DMBTraveler

For some it may be too late to plan or not enough time but I have about twenty days in June to explore more of the planet with a backpack and a reasonable budget.

Although I have traveled extensively, I am looking for unique ideas and places to visit anywhere on the map from Europe to Asia, Chile to Guatemala. 3-4 days in one place is usually enough for me as I like to see and visit as many places as I can. I am leaning towards exploring Asia although this may not be the right time of the year to do so.

Planes, trains, automobiles or boats, your input, suggestions and links would be greatly appreciated.

thursdaysd

I thought you were busy visiting 195 countries. Have you finished?

suze

Where are you starting from? It's impossible to make a suggestion without knowing that. For example I wouldn't fly 24 hrs to spend 3 days in a place. It's not good use of time or money.

No one can suggests "planes, trains, automobiles or boats" for any and everywhere in the world. That doesn't make sense.

DMBTraveler

thursdayd,

This is a part of the plan and I hope to add at least 3 more countries ...

Welcome your input for any countries you have visited in Asia

DMBTraveler

Suze,

Flying from USA ... East Coast & I have a "Rich Uncle" that is going to leave me an inheritance, (so he says). So money is not an issue.

I prefer "Independent Travel" and shy away from the "High End" stuff. My promised inheritance allows me to travel anywhere in the world and my posting is meant to invite suggestions where resources are unlimited even if it is just a dream.

I post here because I believe "Fodorites" have a broad range of travel experiences that I would like to take advantage of to enrich my own experiences.

Where have you visited that you think would be cool and adventureous for others to see? I am leaning towards Asia and would welcome your input if you have done some traveling over there.


I guess you are not a John Candy or Steve Martin fan

suze

Sorry can't help with Asia. I've only traveled in Europe, the Carribean, and Mexico myself. But if you have unlimited resources and want to travel on the cheap, you should have an easy time finding places to go.

I suggest posting on the Asia forum, if that's where you're interested in. Lots of helpful people there. Not many people read this "Travel Tips" branch.

Neuman605

Oh DMBTraveler, I am so jealous. We can only get away for 10-12 days at a time

Just returned from SA, not nearly enough time there, didn't get to half of the places you did.

Thinking of Easter Island in the fall, just need to let DH know about it...LOL!

Femi

Have you considered the isles of the Indian Ocean?

DMBTraveler

Suze,

Now that I have decided on Asia.. I will check out that forum.

By the way, have you been to Northern Europe... Sweden, Finland.. etc. It's next on my list. Your tips or suggestions would be appreciated

DMBTraveler

Femi,

No, I have not considered "The Isles Of The Indian Ocean" but I am always looking for interesting places to visit.

Please pass on more info that you have about visiting there.

As with visiting anywhere I know I can do my own research but first hand knowledge is always the best stuff

DMBTraveler

Neuman605,

I feel your 10-12 day pain Looking forward to retirement with no time limits to travel.

Glad you enjoyed SA ... I may go back in the fall to visit a few more countries nearby.

Will you post about your trip?

Never been to Easter Island. Will have to add that to my list

Gardyloo

Have a look at weather conditions. Asia, in particular SE Asia, has areas with monsoon weather in June, while other areas can be hot, mild, humid or miserable, depending on your tolerance.

What about going places in June that would be difficult to visit at other times? Have you thought about Siberia? You could fly to Beijing, visit northern China, then fly to Irkutsk (S7 Airlines, a Oneworld member and American/British Airways partner) and visit Lake Baikal. You could then fly back to China then home, or ride the train to Moscow then home, numerous alternatives.

On the other side of the world, June is the ideal time to visit areas in Africa like Kruger National Park in South Africa, or game reserves in Botswana, Kenya or Tanzania. It's winter, which means the weather is dry, the animals come to the water, and there's less foliage to impair views.

Or pack your bug repellent and head to the Canadian and Alaska arctic - 24 hour sun, amazing, unvisited national parks, a real buzz as the native communities launch into subsistence hunting and fishing seasons... very cool.

Just some thoughts.

DMBTraveler

Gardyloo,

Thanks for the input... Your post is kind of my fear of visiting Asia in June..

I hope from living in SE Florida I would have the tolerance for the weather. A trip to Siberia would be nice but I understand the visa process is a bit difficult.

Can you please pass along any info you have on this. I have flexibility while traveling but I don't want to particularly spend my time getting drenched.

Right now the plan is to fly into HKG and roam around from there.

Thanks for your suggestions

Gardyloo

Regarding climate, you need to look at individual countries, as June can be quite variable in terms of precipitation, temperature, etc.

Of course you need a visa in advance to visit China just as you would for Russia, so put that into your thinking also. Getting to HKG but not being able to enter mainland China would be a bummer.

One other thought, don't know where you've been in Australia, but June is a great time to visit the Red Centre and Queensland.

Grassshopper

Well, I just looked at my iPhone and it's raining in Paris, London, San Francisco, Amsterdam... Not in Hong Kong today, but thunderstorms tomorrow. I would go to southeast Asia and rain be damned. I think I'd recommend Malaysia, Thailand, Bali and then whatever you like.

Femi

The Indian Ocean Islands have only recently made it on to my radar; Seychelles, Reunion, Madagscar, Zanzibar etc have more to offer than I originally realised, not just beaches but an interesting blend of cultures- Persian, Omani and East- African, and Portugese to name a few.

DMBTraveler

Gardyloo,

I have my fingers crossed for tolerable weather in Vietnam for middle to end of June... Even Cambodia or Thailand are options. In the process of getting a Chinese visa as a side visit to Beijing would be nice.

Have not been to Red Centre but did enjoy a few days in Queensland snorkeling "The Great Barrier Reef".

Again, thanks for your post... very helpful

vitstour

Thanks Kate for this thread. I have read and re-read all the info. Still researching my own school for next year hopefully.

skyex3633

Don't forget to visit India.

DMBTraveler

skyex3633,

Have been there for work. Now need to get a visa to do so as a tourist.

Will probably return there as a part of my next trip to maybe Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Would like to see the south of the country where I understand they have some beautiful beaches.

Will look for some travel tips when I return