I have been saving to take a big trip and hopefully figure out what I want to do with my life. However, there are too many places that I want to see and things to do and since I cannot do them all, I have to make a big decision. I have basically narrowed it down to either doing a tour package (probably through United or AAA) to Australia for a couple of weeks or driving across the country. What do you think? Don't know if this makes a difference in how you respond, but I will be travelling solo.

Australia is a wonderfully, friendly country. I don't believe it matters if you are touring solo or with a group. We headed there last year and loved every area we visited. Sydney - allow about 5 days; Melbourne - about 3; great Barrier Reef - about 5 or more; you can either take a tour for the entire visit or pick up tours in the locales you wish to visit. Say you prefer to visit Sydney and explore yourself but want to take a tour of the GBR - that's very possible.

You'll get many ideas on it - especially if you also post this to the Australia site.

My philosophy is to do as much adventurous and international travel as possible when you are young, then save the USA long roadtrips for when you are older. Of course, as a US citizen, opportunities arise for smaller domestic trips all the time.

I have talked to alot of older people and almost universally, they lose that ambition and willingness for the faraway, extended trips that require 10+ hour flights. Generally, staying closer to home where there is no language barrier seems to be the consensus for the 68+ crowd.

This will, no doubt, be disputed by others on this board, but I really have observed that the older you get, the less adventurous you become. I haven't talked to a senior citizen that has travelled Australia solo, but many of them have the energy and resources for USA travel.

I definitely would also vote for Australia. It is absolutely amazing and something everyone should experience in their lifetime. I also agree that you will be fine traveling alone there.

Have fun!!!

Go to Oz baby! You may not get a chance later on, for whatever reason (world affairs, family, poor exchange rates).

I went last year to Aus. & NZ and loved it. The people were so nice and I saw and did so many things that you can't experience here in the States. It's better to go do it while your young to. Especially if you are into adventure type activities.

I recommend Ayers Rock, Port Douglas(GBR & Daintree), and Kangaroo Island.

forget the tour package.....do the road trip in australia!!

If you go with the Australia trip, check out that site on Fodor's. I got some great advice when we went last year. And, by the way, Australia would be my vote as well. What a great trip it was!

Second Kangaroo Island