Posted: 2007-02-08 00:24:00
Well, I guess that depends a lot on what kind of backpacker you are, and that has to do a lot with what kind of person/interests you have.
Some people prefer to pre-plan a route to follow, and try to organice their journey from home, with accurate information from books, internet or any other source.
Some other prefer to travel and discover the places once there, and try to visit and do things that they love most. Some people love museums, some other churches and cathedrals, some others love beaches and relaxing, some other eating and partying.
It will also depend a lot on your budget and what you can afford and want to expend.
Everyone is a different backpacker, so there is no rule.
In this page you can find a lot and very useful information about all the places you want to visit, and be sure to ask since people will try to help you as well!
Have a nice tryp!
--- Travelling is the only way to learn what neither books nor teachers will ever be able to explain
Posted: 2007-02-08 03:31:00
Jenna,
If this is your first time, I really would suggest creating a loose itinerary and then locating good hostels or backpacker's hotels along your route in advance. This doesn't mean you can't deviate and extend stays in favored places, but to have good referrals for hostels and inexpensive hotels is pretty important as they can vary a lot both safety wise and in condition. Once you kind of know where you want to go, you can check back here for tips, or post your itinerary and ask for suggestions. Another consideration is bus/train routes and availability. If you plan up front, you can map out basic routes that won't leave you stranded for days because there is only 2 buses a week headed in your next direction.
You should be prepared up front that some places in South America have restrictions. The Inka Trail to Machu Picchu as an example requires that you have a registered guide to get on the trail - you can't go on your own any more. You can join a group very easily, with a day or two notice, in Cusco (which also gives you a chance to aclimitize to the altitude). Several Biospheres in the Amazon Basin have the same sorts of restrictions. These are just things to think about.
Have a great time - i envy you the opportunity to travel for an extended period of time!
Eire
--- Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.
Posted: 2007-03-07 17:49:00
hello Jenna! - do you like to travel all that destinations on one trip? - or one by one? take your time! I never would recommend a around-a-world-tour. Even on 6week travels I am busy writing a diary to remember detailed impressions. For first time backpacking Thailand or Vietnam are perfect, actually you wouldnt even need a backpack a small sportsbag is doing the job. No language problems, you make your own experience how you travel and what to take for your personal comfort...
The best, most interesting voluntary jobs are found in south america eg Peru or Ecuador. take your time, talk about your ideas with your friend and make a decision...
--- Travel 2008:
Scubadiving Sumbawa, Komodo Indonesia/ july
