First O/S Trip, Where to Go?

[jsd]

Hey,

I thought it was right time that I ventured outside of Australia and into new horizons, and some of my friends have agreed and want to come too, except we have no idea where to go.

The following needs to be taken into account:

- Most of us are QFF members, so naturally we would prefer OW airlines that we (Me mainly) can earn points and SC's, willing to stretch out to Velocity partners if need be

- Some of the group (3 out of 5) like to surf, so somewhere that they can do that would be nice

- The cheaper the better, cheap flights and cheap hotels (but still of a reasonable standard) and cheap eats, again 3 out of 5 are flying Y and myself and another are J class flyers so I'm mainly looking for cheap Y fares, I will sort myself out

- Somewhere where we can get help easily if we need it (all of us have never left Australia before so we are all a bit jumpy)

And that is pretty much it, I've read all of the TR's on AFF and am torn between NAN, AKL,DPS,HKT or SIN? but we are open to suggestions on what is good for first timers


Cheers,

Josh

 

[Mal]

New Zealand
Always nice. I think you'd have more fun in the South Island though rather than AKL. (esp somewhere like Queenstown). Not going to be cheap, but is safe, no language issues and general feel of the place is very much like Australia.

Fiji
Great beaches and islands. Pretty cheap. Get out of NAN and onto an island full of like minded tourists. You'll have a blast. Food reasonable, alcohol not too bad price-wise etc. Some safety concerns, but generally pretty safe.

Indonesia
Cheap food, cheap drink. Not particularly unsafe, but I'm not sure I would recommend it as a first overseas experience place to visit. If you stick around Bali, then you'll be with all the other Aussies, so things should be a lot easier. Keep in mind terrorism concerns, and general hygiene standards.

Thailand
Similar thoughts to Indonesia. HKT isn't that great an area, although there are some nice resorts and islands.

Singapore.
Avoid it. You'd be bored very quickly I suspect. I love SIN, but there are only so many things to do there.

 

[samh004]

Don’t forget Mal the age of the OP!

My question would be are all of you the same age, or are a few a bit older/younger? As I’m guessing purchasing alcohol as alluded to for Fiji isn’t big on your list. I think you also said something negative about alcohol somewhere at some point? Maybe I’m confusing people though.

I guess a cheap flight over to MEL gives you a good starting point for any O/S journey.

As for the condition of surfing, I’m not particularly tuned to that, but it’d be cold in NZ for such an exercise right now, though surfers can often snowboard, and that’s pretty good over there For a good first time experience Queenstown, as mentioned, would be fun and nice, and there’s plenty of cheap food and accommodation too.

I don’t think any of the other places have particularly good waves either, and isn’t there a spot just off Tasmania with monster waves anyway If surfing was the key consideration, I’d recommend Hawaii and look for a JQ StarClass deal.

I think you’re looking at Fiji or New Zealand… or Hawaii

 

[TanyaGordon]

If you're keen for surf, try the west coast of USA.
San Francisco is amazing and "lost campers USA" (featured on getaway last night) have great camper vans if you're ok with camping and driving. We had an awesome time doing this last year.

 

[Mal]

Don’t forget Mal the age of the OP!

Yeah true. Did forget about that. Maybe some of my tips are better for the first O/S trip after 18

 

[jsd]

Don’t forget Mal the age of the OP.

15 more specifically

My question would be are all of you the same age, or are a few a bit older/younger?

We are all 15/16 years old

As I’m guessing purchasing alcohol as alluded to for Fiji isn’t big on your list. I think you also said something negative about alcohol somewhere at some point? Maybe I’m confusing people though.

No that isn't really that high on our list of priorities

I guess a cheap flight over to MEL gives you a good starting point for any O/S journey.

Yeah that part is easy, I prefer everything on the same ticket though

As for the condition of surfing, I’m not particularly tuned to that, but it’d be cold in NZ for such an exercise right now, though surfers can often snowboard, and that’s pretty good over there For a good first time experience Queenstown, as mentioned, would be fun and nice, and there’s plenty of cheap food and accommodation too.

Yep, Queenstown is one to go on the maybe pile, I'm getting differing opinions on the price though, Mal says its not so cheap but you say it is, something has to give

I don’t think any of the other places have particularly good waves either, and isn’t there a spot just off Tasmania with monster waves anyway If surfing was the key consideration

The whole point of this trip is to get out of Australia:mrgreen:

I’d recommend Hawaii and look for a JQ StarClass deal.

JQ isn't high on my list either

I think you’re looking at Fiji or New Zealand… or Hawaii

Possibly, NZ and Fiji look good at the moment, unless someone comes up with something else


Josh

 

[Mal]

Yep, Queenstown is one to go on the maybe pile, I'm getting differing opinions on the price though, Mal says its not so cheap but you say it is, something has to give

Especially compared to Bali, Fiji, coughet etc, NZ isn't cheap. Touristy things esp. in Queenstown are fairly expensive, as is a lot of food there. Prices go up higher during peak season (ie winter).

There's a fundamental flaw in your plans though. Without someone being over 18, you're going to have massive issues with parts of your journey. Eg immigration in countries might have concerns, getting rooms can be difficult etc etc.

 

[samh004]

Your multi-quoting skills are impressive!

Yep, Queenstown is one to go on the maybe pile, I'm getting differing opinions on the price though, Mal says its not so cheap but you say it is, something has to give

I was thinking of backpackers tbh. I guess, there are cheaper hotels too, in and around the area, but a regular hotel with separate rooms would be too much, and an apartment a much better idea, but they also vary in price, though they get cheaper the further out of town they are (though that’s not great for cheap food at the mall). You don’t need the nightlife.

An important consideration is Queenstown is also very busy (busier) in the summer. But the off seasons (Spring, Autumn) are quiet. Now snow might not be great around those times, but Queenstown has a lot of activities on offer (though also not particularly cheap).

I’m full of praise for Queenstown and biased because I love the town though.

There's a fundamental flaw in your plans though. Without someone being over 18, you're going to have massive issues with parts of your journey. Eg immigration in countries might have concerns, getting rooms can be difficult etc etc.

If you ended up in Queenstown during the winter while my dad is there (he stays for a whole season) and he’s not got guests from anywhere, I could perhaps twist his arm into giving you the other rooms in the house. Though that’d be dependant on so many factors of course, but would eliminate problems with age as far as accommodation goes.

From semi-personal experience, my sister was asked to book a room for her friend the other day on the Gold Coast for a party in Surfers, as her friend was turning 18, and couldn’t pay herself, but as my sister is 18, it was all fine. I’d imagine NZ would be similar.

 

[jsd]

There's a fundamental flaw in your plans though. Without someone being over 18, you're going to have massive issues with parts of your journey. Eg immigration in countries might have concerns, getting rooms can be difficult etc etc.

Right, I didn't mention that my auntie is coming along as well, unlike us she has been out of Aus before so that has been covered.


Josh

 

[dajop]

Personally I love visiting NZ, and very easy place to visit. But culturally, it isn't terribly different to Tasmania (the main difference being the main religion- substitute Rugby for AFL ), so if you are looking for a nice and easy place to visit NZ is it (although a rider here, knowing your age, renting a car really helps in NZ, so it may be more difficult if none of your group have the ability to rent a car). If you're looking for somewhere a bit "different" then maybe not.

Fiji is probably a good starting point - although it can be pricey at different times.

The main issue with places like Bali and coughet is people taking advantage of you (ripping you off), but if you think you can handle that they might be OK as well.

Oh and don't discount Singapore as a stopover for a couple of days enroute to somewhere else. Boring after a more than a couple of days? Yes, probably, but great intro to Asia (we nickname it Asia 101 or Asia-lite), safe (where else do you see 6 yo children catching the train to school at 7am - by themselves?), food is great and safe to eat, and there are a few activities like flowboarding, water(cable)ski-ing, cycling around half the island, reverse bungy jump, and not to mention plane spotting ... but hotels can be $$$$ And with the population density vastly different to Tassie!

 

[Andyzx]

Hi Josh
I also suggest K1w1 land is your best bet. Good (well almost) currency conversion at the moment and not too many language problems. School holidays are slightly different to Oz so check the .co.nz websites for the dates. Skiing or snowboarding is a good an option but there are lot of other things to do in Q Town, but like all things they do cost. Check out the Queenstown websites and understand that side and check with your mates. Sites like STA travel and YHA have good information. One of the good things is renting a apartment / house so lots of you can split the cost. You can fly direct (still the same SC’s though). Other option is Christchurch and go to Mt Hutt and stay at Methven, good town to cater for the snow people but not as much to do. Good attractions in Christchurch and plenty of options to get to Methven
Now for the problems. Most accommodation will want a credit card, or lots of cash. You won’t be able to rent a car (age, CC etc) You will need to arrange your transfers to accom etc here if there is a group going, good chances half of you will get left behind.

There are also some orgainised tours / bus trips that you could check out like Contiki but maybe you will have to wait a year or two

Other than that go for it and enjoy. :mrgreen:

 

[mhen]

NZ is great but very like Australia.

What about Vanuatu, reasonable airfares and a number of backpackers/budget accomodation choices. French and English spoken, very friendly people and much less of a touristy feel than the tourist areas of Fiji.

 

[Andyzx]

Another thought is Fiji. There is a place called Blue something, if i remember correctly:shock:. More basic dorm room type accom and food but plenty of fun and lots of younger people. Flights can be cheap but during school holidays you may not get the best deal.

If you can't find it let me know and i will ask my friend that went

Cook islands might also be a go. I think Air Nz or Virgin is starting direct flights ex SYD soon

 

[kamchatsky]

If you were a bit older I would have recommended Fiji Beachcomber:

Beachcomber Island Resort

Have a read in Tripadvisor, it is a place for partying ....

 

[hazel]

My 2 cents worth:

What is your budget? Remember you will have to factor in passport costs, travel insurance etc. Work out what you think you will need per day & double it.
NZ is a good first OS trip as the culture shock factor is about 0. Think of NZ as Tasmania on steroi_s.
Cheap & surfing - Indonesia, Hawaii Big Island, some of the Pacific islands
Do lots of research to help you decide where to go - have a look at the backpacker web sites, read Lonely Planet etc
Wherever you decide to go have a look at backpacker accomm. It's cheap but you will also get to meet a lot more fellow travellers - people staying in hotels tend not to socialise together.
Also - think of all the experiences you could do at the destination with the money you would save by going LCC or a cheap O ticket. A lot of the fun of travelling when you're young is the journey & doing it on the cheap.
cheers

 

[ejb_nz]

...myself and another are J class flyers ...

Hi all,

When did 15 year olds start flying J:shock:

As to your holiday I would recommend NZ as well due to the varied options on where to stay and what to do.

I would not recommend DPS for a group of teenagers, too many things could go wrong.

Wherever you end up have fun!

ejb

 

[blueflamenco]

Hey,

I thought it was right time that I ventured outside of Australia and into new horizons, and some of my friends have agreed and want to come too, except we have no idea where to go.

The following needs to be taken into account:

- Most of us are QFF members, so naturally we would prefer OW airlines that we (Me mainly) can earn points and SC's, willing to stretch out to Velocity partners if need be

- Some of the group (3 out of 5) like to surf, so somewhere that they can do that would be nice

- The cheaper the better, cheap flights and cheap hotels (but still of a reasonable standard) and cheap eats, again 3 out of 5 are flying Y and myself and another are J class flyers so I'm mainly looking for cheap Y fares, I will sort myself out

- Somewhere where we can get help easily if we need it (all of us have never left Australia before so we are all a bit jumpy)

And that is pretty much it, I've read all of the TR's on AFF and am torn between NAN, AKL,DPS,HKT or SIN? but we are open to suggestions on what is good for first timers


Cheers,

Josh

I am relieved to hear your Auntie will be tagging along

I would say Hawaii would suit your needs fairly well. You can surf, snorkel, dive etc. You won't have any language difficulties. You can find cheap hotels and food. And if I was your parents I wouldn't be too concerned about your safety like I would be elsewhere.

You must be a trustworthy son. I can't imagine my parents letting my little brother do this!

 

[blueflamenco]

If you were a bit older I would have recommended Fiji Beachcomber:

Beachcomber Island Resort

Have a read in Tripadvisor, it is a place for partying ....

This reminds me of the movie "Couples Retreat" ... Eden East

 

[Fantic125]

It's been a while since I was there last, but there is good surf on the more northerly beaches of Bali (and it's also away from Kuta).
Lombok (an island a ferry ride from Bali) has pretty good surf too. Some of the good surf breaks are fairly shallow and are directly on top of coral which is fairly sharp, so there is some risk of cutting yourself and possible infection. :shock:

It all depends on how good a surfer you are!

 

[jsd]

What is your budget? Remember you will have to factor in passport costs, travel insurance etc. Work out what you think you will need per day & double it.

Looking to spend less than $1500 per person for around 5 days or so (that is with sharing hotel room costs e.g room rate divided by people in room, the more in the room the cheaper)

Passports are $104 each for a standard one so thats covered, and I always get cover-more travel insurance through my TA whenever I go away so I know how much that all costs

Wherever you decide to go have a look at backpacker accomm. It's cheap but you will also get to meet a lot more fellow travellers - people staying in hotels tend not to socialise together.

No way, as a general rule of thumb I DO NOT STAY AT BACKPACKERS, DORMS OR ANYTHING WITH A SHARED BATHROOM!.

Apologies if I sound like a spoiled brat but I have standards

Also - think of all the experiences you could do at the destination with the money you would save by going LCC or a cheap O ticket. A lot of the fun of travelling when you're young is the journey & doing it on the cheap.
cheers

I am willing to go low cost if need be, I am quite tall and require a lot of leg room to stretch out, and I don't like having to pay for my onboard meals or my bags



Josh