Round the World via South East Asia
Round the World via South East Asia
An Interview with Tom Garrett and Becky Knott
Name: Tom Garrett
My RTW route: London >> Singapore >> Ho Chi Minh City >> Singapore >> Sydney >> Auckland >> Christchurch >> Fiji >> LA >> London
How would you rate your RTW destinations on a scale of 1 - 5? 1 being completely rubbish to 5 being completely awesome?
I would say Vietnam (4) I loved the history and challenge as too Cambodia (4) Thailand (3) due to more package holiday crowds. Malaysia (3) nice place, but didn't get time to see as much as I wanted. Borneo (3) Great things to see and people were nice. Singapore (3) too expensive to stay for me past a few days. Australia (4) great people, great things to see and endless fun; Sydney and Byron rock. LA (3) Hollywood is great, a big culture shock from the sights of Oz..
What was the best destination of the lot and why?
My favourite place was Cambodia. I learnt a lot about the people and the history and they were the nicest people I have ever met. I would love to go back. Sihanoukville is great...
What was the worst destination of the lot and why?
For me Koh Samui, Thailand, was a let down; too much like a week in Ibiza for my liking. I still had fun but the weather was crap too because it was the monsoon season.
What was the absolute highlight of your RTW trip?
The highlight of the trip was my time with Crazy Trong in Vietnam, Skydiving Airlie Beach or maybe climbing Mount Kinabalu. So many things...
Looking back now, what would you have done differently when planning or booking your RTW trip?
I would have stayed in Asia for longer. It's cheaper and has so much culture to learn about. I would have realised that the world is not a scary place and the same basic principle of common sense applies anywhere...
What top tips would you pass on to anybody about to book their RTW ticket or head off on their trip?
- Try all you can. Don't be afraid to do something that usually would seem mad. If it feels right, it usually is.
- Don't get hooked on money. Budget by all means, but don't let it stop you doing stuff. Within reason of course, you can always earn more or find a way through it.
- Soak up the culture. Try and get away from the drinking and party scene for a while and go meet the locals.
- Make friends and keep them. You will make many friends that you will have for life. Keep in contact and you never know when you need somewhere to crash.
- Take only what you need. I got fed up with half my stuff and just chucked it. The new sweater and jeans may seem a great idea but in SE Asia they are of little use to you. Buy what you need as you go.
- Never let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve what you really want. Do what you want, not what others expect of you...
Name: Becky Knott
My RTW route: Manchester >> Malaysia >> Australia >> New Zealand >> Malaysia >> Manchester
How would you rate your RTW destinations on a scale of 1 - 5? 1 being completely rubbish to 5 being completely awesome?
Malaysia (5) Australia (5) New Zealand (4)
What was the best destination of the lot and why?
My favourites are definately Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia because it's so diverse, so hot and sleepy in the day and really comes alive after dark - it's definitely my kind of city. In Australia it's a toss up between Melbourne because of the liveability factor and Cape Tribulation because there's nothing else on Earth like paradise.
What was the worst destination of the lot and why?
Langkawi was the worst because it was so boring, nothing to do much after a day or two and not the nicest of places to stay . But on the upside its a duty free island so £7 litre of JD is always good!
What was the absolute highlight of your RTW trip?
It's hard to choose but mine's a girlie one... my highlight was my £10 day of pampering in KL with an afternoon of reflexology and hair treatment and back massage - that was one day of heaven!
Looking back now, what would you have done differently when planning or booking your RTW trip?
Maybe I would have made my plans a little better in regards to how I was planning to travel Malaysia. We originally were going to spend a week in Penang before Australia and then a week in Sarawak on the way home but I never expected to fall in love with Kuala Lumpar in one day! So I would have planned to spend more time in KL.
What top tips would you pass on to anybody about to book their RTW ticket or head off on their trip?
- Be flexible. Don't have a set route in your head before you go, I originally wanted to go to Singapore Australia and New Zealand but I got a deal on a flight where I got two free flights in Malaysia.
- Experience everything.
- Take lots of pictures.
- Take every opportunity given to you.
- Respect the customs of the country you are in. It makes life a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable experience for all.
