Welcome back!

When I started this blog (hmm…I get the feeling I’ve written this before…possibly not though) my aim was to write about the events leading up to leaving the UK and the adventures I will have around the world.  Well I’m slowly starting to realise that I can write about more than just that and it’s something that people are doing all over the world all of the time.  So…for now I think this will be a general blog about me, who I am, what I do (me me me) and my life in general.  this is the plan for now and now only though. 

Once we have moved out of our house and we can actually start planning our trip properly, with a date in mind, the main emphasis of my blog with be that (travel plans).  I intend to blog about everything, and I mean everything, that we do to get our trip off the ground from vaccinations to destinations and beyond. 

Then finally once we have arrived at the airport to leave the UK the blog will be all about our travels, trials and tribulations + me, my life and anything else I fancy!!

I made this decision after reading many personal / business travel blogs and I realised that, really, I don’t know much about travel as I haven’t done that much.  Europe and bits of the USA were my travel destinations when I was younger and I don’t think we every really strayed off the beaten path.  I’m definitely eager for adventure and keen to learn all I can about the world (which is a pretty big place I hear) and so I hope that I can turn my blog into a travel guide for a “beginner traveller” as I myself am now!  x

I wasn’t really looking forward to Christmas this year – mainly because I was being bullied about what gifts I’d like from all directions and I really didn’t have a clue!! I think most people saw it as awkwardness but in all honesty I couldn’t think of a single thing. The problem with having decided to go travelling is that Christmas came right in the middle of the awkward “limbo” time – having not yet set a date or booked tickets but on the other hand we had decided we were definitely going….so…what do you buy for someone who is….

a) Leaving the country for 12+ months and so could probably do without the usual clothes and shoes

b) Moving out of their house so has no need for towels, home furnishings or general nik-nak gifts

c) will only be here for 6 or so months before leaving -so what would normally be a really useful gift will be sat around in my parents garage for the entire time we’re travelling.

So, these are my top (received) travelling related Christmas gifts of 2008 (those I can remember at least – I have an amazing ability to forget what I got as soon as things are put away, don’t mistake this for ungratefulness, I just have a rubbish memory)!!

To Jen….Love Jamie

99L rucksack – which would appear rather large but, as I discovered on Christmas Day, can be shortened easily so it’s not so huge! It has waterproof sections and all-sorts – I never thought I’d be excited about such a gift!! (It’s blue in case you were wondering).

To Jen….Love Mum & Dad

Acer Aspire One Netbook / Mini-Laptop (also conveniently in blue!). My normal laptop would be a bit of a

pain to take away as it is normal size and a bit obvious – it would probably be easily damaged as well as it’d be difficult to pack it well because of the size. The Aspire One is perfect for travelling – tiny and basic! Although it’s probably not the most durable (like a Tough Book) and probably wouldn’t stand many knocks but it’s size makes it perfect to pack in between clothes and it’s also quite discreet (it’s the same size as some of my books). Only time will tell whether I decide to take it with us (at the moment it’s very shiny and new – but by the time we go it might not seem so precious!)

To Jen….Love Julie (my sister)

Western Digital 320gb Hardrive (glossy red) – excellent item and perfect partner for the mini-laptop. I have an external hardrive from a few years ago but it’s not really a portable size and has to be plugged in to the mains when in use. The WD is actually smaller than my purse and connects via a single USB port.

Other handy gifts included a small wind-up torch, sleeping bag liners, extra absorbent towels (which I’ve heard mixed reviews about), multi plug adapter (first one I’ve seen with an Ipod plug!!), camel pack and SD memory cards!

To find prices for these or similar items click below…

“First-Time Around the World” is an excellent book for a proper beginner.

My idea of a good travel book would be one that informs you without being full of clearly paid-for advertising by sponsors i.e. travel agents, hotel chains and that kind of thing.  I want someone’s honest option about places they have stayed in or that their friends have stayed in, not a book where the author has been persuaded to add links for places s/he perhaps never visited / stayed in.  This is the first book (out of many) I’ve found that almost fits the bill.

Firstly this book is firmly aimed at those who are travelling on a limited budget and those who plan to head off the beaten track. If you’re planning on touring the world staying in hotels and resorts and you don’t have to worry about the pennies then this really isn’t for you.

Information in the book includes suggested itineraries, details on what to bring, when to go, how much it will cost and which vaccinations will keep you healthy. The individual country profiles highlight the best places to visit with country-specific websites and necessary budget information. There are plenty of useful tips to help save you money, keep you safe and maximise your time on the road. The guide comes complete with concise regional information, with overland maps, visa information and details on weather, major attractions and unmissable festivals.

One of the really helpful pieces of information was prices of internal travel on an overland map.  For example on one of the USA maps it had travel routes detailed stating roughly how much a bus ticket / air fare would cost from place to place (take into consideration these process do change regularly though but it is a good rough guide to start you off).  This is particularly helpful with such a huge country. 

The Author used his own experiences to develop his points but always reminds you that it’s your journey and you need to make your own decisions.

Overall an excellent book and an excellent start for me!

Click the picture to launch Amazon and find excellent prices for this book!