Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[starlagurl]

Yay Paula, Canada should be cool! Are you going to pick a specific place in Canada for your trip?

[travelmonster]

Combination! Combination! (if you can )

Combo combo combo all the way..

Yep, thats what I'm gonna go for - still can't make my mind up which combo though!!

Yay Paula, Canada should be cool! Are you going to pick a specific place in Canada for your trip?

Well, I've almost managed to work out a way today that we can afford the Polar Bear trip I've been looking at - so that will be the main part of our stay in Canada - but since we won't be able to get direct flights we might well spend a couple of days in Toronto as well, but the Toronto part also depends on time and if I can get the extra weeks I am planning on asking da boss for! It'd mean us leaving for our trip mid November instead of December as originally planned so that we get to see the polar bears. Will you be back from your trip by then?

[starlagurl]

I don't have a trip planned in November...yet! But if you guys are in Toronto, you know I'll be there.

Polar bears, was this why you were talking about Churchill? It now makes sense to me.

[travelmonster]

It'll be November next year though!! But if time and money allows - hopefully thats when we get to meet!!

The money is dependant on me selling my car - we have two cars and I really don't need mine as me and John work together, I only really use it to meet my friends once or twice a week and John normally stays home when I go out so I can use his, he said if he decides he wants to go out he'll get a taxi if I've got the car. I'll probably only get around £700 for the car, but it'll save roughly £70 a month on top of that which I usually save for tax, insurance, MOT & repairs.

oh and yes, Churchill is where we are going (hopefully) for the polar bears!!

[starlagurl]

Ohhhhhh yes of course, next year, I have nothing planned. If I do a big trip next year, it will be in the summer, that's for sure.

[travelmonster]

Isn't next year your big motorcycle adventure?

[starlagurl]

Yeah that's what I mean, I will definitely be back by November.

[travelmonster]

That'd be brill!!

[starlagurl]

Yeeeeeeee! OK back on topic...
Yes, I will most definitely be planning that trip, more than winging it. At least who and where I will be staying each night.

[mercenarri]

I've never been outside Europe, and until 4 months ago I thought enough was enough. I've been saving since then for a trip in October this year to travel through the whole of South America, a bit of the United States west coast, and Canada.

Personally I've found the only reason I'm planning so much is because I'm so excited about it! Most of my friends tell me they're going places soon, but never do anything about it. I've found researching into the places I'm going builds that excitement even more, and the closer I get to that date the more I find myself planning everything.

I'd quite like to just land in Rio and see where my feet take me, but the excitement is just too palpable and I need to plan. I think in any case its a good to plan big travels, smaller ones you can get away with being more relaxed about things. I think planning at least gives you a default idea to fall back on, should anything happen.

[Paul]

I reckon:

Yeah, do some research. Its fun, exciting and will help you make the most out of your trip. Plan some stuff. Some things need to be planned and booked ahead if they are going to work out. Look into what needs to be done - make a plan.

But, please please - leave some room in there for the unexpected. Let yourself have some experiences. Leave room to wing it, meet locals, stay in their houses, share their life. Do things as they come up. Have some spontaneity. Leave room to take opportunities that may arise at any moment. Go with the flow a bit.

And please please please DO NOT carry around the stupid guide book and treat it as a bible - if misused / over-used, it may very much stop you experiencing the place you are there to experience.

So combination.

Having said that, each trip, each individual, each destination, each circumstance may be different and require a different balance of the two.

See ya

[starlagurl]

I've found researching into the places I'm going builds that excitement even more, and the closer I get to that date the more I find myself planning everything.

You are absolutely correct! I feel the same way, and didn't know exactly how to phrase it, awesome.

[wakingdream]

What do you think to the idea of a week in each?

Is that enough chance to experience things?

Hmmm, in my personal opinion, I think that's too rushed. You'll miss out on a true experience in each country. Perhaps a combination of two countries?

Yeah, thats what I initially thought. Aaah me minds spinning I'd like a taster of each really. I think I might see if I can squeeze a few more weeks onto the trip!!

Combination! Combination! (if you can )

Combo combo combo all the way..

Haha! That's what it all comes down to in the end! How can I get a little more time......? Do it if you can! While you're there you might as well and if you could get a little more time I think you'd really appreciate the overall experience better I'm so excited for you!

[travelmonster]

Do you know what the road infrastructure is like? Which parts of south east asia would it be possible to rent a car and drive ourselves round?

[Paul]

Do you know what the road infrastructure is like? Which parts of south east asia would it be possible to rent a car and drive ourselves round?

Road infrastructure in Thailand is great. Things are well signposted and a large scale map makes enough sense for you to get where you want. A self driving holiday in Thailand is an excellent idea.

Malaysia has very good roads also. I haven't driven myself around there so I don't know what the signs are like, but I suspect that self drive around Malaysia would be pretty easy. The Borneo part of Malaysia - the roads are often pretty good, but less signs, etc - I'd probably get a driver for that.

Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar - probably get drivers for those countries. The roads aren't so good and getting info will be a bit harder for you.

Brunei - I imagine self drive is very possible but don't know.

Indonesia - don't know. But perhaps a boat is more useful.

Vietnam - interesting. The roads are actually very good. Not sure what the rules are and how hard that would be. I have hired a motorbike to do a bit of self ride around based from Hue and that was fun.

East Timor - don't know

Philippines - don't know

Great idea - good luck with it

[starlagurl]

Yes, I agree with Paul on the roads in Thailand. When I drove there, it was very nice roads, but I have heard that there are some really bad ones if you are going off the beaten track. I have never seen them though...so it shouldn't be a problem.

[travelmonster]

Thanks to both of you, that is exactly what I needed. I like the idea of the car as it means we can go exactly where we want to, when we want to.

[darrenstravels]

According to both "Top Gear" and "By Any Means", to drive in Vietnam you need to pass your driving test there. An International Driving Permit is not enough for foreigners.

[travelmonster]

There is some information on the AA website about this, just in case you want to have a look while you're out that way

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overs...by-country.html

It lists each country with the driving requirements - for Vietnam it says:


G – National licence or IDP should be presented to the police who will issue a visitors licence.

[wakingdream]

Ohhh, I love Paul's driving report! Good one. I reckon driving in some parts would be really fun Also a great way to make impromptu stops and meet people.