Kia Ora!

Or rather... Hello (in Maori, and that tasty tropical fruit drink of course..yum!).

As Ady said we're now in New Zealand - the 3rd leg of our trip! We're travelling with the Kiwi Experience which is kind of like a cross between Trek America and National Express from home. The company basically takes you from one location to another in a big group of travellers - but rather than staying with the same gang from start to finish you can hop off one if you want to stay somewhere longer and just catch the next bus that comes (pretty much 7 days a week depending on location). So far everything seems pretty good with informative (and funny) drivers and a nice bunch of people. If you wait a while to book they always seems to be having some sort of offers as well so don't rush - we managed 20% off ours!

Everything in New Zealand is kind of like home with an American twist. Its green, hilly and forest-y; best of all the temperature is like home. Getting off the plane was incredible; for around 7 weeks I've been uncomfortably hot in America and Fiji so it was pure relief stepping in to temperatures of below 20C - and finally time to make use of those 2 jumpers I've been carrying around for no reason what so ever!

Our first couple of days were spent in Auckland - the biggest city in the whole of the country. I'll be honest, its a bit shit. Apparently it is close to the top of the top 55 'best quality of life' cities in the World but I don't see it myself. It has everything you need (if what you need is Internet cafes, pharmacies and Chinese takeaways) for a short stay but we just made use of the cinema and a few shops to get stocked up for the rest of the New Zealand trip. The best thing about the city was possibly the ACB hostel where we stayed. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays have what is called 'the big eat' where you pay $10 for a beer and as much pizza as you can eat - Ady and myself both managed 2 whole ones before we couldn't eat anymore - they then brought out about another 30 pizzas; for the cost you can't go wrong!

After 2 nights there we took our first Kiwi experience bus up to the Bay of Islands at the northern tip of the Island. Stunning scenery and loads of activities on offer; but rather than the usual speed boat trips around the islands etc we decided to do some sea fishing - It was amazing!! We went out with Spot-X fishing; they use high speed boats so that you get to the fishing spots quicker so the ride out was pretty cool in itself. Once out there I managed to catch 2 Snappers and 1 HUGE Barracuda!

Barracudas are unfortunately full of worms which makes them crap for eating so we had to make do with 2 Snappers for dinner... but they were bloody lovely! So some advice for the Bay of Islands... if you're going to do a cruise around the islands do something on that cruise as we've heard from quite a few people it can be a bit dull - so go sailing, fishing or kayaking then you get to see the islands and be entertained... perfect!

Bula - Welcome to Fiji!

Although the photo is stolen the view above is our view from our final accom in Fiji - beautiful!

Evenin' everyone! Hope you're all well!

We've just arrived in New Zealand fully refreshed after a nice week long escape in Fiji! It really was / is a beautiful place. Crystal clear blue seas, sunny skies and cheap beer!

The week went really fast and was spent hopping between the main land and 3 main islands. We booked 'The Ultimate Lei' with Awesome Adventures Fiji and STA travel. Island visits vary with each booking but we were shown the delights of Coral View, Manta Ray, Kuata and finally Bounty Island (where they filmed Celebrity Love Island if thats your thing!).

Each island had varying levels accommodation / food standards but the whole thing works around the fact it is for alternative travellers (its pretty much hostel standards). One thing they all did have in common was plenty of other travellers who were more than willing to party! For the majority of the week we just relaxed to the max (much needed after the 3 weeks of intensive drinking and travelling throughout the US!), including us carrying out breath taking activities such as reading, sleeping, playing UNO and listening to music. There was plenty to do on the islands and we took part in a few of the available activities.

First up was Coral View. The accommodation here was really nice. We had a private Bure with its own bathroom which was cool. The only problem was the food on the island was a bit scarce. Pretty much everyone was in agreement that anymore than 2 nights here and we might have all turned to cannibalism in a fit of pure starvation. On this Island we went to Blue Lagoon (where the movie of the same name was filmed); Once there we did a bit of reef snorkeling which was amazing - found Nemo and a few of his good mates. After the snorkeling we sat on the beach with a lass we met called Zoe (Alreet!), cracked open a coconut and chatted until it was time to go back to the Island.

Next up was Fiji day on Manta Ray island (named after the Manta Rays who inhabit the waters around the island). Accom wasn't en suite but still pretty nice (except we only had a double bed when we first got there!). Had a huge feast in honour of the special day with a few beers and chatted to some Canadians we had first met on Coral View.

Next day we went to Kuata for 2 nights. This island was completely different; not as touristic which made it feel much more like the real Fiji. The accom seemed to be mixed in with the local village and worked as a big community. The accom was really basic but did include a family, or flock, of birds which was a nice added extra (!). We swam with sharks on this island which was pretty exciting except for the fact there were about 40 os us in the ocean at once. Shark swimming isn't half as exciting when you have someones flipper wedged in your face; but thats Fiji, its no worries - Fiji time! The food was pretty basic here, but came in big portions and big varieties which is always welcome!

Finally we spent our last night on Bounty Island. This was deffo the most luxurious of all the islands - it looked like it was used as an actual holiday resort with all inclusive customers etc. We had a fridge, air con and a beautiful breakfast. Sadly only for one night which meant we didn't really have time for the activities but we enjoyed our last day of peace anyway!

Just arrived in New Zealand today... its like a lovely little taste of home - Finally some cold weather! Going out drinking with some guys we met in Fiji so if we survive... MORE SOON!

Missin' you all x

A few days in LA LA Land

Alright everyone!

Sorry these posts have been sparse... camp sites in America don't have much net access! We've finished the trek and are currently writing up everything we've been doing in the past 3 weeks... so stay tuned and it'll all be up here soon!

At the moment we're just chilling out in Los Angeles which is pretty cool. We are staying in the Banana Bungalow Hollywood, which is ACE! Chris, Beth, Wayne, Gemma, Tori and Jo (Hey guys!) from trek America stayed with us so we had a private room with bathroom and kitchen, and only $20 a night, which is really cheap. They also include free breakfast, BBQ's and parties!

The first day we got here we headed out straight down to Mann's Chinese theatre (where they hold the premiers!). We rolled up to the front to be rudely told that it was a cinema and we'd need tickets if we wanted to come in... first cinema I've been to where they sell tickets down the street instead of inside the premises but never mind. We went to see Ghost Town with Ricky Gevais. It was cool, a little bit cheesy but pretty good entertainment. It was amazing being in the cinema, its really beautiful inside, quite over the top and very opulent.

The next day we just spent wandering around the shops, checking out all the stuff we couldn't carry and deffinately couldn't afford! They don't really seem to do cheap shops here, Just loads of little boutique type places with clothes that are very over the top! In the evening we were lucky enough to get in the audience for the Jimmy Kimmel show. They have Rosario Dawson (Eagle Eye), Jamie Kennedy (Scream) and Gavin Rossdale (Bush, Gwen Stefanis husband
). It was all a bit of a set up with light up signs to tell you when to clap, and stop clapping, cheering etc but it was a wicked experience. At the end of the show we got to see a free Gavin Rossdale concert, then when we were leaving Rosario Dawson rolled up in a car and gave out free itunes music vouchers which was ace... shes a reasonably big star so atleast I can say I said hello to atleast one celeb!

The next day was pretty chilled with another shopping trip to get a shirt for a big night out in LA. We first went to a club where we queue jumped cos we had come from
England (tell everyone you see... they love it!). It seemed to be like a kids party though so we stayed for a few drinks then made our way to another club for an evening of dancing and drinking to the max. It was ace... but im gonna sign off now cos i'm currently trying to get over the hang over with frozen yoghurt and bit of web surfing!

More soon! x

Lets Go Mets! Lets Go Mets!

First up... apologies for the lack of posts on here. Since we joined the Trek America group its been really difficult to find any internet access...camp sites all have wi-fi but no computers...!

Baseball is the obsession of the Americans and its easy to see why. On our last night in New York we went to watch the New York Mets play a game against the Washington Internationals... It was INCREDIBLE! We had to catch the subway into Queens and as the train got closer to the stadium it got busier and busier - It makes the London underground seem roomy!

The stadium was very cool (despite it being known as one of the worst in the league...!) It all looked brand new, clean and accomodated all the fans easily. The crowd was really buzzing despite its completely eclectic mix of fans. We we sandwiched inbetween 2 old gals, a family and some 'typical' fans - it was cool, and nice to see everyone there to have a good time and show their support. So far everything in America has been much flashier than in the Uk and it was the same with their sport. They gave away t-shirts in the intervals, had dance competitions between the fans, played music with the words on big screens... Its easy to see why millions of people would go watch the sport every week! The only let down were the hot dogs; they were made of beef and tasted like shit, but they were served out of tin boxes carried on peoples heads...what can you expect really?!

We finished off our night with a trip to time square to see all the lights on our last night... sad times! good bye New York and hello to the rest of America!

we're here... its hot, and the showers are crap

We touched down in New York at 4pm got straight through customs (except a slight disagreement between Ady and them due to 'travelling' not being an appropriate answer to why are you visiting the United States) and then made our way to the the subway confident we were going to probably end up somewhere where we shouldn't... but we didn't!

90 minutes later we arrived at our lovely looking hostel ready to make ourselves at home in the beautiful looking rooms we had expected... unfortunately the guys who put together the Broadway hotel and hostel website must have mistaken it with somewhere COMPLETELY different. Although its not bad... its certainly not good (Pictures soon - see below for fake!). Holes in the flooring, wires sticking out of the wall... a sort of post-war Iraq chic would be a pretty good description. Also... the showers... they look crap and they're cold...happy days! On the upside it has air conditioning..!

We met a lovely lass from Brisbane called Marta, stowed our stuff and went out in search of some food. The only place we could choose was a proper American diner which served up some beautiful burgers and ice cold beer... perfect!

Went to bed pretty early due to it being about 2am back in England but we're up today (Saturday) and ready for a day of sight seeing! A quick tip for people staying in hostels... Prepare your next days stuff before you go to bed cos its a right git trying to get everything sorted while people are trying to sleep the next day!!

anybody interested in discounts?

How useful are these discount cards? I was recommended the VIP Backpacker card by STA over other discount cards that were available and I'm struggling to make it work out. Hostel sites seem to be priced pretty much exactly the same on the VIPBackpackers site as on other sites such as Hostelbookers... has anybody found any genuinely excellent deals with these things? They can be used for trips, tours, transport and hostels so there has to be a way to get back the £12 (varies depending on card) fee?

new york, new york!

Quite scared now about setting off on the old travels; Do we have enough money? probably not... Are our plans thought out enough? Nope.. Luckily the excitement of seeing places like New York are throwing any doubts right out the window!

As Frank Sinatra said;

These little town blues, are melting away, Ill make a brand new start of it - in old new york

So what better place to begin our travels than the city that never sleeps?! One thing that has helped ease my over active mind is that we've began to book hostels in every city for our arrival nights, therefore helping to guarantee that we won't be sleeping on the streets.

We used a site called Hostel Bookers which allows you to search for hostels all around the world. The site allows user reviews of each hostel and seems to support quite a large community, helping you to choose a hostel safe in the knowledge that other people have used and, more often that not, enjoyed their facilities. The site only takes a 10% deposit with the balance being paid upon arrival. We used this site to book a stay in Amsterdam last year and it worked a treat.

The hostel we chose was the Broadway Hotel & Hostel (shown below) just off Broadway. If you're there in September... Let us know!

meeting STA

I hate photos that feature... me; so after yesterdays little meeting of World travellers I thought I'd take the opportunity to upload a photo of Molly (left) and Juliette (right), of STA travel buzz fame, before the group photo of me appears anywhere! This photo was taken after the beer / cider had already taken its toll!

We had a really good day overall (except one very disappointing visit to Bershka - why are baggy jeans not sold anymore?!). We went to the travelbuzz office, met Molly and Juliette as well as some other travellers who are also going to be writing about their experiences of STA and their world travels - Alreet guys!

At the office we kicked back to watch a slick presentation (found HERE) about 'social media' and all that it encompasses, debating some of the finer points whilst eating, and drinking, all the provided snacks and beer we could. After the business was out of the way we went into Covent garden to a lovely little pub to get to know each other better with the social lubrication that is cider! Everyone was friendly and relaxed which helped us to have a really nice afternoon / evening - Sorry you couldn't come George... Maybe after we all get back we can meet up again?!

A quick goodbye (and hello to an old New Yorker who says we MUST visit lower broadway to watch some jazzz - all the young people like jazz nowadays don't they? well don't we?!), speedy underground journey and dash across Euston station and we were on our way home to Birmingham - 3 weeks of work - 6 weeks until flying time!

This photo turned up. Steven + Sun light = sad face.

This one = happiness!

...most importantly, the travel bag.

EVERYONE seemed to have a different idea about what I should buy when I was looking for my most important travel companion... the travel bag!

Forums, family and friends all offered advice about choosing a pack that fits well, was easy to pack / unpack, robust, blah blah blah! I basically wanted one that would hold a lot of stuff, not hurt my back and wasn't too inspired by the great outdoors (you know the type... the kind you'd see 'that' bloke wearing with his sandals and walking pole!).

I think the best places to go for 'professional' advice would be the outdoor shops themselves. Most of the ones I visited seemed to have their own expert on hiking, trekking etc. Probably the most useful was a guy in Blacks (Birmingham, Bull Street) who had a VERY enthusiastic love of all things travel... telling me about back support, moulded waist straps, ultra light weight materials etc; he was closely matched in knowledge, but out done on by personality, by a lovely woman in Millets (Birmingham, Union Street). My only problem with these guys is they all seemed to have their favourite brand which they would encourage you to buy (or rather, probably, their managers wanted you to buy). In defence of the outdoor shop sales people... 2 of the shops did agree that Osprey were the BEST choice for trekking bags due to their light weight and excellent comfort levels. This brand does appear to be the most expensive though so shop around!

My solution to this was to head back up north for the weekend and talk to a friendly (and probably useless) geordie for help and advice. As expected the assistant in Tiso (Newcastle, Grainger St.) showed me backpacks, travel packs and a few other alternatives; basically he told me that I'd probably only need a really expensive rucksack if I was going to be doing a lot of trekking (which I don't think I am!) and so a one of the wheeled alternatives (pleasing both my sister and various friends who SWORE that wheels are millions times easier to deal with than rucksacks) would be a much better option. In the end I purchased (thanks Mam and Dad) the Wheeled berghaus Jalen 70 + 15 (pictured). This pack has a detachable rucksack on the front, a separate pocket at the bottom for sleeping bags / shoes etc and a massive main compartment that can be fully unzipped making packing much easier. As well as the excellent wheels it also has a full Berghaus Biofit back system which zips away under a flap for easier airport check-in! Job Done (also worth noting that if you buy a pack and something else such as a sleeping bag from TISO you get 15% discount...if you ASK)!

the fine details of booking flights

When Ady and myself first decided to go travelling it was a bit of a random decision; more of a way to escape working life and do something different than embrace all the World had to offer.

After various discussions we had a BIG list of countries we'd love to squeeze in and an appointment to visit STA in Birmingham to reign us in to what we could actually manage! The lucky travel agent / Tour operator / STA agent person in question was Dawn from the Birmingham uni branch (Thankyou!). She took the time (2 hours I think?!) to tell us about all the available options for RTW tickets that were available and advised us which would be best to satisfy our needs; it turned our that satisfying our needs required us to alter our (over ambitious) needs but we were able to get there in the end.

Booking with Quantas we ended up with the following flights:

• [London, Heathrow to New York, JFK]
• [LA, Tom Bradley to Fiji, Nadi ]
• [Fiji, Nadi to NZ, Auckland]
• [NZ, Christchurch to AUS, Melbourne Int]
• [AUS, Cairns to Singapore, Changi]
• [Thailand, Bangkok to Hong Kong, International]
• [Hong Kong, International to London, Heathrow]

Its worth noting that when booking flights you can usually only book 12 months in advance; this meant that we had to put through preliminary dates all within within the next 9 months or so but STA offer the chance to revise these dates (without extra charge) once flights become available; allowing you the flexibility to book your flights and get the money part out of the way but then sort the exact dates later on.

After you have made the initial booking you have 60(ish) days to pay the balance of the flights; during this time the taxes can change, and so the price can rise or fall. To help us out Dawn kindly re-booked the flights approx. 2 weeks after our first booking which gave us extra time to pay - very useful when you're waiting for the wages to role in. The flights came in at a cool £1480 (a huge chunk of which seems to be tax and apparantly will keep rising - carbon emission taxes / higher oil prices etc!) and will allow us to directly visit the USA, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong; although whilst in east Asia we're hoping to do our own thing for a few months and squeeze in a few more countries.

travel time...!

This blog will keep track, through pictures and entries, of my journey around the world (with my mate Ady)... taking in sights in the USA, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and hopefully a few more!