General advise needed...

[Mindless all the way]

I really want to go travelling in the second half of my gap year, which wouldn't be for about a year, but I'm trying to get some ideas sorted out.

I don't want to do anything with organisations like GAP, as I want more freedom when I go. My main problems are where and who with.

I definatly wnat to go to Thailand, as it seems like the ideal destination for me, but I don't only want to go there... maybe just for three weeks or so. Having not travelled much yet in life - never been out of Europe - I don't really know what places further afield are like... so using Thailand as a base, could anyone suggest, and give a bit of basic info, on other places?

The main thing thats worrying me though, is who to go with. Out of all my friends, the only ones who are going travelling are the ones I couldn't stand to be with for such a length of time, and the thought of going alone is quite a daunting one for me. Did/does anyone else have similar problems? Or has anyone done it alone?

[ebb]

I would stick to the general area, mainly because of cost and with that in mind i strongly recommend india <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> in particular goa, my house mate travelled india for six weeks last summer and loved it <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> they have full moon parties in goa - basically all the travellers go up into the mountains and get fucked <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> on pills etc..... and have a party till the morning, also weed grows on the roadside in india <IMG SRC="eek.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

In addition he enjoyed it, its a very poor place, but i think it does you good to experience a whol new way of life / culture <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> I'm hoping to go summer 2003.

then there is hong kong, singapore and china all worth a peek <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

i would also recommend going with a friend, sticking together for a couple of weeks to find your feet then spliting for the rest of the time, you'll meet tonnes of solo travellers out there, and doing it on your own is far more fufilling and satisfying <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

[Mindless all the way]

Originally posted by eb:
<STRONG>they have full moon parties in goa - basically all the travellers go up into the mountains and get fucked <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> on pills etc..... and have a party till the morning,
</STRONG>
They have those in Thailand... on the beach <IMG SRC="eek.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> <IMG SRC="biggrin.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Thanks for the advise...

[SeaShihtzu']

Check out World Challenge expeditions - the company. Im going to Thailand for a month with them next year, but ill be in yr 12. They also do gap year placements as well which are cool, i might do one.
They'll give u loads of help on organisation and where to go and what to c. <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

[Mindless all the way]

Sounds very good! Where can I find out about them?