I have been a determined backpacker for years in every continent except
Antartica, though I usually stay in a better class of accommodation
these days!
When travelling in third world countries if you book through a tour
agency, you will inevitably be ripped off. In third world countries
everything is a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in Europe or
the USA. The expensive bit is getting there. So I usually stay for a
longish time.
These tour companies bank on their clientelle not knowing this and
equating distance and exoticism with prices in their own country. You
can go to these third world countries and fix yourself up with the
identical experience. (often with the same local firm) often for less
than half price. Simply by cutting out the middle man. Travel gude
books have recommendations, as I said before, the Lonely Planet book
has never let me down. They encourage their readers to report back
their experiences. If you write a good report, they'll give you a free
book (I have several) They always read and acknowledge any report you
send in.
There's many poor countries in Africa, Asia and South America where you
can stay in a reasonable hotel for less than $10/day. Luxury may cost
as much as $50! You can eat for $1, or for somewhere posh $50. You
can meet the people and spend your money where you want. I like to
stay in people's homes. You can often fix it.
You can travel 200miles for $5 on a local bus. Or you can travel in
comfort in a high class bus for $10. (Though the best places, there is
no bus, only trucks.)
And best of all you can have a far more enjoyable time. And if you
don't like the company or the place, you can just leave.
The key to all is research. Starting with the climate, where you
intend to go, at the time you intend to go. (Which is another ripoff
with some tour companies, but don't get me going)
EG wildlife watching in the tropics. in the DRY season wildlife is
concentrated about the few water sources and is hence easier to spot.
In the wet season it disperses, not mentioned by some tour companies.
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Dave Patterson wrote:
> Harry wrote:
>
> > My advice is not to bother with all the bullshit you will get on here.
> > Buy yourself a Lonely Planet guide (or whatever one takes your fancy)
> > and get read up. Do some research on the internet. You can just buy
> > the air tickests and go! There's hundreds of safari companies in
> > Niarobi, you can get fixed up with a safari LOCALLY for a fraction of
> > the cost of doing it at home. The guide book has readers
> > recommendations, the LP book has never let me down to date!
>
> I am no longer in the safari business - but after 19 years operating
> trips to Kenya, Tanzania, and all points south, I say that Harry is
> the exception to the rule. The street word for the companies he is
> describing is 'flycatchers' and you absolutely CANNOT be sure
> that they will deliver what they promise. A "fraction" of the cost
> of doing it at home? Harry, back that up with some $$$ figures, please.
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