Hi I'm James, 21, surfer and a recent university graduate.
I would like to start my travels at the beginning of next year but I don't know where to go or have anyone to go with. The latter is my main concern so for my first lot of travels I would prefer not to go solo and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on group travel companies or useful websites to look at.
Cheers
It's a good idea to do a short (say 2 weeks) tour just to get your feet wet and then head off on your own. This will give you just a little cushion as you start travelling, but once you start travelling independently you'll find that you meet other travellers to share a bit of road with and then can part ways as you meet new people heading your way.
As for specific companies - you could have a look at the likes of Intrepid or G Adventures, Depending on where you're planning on travelling there other companies that you could consider. Some countries have hop-on hop-off bus services for travellers which can be a good compromise (such as Baz Bus in S. Africa). If you're looking at N. America Trek America would be a good place to look.
Agree with Toad.
What types of countries are you interested in? There are hundreds of 'em to choose from.
And by the way, even if you do travel solo, you won't be alone for long. You'll soon meet other people. For this, South East Asia would be a good choice.
Travel Chiwelu in Malawi is cool.They organize group tours at reasonable rates you should check them out
Wherever you go, if there are waves there will be surfers. You will not be alone, you will be fighting for space.
You'll probably meet other surfers in the airport. They're pretty easy to spot, and usually friendly people.
Why not just buy the cheapest 2-week package trip you can find, and be ready in your own mind to stay on at the end of the trip and figure it out from there if you want to.
Don't be scared to go by yourself! I went around Europe on my own when I was 19 for around 3 weeks. I was absolutely bricking it before I left but it was one of the best experiences of my life. I prefer solo travel. You'll get so much more out of it. You've probably heard it all before but if you stay in hostels (look for sociable ones with a bar) then it is dead easy to talk to people (and I'm generally a quiet person). You'll make tons of new friends that you might not even think about chatting to if you have your old buddy next to you. Plus, you can do what the hell YOU want to do!
If a travel tour company would make you feel more comfortable then go for that but don't let not having a mate to go with stop you going at all. You'll regret it big time.
As for where to go? Only you can answer that. Think about your budget. How far away from home do you want to go? What interests do you have? Do you speak a second language?
I think you've got some great advice from the other posters. I'd also suggest souteast Asia as a good starting point -- lots of surf-spots and also lots of people your age backpacking through the area. You'll have no trouble meeting other people. I am not a surfer but i always enjoy hanging out in surf spots because I find surfers to be a very chilled and friendly crowd!
But, if you let us know which área of the world you will be starting your travels from, you will prob get some more specific advice.