Tomassi Posted 8 July 2012 Author Posted 8 July 2012 Nah, obviously working is not the same as being on holiday, but it's still a great experience as you get to live the real culture of the country. Much better to work in another country if you get chance rather than just be doing the same old shit at home. Agreed. I'm having a brilliant time experiencing the Aussie culture whilst working here.
Webbo Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Reading this thread has made me so jealous. I never did anything like this when I was younger, it never even occurred to me. Best of luck to all of you.
Rincewind Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Aussie+culture Experience as much of it that you can while it lasts.
Tomassi Posted 8 July 2012 Author Posted 8 July 2012 Reading this thread has made me so jealous. I never did anything like this when I was younger, it never even occurred to me. Best of luck to all of you. Never too late! Am 28 and do not regret leaving everything at home to do this!
Webbo Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Never too late! Am 28 and do not regret leaving everything at home to do this! I'm almost 47 with a family and a mortgage. Maybe I could do something like this when the kids leave home.
Tomassi Posted 8 July 2012 Author Posted 8 July 2012 I'm almost 47 with a family and a mortgage. Maybe I could do something like this when the kids leave home. I bumped into an american couple in Laos who bought a van and took 18 months off to travel the whole world. At that point they had already done Europe and africa. They were in their 50s. Don't know how they managed it!
lavrentis Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Going off round Japan for 2 weeks. Not really interested in other parts of southeast Asia as my brothers done Thailand/Laos etc says it's not brilliant
MooseBreath Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Not really interested in other parts of southeast Asia as my brothers done Thailand/Laos etc says it's not brilliant Sacrilege. I can understand not liking certain places but if you can't find something you enjoy in south east asia then you might as well give up on life altogether,
lavrentis Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Sacrilege. I can understand not liking certain places but if you can't find something you enjoy in south east asia then you might as well give up on life altogether, Nah he enjoyed it but just preferred other places
Tomassi Posted 8 July 2012 Author Posted 8 July 2012 Jack go Tiger Temple and the Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai (Thailand)...
Jon the Hat Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 I like Chang Mai. In fact anywhere in SEA makes me want to jump on a moped and drive around. Those were the days.
Brown Fox Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Having seen all my mates pictures of them having summers abroad all over the world it has made extremely jealous and so a few of us are now trying to plan to go away to the far east (Thailand,vietnam etc.) for next summer but I don't even know where to start? Has anyone got any websites they suggest etc.? Any help would be smashing!
Jackirius Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 You gonna overland from Laos down to Cambodia? I did it that way and it was great, fairly off the beaten track, some beatiful places in southern Laos and northern Cambodia was interesting. Are you staying in Mumbai or just connecting? Yep sure are, fly into Hanoi then around north Vietnam, into Lao, down to cambodia then back into south Vietnam. Well thats the plan but we are pretty open so as Tomassi said we will probably just go with the flow. Probably staying in Mumbai for a few days then heading down to Goa, will only be in India for around 3 weeks so not much time. Have you been before?
Jackirius Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Hey Jackirius. Great to see that you are going travelling. It is one of the best things you can do in life and will make you appreciate life so much more especially when visiting countries like Laos and Cambodia. I echo Monk's words when he says to travel light! I have a 65 litre backpack and it sometimes is a bit of a struggle but I wanted the extra room incase I picked some things up along the way. Try and pack as little as you can. Forget the tent idea just find places to stay. I once stayed in a Lao house with 12 other backpackers, we just turned up and asked if we could stay! There will always be somewhere and after a long days trek your not going to want to put a tent up! A friend I know travelled all of SE Asia on a motorbike and just rocked up at peoples houses! Guesthouses throughout asia are rediculously cheap. Most days I was spending less than 3 pounds that would get me all my food and drink and a comfortable bed. Beers in Cambodia are like 12p ! I only did Thailand, Laos and Malaysia. Plan as little as you can and go with the flow. You and your friend will meet so many people along the way and things will happen and you will go places you least expected to. Also, most places have free wifi, so worth buying an ipod which you can access the internet from. It will be a lot better than taking an ipad or laptop as it will save you a lot of room. It saved me a lot of hassle finding places. Also, best to stay in dorms when you can, best way to meet people and a lot of dorms are well maintained these days. Make sure you eat well and try not to get silly with your beers. You dont want to end up in hospital in asia. I had gastritis in Malaysia but fortunately was in a good area. Laos and Cambodia will literally blow you away. Laos especially is still very raw and only opened up to tourism a few years ago. Unfortunately most people go just for the tubing, I didn't bother with that but did everything else and there are some stunning places. The people are incredible. And the Cambodian recent history is very sad what with the Kmher Rouge killing fields from the 70s but a definate worthwhile visit! If you do end up going to Austalia, I would certainly recommend getting a working holiday visa. Its very expensive here but the pay is incredible now. I was earning 40 dollars an hour (28 pounds) cleaning an airport, 60 dollars overtime! Don't do fruitpicking work at all costs but theres plenty of good jobs out there. Im currently doing my regional work at the Cocos Keeling Islands which is an Aussie owned set of Islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean! So I will be able to extend my visa for a second year after doing my 3 months here. Have been away from home 10 months now and absolutely loving it. If I get offered sponsorship in Oz then I am going to take it which would mean 4 more years here If not then will be going onto NZ for a couple years and probably stick to my original plan. If you want to add me on facebook or pm me feel free Tom Awesome reply Tomassi thanks! Yep i eventually got around to it, it's strange to think that this time in 3 months I will finally had jetted off, something I've always wanted to do and it feels a bit surreal that things are starting to come together. I have ditched the tent/camping idea after the advice from you guys and looking into it a bit more, as you said seems to be an abundance of places to stay out there. I'm looking at the Berghaus Jalan 60 + 10L backpack at the minute, not sure if it is too much though, I want to pack lightly so may be looking at something a little less maybe a 50-55L, but i do fancy one with a detachable day pack. I was looking at maybe buying a kindle for all those long bus/train rides and lazy days on the beach, can also use that for internet and it's pretty compact and light but will bring my ipod touch for music as well. Yeh i've heard some stories about the hospitals in Cambodia/Vietnam, unfortunately a friend was on an overnight bus journey from Phnom Penh to Saigon and was involved in a crash in which she broke her leg and had a pretty bad experience in the hospitals she visited, so will definitely make sure i stay fit and healthy. I was a bit skeptical about Lao with it being so unexplored and raw but having looked into it a bit more have warmed to the idea. Probably won't be heading to Australia this time but i wouldn't mind going in a couple of years to play cricket out there for a season and also as i'm on a bit of a tight budget not sure i can fit it in. Hope you're having a fantastic time and I will certainly drop you a message if I have any questions regarding anything as you seem very clued up Thanks!
Jackirius Posted 8 July 2012 Posted 8 July 2012 Having seen all my mates pictures of them having summers abroad all over the world it has made extremely jealous and so a few of us are now trying to plan to go away to the far east (Thailand,vietnam etc.) for next summer but I don't even know where to start? Has anyone got any websites they suggest etc.? Any help would be smashing! Depends if you want to do it with a tour operator or just book your flights and go it alone. I would suggest the later though as you will have a lot more flexibility. Look into prices, how long you want to stay, what you want to do etc. Then it's just a matter of taking that first step. Book those flights nice and early and then start to look at other things like visas (only need one for vietnam the rest you can get on arrival), jabs, gear. If you just shove into google 'travelling checklist' or something it will come back with thousands of hits, don't tie yourself up too much though, as Tom said it's best just to go with the flow.
Tomassi Posted 9 July 2012 Author Posted 9 July 2012 I'm looking at the Berghaus Jalan 60 + 10L backpack at the minute, not sure if it is too much though, I want to pack lightly so may be looking at something a little less maybe a 50-55L, but i do fancy one with a detachable day pack. Yeah I would get that mate, especially if its got a detachable day pack. Berghaus will last you years too I was a bit skeptical about Lao with it being so unexplored and raw but having looked into it a bit more have warmed to the idea. Laos is amazing. You wont regret going. Theres a company that specializes in trips that covers all the best bits if you are interested in doing a tour for a couple weeks, leaves from Bangkok and covers Northern Thailand too - http://www.straytravel.com/asia The best places I visited were Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw and Kong Lor (7km Cave). One day a few of us rocked up along the Mekong and some dude took us for a ride in his boat, made from a US bomb! Probably won't be heading to Australia this time but i wouldn't mind going in a couple of years to play cricket out there for a season and also as i'm on a bit of a tight budget not sure i can fit it in. Yeah Australia is awesome mate. The sporting facilities are unbelievable. I'm playing football for a Sunday League team and they have their own stadium and clubhouse, the pitch is better than any semi-pro club in UK! Hope you're having a fantastic time and I will certainly drop you a message if I have any questions regarding anything as you seem very clued up Anytime mate let me know if you need any more advice. I can recommend some places to stay in Thailand if needs be. Also join this facebook group to meet some other travellers/get some tips... http://www.facebook.com/groups/205831126107823/ Thanks!
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 9 July 2012 Posted 9 July 2012 Glad to hear you're still loving it Tom, if you come back to Melbourne hit us up and we will go to another game.
Tomassi Posted 9 July 2012 Author Posted 9 July 2012 Glad to hear you're still loving it Tom, if you come back to Melbourne hit us up and we will go to another game. Definately mate, cheers. Might be going to the MotoGP in October. If it doesnt work out in Perth then I may try Melbourne again
Jackirius Posted 9 July 2012 Posted 9 July 2012 Cheers again for the reply Tom. Will check out them sites, but can't join the Facebook page yet as i haven't told work One last question, I'm only 19 and have had friends come back from Thailand saying that they were the youngest people out there travelling, Is it more early - mid twenties dominated around SEA?
Tomassi Posted 9 July 2012 Author Posted 9 July 2012 Cheers again for the reply Tom. Will check out them sites, but can't join the Facebook page yet as i haven't told work One last question, I'm only 19 and have had friends come back from Thailand saying that they were the youngest people out there travelling, Is it more early - mid twenties dominated around SEA? There is surprisingly quite an age range in SE Asia. Theres still loads of kids your age but I was very surprised to meet a lot of people around the mid-20 mark for sure! I wouldn't worry about that though and at your age its definately the best time to travel. Wish I had at your age but better late than never! Get yourself a decent camera too, you'll become an expert photographer over there! And make all your mates jealous! If you do get a moped whilst out there, just be careful. Its great fun and first time I ever rode a motorbike but theres plenty of accidents, mainly due to carelessness, people going too fast or riding when drunk. I fell off 3 times but thats cus am stupid (was going at less than 5kph each time )
Jackirius Posted 9 July 2012 Posted 9 July 2012 There is surprisingly quite an age range in SE Asia. Theres still loads of kids your age but I was very surprised to meet a lot of people around the mid-20 mark for sure! I wouldn't worry about that though and at your age its definately the best time to travel. Wish I had at your age but better late than never! Get yourself a decent camera too, you'll become an expert photographer over there! And make all your mates jealous! If you do get a moped whilst out there, just be careful. Its great fun and first time I ever rode a motorbike but theres plenty of accidents, mainly due to carelessness, people going too fast or riding when drunk. I fell off 3 times but thats cus am stupid (was going at less than 5kph each time ) Yeh its just i wanted to go and have done it before i properly get into a career or go to uni. I will have to ask the experts in the photography thread for their ideas on cameras when I go out gear shopping I've never rode a moped and am in two minds whether i will when i go out there but will see what happens Need to get all my jabs done this week
Tomassi Posted 9 July 2012 Author Posted 9 July 2012 I will have to ask the experts in the photography thread for their ideas on cameras when I go out gear shopping If you got a bit of wonga and want a decent camera but dont want the bulkyness of Dslr's get the Canon G12 they are silky smooth! Perfect travel camera and met a lot of professional photographers who had this as their travel camera.
Jackirius Posted 9 July 2012 Posted 9 July 2012 If you got a bit of wonga and want a decent camera but dont want the bulkyness of Dslr's get the Canon G12 they are silky smooth! Perfect travel camera and met a lot of professional photographers who had this as their travel camera. Hmm probably a bit out of my price range, i just want a compact one which takes decent enough photos, though my uncle may sell me his old one he used when he went travelling for cheap, can't remember off the top of my head what it is though but think it was a pretty good one. I am such a shocking photographer as well, will need to get some practice in before i go
DB11 Posted 9 July 2012 Posted 9 July 2012 My only input in this thread is that the iPhone has a great camera with quality shots for travelling!
Tomassi Posted 9 July 2012 Author Posted 9 July 2012 Oh yeah couple more things to mention. Buy a wet-bag in thailand, you will know what i mean when you see them. very cheap but awesome so when ya go on boat tours you can keep all your stuff nice and dry and make sure your backpack has a waterproof cover. its usually stashed away in one of the pockets at the top and folds out when required. Will save a lot of heartache!
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