Me and a friend are going to be travelling round the world at the end of the year...advice on flights etc?

Question

we are definetely starting in australia (not sure where yet) and plan to do some casual work there. then we are fairly open to where we go (around australia for a while, into asia, fiji, over to north america) anyone had any similair experiences and can offer advice? how much moneydo you think you will need to get started? and anyone know where to get cheap flights to australia ( a big city - probably sydney) thanks.

Answer 1

make sure you have a work visa or a working holiday visa (if your from a participating country) before trying to work in Australia

I'm sure other countries require the same

Answer 2

Best money advice - make certain you have a well stocked (cash wise) current accout with Nationwide. Whenever possible ONLY obtain money abroad by using their debit card. While everyone else in the world uses the AMEX tourist rate for money exchange, Nationwide use the 'mid rate' with no fees. This means that you will get a minimum of 3% more 'foreign cash' for your £ than any other method. Over the course of a year this will amount to a quite large financial saving. While you are at it, get the Nationwide Credit Card which offers the same good exchange rate. Make sure you fill in the Nationwide direct debit payment so your credit bill is paid off every month automatically, saving you any worry about paying bills abroad.  I would suggest you have at least £7000 available in your account (each) before you go. There is plenty of work available in Australia (check out the job vacancies in the YHA's) but you will need your working visa. This is quite easy to get for Aus, but difficult in some other countries. On top of your 'cash buffer' you will need to pay out for world wide travel insurance, loads of offers on the net. Join YHA before you go to take advantage of good, clean, safe, cheap accomodation which is great for meeting folk and getting information on other countries, jobs etc. For flights, keep checking the web, prices change every few days

Good luck and enjoy!

Answer 3

For RTW flight tickets you need to travel in a continuous direction, so your plan to do Oz first and then back-track to Asia and then over to North America could get very expensive. Best to travel down through SE Asia (maybe into Bangkok overland to Singapore is a great trip) and then onto Sydney.... See the Travellers Lounge for useful tips on round the world flights http://www.thetravellerslounge.co.uk/rou... and where to go to get them (you can book multi-stop tickets online these days also)

Regarding money - I budget for around £1000 ($2000) a month when backpacking... More info here: http://www.thetravellerslounge.co.uk/cur... and you can also check hostel prices to get a better idea...

have a great trip!