I've no idea how to plan the trip of a life time please help.
Hi,
Am hoping you'll be able to help us. We have travelled in and around Australia for many years, mainly remote 4x4ing. I'm 45, wife is 42, both working but intend quiting. Are finanically secure but certainly not wealthy. Both have health dramas, blame our parents and ageing. Due to back injury and R.A. (rheumotiod arthritis) I certainly have limitations so can't travel like I used to. We want to travel overseas but really have no idea how to organise a long term trip. Ask me how to organise a remote Oz trip and I can do it overnight but this is so new to me.
Our inital thoughts were to buy or transport our vehicle overseas so we have accomodation etc. Where to travel is a big question I hope to narrow it down but think the greater Europe, Africa, U.S., Canada, etc. Where into experiencing culture, natural wonders, etc. More into National Parks etc for scenery, animals. Taking into account our health and age I know we can't do the more remote or adventurous type travel which is a downer, but that's life.
We really are travel virgins so please pass on any tips no matter how small. I'll start reading everything on this site.
What other sites do you suggest reading?
Where would you suggest travelling?
Should we buy a vehicle or transport ours?
What's necessary in transporting out vehicle o.s.?
How do we plan our trip for seasons etc?
Really I've so little info/experience with this I don't even know what questions to ask. So any tips, advice, guidance will be appreciated.
Seeya
Ray
Reply to this G'day Ray,
Don't plan.. just go! I'm a 50+ bloke who's travelled to all continents except Antarctica! Yo find out as you go. Eurail passes in Europe; Youth Hostel contacts, and in the US and Canada, we bought a mobile home. The surprises onj the journey are the thing. take a chance and don't be tied down by over planning, booking ahead etc.
Go for it!
Cheers
Rowan
Reply to this Thanks Rowan,
Your right we've just got to get out and do it. I've a bad habit of over planning and thinking there's always time in the future. Certainly know that's not the case.
Seeya
Ray
Reply to this Hello Austravel 😊
I think a good travel guide book would help u.
One like the Lonely Planet covers issues from accomodation, to climate, to money, to transport...... It even suggests routes.
There is a book to cover just about every country in the world. Even ones which will cover entire regions such as the Lonely Planet guide to Europe. They cost around 28 Euros and are available in most book shops around the world.
U could get one for each of the options on your list and then after reading all aspects u could decide. Then u could post any unanswered questions in the relevant forum on any travel site including this one.
Another thing u could do is put threads in the relavant forum for each of your options and ask people to give the pros and cons of u doing that particular option and then maybe come to a decision based on this and then get the relevent Lonely Planet travel guide.
Lonely Planet books are generally aimed at backpackers but do have information for people on every budget.
And as Row says dont over plan. Just use all the information as a general guide and to help make decisions. If u try to plan too much it can get overwhelming.
Mell
Reply to this Your wife might want to join 5W (Women Welcome Women WorldWide) www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk
there is a fee but then she can join the email group.
It's a travel and friendship group of women. Many of the women are married and many travel as couples or even with kids sometimes.
Women from all over the world can help with info on their area and even meet you for coffee and sometimes provide a nite of lodging.
Reply to this You cant go wrong with Lonely Planet.. Also try Rick Steves.. he stresses family and "less active: options..
I have used several travel forums..espicially Craigslist to find apartments in Thailand and Veitnam as a option to hotels.
hope that helps..
t
Reply to this Well if you want to do a relaxing trip, with natural parks anda something like that I suggest US, you have the Yellowstone Park (It's amazing), Black Hills Forrest (with the monument to some presidents of US, and the "crazy horse"), you have the California Coast (very intresting, beautifull and relaxing), and the amazing Grand Canyon!.. Is just a suggestion..
Reply to this My advise: Turkey especially Mediterranean region of Turkey also you can try findbestvilla.com and ownersdirect.co.uk or holidaylettings.co.uk I am sure you will find a perfect place for your vacation.
Reply to this if your coming to Europe i'd advise Rome (Italy), Barcalona(Spain), Paris(France), Edinburgh(Scotland), London(England)... the list is endless take a look on Ryanair.com if you are planning to fly its a low budget airline and I use it all the time (my girlfriend is from sweden so flying back and forth from scotland) if you book your dates early enough you can get flights for 1p to most places in europe and with it being so cheap you cant really afford not to take a look! hope you enjoy your trip
Reply to this Thanks Lotto32 and qoqqzie, great info, I'll check in to it.
Reply to this Given that you mention you're into national parks but seem unsure of your physical abilities due to age or health, I would second jmproenca's suggestion of the US. The national park system here is very "user friendly" and nearly all national parks have paved trails and boardwalks that allow you to experience quite a bit without having to strap on a backpack and venture into the wild (although you can do that too). And benches are found everywhere in the main areas. The
National Park website will have information on access, lodging, and even seasonal changes to expect throughout the year.
If you want a fuller picture of what a road-trip through-out the US could be like, we've blogged many of the parks, although we did tend to "rough it" quite a bit more than necessary. Have fun, explore, and most importantly, go for it!
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