? Do you ever have problems with other travellers stealing your food?
17-Mar-2007 16:30
you end up cooking a lot more dry goods which store better (eg the tuna) when you stay put for a couple of days it is easier to buy salad stuff etc but it doesnt move as well. I have never had any trouble with travellers pinching stuff in fact I havent even heard of it happening 2nd hand. What a nice lot we are ! Australian hostels have masking tape and marker pens so you can label everything.
The other recipe I have to mention is pasta + tin of tomatoes + capsicum (etc) + garlic, I call it uni student pasta! Tasty, filling an easy to store and cook.
Oh and Many Australian hostels have a BBQ you can use .
17-Mar-2007 23:39
Maybe I'm paranoid - it used to happen when I lived in uni accommodation. Good to know backpackers are a nicer bunch. Thanks again for your tips Ally - yours is a very useful thread. I've done lots of travelling, but mostly out of suitcase with rental car! I am planning my first real backpacking trip (9-12mths) next year so will no doubt have more questions for you in the future! keep up the great work!
18-Mar-2007 00:46
Hi Ally, thx for the reply, so i was wondering when i am India, if i book a flight on airasia and print an e-ticket...would that then surfice to prove onward travel and then i could always get a different ticket when im in BKK (Ally already knows this but to anyone else please note Bangkok as the highest ratio of travel agents per square mile in the world.........well if it doesn't it sure is close....lol), i bought my rucksack yesterday...although its called a travel sack and i have bought some trekking trainers.........i was going to buy stuff nearer the time...but they were in a sale and well the whole thing of having stuff already makes me feel like im one step closer to my trip:)
Hope you're well ally,take care
Thx Mike:)
18-Mar-2007 03:26
Mikey as you well know 67% of statistics are made up on the spot but in new reasearch they have found this number increases to 86% on the net.
21-Mar-2007 18:22
If I have dual citizenship (NZ and Irish) can I stay in Europe (Schengen countries) longer than 90 days, or do I still have to leave the Schengen area for another 90 days before I can legally enter.
I've been planning a trip where I spend about 3 and a half months going from London - Paris - Belguim - Amsterdam - North of Italy - South of France
Then I'd spend 2 months WWOOF-ing in either France or Italy.
This means I'd spend about 5 months in Schengen countries. What type of visa do I need?
Cheers
Becca
22-Mar-2007 04:38
becca you lucky thing - with an Irish passport you are a member of the EU and can live and work in the Schengen countries -no 90 day rule. I wonder does that make you a Schengenian?
22-Mar-2007 10:40
Thanks Ally, you have made my day.
YAY! No 90 day rule. That would have sucked giant donket balls if I had to leave for 90 days before I could continue traveling.
22-Mar-2007 12:01
Help!? Regarding the Schengen countries - we want to spend 6 months in Europe, flying from Jordan to Madrid and then spending time in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic (which I know isn't one of them), Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, and ending up in UK. We aren't spending any longer than 2 months in any one country (in and out of France). Are we going to be affected by this? Is it 90 days in one country or in total? We're Canadian, have passports and will have a car through the Peugeot lease-buy back program.
22-Mar-2007 19:40
jrbb - hiya can you tell me a bit more about yourselves? basically I can give you 2 answers, one is the rules and the other is the real answer......
BTW I have gotten in trouble for answering this ? before! perhasp send me a PM?
26-Mar-2007 07:48
Ok, so ive sussed out that the u.s and cuba dont have strongest of bondings. All i want to do is simply get from cuba to florida. thats it! Surely in this day in age information on doing this is available for an aussie tourist just passing thru... i cant find any of it!!!! flying, ferrying, spaceshipping, i dont care. can anyone help????
crikey!!
26-Mar-2007 12:49
I'm in Mexico now and I'm trying to get to Panama via Cuba. I guess best way to get to Cuba is from Cancun but I'm running into a brick wall fron there.
basically, I want to get into Cuba in about 10 days or so. spend 2 weeks there before flying into Panama.
any suggestions would be most welcome.
Thanks
26-Mar-2007 16:50
Hi guys, Cuba is on my list of places to get to but having not been there I have no direct experience. I believe (but cant be sure) that Like Disco Stu suggests you need to go via somewhere else. I had a vague feeling it wasnt Mexico - but I really am not an expert.
It looks like you got the answeres you needed on the Cuba branch
29-Mar-2007 07:43
Hi Ally - thanks for all the great advice
What's your opinion on laptops? I'm going to be traveling around South America for a few months before living somewhere down there indefinitely. I want one so that I can do some writing and post photos online. If I were to get one, I'd buy a cheapo that wouldn't be a huge loss if it got stolen. Follow up question - any downside to having a Mac down there?
Thanks...
29-Mar-2007 19:46
Hi Ally.
Just subscribing to this thread, with 15 months to go until we leave. Something to distract me from work!
01-Apr-2007 18:58
Quote
Ben was a very generous man. "Buy enough wine to go around" was the advice he gave to travellers preparing for their first journey on a European night sleeper. He was also a great advocate of a measured approach to travel. Here, again, in his words, published in hidden europe magazine in January this year: "Most of all, savour the moment of arrival. Great railway stations are a pleasure in themselves. Buy a couple of newspapers - one in your own native language perhaps, but definitely one in the local language too. Then find a comfortable cafè at the station, order a coffee and just sit quietly, allowing the morning to develop around you."
This quote from Mr Ben Haines who posted regularly on other branches. Sadly he passed away recently, what a wonderful quote.
03-Apr-2007 05:49
dibital - I am not a fan of taking a laptop - that said I havent travelled overseas since I got one. But as a rule I dont take anything I wouldnt mind losing on the way. Using a laptop to store pictures is dangerous and IMO a memory stick may be a better investment.
In Bangkok I recall internet access in air cond comfort was about 5 baht for 30min. (You could go cheaper but that was a good service) those numbers may be off but it reallywas very cheap
06-Apr-2007 07:23
Hi Ally,
I posted this on the messageboard but then noticed this thread (newbie mistake i know!!!) so i figured i would put it here too as people are sick of these kind of questions.
I'm planning my trip at the moment - the first leg involves Asia, the second living and working in New Zealand for a year and the third South America
This post is just about the First leg Asia. There are lots of places I would love to go to but feel it would be taking on too much to go EVERYWHERE I would like to go!!! My time frame is quite flexible (depending on funds!) but it will be a few months at the most.
I definately want to see Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and also Japan - i feel this is quite viable over a few months however i would also love to see some of India, China and perhaps South Korea.
Any round the world tickets do not seem to be that flexible and do not go to the places I would like to go to and i realise getting individual flights to all of these countries would cost a fortune (i plan to travel between Thailand, Loas etc by bus of course).
So in other people's experience what is a realistic intinerary? Is it very expensive to get from India to China, china to thailand etc!! - i have actually just looked up Airtreks and it doesn't seem so expensive but I'm sure the predicted price will be much more when you actually book it!!!!
Any advice would be great at this stage.
Thanks!!
07-Apr-2007 04:03
I want to go to New Zealand for 4 months and work there, do i need a work holiday visa and if so how do i get one?
(I live in the UK)
10-Apr-2007 01:29
Hi Mindy,
It would seem (from a quick search) that UK citizens can visit for up to 6 months without a visa but I'd google it just to check - http://newzealand.embassyhomepage.com/ may give you some useful info -good luck!!!
10-Apr-2007 01:53
Hi mindy,
Sorry didn't see you wanted to work - I assume you would need a visa in that case but they don't cost very much, a couple of hundred euro :o)
10-Apr-2007 05:34
hiya catastrophe waitress.
Yay your trip sounds great, the RTW tickets are not great fir hubbing throughout a region. So get yourself to SE Asia - use up as many of the Asian legs as you can but I ended up buying a ticket to India in Bangkok (Air Bangladesh was the cheapest then) there are 000s of agents to help you out in Bangkok it was really impossible to get everywhere I wanted to go on aRTW ticket.
and yep mindy you will need a visa - start with a WHV. (Working Holiday Visa) + New Zealand + Application into google and you should get the info direct from the NZ Govt - DO NOT USE AN AGENT
17-Apr-2007 06:12
17-Apr-2007 06:27
Wow! Took me 3 days but I've read all the posts and am I inspired. You guys deserve a medal for the number of times you have been asked "how much"!
So, am nearing the end of a messy but financially enabling divorce and have decided that now that I am footloose and fancy free that the world awaits. I have limitless time if I take care with the $$ and have started to build the dream.
Roughly -
From Oz (home) - Mexico, overland to US and Canada
then across to China - silk road to eastern Europe
Turkey - up to Mediterranean (focus on Greece and Italy)
Over to UK
back to Northern Europe making my way through Western Countries (France/Spain)
down to Africa
From here it gets a bit hazy except that I figure I'll go with the flow a bit and if I hear of something interesting or meet up with some cool folks I'll head that way.
The final leg of the journey will be back through Nepal for a bit of trekking then SEA for a chill out before I have to decided what the "rest of my life" has in store.
I realise