Well considering that you have at least two oceans to cross and many parts of the world have poor roads I would not suggest driving simply due to the logistics involved if you plan on seeing as much of the world as possible. If, however, you plan on sticking to only developed countries and can adapt yourself to the different driving styles then a camper van would be an option depending on rental, insurance, and fuel costs.
Your best bet is to look at hostels and hotels as an option. Take time to research where you want to go and the various methods of transportation involved. Take advantage of the many travel blogs and other online resources to do a bit of research prior to going. Although playing it by ear can add a lot to an adventure knowing the ins and outs of travel in various countries can save you from a lot of dangerous and embarrassing situations.
If you enjoy driving then there is a 3rd option, simply combine the two types of travel you are looking at into one trip. In areas of the world where the roads are good and you feel comfortable dealing with different driving laws and even traffic signals and signage you can rent a camper van. In areas of the world with poor traffic situations you can look at alternatives such as a hostel or hotel.
Personally I would wait until you are 21 simply because you will have greater freedom when travelling in relation to possible age restrictions.
Hi - okay the first stage is to get together 6 weeks of support money for yourself.
I got a job in NYC in 10 days, in other places in 3/7 days.
Stay in hostels- the cheapest - conserve your cash.
Just get the flight to where you want to go and work it out from there.
May take lots of walking/talking to people (strangers) to get yourself sorted but generally people tend to look after people in their towns/villages/cities when you get there.
It is also good to have a special skill/training - like boat cleaning/yacht maintenance if you are going to a coastal port - or top quality restaurant experience - like Michelin starred if you are going to a city. So I would get a specialist skill/training/experience before you go
I travelled round America for 3 years off Craigslist - finding jobs as vacation rental cleaner, private chef etc. People thought I was a millionaire - other travellers - because I had been travelling so long.
I would not recommend bumming around vagrance style in a car/van - you may meet more useful contacts in hostels locally - long term residents etc and also you will have a better time - but then maybe then again a car might be better - but bear in mind the cost of petrol is HUGE in Europe.
18 or 21 - I would have a little trip when you are 17 and then another one when you are 18 and then really go for it after uni - there are no jobs for graduates anyway really.
You have to find your own business unless you want to be a corporate nonce.
When you travel be aware that EVERYONE you meet is a valid and important contact and keep in touch with them for years. You never know when you may need them.
So in that way travel is VERY good.
Have a nice trip.
xxxx h
You don't travel around the world in a camper van. You book an "around the world" year long airline ticket. You can extend it if you want to continue traveling longer.
Join the army see the world, well see muddy fields and cold wet rivers mostly.
