The Travel Thread

gnat · Post by **gnat** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:23 am

agree with kitty and PC on having a few cash flow options- i always have visa debit plus credit although withdrawing cash on a visa that's not debit incurs daily death interest

i also always take 100-250 USD in trav cheques and have been thankful in the past for them

we debated TC before my boy went last year- he got them and they came in very handy when an vietnamese ATM ate his card

they may be daggy but they're a solid fall back plan imo

retzie · Post by **retzie** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:18 pm

quick wrote:did u compare this to the nokia n95?

I was just being a picky cow - N95 was too fat, too heavy, too battery-sucking for my liking. Would do the job though.

Direkt wrote:Off to the U.S. of A in around 3-weeks.... Boh Diddley!

First o/s trip for me.

Ooo, where you going?

Post by **JAMESSSS** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:24 pm

Make sure you have a VISA and MASTERCARD branded plastic (creditcards, debit cards, whatever).

Some places in Asia didn't do Visa, places in Central America don't do Mastercard.

Travelers checks are dope, but also remember sometimes they are not an option. Ie: Asking about them in Nicaragua you often get told to go to the capital.

dengelman · Post by **dengelman** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:31 pm

DBoy wrote:looks like Koh Tao for us.

good choice i reckon D, if only have a short time and looking to get away a bit.

if you haven't been to thailand before - you will love it where-ever you go. food, beaches, people, and can ALWAYS get away from the crowds no matter where you are - even Bali as Gnatty says. Just jaded multi-trippers like us talking about how "it's not like it used to be..."

I strongly reccommend you check out this place:
http://www.aowleuk2.com/

The main side of Ko Tao is NOT beach and full of young-drunk poms/ozzies doing cheap and shitty dive courses.
This side of the island absolutely stunning and you will have it to yourselves for most of the day.

Again: http://www.travelfish.org is the best resource I know for SE Asia.

ghetto kitty · Post by **ghetto kitty** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:34 pm

travelfish is a great reference.

however, there is a lot of 'prima donnas' on there too who say places are shit, when really, they just are not used to missing out on any first world comforts!

J Gal · Post by **J Gal** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:51 pm

Hey Kitty... Spherix and i are in Japan early march...

ghetto kitty · Post by **ghetto kitty** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:11 pm

oh wealllllllly. still tossing up whether to sell my ticket lady.
but if you guys r there, would be a lot of motivation to not sell.

Blaxter · Post by **Blaxter** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:04 pm

Fark. Got my olds asking to confiorm travel plans to hook up European travel passes for rail. Still haven't booked tickets.

quick · Post by **quick** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:34 pm

J Gal wrote:Hey Kitty... Spherix and i are in Japan early march...

so am I... In Japan from end of feb for 3 weeks...

fikuss · Post by **fikuss** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:13 pm

Just got back from 10 days in Vietnam. Had a great time... Can't wait to go back and cover more ground, maybe see Cambodia and Laos too.

J Gal · Post by **J Gal** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 2:44 pm

quick wrote:
J Gal wrote:Hey Kitty... Spherix and i are in Japan early march...
so am I... In Japan from end of feb for 3 weeks...

?

Oh rly? awesome! we most defiantly should hoook up for a drinkie. We've made no plans at all. Arrive Narita and take it from there

quick · Post by **quick** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 3:27 pm

J Gal wrote:
quick wrote:
J Gal wrote:Hey Kitty... Spherix and i are in Japan early march...
so am I... In Japan from end of feb for 3 weeks...
?

Oh rly? awesome! we most defiantly should hoook up for a drinkie. We've made no plans at all. Arrive Narita and take it from there

sweet, I arrive in Tokyo 25/02 and leave 18/03... getting a 2 week rail pass, you should get one before you go as well...

ghetto kitty · Post by **ghetto kitty** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:55 pm

i am supposed to arrive feb 14 - 11 march, but still not sure if i can go cos of a few factors. but hmmm....

FoundationStepper · Post by **FoundationStepper** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:39 pm

fikuss wrote:Just got back from 10 days in Vietnam. Had a great time... Can't wait to go back and cover more ground, maybe see Cambodia and Laos too.

which part of vietnam did you do?

Blaxter · Post by **Blaxter** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:01 pm

fikuss wrote:Just got back from 10 days in Vietnam. Had a great time... Can't wait to go back and cover more ground, maybe see Cambodia and Laos too.

Good to have ya back Chief, hope you had a boozey adventure.

ulyssian · Post by **ulyssian** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 2:57 pm

ZORBING JUST OUTTA MELBOURNE>>>>>>>>

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

http://www.sfearfactor.com.au/index.php

The Plenty Views Golf Park has been a family run business for over 25 years, the Di Carlo family have built this amazing establishment to add value to their community in providing first rate Golf Range, Conference Facilities, Restaurant and now bringing in the Sfear Factor Ball. All this and breathtaking views that make you forget the hussle and bustle world outside of those gates.

gnat · Post by **gnat** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:59 am

that looks siiiiiiick ulyssian

would definitely do in summer and defo with water. how much do you know?

on another note... 2 months till holidayz.. grasping for finish line

quick · Post by **quick** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:49 am

soooooooooooooooo many hot women in Spain... fark me...

weather is a cool 37'

quick · Post by **quick** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 3:39 am

http://www.thesquirrel.com.au/

first update is up if u care

Lizkins · Post by **Lizkins** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:43 am

miss you Squiz

will read ya update. glad you are having a good time

btw - bit sad you are fucking ya self with all dem hot women around. i think you got it wrong

Blaxter · Post by **Blaxter** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:19 pm

yah for b-logging quick.

Polecat · Post by **Polecat** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:05 pm

Onya Quick and Will for blogging your world travels.

My latest travel adevnture was the Grampians. It was so beautiful there... wallabys everywhere, misty mountain tops, wildflowers blooming, cheeky company, lakes, rocks, waterfalls, awesome views everywhere you looked!

Weirdness though to see a bunch of dudes on the bushwalking track, one carrying a machete, another a hammer and a third guy a knife in his hand. Whats that about!??!!! The wildlife isn't that scary.

BUs the mountain view rooms at the Royal Mail in Dunkeld. Very romantic view and tasteful comfy room! Staying and dining there was a great experience

Amick · Post by **Amick** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:03 pm

Polecat wrote:Weirdness though to see a bunch of dudes on the bushwalking track, one carrying a machete, another a hammer and a third guy a knife in his hand. Whats that about!??!!! The wildlife isn't that scary.

Its fairly common, bogan bushwalkers probably.

They're the ones who torture native animals etc.

Polecat · Post by **Polecat** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:11 pm

^ aww that is so dodgy. That was my first experience with the bogan bushwalker then. They looked like a bunch of twits!

gnat · Post by **gnat** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 4:24 pm

wtf?- that seems pretty weird PC!

grampians is so win. going back to do hollow mountain walk very soon

mrj · Post by **mrj** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 6:25 pm

Polecat wrote: Weirdness though to see a bunch of dudes on the bushwalking track, one carrying a machete, another a hammer and a third guy a knife in his hand. Whats that about!??!!! The wildlife isn't that scary.

sounds like the start of a joke dunnit.

"three blokes are walking through the woods, one has a machete, one a hammer, etc etc

amzie · Post by **amzie** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 6:38 pm

In Apia, Samoa at the moment. Any one been before?, got any tips on what to do and see?

cheers
x

Polecat · Post by **Polecat** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:08 pm

gnat wrote:wtf?- that seems pretty weird PC!

grampians is so win. going back to do hollow mountain walk very soon

That is one of the walks I didnt get to do! I'll get there next time.
Bloody! Halls Gap was sooo expensive for the camping supplies. Highway robbery and no choice. And the bloke in the shop was rude. I had to pack all my groceries while he stood and looked out the window :S

dengelman · Post by **dengelman** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:47 pm

amzie wrote:In Apia, Samoa at the moment. Any one been before?, got any tips on what to do and see?
cheers
x

lucky you!

Hire a car and cruise around the island (Upolu)
Then get a ferry to other island and do the same. Much beauty and diversity to be seen. Easy to get "off beaten track" on Savai'i - blowholes, black-sand beaches, kids.
Get out of Apia. It's OK, but not tropical paradise.
Best beaches are lalumanu and virgin cove (on Upolu). Stay in awesomely basic huts right on the beach.
Go to the fish market, maybe down some Kava then get on a crazy colourful bus.
Watch a crazy game of kirikiti.
See beautful flowers growing everwhere.

Avoid dogs. "Halu!" is Samoan for "F off you rabies-infected canine!" It works.
Avoid cyclones. Should be OK this time of year. Scary.
Be aware that "cuisine" options are basically limited to grilled tuna steak and tropical fruits, unless you like deep fried sausages with litres of cola. Or breadfruit...

Enjoy.

amzie · Post by **amzie** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:52 am

thanx for the advice !

off to enquire about hire cars today, a little worried about the whole side of the road change over ! But everyone seems to recommend hiring a a car to get the most out of Samoa!

quick · Post by **quick** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:26 am

another update on www.thesquirrel.com.au

RK · Post by RK » Fri Sep 25, 2009 5:39 pm

DBoy wrote:looks like Koh Tao for us.

I been on Tao for the last 3 months, finished my divemaster, here for another 1 1/2 weeks -when u coming D?? Any questions hit us up bro!!!

Post by **huge** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:41 pm

hah RK we're in Lamai at the moment. out of here on monday arvo. *waves*

Direkt · Post by **Direkt** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 12:36 am

In Maryland, USA at the moment for a work conference... had Carlos Santana and a bunch of top musos play to a private audience last night.... free beer, good times.

Dropped into Annapolis yesterday - beautiful city. It was actually the US Capital for a brief period and has a fair bit of history dating back to the 1700's. Going to head back there now.

RK · Post by RK » Sat Sep 26, 2009 6:10 pm

RK wrote:
DBoy wrote:looks like Koh Tao for us.
I been on Tao for the last 3 months, finished my divemaster, here for another 1 1/2 weeks -when u coming D?? Any questions hit us up bro!!!

Oh bollocks! I was on Samui a couple of days ago!!!

nic · Post by **nic** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:59 am

steve quick london

DBoy · Post by **DBoy** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:19 am

RK wrote:
DBoy wrote:looks like Koh Tao for us.
I been on Tao for the last 3 months, finished my divemaster, here for another 1 1/2 weeks -when u coming D?? Any questions hit us up bro!!!

Not for a couple of weeks!! Shame!

Man can't wait to get over there.

dengelman · Post by **dengelman** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 9:56 pm

amzie wrote:thanx for the advice !

Shit dude. Hope you are OK, if still in Samoa.

We were there for a bad cyclone in 2003 which was horrible. This sounds way worse than that.
Thoughts to all affected...

quick · Post by **quick** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:53 am

nic wrote:steve quick london

London Fields + random find in wallet =

fikuss · Post by **fikuss** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:30 am

quick wrote:London Fields + random find in wallet =

London fields+Pint+Frud=Good times.

Say hi to Frud and Anika for me. Miss those guys.

quick · Post by **quick** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:51 am

fikuss wrote:
quick wrote:London Fields + random find in wallet =
London fields+Pint+Frud=Good times.

Say hi to Frud and Anika for me. Miss those guys.

they say hi back...

London fields was... me + Nic + random find of cid in walet (worked out it had been with me for 1.5 years lol) = very VERY random fun... goog times Nic, goog times...

almax · Post by **almax** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 11:16 am

amzie wrote:In Apia, Samoa at the moment. Any one been before?, got any tips on what to do and see?

cheers
x

Oh no, are you still there?

gnat · Post by **gnat** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 11:25 am

amzie · Post by **amzie** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 11:40 am

lucky i got home last week, A-ok thanks guys

Lil MiSbreaks · Post by **Lil MiSbreaks** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:44 pm

Was wondering about you after the recommendation.

Good to hear your back

Post by **huge** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 4:59 pm

too many horrible aussie and euro tourists on samui.

ang thong was rad tho.

RK · Post by RK » Thu Oct 01, 2009 5:51 pm

huge wrote:too many horrible aussie and euro tourists on samui.

ang thong was rad tho.

Should have come to Koh Tao for a visit! Where are u now? We in Bangkok for a week if ya about. Stayin at 4 Sons on Soi Rambuttri

Post by **huge** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 6:06 pm

bloody home now innit!

would have gone for a trip if i knew earlier! huhu.

deviant · Post by **deviant** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:04 am

I just bought flights to Thailand for $580 return... w00T=!!

boing

ghetto kitty · Post by **ghetto kitty** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:11 am

Tasmania is beautiful, but also very very strange. I swear the convict heritage and in breeding truly did/does affect the people who live there now.
Loved visiting, round the campfire with two kids per adult and a pack of dogs, where everyone is building solar powered houses in the bush that is being encroached upon by grazing and logging,
very slow pace to life and nobody speaking to each other on facebook. Its a life that definately has appeal.
BUT I could not live there, so redneck in attitude, so small and isolated. but nice to visit!