Some 4 years ago I ventured off on my first trip overseas. As green as a first time traveler can be I headed to Hong Kong for Christmas, then Singapore for the New Year.
The idea to go was born from my dreams to travel and my then girlfriends previous travel experience through Asia and New Zealand. It was a perfect fit for me, wanting to travel but unsure of myself to venture off solo into the world.
Our decision to travel at what is obviously a more expensive time of the year was fueled by two things. Firstly was the fact we were over Christmas. Let’s face it without kids around to create the atmosphere, Christmas is just an excuse to eat too much and get drunk. At least that’s how an Australian Christmas plays out for me.
The second reason was driven by our previous New Year’s celebrations which frankly sucked. I had found myself at a friends party that was more like a funeral and my girlfriend spent it on the couch with her mother.
Those two reasons alone justified the extra cost to travel at such a busy time. Add in some extra funding from the family as Christmas presents; some dedicated saving on our own part; two nights accommodation from the girlfriends mum at Disneyland and we were sold.
So with a desire to end 2006 better than 2005, we decided on visiting Hong Kong and Singapore. There were many places considered but the main reasons we chose those two were:
- Disneyland (Yeah touristy but hey you gotta go once)
- Girlfriend wanted to return to Singapore a well as see something new
- The chance to celebrate Christmas in another culture
- Food, oh glorious food
- A safe destination for my first trip
What followed next was 9 months of travel preparation. From frantic saving to ensure we had enough money to a range of stupid ideas that could only come from someone so green to travel as myself. Looking back with what I have learnt is just scary. I don’t know what made me think I needed that many changes of clothes or the entire contents of my bathroom.
Then came departure time but I’ll save that for my next installment. For now be sure to subscribe my site and check out my current travel itinerary for Europe.
What happened to the girlfriend?? That has to be in the next installment.
Haha the girlfriend departed after the trip. I’ll give you the full story when you meet me at the pub 🙂
Don’t worry I spent four days at Disney Land Paris a few years back. It was great! I plan to visit Disney in Hong Kong as well!
I won’t deny I had fun. I went a couple of years back now. It should be even bigger these days going on the construction that was happening when I was there.
I have never been overseas. Just found your blog. Looking forward to catching up with it. What a life!
Hey mate, thanks for checking my site out. I loved my first big trip overseas, I was a complete tourist but loved every minute of it. Looking forward to my new journey in Europe where hopefully I won’t be such a tourist 🙂
“I don’t know what made me think I needed that many changes of clothes or the entire contents of my bathroom” Hahahaha I can relate to that! before I left my toiletry bag took up half the room in my backpack. 😛 I gave it away the first week on the road..
Hey Sofia, This time I can only take what will fit in a backpack so as long as I keep it small I should be ok. I have no intention of needing a chiropractor as I travel because my pack is too heavy.
Is there anyway to do Disneyland slightly cheap? Is it major expensive? I so wanna go when i’m in HK!!! I just love Donald Duck!!!
.-= Sasha´s last blog ..On UR Way Magazine Issue #1 =-.
I have a picture of me with Donald Duck in his Christmas outfit along with most of the other characters was pretty cool. I visited over Christmas but if I was to go again I’d skip staying at the Disney Hotel (although it was cool) and just catch the train out to make it cheaper. They have a specific Disney train to catch out to the park too. I don’t remember the cost of our ticket but we had a 2 day pass.
If you get there early you get free range on the rides. We rode the indoor roller coaster the second day about 5 times and pretty much went from getting off it to getting straight back on again. In saying that it was awhile since I have been there so it may be harder now. I think its just one of those money sink things you have to do once. We also had a huge feed at the hotel to save on buying too much food there.
How much did you really pack for that trip?
.-= Monica´s last blog ..新年快乐！ Happy Chinese New Year! =-.
From memory I had 2 pairs of shoes as well as some flip flops. A full inventory from my bathroom. Multiple t-shirts, shorts and pants. I think I also had a jacket and a jumper. There was also enough jocks and socks for about 7-10 days.
I think I could have easily halved what I took considering the suit case I carted around with me along with the carry on case I had. Oh I was such a travel noob.
Sounds a bit like my first camping experience – safe, close to home, but lots of great lessons to help with future trips & solidly infused with the desire to do it again! Great post!!
.-= Suzi´s last blog ..Feb 18, Site Map for Discover Northern California =-.