Help me choose my holiday! (NZ/Australia/South America/etc.)
Discussion
Ok so i am utterly failing to decide where to go for this years big trip. It's the last one before i buy a house, so the last chance for a decent holiday for many years!
As a bit of background info to maybe help you leave helpful advice... I am 25, and will be going on my own, and in the last few years i have only really been on city trips (toronto, vancouver, victoria, nyc, boston, etc...). I am aiming for a total of 3 weeks away, and have a budget of roughly £2.5k.
This is the list i have managed to come up with so far (in no particular order):
- NZ
- Australia
- South America
- 1week group adventure trip + 1-2 weeks snowboarding in california
What i am really after is some help on itinery for any of the above, or some reasons for/against going to any of them
One of the biggest worries with Aus/NZ is staying in hostels surrounded by 18yr olds! Is this totally unavoidable, or is it not as bad as it sounds?!
As a bit of background info to maybe help you leave helpful advice... I am 25, and will be going on my own, and in the last few years i have only really been on city trips (toronto, vancouver, victoria, nyc, boston, etc...). I am aiming for a total of 3 weeks away, and have a budget of roughly £2.5k.
This is the list i have managed to come up with so far (in no particular order):
- NZ
- Australia
- South America
- 1week group adventure trip + 1-2 weeks snowboarding in california
What i am really after is some help on itinery for any of the above, or some reasons for/against going to any of them
One of the biggest worries with Aus/NZ is staying in hostels surrounded by 18yr olds! Is this totally unavoidable, or is it not as bad as it sounds?!
You can certainly avoid 18 year olds in Oz/NZ if you'd rather do so. I've stayed in hostels there which certainly weren't packed with teens.
1. Australia:
Great country but daft as it sounds its very long haul to fly there and it's bloody big to get around. You could however see a lot of Sydney and/or Melbourne and some of the East Coast too in your time period. Hire a car or camper or perhaps get a Mileage based bus pass for the East Coast and you can be very flexible.
2. NZ:
Again bloody long flight but much more compact. I'd spend most of your time on the south island taking in the Fjordland, mountains, lakes and doing some extreme sports if you like that type of thing. I did the south island over 4 weeks in 2005, but you can certainly see plenty in your time frame. Plenty of 'our' set trips/bus itineraries say you can do most of the major sights in a fortnight and it's certainly possible.
3. South America:
Given your timescale and if you've never been onto the continent I'd personally say either visit Peru (Macchu Pichu, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and possibly the West Coast too) or Brazil. See Rio, the Ilha Grande and down that coast, Iguassu Falls and maybe down into Argentina or see some of Amazonia.
Without trying to sound like a pushy salesman these areas are somewhat of a focus of where I work, especially for younger customers so we've got good deals on flights, car/camper van hire, bus passes, tours, accommodation and plenty more to boot so let me know what your considering and I'll give you an idea on the costs and deals available. Always aim to beat prices for PHers of course
1. Australia:
Great country but daft as it sounds its very long haul to fly there and it's bloody big to get around. You could however see a lot of Sydney and/or Melbourne and some of the East Coast too in your time period. Hire a car or camper or perhaps get a Mileage based bus pass for the East Coast and you can be very flexible.
2. NZ:
Again bloody long flight but much more compact. I'd spend most of your time on the south island taking in the Fjordland, mountains, lakes and doing some extreme sports if you like that type of thing. I did the south island over 4 weeks in 2005, but you can certainly see plenty in your time frame. Plenty of 'our' set trips/bus itineraries say you can do most of the major sights in a fortnight and it's certainly possible.
3. South America:
Given your timescale and if you've never been onto the continent I'd personally say either visit Peru (Macchu Pichu, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and possibly the West Coast too) or Brazil. See Rio, the Ilha Grande and down that coast, Iguassu Falls and maybe down into Argentina or see some of Amazonia.
Without trying to sound like a pushy salesman these areas are somewhat of a focus of where I work, especially for younger customers so we've got good deals on flights, car/camper van hire, bus passes, tours, accommodation and plenty more to boot so let me know what your considering and I'll give you an idea on the costs and deals available. Always aim to beat prices for PHers of course
I am leaning towards Austrlia or New Zealand at the moment, and am going to be spending a while putting basic itineries together and working out costs.
In terms of getting around NZ, what would be the best way? If i go to Austrlia, i am likely to hire a car for at least half of the trip, but i am not sure on NZ. Costs seem to be a lot higher for rentals in NZ!
In terms of getting around NZ, what would be the best way? If i go to Austrlia, i am likely to hire a car for at least half of the trip, but i am not sure on NZ. Costs seem to be a lot higher for rentals in NZ!
Depends what you're into really, but I would recommend south america.
My mate and I who are reasonably well travelled settled on Argentina last year, as it offers the scenery of America, the wine of Oz (only better), better food, and better looking women than the rest of your options.
It was somewhat scuppered by a mishap meaning my mate spent a week in hospital, but that could have happened in any city in the world. (A punch outside a nightclub leading to a double brain haemorrhage), but aside from that it was pretty much the best week's hol we'd ever had up to that.
Argentina has beaches, mountains for snowboarding, lakes, cities with some of the best nightclubs on the planet, amazing wilderness scenery, and some rather good wines too.
And if things do go wrong, then the hospitals aren't too bad either.
My mate and I who are reasonably well travelled settled on Argentina last year, as it offers the scenery of America, the wine of Oz (only better), better food, and better looking women than the rest of your options.
It was somewhat scuppered by a mishap meaning my mate spent a week in hospital, but that could have happened in any city in the world. (A punch outside a nightclub leading to a double brain haemorrhage), but aside from that it was pretty much the best week's hol we'd ever had up to that.
Argentina has beaches, mountains for snowboarding, lakes, cities with some of the best nightclubs on the planet, amazing wilderness scenery, and some rather good wines too.
And if things do go wrong, then the hospitals aren't too bad either.
Cheapest options in NZ are probably bus passes but obviously not as flexible as driving yourself. A camper van is certainly a decent option as overall it'll be cheaper than car hire and accommodation combined, but whether it works out that much cheaper if you are the only passenger is another thing entirely!
Give me a shout for any flight or hire quotes for either place and I'll see what I can do
Give me a shout for any flight or hire quotes for either place and I'll see what I can do
Matt.. said:
I am leaning towards Austrlia or New Zealand at the moment, and am going to be spending a while putting basic itineries together and working out costs.
In terms of getting around NZ, what would be the best way? If i go to Austrlia, i am likely to hire a car for at least half of the trip, but i am not sure on NZ. Costs seem to be a lot higher for rentals in NZ!
Driving in Australia isn't that great, it's a hell of a long way between places and not that interesting. I spent a couple of days driving Brisbane to Sydney but wouldn't do it again. Melbourne to Sydney is supposed to be OK. The roads really aren't that good and the speeding laws are harsh.In terms of getting around NZ, what would be the best way? If i go to Austrlia, i am likely to hire a car for at least half of the trip, but i am not sure on NZ. Costs seem to be a lot higher for rentals in NZ!
Done a year in Australia, was absolutely awesome! 
TBH, if you're only giving yourself 3 weeks you will need to decide on exactly what you want to do and where you want to go before you go there. My guess is you want to do the East Coast (the usual backpacker route)? in that case bus will be your best and quickest option in order to get to the places you want to. Problem with the east coast I found was that it was full of backpackers, a lot of them immature (I was 24/25 when I was out there) and they do begin to grate on you - pay a little more for the hostels and you will normally find you get away from the annoying ones!
If you don't want to do the usual backpacker route, I highly recommend heading to Perth then up the West Coast to Darwin, that route is fantastic and travellers are usually older and more interested in travelling rather then drinking. You would have some great nights under the stars there. Coral Bay/Exmouth, Karijini, The Kimberley, Litchfield and Kakadu National Park are all great highlights.
I've personally advised any people more interested in TRAVELLING Australia to hit the West Coast, they never seem disappointed.
TBH, if you're only giving yourself 3 weeks you will need to decide on exactly what you want to do and where you want to go before you go there. My guess is you want to do the East Coast (the usual backpacker route)? in that case bus will be your best and quickest option in order to get to the places you want to. Problem with the east coast I found was that it was full of backpackers, a lot of them immature (I was 24/25 when I was out there) and they do begin to grate on you - pay a little more for the hostels and you will normally find you get away from the annoying ones!
If you don't want to do the usual backpacker route, I highly recommend heading to Perth then up the West Coast to Darwin, that route is fantastic and travellers are usually older and more interested in travelling rather then drinking. You would have some great nights under the stars there. Coral Bay/Exmouth, Karijini, The Kimberley, Litchfield and Kakadu National Park are all great highlights.
I've personally advised any people more interested in TRAVELLING Australia to hit the West Coast, they never seem disappointed.
SlimJ said:
Done a year in Australia, was absolutely awesome!
TBH, if you're only giving yourself 3 weeks you will need to decide on exactly what you want to do and where you want to go before you go there. My guess is you want to do the East Coast (the usual backpacker route)? in that case bus will be your best and quickest option in order to get to the places you want to. Problem with the east coast I found was that it was full of backpackers, a lot of them immature (I was 24/25 when I was out there) and they do begin to grate on you - pay a little more for the hostels and you will normally find you get away from the annoying ones!
If you don't want to do the usual backpacker route, I highly recommend heading to Perth then up the West Coast to Darwin, that route is fantastic and travellers are usually older and more interested in travelling rather then drinking. You would have some great nights under the stars there. Coral Bay/Exmouth, Karijini, The Kimberley, Litchfield and Kakadu National Park are all great highlights.
I've personally advised any people more interested in TRAVELLING Australia to hit the West Coast, they never seem disappointed.
I will try to avoid staying in hostel full of 18yr olds! It is one of my big worries about going to Australia TBH, if you're only giving yourself 3 weeks you will need to decide on exactly what you want to do and where you want to go before you go there. My guess is you want to do the East Coast (the usual backpacker route)? in that case bus will be your best and quickest option in order to get to the places you want to. Problem with the east coast I found was that it was full of backpackers, a lot of them immature (I was 24/25 when I was out there) and they do begin to grate on you - pay a little more for the hostels and you will normally find you get away from the annoying ones!
If you don't want to do the usual backpacker route, I highly recommend heading to Perth then up the West Coast to Darwin, that route is fantastic and travellers are usually older and more interested in travelling rather then drinking. You would have some great nights under the stars there. Coral Bay/Exmouth, Karijini, The Kimberley, Litchfield and Kakadu National Park are all great highlights.
I've personally advised any people more interested in TRAVELLING Australia to hit the West Coast, they never seem disappointed.
Would you be able to put some itineries together for east and west coast? Just so i can get an idea of what i could be doing? Don't worry if you can't, but it would be cool if you could!
Matt,
Can i throw a big fat spanner in the works?
Don't do NZ or Aus - both brilliant places but not a patch on south america.
And if this is to be your last big trip for a while.......
Please go to South America.
You'll love it.
Fly to Peru (if direct flights exist i'm not sure they do) if not go via Miami, then to Lima, go from Lima down the coast, via Pisco, Ica, Nazca (nazca lines) then cut inland to Cusco, do the full 4 day hike to Machu Pichu, then onwards to Puno to Lake Titicaca, at this point you'll run out of time if not go to Tacna, Cross into Chile at Arica and down to Santiago. I'm sure they could get you home from there.
Can i throw a big fat spanner in the works?
Don't do NZ or Aus - both brilliant places but not a patch on south america.
And if this is to be your last big trip for a while.......
Please go to South America.
You'll love it.
Fly to Peru (if direct flights exist i'm not sure they do) if not go via Miami, then to Lima, go from Lima down the coast, via Pisco, Ica, Nazca (nazca lines) then cut inland to Cusco, do the full 4 day hike to Machu Pichu, then onwards to Puno to Lake Titicaca, at this point you'll run out of time if not go to Tacna, Cross into Chile at Arica and down to Santiago. I'm sure they could get you home from there.
Done NZ (last year) and loved it. South Island is where 75% of the action is as far as sightseeing goes, and we saw (whistle-stop in a car) most of the sights in 7/8 days...missed out on Abel Tasman, the West Coast (except Fiordland) and Kaikoura, but did everything else we wanted to.
Not done S.America but it's on the list. Friends did Machu Pichu last year and loved it also, but it's high-altitude stuff - he came down with altitude sickness and had no choice but to tough it out (he's a gym instructor). Cusco was a really cool place as well, they said. Not sure how much else you could tack onto that - Nazca would be on my list, as would Lake Titicaca.
Out of the two NZ will be the pricier (longer flights, higher living costs in the touristy areas, esp. Queenstown) - you'll need to watch your money if you've a £2.5k budget. Also research when you want to go - NZ has very clear 'seasons' (and a lot of tourist stuff closes over their winter, but the ski-slopes conversely come alive...), and S.America has very clear rainfall seasons too...
I'd only do Aus if I was into my scuba...otherwise it's got less appeal than the above two...
Wherever you go, take a GOOD camera (at least an entry-level D-SLR with a good idea how to use it properly) - NZ is probably THE most photogenic place I've ever been to, and our friends brought back some great pics of M-P and Cusco...
Keep us posted where you pick...
Not done S.America but it's on the list. Friends did Machu Pichu last year and loved it also, but it's high-altitude stuff - he came down with altitude sickness and had no choice but to tough it out (he's a gym instructor). Cusco was a really cool place as well, they said. Not sure how much else you could tack onto that - Nazca would be on my list, as would Lake Titicaca.
Out of the two NZ will be the pricier (longer flights, higher living costs in the touristy areas, esp. Queenstown) - you'll need to watch your money if you've a £2.5k budget. Also research when you want to go - NZ has very clear 'seasons' (and a lot of tourist stuff closes over their winter, but the ski-slopes conversely come alive...), and S.America has very clear rainfall seasons too...
I'd only do Aus if I was into my scuba...otherwise it's got less appeal than the above two...
Wherever you go, take a GOOD camera (at least an entry-level D-SLR with a good idea how to use it properly) - NZ is probably THE most photogenic place I've ever been to, and our friends brought back some great pics of M-P and Cusco...
Keep us posted where you pick...
NZ is looking good at the moment, BUT i do have some concerns. South America is probably out for now, but will be a trip for a year or twos time.
Concerns with NZ are... i am likely to only be able to go in December, and so the weather might be a real issue. Is there a time that would give me significantly more consistant good weather?
Australia is also a real option, but the biggest issue with that is the number of 18yr old party goers! :P Weather would be amazing though, as would the beaches.
As far as photography goes, it's a big hobby of mine and i will be there to take very good pics. I am hunting down a 40d now
Concerns with NZ are... i am likely to only be able to go in December, and so the weather might be a real issue. Is there a time that would give me significantly more consistant good weather?
Australia is also a real option, but the biggest issue with that is the number of 18yr old party goers! :P Weather would be amazing though, as would the beaches.
As far as photography goes, it's a big hobby of mine and i will be there to take very good pics. I am hunting down a 40d now
Matt.. said:
Concerns with NZ are... i am likely to only be able to go in December, and so the weather might be a real issue. Is there a time that would give me significantly more consistant good weather?
Why worried about the weather - December is summer, driest part of the year. You might still get some rain but it's a good time to goMatt.. said:
Is Japan not REALLY expensive at the moment?
We were there last month and it was c. London prices (for hotels and food) in most of the country, and more in Tokyo. Bargains were available if you knew where to look, but most tourists don't...and despite more-widespread English-speaking/writing than we expected, it's mainly Kanji script which is totally incomprehensible!!
Rate currently down at Y140/£1, or thereabouts. Which is better than the Y120 at Xmas, but down on the c.Y200 it was a year ago, when it WAS an affordable destination (and when we booked our flights
).£2,500 would get you about a week-and-a-half in Japan, inc. flights and JR Pass (trains).
havoc said:
Matt.. said:
Getting tempted to go to NZ, and go back via Sydney.
Only small issue is that i want to do the south island, and no one i can use flies into Christchurch, they all fly to Auckland!
Think SIA do. Know ANZ do.Only small issue is that i want to do the south island, and no one i can use flies into Christchurch, they all fly to Auckland!
)!Edited by Matt.. on Sunday 31st May 21:00
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