Round the world travel?
violet b asked:
Would you have tips, advice, recommendation of places to visit and hostels (looking for clean, safe, good location) in Sydney, New Zealand and Fiji? In New Zealand I have heard of the magic bus. What is the best accommodation? And what about Fiji? What travel agency have you booked your flight with and what about travel insurance and budget? How did you manage your finances?
Would you have tips, advice, recommendation of places to visit and hostels (looking for clean, safe, good location) in Sydney, New Zealand and Fiji? In New Zealand I have heard of the magic bus. What is the best accommodation? And what about Fiji? What travel agency have you booked your flight with and what about travel insurance and budget? How did you manage your finances?
Did it in 2005, but did not visit Sydney (been before) or Fuji. But New Zealand is great, with such varied scenery. I stayed mostly in YHAs, some of which are quite good. The one in Waitomo (near the caves) is based on chalets with en-suite facilities. The YMCA in Christchurch is almost luxurious. Best accommodation is, of course, a 5 star hotel if you can afford it! We met people who used the Magic Bus and it worked well for them. You need to phone in advance (24hrs) to be picked up, but if there’s space, you can probably get on. I booked with a travel agency that let me down by not telling me that a connection had changed, so I wouldn’t recommend them. Make sure you book with a reliable, pro-active one because airlines do change their schedule and you could be booking months ahead for your flights.
Finances: I had a good body wallet that hung round my neck and took a credit card to pay for the big bills and restaurants that take card. No travellers’ cheques as they are so expensive. Nationwide credit card offers the best deal and you can withdraw cash if you’re prepared to pay a bit on top. If you have online banking you can arrange to pay your credit card from any internet point from another account. Or you could do it by direct debit. If you book your hotel in advance, pay it before you depart or make sure they will take a credit card. That way you don’t have to take too much cash on you.
As for insurance, some will do up to 2 months or longer worldwide for a bit extra. You have to shop around online for the best current deals.
Firstly, for good hostels try Here you can reserve a bed online as you travel for only a dollar or so, so it doesn’t even matter if your plans change and you go to another hostel.
The magic bus is traditionally a little calmer than the Kiwi Experience! However, they’ll take you to the same hostels at the end of the day as they follow pretty much the same route.
Definitely get insurance – there are plently of competitive insurance companies these days.
Regarding budget, I jotted down every purchase at the end of the day for the first few weeks to help keep track of spending. After that, it was easier.
The Travellers Lounge has pretty much all your answers
Travel Insurance for long term travel can be compared and bought at Squaremouth.
Make sure you stay in the international medical section as this is the type of insurance you need. The travel insurance section provides cover for short term trips. You could end up paying much more than you need to if you use this type of cover for long term medical.
Squaremouth has nice comparison and sort tools so it is easy to get good cover. Also call them if you need help, they are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Worldwide travel health cover:
US Residents travel insurance:
UK residents travel insurance