So far in our gap year planning feature we’ve covered a whole heap of topics – from where to head to what to pack.
But there’s one majorly fundamental question which we’ve yet to ask. A question which can shape the entirety of your journey – who do you travel with?!
As a traveller you enter a wonderful community of people from around the world – people from all manner of backgrounds, cultures and age groups.
And with an abundance of people comes a whole new train of thought to tap into and experience. You’ll find throughout your travels that people have a huge range of opinions and knowledge – some you’ll want to hear, some you won’t, and some you don’t have a choice in!
If you go into any travel agent or speak to any person who has travelled themselves then the main defining feature of planning a gap year will almost certainly come back the same – money.
Despite what you may believe about the ethos of backpacking money is a central part. Without it there aren’t any flights.
Without it there aren’t any parties.
Without it there isn’t going to be a gap year!
It’s that time of year again – the cork hats are being dug out, the Tooheys is in the esky, the BBQ’s are warming up and the whole neighbourhood is heading to the beach.
That’s right – January 26th is Australia Day!
So you’ve finally decided where you want to head, and you no have a millions and one things to sort (don’t worry I’ll be guiding you through them over the next few weeks) but like many people you’re drawn to cementing your decision to travel, wanting to make your first impression on fellow travellers and making a statement to all those that know you that this isn’t just a pipe dream anymore, this is really going to happen.
And what’s more encompassing of your life on the road than the item you will be living out of – your backpack?
An Aussie Icon
One of Australias great draws is the sheer variety of wildlife and animals that inhabit the equally vast types of environments found across the country; from dry arid desert to lush tropical rainforest. Many of which are unique to Australia itself – the kangaroo is undoubtedly the most recognisable of these. And with random animals comes an abundance of equally random roadsigns – from Roos to Echidnas! A great slice of the unique Aussie landscape.
This may sound like a slightly obscure part to planning a gap year but it’s also one of the most fundamental:
Where do you want to visit?!
I know some of my readers are seasoned travellers, they know the ins and outs of what needs to be in order before embarking on a gap year, what items are essential and what can be left out.
Some have been living out of backpacks for years and leave most things to chance. But I also know some of you haven’t travelled much, if at all…so im working on something to help you out…
Read the rest of this entry »
It suddenly dawned on me yesterday that I’ve been back in the UK for a month already – the time has literally shot by and it’s rathe un nerving!
In the psace of just four weeks I’ve not done too bad though – as I’ve previously rambled I’ve hooked myself up with a sweet new job, partied hard and surfed as much as can be expected in a cold English autumn.
Always wanted to travel but never known where to go or had the money/time to get everything started?
Well STA Travel are running a pimping competition over the next few weeks that could land you and a friend one of 4 different around the world flight combos.
Cat Nap, Ecuador
aliceedwards
curiouscheese
Backpacker Banter 