An open-minded discussion on where a 23 year old scottish man should travel before he sells his sole to working life in August!
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and am in need of some serious advice and/or inspiration with regards to travel plans.
Following the deferral of my graduate job from November 2008 to August 2009, I have found myself with a lot of spare time to do as I please. Until now I have stayed put in Scotland for the sake of maintaining a long-term relationship with my now ex-girlfriend. After a harsh break-up just before Christmas (initiated by her), I have struggled to cope so much that I now feel the need to remove myself entirely from the situation by discovering pastures new abroad.
All of my friends are either in employment or still at university therefore travelling alone is my only option. If possible, I would like to join a group of travellers my age in a similar position. Does anyone know of any travel groups for young people? I am completely open-minded with regards to where I should travel and for how long. I would like to get away as soon as possible and keep the cost of the trip cheap.
So, any suggestions are welcome. Where are the best places for a young, single guy to see in a period of 2-3 months? Remember I am trying to get over a break up here so let's avoid the traditionally romantic cities! Thanks in advance.
Reply to this Hi Dave,
I'll first admit I'm probably not a "young guy" anymore at 37, but don't feel particularly "old" either. Take what you will of my 37 year old perspective.
That said, traveling in groups...is it absolutely essential you travel all the time in a group? In my travels to South and Central America, I met various people along the way in hostels I stayed and excursions I took. Granted, the meet-ups were fairly brief and only as long as we each stayed in a certain area, but I don't think you'll have trouble meeting people so long as you're a reasonably sociable guy.
If you had more than 2-3 months, I'd simply suggest a round-the-world trip (RTW). That way, you get lots of perspective and experiences, and avoid to entirely have to choose. There are plane tickets you can by on this line. www.oneworld.com would be a good spot to initally check out for the airlines that "hook-up" to offer flights around the globe on one ticket. You could probably buy a less extensive ticket through oneworld that might still offer some flexibility in traveling and stay within your timeframe (should you decide to still only travel 2-3 months).
South and Central America tended to qualify for cheap, and didn't much strike me as romantic (though that's probably somewhat in the eye of the beholder). "Gringoland" in Quito, Ecuador had lots of hostels and opportunities for a younger crowd to meet people and have a good time. You're also still near lots of nature/hiking, culture if that's your interest. Food and cost of living can be low too, I could typically eat lunch in a local restaurant in Quito for as little as $1.50 USD (the US Dollar is the official currency in Ecuador). Hostels could be found in the area of $10-15/day in Quito. From Quito, you also have options to explore the rest of the country including the Amazon.
There's one idea...hope it's somewhat helpful...
Reply to this Quick addition, Dave...an admittedly quick look on www.oneworld.com claims you can get a RTW ticket from the UK for as little as 1300 GBP plus tax (that's doing 3 continents). You'd have to check out rules and stipulations on the ticket, though...
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Reply to this Hello Dave 😊
Welcome to TravelBlog.
You could try getting a round the world ticket and travel independently. You dont necessarily need to travel in a group to meet people. There are plenty of young backpackers travelling around and many are alone so easy to meet.
Mel
Reply to this Hello ,everyone :-)
am new to the travel blog, got this site form a book, it did impress me by photos and blogs. wish the wind could blow me anywhere in this world ·o·
if i were at your age, i would travel alone by bicycle. i have been thinking about it ever since i was 18, but never dared to .since almost everyone is talking about travel by plane, yes its the fastest way, and can go much further, cycling around seemed out dated, well ,it is an suggestion, or maybe you can choose train ride, that also could be fun:-) stop at a beaufiul strange town
hope is helpful... forget about the past and move forward.
Reply to this If you don't go to South America you're crazy! Amazing exchange rates, incredible travel deals and so much more mean that you can't go wrong. Check it out. Incredible cultures, gorgeous sites - they've got it all.
Reply to this Hi Dave,
As an additional idea to the others posted - Central America is also a very beautiful place to visit and in some parts very off the beated track to the much visited South America.
You can most certainly opt for a RTW ticket - I believe that in addition to the One World Alliance option - you can also try the Star Alliance (Am not so sure though - as i was lucky enough to get my RTW on points!). I think the difference between the two is that one is priced according to continents vistited and the other is priced according to mileage used.
But if you are only going to travel for 2-3 months & want to base yourself in the one continent (eg Central or South it may not be worth your while to get an RTW - rather get an open ended return ticket.
To travel in a group or solo??? That is tricky..I'm doing it both ways. If you want a cheap, cheerful tour group - check out Kumuka - I used them when I traveled around the middle east. They have tours to many different continents. Otherwise I saw some people on Gap Advenures during my travels.
In Guatemala for example you can get rooms for as little as 5-10USD. In some parts I have found the food to be more expensive (upwards of 10+ for a meal) - but if you're prepared to eat in the local markets or local eateries in can be much cheaper for you too. If you are good - you can spend bet 100 - 150 USD a week (excl bus travel). I did the language school thing in Antigua, Guatemala which was totally amazing and gave me the chance to meet a whole lot of new people without the need for a tour......
The cities & towns of Central America are ertainly not what you would call Romantic - They're great places to mingle with locals and tourists and a great chance to get away from it all. Disappear if you like!
Annyway - Whatever you decide. Enjoy it! I've been there - actually am doing the same thing......Good luck.
Christine
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