Wednesday, May 26, 2004
With so many options and must sees on the world map
With so many options and must sees on the world map, here are some ideas of where to go and how to plan your travelling experience .For want of a better name - the good, bad and the ugly; a low-down of the planet. This is a run down of some of the highlights and lowlights of the world (in no particular order). It is very subjective so please don't pay too much attention (certainly have not had time to expand the why area), but it gives a good idea of some places you might not have heard of, but should consider in an itinerary and also some places you might like to avoid. This page is not about name dropping, there are many sights that have been omitted simply because I believed they were over-hyped and not worthy of the list to go straight to the list.
Planning hints
Don't get too much into planning at home, just pick a few places and regions you want to see. What you often don't realize is that after several months you lack the passion for 18 hour bus trips or the money for internal flights.The happiest travellers are the most flexible - hell try not even to buy a return ticket for long trips if you can or at least make sure dates can be changed with ease. You will soon realize where the tourist trail is (the easiest and most convenient way to see all the sights) and follow it, making modifications where you want to.
Why? is a excellent question you want to ask yourself when planning - What is the purpose of this trip? It's not that your trip really needs a purpose, it just can give you some focus. Why do you want to travel? Are all your friends doing it? Do you feel it is your only chance before you start working/have children? Do you want to see as much of the world as you can? Do you want to have a good time and party? Do something unique and maybe really exciting and adventurous? It can be as simple as wanting to be experienced or to chill out. Give it some thought - think what might low your hair back. In addition you can see the general types of places in various headings listed below. Of course it is always good to get a bit of everything, even the bad and ugly mixed in with the good!
A good idea is to use the internet try to download a travel guide from a web, alternatively, travel brochures (from travel agencies) the objective is to to get an idea of what countries look like (pictures), time scales and the easiest routes between interesting sites; useful information is also often included (weather, embassies, dangers, etc.) travel, car rental or car hire companies and travel agencies which produce free booklets that are great for picking through. The problem is there is so much to see. Pick a couple of countries, say Spain and Portugal , (good starters, loads of options), although Western countries are less exotic, but not less interesting, don't discount them - just budget well!) and plan to spend two to three/four months in each, of course being flexible to stay longer or move on faster. series are among the best guidebooks whilst in the planning stage.
Planning hints
Don't get too much into planning at home, just pick a few places and regions you want to see. What you often don't realize is that after several months you lack the passion for 18 hour bus trips or the money for internal flights.The happiest travellers are the most flexible - hell try not even to buy a return ticket for long trips if you can or at least make sure dates can be changed with ease. You will soon realize where the tourist trail is (the easiest and most convenient way to see all the sights) and follow it, making modifications where you want to.
Why? is a excellent question you want to ask yourself when planning - What is the purpose of this trip? It's not that your trip really needs a purpose, it just can give you some focus. Why do you want to travel? Are all your friends doing it? Do you feel it is your only chance before you start working/have children? Do you want to see as much of the world as you can? Do you want to have a good time and party? Do something unique and maybe really exciting and adventurous? It can be as simple as wanting to be experienced or to chill out. Give it some thought - think what might low your hair back. In addition you can see the general types of places in various headings listed below. Of course it is always good to get a bit of everything, even the bad and ugly mixed in with the good!
A good idea is to use the internet try to download a travel guide from a web, alternatively, travel brochures (from travel agencies) the objective is to to get an idea of what countries look like (pictures), time scales and the easiest routes between interesting sites; useful information is also often included (weather, embassies, dangers, etc.) travel, car rental or car hire companies and travel agencies which produce free booklets that are great for picking through. The problem is there is so much to see. Pick a couple of countries, say Spain and Portugal , (good starters, loads of options), although Western countries are less exotic, but not less interesting, don't discount them - just budget well!) and plan to spend two to three/four months in each, of course being flexible to stay longer or move on faster. series are among the best guidebooks whilst in the planning stage.
