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First time backpackers - need help!

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First time backpackers need some serious help with [almost] everything!
16 years ago, November 21st 2007 No: 1 Msg: #22922  
B Posts: 4
Hi everyone,
so to say we're clueless is an understatement. Before you read on, just know that there might be some more questions being asked, by both you and I.

I will be traveling with my girlfriend after next summer sometime. Not sure when, maybe you guys can help me decide when the best times are?

The plan is to go for a few months. What I would like to know is how much money should we plan on saving? Also, it would be GREAT to get an itinerary from someone who has done this before, where they went, how they got there, what are 'must-see' places to go to?

I'm sure I will have some more questions - but I'm just trying to plan this ahead of time so we can make sure everything goes to plan.

Thanks!
Max & Megan Reply to this

16 years ago, November 21st 2007 No: 2 Msg: #22923  
B Posts: 4
Also, any help with advice on how to stay cheap while traveling is HUGE as we're just going to be getting out of college. My brother told me of wwoofing, which I think we may do as well so we can stay longer. If you have any resources in regards to that as well...thanks

Reply to this

16 years ago, November 25th 2007 No: 3 Msg: #23103  
B Posts: 11.5K
Hi Max,

Welcome to TravelBlog.

This is the website for wwoof.org Reply to this

16 years ago, December 18th 2007 No: 4 Msg: #24361  
Hey

I'm currently in Sydney, been travelling for 14 months and thought I'd give you my 2 pence worth!

I started in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile) then New Zealand then Australia then S.E Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia) then back to Australia. I'm headed up east coast of oz next then Hong Kong then home (for a little while anyway). And I've travelled a little of the US before that too.

Its difficult to tell you where to go - its your choice! But I know what you mean, when I was planning my trip I found it a bit daunting. My favourite places in the whole world (so far!) are the South Island, New Zealand (queenstown especially), Argentina (the Iguazu Falls & Mendoza), Norway and New York.

For first time travellers I'd say sticking to places fairly well travelled are a good bet to begin with, then if you want plan somewhere a bit more adventurous for the end of your trip. Where are you travelling from? I'm from Scotland and I know a lot of people start with Thailand then Oz/NZ which seems like a good idea. How much money you need is totally dependent on where you are going. Guidebooks usually give you a good idea of daily budgets for countries so when you figure out where you can figure out how much! If you're thinking of heading to oz/nz I'd steer clear of the backpacker bus companies like oz/kiwi experience, I've heard so many bad things about them. Even for first time travellers, australia and new zealand are so easy to get around its not worth it and gives you so much less flexibility.

Anything/where you want to know about in particular?


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16 years ago, December 20th 2007 No: 5 Msg: #24491  
hey amy,
a fellow Scot here, how did you originaly travel to South America? was it from Europe or the US, do you have any advice on the cheapest way of getting there? Reply to this

16 years ago, December 20th 2007 No: 6 Msg: #24492  
B Posts: 4
Amy-
I'm from New York and we've been thinking we're going to start in Costa Rica and travel by bus down to South America. We'd hit up the west coast all the way down and hopefully get up to Brazil.

Would the easiest way to get around be by bus? I think that's what the plan is. Plus, we'll be staying in Hostels and sometimes a nice hotel when we feel the time is right - I've heard it's relatively cheap down there so we're going to save up enough money to live comfortably. If you have any specific activities we could do while down there that'd be great. I know we plan on doing the hike to machu pichu, should be fun. Reply to this

16 years ago, December 21st 2007 No: 7 Msg: #24514  
Hey Max you wont be able to bus it down to South America, you going to either have to get a flight from Panama to South America or book passage from Panama to South America. Just my two cents worth, i go on around the world trip in just over 7 days so feel free to ask me anymore questions.


Thx Mike😊 Reply to this

16 years ago, December 21st 2007 No: 8 Msg: #24530  
B Posts: 4
Hey Mike -

Will I have any trouble finding hostels throughout South America? Reply to this

16 years ago, December 21st 2007 No: 9 Msg: #24536  
Hey Max from my research it shouldn't be an issue if your sticking to main backpacker trail, if you go a bit more far flung then you may need to use a hotel or camp instead of using a hostel. Let me know if you have any more questions😊

Thx Mike😉 Reply to this

16 years ago, December 31st 2007 No: 10 Msg: #24864  
Hello Max if you want to check out some rather cheap flights that will help you navigate thoughout your travels go to itasoftware.com it is a database that composes a list of almost every airline and it will get you a pretty good price. I only paid 570USD for my flight from Washington DC to Lima round trip. the sight also lets you search a whole month for the cheapest rates. good luck buddy. Reply to this

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