First Time Alone - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

JRex98 · 05-29-2004, 07:41 PM

I am in the first stages of planning a trip this summ.. I have never travelled by myself before. I am a twenty four year old women from the U.S. I am a teacher, so we have an amazing schedule of having summers off. I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions (please be kind)about where I should go, what I should do, who I can meet. I don't have a lot of money to spend but I want to go somewhere amazing

**U2fan** · 05-29-2004, 07:50 PM

Hey there! Welcome to the boards!

We need some more info....do you want to leave the country? Where have you been before? Do you want a potential culture shock or no? Are you on a tight budget? Etc. etc. etc.

The problem is that there are WAY WAY too many amazing places in the world so I need some more to go on!!!!!!!!!!

**Bgirl** · 05-29-2004, 07:51 PM

Well... Where r u from in the States?... I`m gonna travel around Cali, Nevada and Florida... I`m also a 24 years old woman and I`m a teacher.... So I understand your situation. If you wanna join me... Welcome!

JRex98 · 05-29-2004, 08:11 PM

I do not want to stay in the US. My last trip was to Argentina and I was with some girlfriends. It was fun, but I want to see something life-changing if I am to go alone. Culture shock is not a problem, but safety is a concern. I am contemplating India, but I will admit to being a little scared.

I am from Florida if you will be there at all.

JRex98 · 05-29-2004, 08:13 PM

Yes, I am on a tight budget... I have about two thousand to spend

JRex98 · 05-29-2004, 08:15 PM

Yes, I am on a tight budget... I have about two thousand to spend

**blinkchick2134** · 05-29-2004, 08:40 PM

Many of my teachers which have traveled have enjoyed going to places they teach about. My English teacher went to England and saw the Shakespeare sites, my history teacher went to Rome, my math teacher went to Egypt - he relates stuff to the scale of the pyramids, etc.

Europe is always cheap and with a 2,000 budget I feel it can be achieved. My month-long trip cost 4,500$ but it was through a group and we stayed in 3- and 4- star hotels and ate at fancy restaurants. If your planning to stay in cheaper places (hostels) or eat in pubs or diners than you can nearly cut that in half. The airfare will proably be the most bank breaking.

If Europe doesn't hold your interest look to going to Bahamas or one of the Central American countries. Cancun is popular and beautiful and Costa Rica is even more amazing. Also these are considered un-developed countries to some so the prices are pretty low.

Safety: Europe is pretty safe as far as I can tell...too much respect of something - no one every gets shot or anything thing like in the US. Central America isn't so lucky. They always have a lot of commotion going on with revolutions and the like.

naj131 · 05-30-2004, 09:31 AM

Hiya

As mentioned earlier, Egypt can be pretty awsome, what with teh pyramids and stuff.

Also, if your on a tight budget, Turkey is probably a good bet. Plenty to see and do, from Beaches to skiing as well as the history but won't break teh bank

JRex98 · 05-30-2004, 05:31 PM

Help! I just bought a ticket to Peru and I am freaking out!!

I am leaving 6/29-7/15.
I don't know what to do now!!

**Somnambulation** · 05-30-2004, 09:54 PM

Quick! Mabye you can still get your money back if you hurry!

**U2fan** · 05-31-2004, 10:59 AM

Why freaking out? You just don't want to go to Peru anymore?

JRex98 · 05-31-2004, 11:55 AM

I'm freaking out because I've never been by myself before. I have the same story as a lot of people about leaving a bad relationship and wanting to go somewhere alone to find myself...bla bla bla. I really hope there are others that are traveling alone where I will be.

**Bgirl** · 05-31-2004, 12:22 PM

Why Peru?

JRex98 · 05-31-2004, 01:50 PM

I have been to Argentina with friends, so I comfortable going to South America. I know enough Spanish to get around. The exchange rate is good. I heard it is a friendly place for backpackers. I am also interested in the ruins. Hope that's enough. It is a done deal because I went on priceline, so there is no turning back. Advice from anyone who has been??

CamiKay · 05-31-2004, 02:06 PM

My sis went to Peru and LOVED it.
words of advice-
before a long bus ride, dont drink alot as they wont let you take a bathroom break (My sister says she went 7 hours really needing to pee and couldn't cuase they wouldnt stop for long enough)
Careful what you drink, you could get sick
and Machu pichu (bad spelling, sorry) is sposed to be amazing.
I am jealous, I wanna go to peru

best of luck!

**tecia** · 06-04-2004, 06:46 AM

don't worry!!! your are going to have so much fun!!!! just go and if you have any questions about south america bgirl is from brazil and she may be of some help!!!
Let us know how it goes!!!!