travel advice?

[soserious]

ok, the last time i was on holiday* was about 21-22 years ago.
so im a little rusty on how things are supposed to work.

im going away in about 2 weeks and a 1/2,
what little things , checks, plans should i do/ make to avoid hassles and holdups?

ive been really working on my home and put almost no thought into travel neccesities , what i`d bring or even particularly wit itnerary yet. :?

i culd just guess at it but that can cost unexpectedly. so better to ask advice :)

so?
anything to do with airport, travel, blah?

[soserious]

also, what size rucksack is good if youre going to be carrying your stuff for a few weeks in it? (minus sleeping bag?).

i seen a 65+10 litre. but maybe i need 85? is that big? im going to look at some in real terms soon to get an idea of what is best for this.

[Bobo]

Make a list of things You need, makes packing alot easier. Where are You going? If it's a warm place, don't take many clothes, at least if the destination is considered cheap -> buy what You need at the destination.

[soserious]

yeah, i was reckoning for on site procurement. but only for some things.

im heading to AUS,. Queensland to be exact. but my travel itinerary is really crap. theres so much there i dunno what to do nd how to plan it, im also on a really tight budget here.
but i DO know a few things i want to see in south queensland- but then i reckon i`ll head north- then maybe west.
i want to go to national parks, see the great barrier reef, jungle/or ranforest, desert, the outback, stuff like that.
except im NOTORIOUSLY bad at making decisions, or rather bad at deciding anything at all-i dont want to waste this opportunity.

[Bobo]

You go out there, man! What's the point in being born on a planet this fascinating and beautiful, without exploring at all? Don't take anything You don't need, only some clothes for hot and cold days (unless You buy them at the destination), camera, binoculars, and an open mind. Don't carry all Your money in a wallet, get a pouch You can hang on Your neck and carry it under Your clothes. Never flash all Your money, keep most of it hidden and only a small amount in Your wallet. Don't keep Your wallet in Your back pocket or anywhere visible. If You have a credit card (recommended), write down the serial number and their service phone number in case You get robbed or loose Your wallet (= keep it separately from Your cards), You can close the card quickly that way. Leave Your valuables and passport in the hotel safety locker.

[soserious]

ok, this is good advice,
any more?
oh, hotel? lol, i said im on a tight budget.
more like campsites and hostels and even just undr the stars.
*wakes up being bittin*
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"
(i hope not).

yeah- i figure travvelling lihgt is the best option.

how many clothe items would you take if it was just a big rucksack and for a few weeks? i figure i can clean some of my stuff at an early stage at a public laundrette or something.

2 pairs of jeans , combats and casual?
trainers? trainers and shoes or get some walking boots?
what would you take? literally?

i dont want to be weighed down overly nor do i want to be unprepared though.
so complex :x
im still waiting to take delivery of a few things i ordered, i have a sleeping bag and some other things so far.

[Bobo]

A spare shirt is a good idea, but one pair of jeans/long trousers should do. Take one long sleeved shirt too to avoid the mosquitos + some repellent. Take some Imodium with You in case You get diarrhea, easy to get in foreign countries with different bacteria. Also take some anti histamine for mosquito bites + some painkillers for other symptoms. Sunglasses too, and a hat if the sun is burning hot. Suncream too... Most importantly: get an travel insurance, or it can be quite expensive to get sick abroad.

[soserious]

(edit i dunno what i pressed but my keyboard did this) :x :x :x :?

[soserious]

THINGS:
imodium, insect repellent, anti-histamine,sunscreen, shades, hat, travel insurance.
ok, i`ll add that to my list.

CLOTHES:
one pair of jeans? really?
including what i`ll be wearing?
i intend to take 2 pairs of combats (for their looseness and comfort)
hat i will acquire on site.
what about socks and boxers? take loads or just wash them a few times?
shirts .ok.


i am very pale, so im sure i would burn very easily. so sunscreen i will look into for sure, even though its their winter. i hear the further north the hotter. and the deserts must be hot.

thankyou Bobo, this is helping.
(i feel very un-condfident in myself, also im inexperienced so this is good)

[Bobo]

Avoid things that weight alot, and jeans are quite heavy. Long trousers are ok, but if it's hot then jeans can be quite uncomfortable. Jeans, and something long and light... it can be warm at night + loads of mosquitos, so You'll need long and cool trousers then. Socks and boxers don't take much room or weight too much, You can take a few of those just in case there aren't laundry possibilities where You're going. Always carry a bottle of water with You, getting dehydrated may easily ruin Your holiday.

[Spike]

It'll be the middle of winter when you get there, and there seems to be a fair bit of variation North to South - best check it out a bit better
http://www.roughguides.com/store/details.html?ProductID=5

[soserious]

hm, read it now.
you think a bike bought there would be useful if im travelling northwards and then central?

[Bobo]

What exactly are Your plans? How long? Where will You go? It's a damn big place You know...

[soserious]

What exactly are Your plans? How long? Where will You go? It's a damn big place You know...

um, this is exactly my point: i have no plans yet!
i dont know where or how to start.
help :(

[Valk]

First of all, how long do you go to Australia? Is your flight back to England on a set date?

Secondly, which things do you want to see? How far apart are they?

[soserious]

3 weeks, yes a set return date but MAYBE, longer depending.

and i dont know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
great barrier reef,
tropical forests in north,
maybe fraser island,
some national parks,
maybe uluuru (ayres rock)


how far apart? i dunno. let me look for a map.. (i have maps but they dont show national park locations, theyre vague.
i have 2 weeks to sort myself out and stuff.
help!

[Valk]

You need some form of transportation. I dont think you will get far if you go by foot. Can you drive a car?

[soserious]

hmm, i think perhaps i need to get a street map for queensland. detailed. probably be big though.
i gotta sell some stuff on ebay too to see if i can make a little bit of money to help cos im flat broke.
whats a good cash in hand job/s to do like very temporary?
i was thinking maybe looking for a building site and asking if they needed someone like that for a week or week and a half.

[soserious]

You need some form of transportation. I dont think you will get far if you go by foot. Can you drive a car?


i have no liscence, and i have no money for a car.
i am on a tight budget. £200 for 3 weeks for everything:
travel, food, anythings i buy out there that i`ll need, hostel money, campsite money, anything i want to do money blah..
im not allowed to work out there either or id do that for a little while (i have an ETA whicgh allows me to visit but not work as in holiday work)

and yes-it sux i have no license or money or id go drive.
FUCK YOU SS!! :x

[Valk]

You need to research the transportation options. I heard you talk about a bike but I think Australia is too big for that.

[soserious]

no, i mean like take a train with the bike and then bike around destinations maybe- id maybe buy a cheap mountain bike out there and try to sell it on when i left.
maybe i`ll walk, but a bike seems an easier option except it can be a problem here and there and i dont know if national parks allow bikes.

[Spike]

Is £200 enough?

I thought immigration like to see enough dosh to support yourself (and a return ticket).

[soserious]

i have no idea- £200 is all ive got so itll have to be enough :?

[Thought Pro]

I wouldn't think that would be enough for plane tickets...

[soserious]

it isnt.
plane tickets are already purchased.

[soserious]

does anyone know where i can get hold of british adaptors for australian plugs?
i can only find american adaptors.

[BIGOKE]

SS i am concerned that GBP200 is very low. That only translates into about AUS$ 400. Consider taking more money or otherwise don't try and travel about too far. Choose one of the things you would really like to see and do (like the reef or something) and then maybe gauge from there if you can do other stuff. And don't do the desert unless you have an Aussie with you, that is not a place to go to on you're own especially on a bike. Do you have a credit card? Might come in handy in case of emergency. Otherwise have a good trip!! :cool

[soserious]

thanks BIGOKE.
but as i already said £200 GBP is EVERYTHING i have. itll have to do. :( :x

[Bobo]

I'm sorry to say this, but You don't have enough money for the trip. Postpone it, save some more, and then go. Everything costs, I mean sights, snorkeling, transportation... and most importantly: food. How about airport tax? Really, the list goes on and on... Australia isn't cheap, so You definately won't get far with that money. Really: plan a trip to a closer destination and take the money You save on airline tickets to other expenses. No point in traveling somewhere if You can't do anything there. A closer and cheaper destination, or postpone the trip... otherwise You will be disappointed (and in trouble).

[Clockers]

Agree! Wait till you have more money, or pick some'thing closer. :cool

[soserious]

i cant do that guys. its all set up.
but anyway managed to get more now. £550
that enough?

[Bobo]

Sounds better, but three weeks still requires some planning to make sure everything goes ok. Think about where You want to go, google for railway, accomodation etc. prices, and You'll have a better idea of what You can do and see during those weeks. Don't try to see too much on one trip, it's always better to take it a bit slower and enjoy... no point in rushing everywhere tired as hell.

[soserious]

hmm, yeah true, true.
lacking a detailed map yet and national park details (apparently i can pick a booklet up in aus about these) i am unsure.
my plan is (roughly so far)
to start in brisbane-
head north and see the great barrier reef
maybe fraser island,
north- more coastland
then see what national parks i can check out-staying in a couple or few
heading north to the tropical forests
(maybe Atherton)
then head west or south west across whatever to ayres rock / uluuruu

thats basically it. no ideaof actual details like accomodation ortains or anything. :? i have been looking online but its complicated and confusing.

[soserious]

oh wait heh, i forgot.
(this and the last post are the closest thing i have to an itinerary right now ) heh- this time next week if all goes well i should be onboard a plane.
scary.

yeah: swimming i guess, water stuff.
some kinda air thing,
bah- i forgot again. i want to do a bunch of cool fun stuff.
wrestle a shark *jokes*

[Bobo]

That adds up something like 1500-2000 miles or more, alot of traveling that is. Long distances like those aren't cheap, not even in a train. There are some railway passes You can purchase that will make things cheaper, but not cheap anyway. For example one way trip from Brisbane up to the barrier reef region is around $200-250 (Australian dollars). Here are some links:

Rail australia (http://www.railaustralia.com.au/index.htm)

Queensland (http://www.traveltrain.com.au/)

Bus info (http://www.busaustralia.com/links.html)

...as I said before: don't try to see everything in one trip, Australia is big as hell! Visiting those sites takes time too, no point in staring at the barrier reef from distance, You should go on a snorkeling tour to really experience it. You will get much more out of Your holiday by staying in one or two destinations for a few days and really explore them rather than rushing around like a headless chicken. You'll save loads of money too by traveling less on buses and trains and You can enjoy the destinations more if You have some money to spend in them too. For example, the Great Barrier Reef area has loads to do and see, snorkelling, rainforest walks... don't travel further than that or You'll spend Your whole holiday in a train or a bus.

[Bobo]

Oh, and remember this: You'll have to travel back to where ever Your plane leaves back home... Count Your money so You won't get in trouble in the middle of nowhere. You have one week to go... start planning and checking out prices. I don't mean to scare You, but trust me: plan it... and remember also this: less is more in traveling too.

[BIGOKE]

SS next trip come to South Africa. Damn GBP550.00 = R6050.00 approx. With that you can definitely do the backpack thing and bus yourself around to some pretty neat places in 3 weeks.

[soserious]

i had a dream the other night that i went to SA- it was awesome, beautiful. :cry:

thankyou Bobo, im checking the stuff out. and yes i dont have much time.

[Bobo]

You have enough money and time for a good trip, only don't try to see everything.

Here's another good link: Lonely Planet - Australia (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/australasia/australia/)

Oh, and one more hint: try to plan Your train and bus trips over night so You can sleep in them, that way You'll save loads of money in accomodation and don't have to worry about where to sleep.

[soserious]

You have enough money and time for a good trip, only don't try to see everything.

Here's another good link: Lonely Planet - Australia (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/australasia/australia/)

Oh, and one more hint: try to plan Your train and bus trips over night so You can sleep in them, that way You'll save loads of money in accomodation and don't have to worry about where to sleep.


great tip Bobo- appreciated :D

[Bobo]

Have You purchased the travel insurance yet? That's a must, don't travel without one.

Here's one more link You should read: Travelers health (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/austspac.htm)

[Bobo]

Oh, and one more hint: sunblock. If it's very sunny, You'll burn Your skin amazingly fast down there, and that can spoil Your holiday. There's one product I always use when in sunny places, the best sunblock stuff there is (really)! It's the "Riemann P20 Once-a-Day Sunfilter (http://www.p20.co.uk/content/homepage.html) " <- click. They sell that stuff in pharmacy shops here, so that's where You might want to start looking. It's a bit pricey, but You only have to use it once every 24 hours so that way it's actually much cheaper than the regular stuff! I have a sensitive skin (I'm blond...) and that stuff has saved many of my holidays. It's easy to apply, and damn it works well! You don't even have to apply more after swimming... The skin is totally non-sticky even when wet, hell... I've used it on marathons too and no problems with sweating either. It totally absorbs to Your skin. Try it out, I promise You'll be pleased.

That felt like spamming, but it's definately worth some advertising, the stuff really works. :wink:

[soserious]

i have travel insurance but i dunno what it covers: i`ll check tomaro.

that stuff is available in ASDA apparently, ive added it to my shopping list and i`ll pick someup tomorrow :D

[soserious]

what if i get seriously ill, injured, burnt in a fire or some freaks try and attack me? :?
:x

maybe i should bring a smoke detector, and a Heckler and Koch MP5A5 :twisted: heh- id never get through customs with that.

[Bobo]

Your travel insurance should cover all accidents that need hospital care, and criminals You'll have to teach with those strong arms of Yours. Australia should be safe to travel... just remember my hints on hiding Your money.

[soserious]

ok guys: i got a few more things yesterday. been busy today.

i have a problem, sorta..
the bag im taking is currently weighing around 12 kilos i think. carrying it though it feels much too heavy and bulky for me to be lugging around (i could...) but i dont want to especially as my energy crashes and my own bodyweight feels real heavy at those times. such as now.
been really tired.
so.. for 3 weeks how much clothes y`all think i need?
i have so far:


first aid stuff,
torch,
5mm rope,
sun protection and aftersun,
insect repellent,
swiss army knife (type- cheap version),
duck tape,
1 towel,
toiletries razor, toothpaste/brush ect..,

1 cap
7 pairs socks
7 boxers
3 trousers (4 including what i`ll be wearing)
4 t-shirts,

book on queensland (lonely planet)
notepad with important info (small one)

sleeping bag,
1 litre aluminium bottle,
orange and silver emergency bag things,
11 litre capacity folding bucket,

few more things i forget at the moment.
(i intend to take clothes to a laundrette when im near one geographically so that i can re-use them ect. or wash them myself by hand. )


all in all its packing out a 65-75 litre rucksack.
its as much the bulk as the weight thats a hassle- possibly more the bulk.
what can i do?
any suggestions? what would you do? leave anything else? pack differently?

ss

[Spike]

I'd cut down on the socks/boxers/trousers.

[soserious]

uh-huh, any suggestions?
2 pairs of regular socks and 5 pairs of ankle socks.
6 boxers (7 including what i`ll be wearing)
1 combat trousers
1 loose/ comfortable pair,
1 tougher material cargo type (plus the jeans i`ll be travveling with)
i dont even have lon sleeved anything yet (except he 1 sweatshirt i`ll be wearing to travl tuesday morning to airport and onwards.
i thought about leaving a pair but they could all be useful. damn,.

how many should i cut down on?

[Clockers]

Cut down from 7 to 3 pairs of socks, do the same with your boxers aswell remember you will also be wearing a pair of socks/boxers aswell.

just make sure you go to the washing place or wash by hand before you run out of dirty clothes.

Cut the 3 trousers down to 2 you will also have the pair you wearing, also cut the 4 down to 3 on your tee shirts.

Will that help any. :cool

[soserious]

hmm, 3 pairs? wow.

hmm, the t-shirts isnt quite as touigh but the trousers.. theyll all be needed but then again i dont want the weight and buk.
hmm, im gonna go see what i got again and do a bit more packing and unpacking.
thanx guys.

[Clockers]

:wink:

[BIGOKE]

SS this is my advice. if you don't intend to go to posh places then the following is essential. Please consider a lighter weight bag. I think you are only allowed 20 KG max limit, and 12kg of that is an empty bag. :roll:

2 Pairs jeans. Wear one one in bag.
1 track suit. very versatile you can wear it to sleep in if cold and you can wear it as an alternative to other clothes. Also track top is useful in the evenings when the temp is slightly cooler.
5 t shirts. Usually that will last you till washing day.
1 jacket with hood just in case of cold or rain you can wear this on plane or carry as hand luggage.
1 pair hiking boots or durable sneakers and consider open sandals as alternative in case it is very hot. (Just watch out for snakes) jk :lol:
5 underpants
2 boxer shorts
4-5 pairs socks
1 peakcap or hat
1 roll toilet paper at all times just in case


Don't carry too much toiletries.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Soap
Razor
Facecloth
Towel
HairBrush/Comb
Small mirror (in case you get lost and you have to signal someone)jk2 :lol:
Sunscreen

Very important get a travell pouch for all your docs like Passport Id and tickets etc. You must keep them all together when you travel. One of those that you can strap around your waist.

Happy travelling buddy, Enjoy your holiday and Have a blast!
:D :D :D

[Bobo]

Remember this: You will not be allowed to take the knife or anything else that could be used as a weapon with You in the cabin, they must all go down to the cargo department. In the cabin You can only take the soft'n safe stuff. Pack whatever You need in the plane + some clothes, money etc. to a different bag You take to the cabin, just in case Your bag gets lost in the wrong plane or something and You must wait for it. That doesn't happen often, but it's possible. Have a nice holiday!!!

[soserious]

im getting closer to being packed for go.
sunday- monday- then im gone tuesday morning.
stressed but i dunno, keep thinking im gonna get robbed or attacked.
getting really low and like withdrawn.

yesterday was fun tho- went to a mates birthday, ect.

im gonna miss you guys. :cry:
if i am near an internet cafe imay email someone to please forward my email to this or "ss wants 17" guns" thread.
cos going on a pe, site i might get in hassle . heh.

SOSERIOUS

[Valk]

Are you taking a cellphone with you? Just in case you get in trouble.

[soserious]

Are you taking a cellphone with you? Just in case you get in trouble.


i got an old mobile NOKIA 3310.
it wont work there, i checked.
might buy a cheap one out there possibly. im still unsure of my itinerary.
however im going to be near brisbane or slightly north for the first week maybe or so.
great barrier reef- see what i can do.

then move onto maybe 1 or 2 (available, decent) national parks to camp, explore ect.

then maybe up to Atherton, then outback or ayres rock/ uluru*

so if i need a mobile itll more likey be later in the journey when ive more likey had a chance to aquire one.
my budget is currently £26 a day.

[soserious]

in a little while im signing off CC and wont be back for 3 weeks or something.
man, im gonna think of you guys when im out there.

busy stuff going on here, got a headache and cant think straight.
ahh man, i dunno.

[Valk]

NNOOOO!!! PLEASE DONT GOOO!!!! :( :( :wink: :wink:

Anyway have fun! :D

[soserious]

:cry:
i`ll miss you guys.

thanks Valk :D

[Valk]

I'm gonna kill my dinner now so if I dont speak to you anymore, I wish you all the best.

Enjoy every sunrise. Enjoy every sunset

Signing out...

[soserious]

I'm gonna kill my dinner now so if I dont speak to you anymore, I wish you all the best.

Enjoy every sunrise. Enjoy every sunset

Signing out...


beautiful, as always. :cry: :D
enjoy your dinner.


ok guys, this is it. im not due to leave for a further day or two (tuesday morning / lunchtime).
ive still a few things to do here and pick up.
and im still tired and really anxious and stressed.
i gotta sort my pc out and get offline.

i`ll try not to get eaten by wild coyotes or bitten by nasties or robbed or lost.
i intend to return within a few weeks or something.
i may check into CC on my travels, maybe i wont be able to sign into CC in an internet cafe..

still lots of noise and stuff going on here so i cant really concerntrate, thanks for your advices and inputs on what to do, ect. i appreciate it all.

i`ll try and be a little more "SO" and a little less "SERIOUS" while im out there :wink:

luv ya!
soserious.

:cry: :D :wink:

ss, signing out.

[Clockers]

See'ya soon buddy! :cool

[Bobo]

Have a nice holiday, SS, and tell us how it went! Have fun, Sir! :cool

[Shane_Bos]

SS is gone :cry:

Have a good time buddy :D

[Bobo]

Do You guys think he will survive? :lol:

[Shane_Bos]

Hes probably booked a nice all-inclusive holiday in the south of France or something :lol:

[Clockers]

Do You guys think he will survive? :lol:


:lol: :lol:

[Spike]

or something :lol:

He's gone to stay with his auntie in Bognor Regis more like. :lol:

[Clockers]

Your probably right. :lol:

[soserious]

lots to say- so i`ll start at the beggining.

i was busy packing and cleaning my place, mnday came and went- i tried to sleep but managed barely 2 hours . got the taxi- to Heathrow in the morning. it was all new for me, the airport was big, and it was hot and busy, my head felty like cotton wool and my body felt lousy.
i had shaved my head that morning in the am, and was wearing a t-shirt (under my jacket).
so eventually there was a big wide "bus" to the aerooplane.. that thing was huge! walking up the steps to it i realised just how enormous it was.
on the plane i was directed to my allocated seat- i sat down as others still were getting to their own seats. i had a window seat, it was eally hot and claustrephobic since it was so cramped and the plane had been sitting with my side facing the hot sun. plus i was exhausted and i overheat very easily.

after a little while the plane started trundling down the runway- powerful- then damn.. i was flying......
what a crazy feeling. unbelievable- outside i saw london get smaller and smaller- like the best map in the world. yes i was a lil freaked.. but hey, i wasnt about to WALK to Australia.
the flight was long- during which i watched movies and played the original mario and stuff.
looking out the window at night- just fucking awesome.
omg i couldve cried, even now its emotional. the stars so close and bright, the air so cold and crisp, the lights below. ..people going to sleep far below, to SEE ACTUALLY SEE the land below, the roads, the waterways, trainlines and boats. jeez, like the most incredible thing ive ever seen. it was breathtaking.
seriously i could cry now thinking about it but its been over a year andi REFUSE to cry.
it was incredible guys. it was worth all the hassle just for those moments alone....

we passed over Netherlands.. Valk.. :cry: beautiful...
we passed over Germany, India and not a million miles from Iraq..

everything was eerie and beautiful, breathtaking and literally stunning.. mostly because it was REAL. SO REAL. not looking at the same damned apartment everyday over and over but to look at our homeland, the Earth and the space above us. humanity looked so vulnerable, troubled yet special.
god people are so complex.

so i couldnt sleep- we landed in singapore, Changi, very humid. after a few hours bleary eyed and feeling really rough it was on to the next flight to Brisbane, Australia. the 2nd flight was fairly long too, 7 hours or something (24/25? hours in all) landing in Brisbane had a few *issues* with customs. seemed anti-english but after those had been resolved i walked out into the Australian evening. quite a warm barmy evening, around 7-8pm Eastern Australian time. tired and a lil stressed the meal and bed for the night were appreciated.

more later.
ss

[soserious]

http://www.holidaymagic.com.au/_img/ozsl_tn_avat1.jpg
http://www.ozsail.com.au/11196.htm (http://)

nice huh?
i stayed on that for a couple nights :mrgreen
it was great. :mrgreen :mrgreen
"Avatar" i was thinking of you guys a lot there. heh, cool coincidence.
but thats much later in my "diary"

ss

[Valk]

Damn, how big is that thing! :shock: Could you walk on those side panes?

[soserious]

Damn, how big is that thing! :shock: Could you walk on those side panes?

67 foot,. and yes. pretty much anywhere (except when the sales ae up- you cant walk on certain parts due to danger of the sails and rails moving about).
the outer black window roof things are where the 3 crew had a tiny cabin each. there were 11 of us on a 22 capacity boat. thatm, the Avatar. you can walk anywhere on it though yeah, standing at the front and sitting at the back as it sped along was fun too. but on each mesh was 1 big emergency float (like a big rectangle maybe 3x5ft x 8 inchs thick. a flotation device with rope handles all the way round.

it was one of the best parts of my journey- late at night i finally got the crew to start talking about stuff that thed seen and heard on the water.. as we all sat in a circle in the night floating on the water with bright stars overhead. we sat at the part where those people are talking and listening, a warm huddled group. they kept taking the mic out of me and my style of thinking/ living. but that was cool anyway. so cool, i`ll explain it all later.