London gal looking for travel buddy for Asia from Sep/Oct 06

Hi all - 29yr old female currently living and working in London and looking to escape the rat race for a while and head out East.

No particular plans as yet, but I'm thinking of leaving sometime in September and heading out initially to India, before moving onto Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, China and eventually ending up in Tibet/Nepal.

I'll probably be gone for a year in all, although it could well end up being longer (depends how I feel when I'm out there)

The sorts of things I'm looking for from the trip are cultural sights/sounds, a couple of places to do some trekking (nothing too strenuous..),somewhere to learn to dive and lots of places to chill out :-)

So anyone out there with similar plans & leaving around the same time? gimme a shout..

I was in Bangkok Thailand last year & had a blast bargaining with merchants. Exchange rate is great. We stayed at Asia Hotel by the Sky Train station & did lots of shopping. We also got Thai massage & went on a dinner cruise. Asia has lots of discount airlines, so you can shop around for cheap airfare. I'll be in Singapore around mid-Sept. If you go there, let me know. Ingrid

yep - thailand is fab. Been there before but unfortunately only for a couple of weeks. Definitely want to explore the north and the islands in more detail (hoping to do my PADI there).

Will be starting out in India in September so doubt I'll be in Singapore before 2007. Have a good trip though and thx for replying

Might be in India same time you are.

In any case, keep in touch and I will keep you posted

I will be coming out from Aus (need regular breaks from the big bad corporate world also)...

I'm a complete novice when it comes to hard travelling but it's something that has been eating away at me for ages now. I'm going to California in August for two months and then after that I'm coming back to the UK with a view to setting off again to Asia and the countries you have listed are ones that are fascinating me also. I'm 27, from Leeds and I'm taking a career break to see more of the world so if you want to talk more about it feel free to email me --snip-

[ Edit: Sorry, no emails in the forum please. Try the message center. ]

Spin - I'll probably be in India for about 2-3 months from mid September onwards. No fixed plans as yet, but I'm hoping to spend some time up in the Himalayas before moving onto Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala and possibly Sri Lanka

Gavin - funnily enough, I'm also orginally from Leeds!!. Small world eh? Anyway, will send u an email

BTW- Is there anyone out there with similar plans who is actually *in London*? It was probably a long shot, but I was hoping it might be possible to meet up with someone in the real world to plan/compare notes with...

Oh!! great to hear of your journey to East for a whole year. As a government authorized agent for travel, trekking, rafting, mountaineering I mean regarding tours I can only suggest you is I am always here for your help incase in need. Just remember this word whenever you are in trouble or dilemma while you are in Nepal. Just for informations and help we don't think of any charge though we appear to be as a business agent.

-snip-

[ Edit: sorry, no promos / emails in the forum please. ]

Hey Stoosh,

I have a career break planned for Nov 06' and my first destination is SE Asia. I'm planning on spending a few months travelling through Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos and then onto OZ and then who knows where....!!!

I'm a first time traveller (can't wait - got terrible wanderlust!). If you are out and about in the areas mentioned let me know and maybe we can meet up to swap travel tales over a beer!

Happy travelling! Lucy

Hi Lucy - I'll be traveling though all of the countries on your list but not until early 2007. My (rough) plan at the moment is to get to India in September and stay there until early december. After that I'll be moving on to Myanmar and the rest of SE Asia.

If that sounds like it might fit in with your plans, send me a message and I'll give u my email address so we can keep in touch.

As for being a first time traveller - once you get over the initial culture shock you'll be wondering what kept you at home so long!! The best part is being able to *relax* and get to know a place without constantly thinking you need to rush around like mad trying to cram stuff in cos you've only got two weeks off work :-)

Hey, do drop me a line if you'll be coming by Shanghai. I'm studying here and will be beginning my final year in September this year.