Which Continent first?

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falkirkbairn2
falkirkbairn2

I'm in my late 40's, have done a bit of travelling but only for 2 weeks to 1 month at a time. Lived out in Malaysia for 2 years. Anyway, looking at travelling for about 10 years with pit stops back to the UK - really for insurance purposes and to see my family and friends once every 2 years or so. I keep relatively healthy albeit for a bit of arthritis, but still manage to climb, though nothing strenuous, I guess a gentle hill is my limit. I walk about 12 kms twice weekly.

I'm looking at going to Africa, Central America, The Caribbean, Asia and SE Asia with certain countries identified in these continents. I have done some research on fco website re visas in particular duration and costs etc and also with embassies of countries, though, all are subject to change. I'll be backpacking of course!

Anyway, what I'm thinking is............

Africa - would envisage travelling for 2-3 years and hopefully from north to south or vice versa. (mostly using land borders where possible)

Central America - 12 months to 18 months - Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala - (possibly Belize and Mexico but only for 2 weeks each country). ( again - using land borders)

The Caribbean - 12 months to 18 months- Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Rep, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. Still to research costs of flights.

Asia - India and Nepal - 18 months - (will use flights between countries)

SE Asia - Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia - 2 years.( travel overland and flight/ferry to Indonesia)

I would appreciate peoples thoughts and any advice, in particular which continent to travel to first and so forth. I haven't been to South America as yet. Would folks recommend S America as opposed to The Caribbean? I can't afford both. I am aware of the travel, accommodation, food and beer costs in most of the countries. Some much less expensive than others which will hopefully off set the total expense.

My main interests are people, culture, music and photography. I enjoy seeing wildlife but not in a 'truck' load of foreigners. I do enjoy seeing the 'touristy' sights, but not too much into them and don't like being overloaded with them either ie. temples, monuments etc. I enjoy experiencing as much as is possible, traditional ways of life in whatever country I visit, also picking up the basics of the local language.

Given my age and physical health, though I'm possibly fitter than some 20 ish year olds, which continent would folks go to first and then which order?

Looking forward to any thoughts/advice. Thanks.

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lucapal
lucapal

Is it South america vs Caribbean or all the others?

If its only those 2 I would go to SA every time......far more interesting than the Caribbean IMHO(though Cuba is worth a trip for sure)

If its all of them (that is a BIG plan,even if you have given yourself a good amount of time) I'd probably start with SE Asia.For reasons of cost and ease...it makes sense to do the easiest places first to me.I'd also fit in a few more countries-2 years for those 4 is a lot of time,unless you plan to stay in one place for a long period rather than constant travelling around...

Anyway I'd do the first trip....on a one way flight.......see how it goes-you may not like it after all ;-)
Keep travelling until you get bored,and then either go home for a bit or change continent.

This is assuming you've got the funds to keep going without working of course!

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lucapal
lucapal

Agree with Jim on a trip across/around Africa last........that's the toughest trip on your list (particularly if you do central or west coast route).

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jimburns
jimburns

I would start with SE asia as it is abit more familiar to you and is a very easy place to get accustomed to the backpacking lifestyle. I personally would go to south america it can be very cheap and that would also be another good place to start your journey. If you plan on backpacking africa i would leave that until you are abit more experienced.

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jimburns
jimburns

I would be interested in what your budget is. Your statement about Caribbean vs SA seems abit odd for someone who has enough $$$ to travel for 10 years.

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falkirkbairn2
falkirkbairn2

I have just typed out a lengthy reply to both lucapal and JimBurns and it wasn't added. AAagghh!
Give me 5, no, better 10!

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falkirkbairn2
falkirkbairn2

#1 lucapal I was thinking The Caribbean v SA AND all the others. I haven't researched into the costs in SA, visas etc but, yes, The Caribbean will be more expensive, though I'm not going to the islands for the 'exclusive'. I plan to stay for months, possibly up to 6, or longer in the SE Asian countries. I have a friend who stayed in Cambodia for a number of years.

#2 JimBurns - It's not possible to write everything in one post and as verbal communication goes, there are usually questions or statements made. So here it is - more info - I have travelled overland in 6 West African countries and have also been to Kenya, The Rep of Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia. All with my rucksack.

You both are of the opinion that Africa will be the toughest out of them all, and I agree, but, it's my fitness levels that I'm thinking about and wonder if I could still do Africa in say, 6 years time. All ifs and buts eh! It's been my dream for some 15 years now to travel North to South or vice versa, taking in East to West if possible. Again, it all depends what's happening in some countries at the time.

My budget is £8,000 per annum and I'll also rent out my flat for which should give me an income of approx £550 per month. I plan to use the rental money to live on and if needs be, use my savings. I also have TEFL experience to fall back on, if I want to get involved in that area. Who knows? I plan to travel with flexibility in mind and should I feel I need to stay longer or move on, then that's what I'll do - within reason re funds.

Thanks for the advice from both of you. More is most welcome.

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bristolnewbie
bristolnewbie

If I could travel for 10 years I`d aim to travel to every continent and every country(Well, almost.) on Earth, no less!

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falkirkbairn2
falkirkbairn2

Yes, I had thought about that but it's pretty expensive to travel in Europe and would like to visit more than the main cities. The bulk I guess would be accommodation costs. Also there's Russia and other countries in Asia. Maybe in the next 10 years!

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updownallaround7
updownallaround7

There have been similar posts to this in the past few days...

You are still in your 40's meaning your still able to work properly, and do a good job about it.

If you go off for 10 years, spend your savings, then come back when your nearly 60, do you honestly think you can get a job? If you were a employer wouldn't you hire the younger, easier to teach applicant?

Remember, when you are younger, you pick things up faster, your output is greater. Before you say, "Oh but I'll have experience that younger people won't have" Lots of things change in 10 years. Look back 10 years ago from today, everything has changed since 2001/2002. How much more are things going to be different in 2022?

Older people have a harder time getting a job because, they are simply "older" harder to teach things because they think they know everything already. Don't learn new things as fast as a younger person, and don't have as big of an output as someone who is 20-30 years younger then them.

This in no way is mean't to damper your dreams of traveling. Its just a helpful post to bring you back to reality. Wouldn't you rather work when you are 'young' then enjoy life in your old age later on?

Good luck!

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