Moderator's note: To cut needless repetition, please take a look here before you post a related thread.
Time & time again the same questions are asked, and I find myself posting the same stuff. Most of this stuff is just things I've read on the internet... I figured this would be useful for some
General advice http://wikitravel.org/en/Main_Page - VERY GOOD for basic knowledge! Includes info on visas & country entry points (something I find very very useful for planning my route).
Good post - there are so many similar/recurring threads here! A mod should hopefully make this a sticky, hint hint.
The link I always seem to be giving out is http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/ -info on all aspects of travel in New Zealand also with job and car adverts and notices.
There's also an Australian version at http://www.backpackerboard.com/ though not as well updated/used as the NZ one I don't think.
When I was researching my gap year in 2007, I primarily used the forums at http://gapyear.com/ ....not that I'm trying to send people away from here, but there is a thread there (searchable) for basically every aspect of RTW (and some area-specific travel like SEAsia and Australia) you can imagine, from some really experienced people. Not as active now as it used to be though.
edit - Insurance wise, I always recommend http://www.aceinsure.com/travel/ (though the website doesn't seem to be working right now) - I've never managed to find cheaper backpacker type insurance, which includes some 'extreme' activities such as bungy jumping, skydiving etc.
If you find that FairFX is the travelcard that you want to use/works out best, if you go through this link the card is free (rather than £9.95) and they give you £2.50 when you top up more than £250. http://www.fairfx.com/ref/3q7qy
If you find that FairFX is the travelcard that you want to use/works out best, if you go through this link the card is free (rather than £9.95) and they give you £2.50 when you top up more than £250. http://www.fairfx.com/ref/3q7qy
FairFX is the best value travelcard folks. I researched this extensively. Best rates, and free (with this link or) if you top up a certain amount, at least when I got mine. Ignore what the post office, thomas cook etc tell you, theirs are not the best! It's a mastercard btw, so pretty much everywhere accepts it.
Currency exchanging is pointless, all airports have ATMs & if you have the right card the rates are just as good or better. I suppose if you wanted some cash to take with you (although it's not necessary!) then the site above is quite good. I think this is a good point to make because people still worry lots about this very topic.
EDIT: LOL that site even points out what I was on about
I still like to preorder cash to pickup from Travelex at whatever airport I'm flying from so I am not having to worry about finding a cashpoint at the airport/city in the middle of the night. Will be doing the same again for Monday when I fly to NYC even though I have my Caxton card ready to go
This is a really informative and inspiring website. They write articles on all aspects of travelling, from doing it solo to how to cope with your insatiable appetite for travel.
Currency exchanging is pointless, all airports have ATMs & if you have the right card the rates are just as good or better. I suppose if you wanted some cash to take with you (although it's not necessary!) then the site above is quite good. I think this is a good point to make because people still worry lots about this very topic.
EDIT: LOL that site even points out what I was on about
I thought Japan was all about carrying cash? And I would avoid card overseas withdrawl fees and if I picked the right one, and the right day, I could have a better rate than in June if the value of the yen rises or pound drops?
I thought Japan was all about carrying cash? And I would avoid card overseas withdrawl fees and if I picked the right one, and the right day, I could have a better rate than in June if the value of the yen rises or pound drops?
No, there are ATMs you can use in Japan (I can't remember the exact bank right now though). It is true that most ATMs don't work with western cards in Japan mind you, but I still wouldn't advocate carrying around large amounts of cash anywhere in the world.
Look at the post I linked to in the OP - some cards have no withdrawal fees.
You could get a better rate now than later because of currency fluctuations that is correct. However you could also get a worse rate, and either way the profit you will make by waiting (or indeed not waiting in this case) would likely be small. It's not something really worth thinking about unless you know a lot about FX trading, and even then the kind of numbers we're talking about aren't likely to gain you very much profit.
STA Travel are offering return flights to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpar, SE Asia in general for £2 return plus taxes.
I've just had a look at the dates 18th August - 7th October and it came back as £347 inc taxes. Bargain. a) I wish I hadn't already booked my flights and b) I wish I could actually travel on these dates.