Looking to travel and work

[raygunpk]

I'm currently living in Vancouver, but I want to get out and live elsewhere for a while.

As lame as it sounds, I want to go on one of those "find yourself" trips. I've gotten recommendations to go to Europe for backpacking.

I've also been told Australia is very easy to get into, how true is that?

Are there any places you guys recommend

 

[DanTMWTMP]

Jump into one of those "con-tiki" tours. You meet random people from around the world. I myself wasn't in one, but I ran into a group of them in New Zealand, and had some fun hanging out with them.

I still think the exchange rate is unfavorable for a trip to Europe. I'm almost in Taiwan (I'm currently stuck in the middle of the western pacific, hunting down typhoons), and I plan to have a crapload of fun in Taiwan.

I also have no idea why no one goes to South America. It's like the most underrated vacation spot. Anywhere around Patagonia is amazing (for backpacking, hiking, camping). I think South America is a better place than Europe in terms of having a "find yourself" trip.

 

[Blackjack200]

I also have no idea why no one goes to South America. It's like the most underrated vacation spot. Anywhere around Patagonia is amazing (for backpacking, hiking, camping). I think South America is a better place than Europe in terms of having a "find yourself" trip.

I agree, though you really need to protect yourself w/respect to kidnapping and crime as much of SA is still desperately poor. I also want to learn at least a basic level of Spanish before I go down there. But yeah, Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, The Amazon, The Galapagos, there's just so much down there and it's pretty cheap.

 

[Crono]

Avoid flying on Oceanic Airways or Ajira Airways if you plan on going to Australia for a walkabout.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

One of my buddies went backpacking in South America for a couple months with 2 friends and had an awesome time. I think he avoided getting mugged too.

I did the Contiki Ultimate European tour in 2008 and stuck around for about 3 weeks afterwards to check out Prague, Germany and the Netherlands in more depth. Highly recommended if you're ok with partying a LOT and sampling a bunch of different locations. If you just want to sightsee at your own pace, grab a Eurail pass and map out a general itinerary, then do it at your own pace.

If you want to work while away, check out this program: http://www.swap.ca/. I plan to get a visa and go to either Australia or Ireland with that program in a year or so, once I have enough saved up.

 

[GTaudiophile]

If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 you can apply for a work/travel Visa to Australia that is good for a year.

A friend of mine did this and got it approved in like 48 hours.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Here it is: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/visa-options.htm

 

[Blackjack200]

I'd love to visit Australia, but it's such a ridiculously long and expensive flight. Of course, that's probably not too much of a concern to the OP (assuming it's a long term trip).