Author	Message
Colin Knapp Member Chelmsford,Essex, England	# Posted: 11 Jan 2006 22:01:06 Hey all, I've beem thinking about backpacking Australia for about 6 months now, and have now decided that i definitly want to explore this beautiful country. I am a complete novice at travelling, and would appreciate any advice people have for me. I am looking for advice on the best time of year to go etc, and also looking for a buddy or 2 to travel with. Anyone with a good sense of humour and not afraid to try new things, and is up for a good time, either male or female. I am hoping to go late 2006, or earlier if i can raise enough money, but if this is a bad time to be travelling then spring 2007. Any help greatly recieved. thankyou

JaMeZ Moderator Amsterdam	# Posted: 12 Jan 2006 18:56:10 Hi Colin, Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your decision to go travelling; I'm sure you won't regret it. Regarding some advice at travelling, a good start would be some of the articles which you can find on this website. Backpacking Australia for example is a four-paged article on traveling down under. The Backpacking Information section provides you with information on travel essentials, which might also come in handy for your preparations. When to go? If I were you I'd try to make it there late 2006. In that way, you'll be there in the Australian late spring, summer and begin fall. If you go later than that you'll be there in the winter too (which isn't terrible of course, but summer might be a bit nicer to travel in). I hope this at all helps. James "It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear." - Douglas Adams
RobN Moderator UK	# Posted: 12 Jan 2006 20:00:09 Timing also depends on where in Australia you want to go - during the summer months (November-February/March) it can get uncomfortable in the north if you don't handle humidity that well - it can get very humid and wet in some places!