Hey everybody,

First time poster here but I am soo glad I found you all! My brain is starting to have a meltdown after spending too long in front of my computer comparing prices and figuring out what I am doing. I have never been overseas except for Bali which I did zero organising for.

Basically, I am moving to the UK for at least a year with the girlfriend to work, earn some pounds and travel around europe and other places as much as I can! Looking to go to Cardiff in Wales just to avoid the typical London migration, save money on rent and enjoy a slightly different area close to the coast.

Alot of Questions here that are broad in subject, just help me out where you can please..

So here is what I have so far..

My girlfriend and I are leaving Brisbane on the 28/07/08 and doing a stopover at Bangkok. We will book accomodation in bangkok for 3 days, get an airpass with Thai Airways for US$199 before we arrive so that we can travel to phuket and some of the other places in Thailand (yet to be finalised). This will probably include some sort of adventure package or something. We will depart from Bangkok on 07/08/08 and arrive in London and stay with various friends and family till 24/08/08.

Q1) Is it easy to find accomodation once we are in thailand so that we are not locked into a time table? For a 3 star hotel in a double bedroom we will be paying about AU$41 per night for both of us on the webjet hotel finder tool.

Q2)Is Thai airways the best place/price to get the airpass?

Q3) Are there any places to go for well priced adventure packages in thailand (got out for a day to the islands, or even 2 or 3 days, ride an elephant etc)

On the 24th, we will head to Cardiff in Wales. It cost alot extra on the plane to continue our flight from London so we are still trying to decide the best way to travel there.

Q4)I looked up some train fares and things and the best price was about 60 or 70 pound from memory. What is the best/cheapest way to travel around the UK?

Q5) I used webjet to check plane prices and got the Brisbane -> Bangkok -> London flight for $1492 including taxes with British airways. Is this a good price do you think? Can I get it cheaper at all?

Q6) I have no degree so was looking at doing a sales job over in Cardiff. Are there any other jobs that earn half decent money over there? What is the best way to set up a job in Cardiff so that I can be working straight away?

Q7) would you like to offer any special advice to a first time traveller?

Q8) also, just thought I would mention that I can get an ancestry visa since my grandfather was english. I may only spend 1 year in the UK though, so can use a normal working visa for this trip and get an Ancestry Visa if I wanted to come back for a full 5 year stint?



The main thing I am concerned about right now is the best plane tickets since I am buying them this coming week. YEAH!!! So can you throw me some magical information that will save me heaps of time and money?

Thanks!!

JB