Author	Message
loladoll Member United Kingdom (Great Britain)	# Posted: 25 Sep 2006 18:09:57 Hey Everyone I’m Laura, 18, from Glasgow I’ve been thinking about travelling around the world as a gap year in 2007/8 for about nine months and have only now got the courage to take the bull by the horns and do it before I become a skint student at uni. Lol I am a complete newbie to travelling/backpacking and I would appreciate any advice from experienced travellers. I’m in a lucky position. I have 200,000 KLM air miles at my disposable thanks to a father that travels a lot for business. (On other backpacking forms, I was hounded for considering using air miles for backpacking. They said it’s not in keeping with the independent travellers sprit or something) If anyone could give any suggestions to these questions I would be most grateful: Where should I go? Where should I stay? What should I see/do when I get there? What backpack should I take? What should I take with me?

Nicolas Member Belgium	# Posted: 26 Sep 2006 10:28:04 Hi Laura, This actually all depends on what you want to do... Where to go? Have a look on the internet, there are a lot of destination guides describing what countries are like. If I were you, I would also have a look at the KLM website for connections between different countries. When you can fly for free, why wouldn't you? On the other hand, in some countries trains and busses are an unique experience too. Where to stay? Depends a lot on how much money you have. I think hostels are the best option, this is also a good way to meet other people. What to see? Again, have a look around on the internet, or in travel guides. But sometimes it's even better to get in touch with locals in a bar or so. They can also have interesting tips. What backpack? Backpacks are like clothes. Like you don't buy pants before trying if they fit, you shouldn't just buy a backpack too. Try a few, put something in them, and see which one fits the best. Who to take? This is the most difficult question... When you travel with other people, you have to look after them. You will have to do things you don't like, go to places you don't want to go... and so on. If you're taking someone with you, first discuss what you want to do, and how much money you have. I think these are the two mayor problem causers. Some tips: - Planning is very important! - Have a look at the Art Of Travel website: http://www.artoftravel.com - Enjoy the world! greets I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list
roccanskater Member Morocco	# Posted: 26 Sep 2006 18:08:47 i say do not plan, get on the first plane leaving to any country in south easte asia , and let ur senses work, at leaste that s how i like it , travel alone, meet ppl , but be careful and have ur limits , i d suggest u to go to south easte asia as it is cheaper compared to any other place in the world and if u ever go to thailand , go to the full moon party well , that s my opinion , but the most important thing is for u to have fun ps: i am a back packer myself , n i stay in kl malaysia until i finish touring in SEA, fell free to ask anything about this place u ll also find me at panterose@hotmail.com to a backpacker, no other backpacker is a stranger