Hi,
I am planning a backpacking trip for probably the beginning of 2013. My possible route would be to start in Rio work my way through Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Peru (maybe Colombia) get a cheap flight to Panama and travel through Central America. I would then love to fly to Vietnam and head towards Cambodia and the Thai Islands. Depending on the money situation also going to New Zealand could be a big possibility.
Any help with opinions. alternative routes and places to visit would be very helpful.
I am also a qualified EFL teacher and would be keen to hear where people think would be best to try and find some teaching work.
Thanks
Tom
Reply to this Hi Tom,
I'm not very knowledgable about Central and South America, so I can't comment on that route. However, South East Asia and EFL I can do:
The travel hubs in SE Asia are Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. I'm guessing that any flight from Central America will come in through one of those hubs. You could either fly on from there to Vietnam or travel overland. For example, you could fly into Bangkok, go through Thailand to Vietnam, travel up Vietnam and fly back to Bangkok and south to some islands. This is the typical backpacking route, along with the opposite way - Bangkok, up to the north, over the border into Laos, Laos to North Vietnam, down to HCMC and then over into Cambodia and through to Bangkok. This route could possibly be done quickly in 5-6 weeks, but preferably longer if you have time.
What type of TEFL qualification do you have? South East Asia is much better paid that South or Central America. Vietnam is one of the best places for wages compared to cost of living, especially if you have a CELTA or Trinity certificate and experience. South Korea, Japan and Taiwan pay quite well but the cost of living is higher. Thailand has nice living but low wages.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Kate
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