Australia!
Hi!
I'm 24 years old. I'm looking to go to the East Coast of Australia in March/April. I know that's vague but I haven't decided on a place to start! I will be alone. I've spent tonight looking at backpacks for hours. Backpacks! I need help with things like this. After trawling websites I also have the decision of 'sleeping bag or not'? Many people say yes you should definitely take one. Others say it's a silly thing to do. After reading about suspect stains in beds I'm not sure! Also....I'm 5 foot 3. That's quite miniature. Could I really carry a backpack AND a sleeping bag?
And travelling alone. Woah. Scary! It would be nice to meet someone thinking of going where I'm going!
These are only a few of the things swimming around in my head.
Thanks for any replies in advance :)
Hi DirtyMuskrat, Going to Aus that's brilliant and at your age it's the perfect time. I travelled Aus with a friend but after doing it I would totally do it again on my own and I wondered what I was worrying about being so far from home in a foreign country, so don't worry it's easy and everyone you meet at hostels are in the same boat as you and we also met people travelling alone who tagged along for a while which was great. As for backpacks you don't need to bring as much as you think, I ended up sending home a box of clothes. I was fortunate enough to get a really good compact sleeping bag (these can be expensive) as a present which fit into my backpack. One thing I will say is stick to YHA hostels cause they are safe and clean, other than that you will have a ball! Enjoy, I am sooo jealous!
Hi Dirty Muscrat, i went backpacking in Oz on my own and was fine, you meet people straight away as Oz is full of backpackers and all in the same boat. Get a good guide book and decide where you want to start and book your first hostel. Once there you will meet others who will be able to recommend where to go next and also tell you which hostels are the best to stay in. I'm 5ft 1 and could barely stand up with my backpack when i started so i sent some things home, then it just grew with me...When i left Oz my backback weighed in at 54 kilos at the airport so i was carrying more then my body weight around with me! Have fun and no i didn't take a sleeping bag as when you check in a hostel they give you clean sheets and a pillow.
Well I bought a backpack today! Berghaus Womens Jalan 55 + 15 (daysack). I really think if I tried, I could fit in it! Now I've packed it up with all the essentials and I still have loads of room and more importantly, it's comfortable. I'm so glad you said it's easy to meet people :)
Ooooh a question. What happens with medical care if I get ill? Obviously I'll have travel insurance.....
Hello! Im 23 have just left university and have five months to travel before I start my job. All my friends are working and so I am in the same position as you! I am looking into going to Australia but am also interested in Asia. When are you going? Would love a travel buddy as am nervous about going alone.
I'm looking to go at the end of March/beginning of April :)
Speaking from experience as a fellow Aussie, you don't need a sleeping bag. It would be too hot anyway. Just take a sleeping sheet, cheap and small from a camping/outdoor shop. As regards to health, Australia has reciprocal agreements with UK, as it still part of the commonwealth. Essentially, you will get free or reduced health care in Australia, only thing you might have to pay for would be presciptions. if you need any other info, I am happy to help. PM me anytime.
I'm flying on Monday 28th to Brisbane. I'll be doing lots of activities. Feel free to message me ppl. Ooh its exciting now! :)