Around the world in 8 weeks

[Ozzie]

OK so finally after a long tiring contract here in Sydney I am able to take 2 months off from September 12th.

I thought this might be a good opportunity to see some places that I have not yet been to and maybe do a bit if a whirlwind tour of the world ending up in Thailand as a last stop for some mongering before getting back to Sydney.

My current plan in rough order is Argentina (Buenos Aires), Brazil (Sao Paolo, Rio De Janeiro),  Egypt (Cairo), Ireland (Dublin), England (London), Czech Republic (Prague), China (Beijing), Japan (Tokyo), Philippines (Manila), Thailand

This is more a sight seeing and cultural experience and I really only intend on partaking in the local p4p secen in Brazil, Philippines and Thailand.

This is by no means finalised and looking to hear from others as to some recommendations either in other countries not mentioned or within the countries mentioned.

Please also if you would give a particular place a miss for any reason I am happy to hear that also.

Of course I am scouring the web and this forum for information as well but thought I would start this thread anyway.

Many thanks in advance for all your input.

[Snick]

Kenya/Tanzania for Safari
and if I were to go back to Japan, I would skip Tokyo--maybe go to Kyoto or Okinawa
New Guinea -- don't know why, but I always wanted to go there.

[Ozzie]

Thanks Snick. I have been to Tokyo before but only for 2 nights.

What would do if you went to Okinawa or Kyoto?

I too want to go on Safari but I think that I would need to spend a week or more to make that worthwhile. Another place I want to go to is to Machu Picchu in Peru but again think I need to spend a week or more to really enjoy it and see everything that I would want to see.

[Snick]

I'd just pick some place other than Tokyo for the bulk of my stay, one or two days Tokyo would be fine.
I've only been to Tokyo (5 days) - but didn't like it all that much.
From what I heard,
Kyoto for culture, more 'old' japan
Okinawa for a different feel, also scuba diving there.

[katoeylover]

China and the Great Wall - a defo must see for me.

Vietnam too. Looks stunning.

Loved central America - Costa Rica's Pacific Coast and guatemala City.

Was in Egypt last year - you need 2 days to see the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and the Rose City of Petra

[Ozzie]

(katoeylover @ Jul. 21 2009,18:31) China and the Great Wall - a defo must see for me.

Vietnam too. Looks stunning.

Loved central America - Costa Rica's Pacific Coast and guatemala City.

Was in Egypt last year - you need 2 days to see the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and the Rose City of Petra

I was currently intending 4 days in Beijing to see the Great Wall at Badaling, The Forbidden City and also a city tour called Beijing Sideways.

I also thought I would stay in Egypt 3-4 days to see the Pyramids at Giza and other sites.

Of course if there are any BM's in any places that I visit who can show me around I would really appreciate it. Hint hint KL

[Snick]

China, yes, but important to pick the right time to go to beijing.
Winter too cold, Summer too hot. Occasional sand storms.

[katoeylover]

Also South Island NZ, - probably the most beautiful scenery in the world.

[Ozzie]

BTW I do intend on contacting Hilda to use as a guide in Brazil at least for some of the time. I do want to take a a trip Iguazu Falls while I am in Sao Paolo.

Based on current plan I would be in Beijing around early to mid October.

[rxpharm]

Good stuff Ozzie! If you are stopping in Egypt, doing the Tanzania/Kenya safari thing is fairly close. If you're planning to do it on a later trip, skipping it this time is ok, despite the ease factor for travel from Egypt.

If you haven't seen Angkor Wat yet, I would recommend a stop there - an easy trip from LOS.
China in early to mid Ocober could be winter already, so take your cold weather clothes with you.

[Ozzie]

(rxpharm @ Jul. 21 2009,19:21) Good stuff Ozzie! If you are stopping in Egypt, doing the Tanzania/Kenya safari thing is fairly close. If you're planning to do it on a later trip, skipping it this time is ok, despite the ease factor for travel from Egypt.

If you haven't seen Angkor Wat yet, I would recommend a stop there - an easy trip from LOS.
China in early to mid Ocober could be winter already, so take your cold weather clothes with you.

Thanks Rx yes been to Angkor Wat in fact went with our own KL and TTChang.

I know the safari thing is close and I will be keeping it in mind but even though 8 weeks sound like a lot it is not really when you factor in the travel time both land and air.

Some things will just have to wait until next time I guess.

[Stogie]

Two months off for a round the world trip... great idea for a thread!

If money was no object I'd do a colonial safari for two weeks in Africa... an overland tour of Australia for three weeks... a long weekend in Tokyo... a week at a quiet fishing village in Italy after a hectic week at the tables in Monaco...

Wow! Expensive but what a lifetime of memories that would be.

Can't wait to see what you finally decide on.

[halla]

(Ozzie @ Jul. 21 2009,16:29) even though 8 weeks sound like a lot it is not really when you factor in the travel time both land and air.

Why not cut down on your destinations? That way you can experience more on the places you do visit, and spend less time in the air.

I never plan too much ahead. My plans changes as I go. I find that i like some places more than other. So some places are worth a couple of extra days, some places you just want to get away from.

Last year I had a ticket to India, then return flight from Australia via Tokyo four months later. I had some engagements in India, and had decided to end my trip with visiting a couple of friends in Australia. Most of the stuff in the middle was spontaneous. And I regret going to Australia and Tokyo. South Asia was much more fun

Now I'm currently in LOS. Had a one way ticket to Bangkok. Have been outside the kingdom, but is now back. Don't know when I'm going home, or where I'm gonna go next. Time will show (Guess I have to be back home for some exams in dec, shhhh!)

[bickers]

Cuba before tha US eases travel restrictions and it becomes another Miami

[Lefty]

I like your list, except for me personally, I would choose Morocco over Egypt and Amsterdam over London. Not been to any of them, but just from what I've read, heard and been told, I think I'd find them more interesting. I'm sure you will have a great time no matter where you end up going.