BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi
My family is currently in the throws of organising a round-the-world ticket for my mum and dad and I just wondered if anyone's got any good advice for planning a trip for the over 60's?

I'm very lucky in that I've had 2 RTW's and so have visited everywhere my parents have chosen for their trip (Argentina, Chile, NZ, Fiji, Oz, Malaysia) . My concern is that I always stayed in the largest dorms of the noisiest hostels, and took the cheapest, most uncomfortable forms of transport so have no idea how to travel frugally any other way.

Any ideas?

If they aren't internetellectual then give them a crash course using Boots and in particular the destination forums and travel guides so as they can get a feel for how easy it is to find info and make bookings online.
Take them down to an internet cafe or local hostel that has terminals so as they get the hang of it in that type of environment too, and certainly on how they can find out anything using google, how to do internet banking and send emails to keep in touch.

I'd sign them up to YHA/HI and also use their sites to show them how it all works for members rates and discounts on travel passes and tours etc., yha/hi being less noisy, more family/older people orientated and along with other hostels they'll find that dbl/twin rooms are usually not much more than two dorm/share beds.
There are other options too in Oz and NZ at least like cabins and on site vans in caravan parks or away from cities/coastal tourist areas, traditional old style country pubs have rooms even cheaper than hostels, $44/dbl being example of one just booked today.

Malaysia, Argentina and Chile will be cheap enough on accomodation/tucker and transport and for Malaysia, it'll be mainly buses but have a look at www.asia-budget-airlines.com for cheap asian flights.
In Oz and NZ, there's www.greyhound.com.au , www.railaustralia.com.au , not much in way of rail in NZ but have a look at www.intercitycoach.co.nz and also www.bbh.co.nz for hostels there and have their guide sent to you free.
Air travel in Oz is as about as cheap as land travel and www.webjet.com.au will give you an idea on airfares available when booked reasonably in advance, and if you/they work out something of a fixed itinerary (good idea for older people not accustomed to diverse travel) then also sign up for www.bestflights.com.au email newsletter to see when flight deals come up, and if you have a plan for what flights you're after, then book them if on special.

If mum and dad do not mind doing some driving/touring, and want to be a little more flexible, then they could certainly get some cheap trips via campervan relocations.

Yes, agree with gonorth, Malaysia is very cheap in accomodation, where the heck can you find a 5 star hotels with only USD100? Well, the main transportation around Peninsular Malaysia would be by bus, but do check out AirAsia the national low cost carrier. Sometimes you can get USD10 to travel from Penang to KL, or USD30 from KL to Kota Kinabalu.

I second the recommendation for AirAsia. If you book your tickets far enough in advance you can get great deals. Their flights are also not just limited to Malaysia. You can fly to many other countries within the region.

Fantastic! Thanks for all your help and advice.