Round the World via Central America

Round the World via Central America

An Interview with Cat Barrow and Peter Kehoe

Name: Cat Barrow

My RTW route: London >> Sydney >> Cairns >> Christchurch >> Auckland >> LA >> Costa Rica >> Guatemala City >> Miami >> Tampa >> London

How would you rate your RTW destinations on a scale of 1 - 5? 1 being completely rubbish to 5 being completely awesome?

Sydney (5) Cairns (5) Christchurch (4) Auckland (2) LA (2) Costa Rica (5) Nicaragua (3) Honduras (5) Guatemala (5) Miami (4)

What was the best destination of the lot and why?

My favourite destination was Costa Rica for the easy going culture, beautiful weather, friendly people and gorgeous beaches.

What was the worst destination of the lot and why?

LA was my worst destination, as it was just too massive and grey.

What was the absolute highlight of your RTW trip?

Can I have two - is that cheating? My highlights were definitely bungy jumping in New Zealand and learning Spanish on a tropical beach in Costa Rica.

Looking back now, what would you have done differently when planning or booking your RTW trip?

Absolutely nothing; I have no regrets what-so-ever!

What top tips would you pass on to anybody about to book their RTW ticket or head off on their trip?

• If you can't get to where you want to go on a RTW ticket because of all their crap restrictions or because you're booking last minute then to the nearest place and either travel overland or get a cheap local flight.
• Don't plan too far ahead and be flexible, otherwise you could miss the most wonderful opportunities.
• Save money on basics like food and accommodation (cheaper places often have more atmosphere anyway) so you can splash out on doing the things you've always wanted to. Cockroaches under pillows and jumping out of planes make for better experiences than "I stayed in this nice 2.4 children kind-of-place and ate at a nice 2.4 children kind-of-restaurant!"
• Keep a diary - it's amazing how quickly and how much you forget otherwise.
• Chose your travel partner carefully... they'll make or break your trip...

Name: Peter Kehoe

My RTW route: London >> Singapore >> Perth >> Ayers Rock >> Auckland >> Fiji -> San Fransisco >> San Jose >> LA >> overland to New York >> London

How would you rate your RTW destinations on a scale of 1 - 5? 1 being completely rubbish to 5 being completely awesome?

Singapore (4) Australia (4) New Zealand (5) Fiji (5) West Coast USA (4) Costa Rica (5)

Which was your best destination and why?

New Zealand was an incredible place to go! The backpacker circuit is so well established that I was constantly having fun! I met some really great people, yet still it didn't feel as if it was crowded! I would recommend it to everyone going around the world.

What was your worst destination and why?

I really didn't like LA, I thought it was tacky, touristy and I didn't feel safe! I thought that it was a real disappointment.

What was the overall highlight of your trip?

I really enjoyed the volunteer work in Costa Rica; the people were so friendly and really grateful! Costa Rica is such a lovely country and it hasn't been spoilt by tourism!

Looking back now, what would you have done differently when planning or booking your RTW trip?

I wouldn't try and cram as much in! There is so much more to see in the places you visit that you always end up wanting to stay longer! My schedule was so hectic at times I feel I missed out on some good things!

What 5 top tips would you give to someone planning their RTW trip?

1. Talk to people who have done it before! They are an endless source of knowledge and can recommend places to go!
2. Whoever you get your tickets from - I used STA Travel and they were great - want to help you. They will recommend the best deals, good places to go and places to stay!
3. If you see somewhere that interests you - go for it! I've met lots of people who have gone "off the beaten track" and had a great time! There are always places to explore!
4. Don't always go for the cheapest option! Often the slightly more expensive ones will work out in your favour!
5. Enjoy it; the planning can be almost as fun as the actual doing!