London Bridge- Image taken by David Phelps

By David Phelps

“My thoughts initially, looking outside the plane, were of how bad the pollution was as we descended into Heathrow”, claimed New Zealand-born, Amanda Owen. “A really thick layer and smog overwhelmed me quite a lot”, said the 26-year-old, as she thought about the journey which stood ahead, and the loved ones she had left behind.

 Embarking into the big, wide-world, away from one’s roots can be an unnerving experience. It is much like the inevitable transition from childhood to adulthood, from boy to man, and girl to woman. Abounding numbers of young Aussies and Kiwis are flocking to London in what is seemingly a rite-of-passage amongst youth.

 Like vagrant-vagabonds, broad-minded youth are answering to their subconscious inner-calling from the motherland; and spending anywhere from six months to five years living and working in the sprightly-spirited city. Some never come home at all.

Amanda and Nick- Image courtesy of Amanda Owen

 “We grew a lot as people, and learnt all sorts of different things about ourselves, that I don’t think we would have learnt if we hadn’t moved to London”, said Amanda, who traveled with her partner, Nick Carson, 27. The couple took the plunge in 2006, and journeyed to the city; their expectations resting on images they had seen on television. “Seeing the backs of brick townhouses reminded me of what I had seen on Coronation Street, so yes it was exactly what I expected”, she joked. 

 “Two of our friends had met us at the airport, who had been living there for a year and a half”, said Nick. “They showed us the way to the underground Tube network, and we got the train to our hostel”. “Having never been on this kind of transport before, it was quite different for us”, admitted Amanda. “After being in London for a couple of weeks you soon learnt that it’s not ‘etiquette’ to speak on the tube, especially first thing in the morning”, she added, lightheartedly.

London By Night-Image courtesy of Amanda Owen

 With large numbers of Aussie and Kiwi youths adjusting their bearings for London, Amanda and Nick feel it is largely due to the locality of the city- being only a leap away from Europe. “Where else in the world can you base yourself, earn decent money and travel to every corner of the globe?” Amanda suggested. With large numbers of Australians and New Zealanders having British Ancestry they are entitled to a five year visa. Failing this, there is still the opportunity to apply for a working visa, which allows an Aussie or Kiwi to stay in Great Britain for a maximum of two years. “Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and get out of your comfort zone, as well as party”, Nick added.

 Lorraine Hudson, a 23-year-old Australian, travelled briefly to London earlier this year and agrees that it is the perfect place for young people to base themselves. Lorraine believes that with the vast majority of people’s ancestry originating from the United Kingdom, there is a desire to pay tribute to that heritage. “It seems like something you should do to honor this heritage”, she asserted. “Australia has such an awesome visa system with England, you would be stupid not to live, work and play there for two years”.

 Bronte Coy and Jenna Bradwell, from Australia, agree that there is a strong appeal for youth to experience life through the worldly-eyes of a Londoner. Bradwell, 20, traveled to London during the last European summer and believes that the people share a similar sense of humor to our own. Furthermore, she admires the determination of Londoners who are fixed on ‘making it’ in the big city. “Everyone wants to work, succeed, and be someone- there’s such ambition and hope there”, she gushed.  

 Bronte, 20, pines for the likes of Notting Hill, Portobello Road Markets, Top Shop and Convent Gardens. “London is my favourite city”, she enthused. “Plans are underway to move there with a working visa next December.” Her conviction for this goal is held in the idea that London is the pinnacle-spot of the western world. “It seems so alive and happening, and people want to experience that for themselves- and they speak English, which makes it easier.”

 Amanda and Nick enthuse that if they were strapped for time, that 24-hours in London would be more than long enough to soak up many of the city’s unique offerings. Beginning with an early morning joyride on the London Eye, followed by a peep at the Globe Theatre and then a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park; Amanda feels this would be the perfect start to the day. “In the afternoon I would go to a museum- British and Imperial War Museum are both very interesting and very extensive”, said Amanda.

 Nick believes that an evening spent at Convent Gardens would be a fitting way to wrap up the day. “Convent Gardens for a nice dinner and happy hour”, he said. “Then I would party the night away until the early morning with friends and bar hop around the city”.

 The pair now realizes that London is certainly different to their original expectations. They thought that Londoners would be grumpy and rude. “If you were nice then you would be treated the same”, said Amanda. “Most had a really good character about them, and loved to ‘take the piss’ out of you if you were not from England”.

 They feel that the likelihood of their return to London in the future is high, but it would only ever be a short holiday to visit friends. “I think if we went back (to live) we would be chasing what we previously had, and I don’t think it would ever be the same”, said Amanda. “Better to leave the memories and experiences untainted”.

 Australia and New Zealand remain part of the top 15 countries in London’s recent overseas visitor statistics. Nearly 58% of visitors arrive during the European summer, between April and September. London continues to be the number one city for international tourism.

“Not all those who wander are lost”, said J.R.R Tolkien, whilst romancing the world with other such poesy. Jenna Bradwell is a walking truth of Tolkien’s line, for traveling helped her find her raison d’etre- her reason for being. 

Big Ben and Parliament House- Image taken by David Phelps

“To me London is where things are happening”, said the 20-year-old student from Australia. “It’s one of the few places where I feel happy and think ‘this is where I want to be’”.

All limericks and travel quotes aside, it seems that London is much like a Mecca to young Aussies, chronic with the travel bug. Like many other Australians, Bradwell came to London, bent on having fun and breaking free from the monotony of student life. Heading over for a European tour, Bradwell had only limited time to experience London, and crammed as much in as possible- giving true meaning to the idea of ‘London in 24 hours’. Her time was well spent eyeing the beefeaters, riding the picturesque London Eye, bargain hunting at Oxford Street, and many more.

“You can’t beat London’s atmosphere, everything’s alive and open all the time”, she said. “It’s just buzzing with energy, and there’s always something to do- it’s young people’s city also.”

View of London from St. Paul's Cathedral- Image Taken by David Phelps

When it comes to London, statistics confirm that the city is the most popular to visit. With a blend of history, royalty and enchanting accents, it’s hardly a surprise.  

In an exclusive interview with Jenna Bradwell, the 20-year-old Australian talks about her recent trip to London. In just 24 seconds, find out why Jenna adores this impressive city.

The London Eye- Image taken by David Phelps

London Bridge- image taken by David Phelps

By David Phelps

London; need I say more? Mere reference to the word provokes thought of a vivacious city, encapsulated with culture, and a realm of possibility for a young traveller like you. You are ready to take on the world with your ambitious thirst for adventure- and London is well-set in your sites.

 But alas, as the gracious grim of fate would have it, you are handcuffed to a strict travel itinerary, and you fear that you may only scratch the surface of this tremendous city. After all, you only have one day and it’s not possible to see London in 24 hours, right? Wrong!

 Although it may seem expensive to breathe the air, you may find yourself surprised at how easy it is to fill the day exploring, leaving no stone unturned- without spending much money. Once you arrive in London everything is accessible. The hurly-burly of the city and outer suburbs are all connected by an underground rail system, known to the world as the Tube. Once you get yourself a day pass starting from a reasonable seven pounds, you hold in your hand the key to unlocking a grand adventure!

 Adam Banks, a 21-year-old intrepid traveller, loves London so much, he has been back twice in the last two years. The kiwi-born larrikin, who now lives in Australia with his family, recently stayed at London’s Piccadilly Circus. He claims that the Tube was much like a crutch for wayfaring-travellers. “I used the tube to get absolutely everywhere, and wasn’t very expensive at all”.

 Banks eagerly states that if he had only 24-hours to take reign of London, he would visit Church, in Kentish Town. And no, Adam is not religious in the slightest. “It’s a nightclub in an old church, and there’s sometimes a stripper!” The old church oozes with the buzz and excitement of youth, unlike any other church that comes to mind. “For only ten pounds you can get three beers, which come in bags that you have to tie to your belt”. For seven pounds entry, you can take part in the merriment. It’s a dress up party, so wear whatever wish.

 During his stay Adam lodged at the Piccadilly Backpacker’s hostel. This youth-filled dwelling features over 700 beds, sprawled out over five levels. You can spend a night there for as little as 12 pounds. With Piccadilly Circus at it’s doormat, this hostel is considered the most central in London.

 Lorraine Hudson on the other hand did not visit Church during her stay in July of this year. She took no interest in the Tube either. “I used the red double-decker buses because it was a great way to see London rather than travelling underground”, she asserted. For just seven pounds the 23-year-old student got unlimited access to the buses throughout the day. This enabled her unlimited access to some of the city’s notorious locations. “It was totally worth it”, she said; her eyes vivid with excitement. “We drove through the West End, Oxford Street, and alongside the River Thames- the list goes on.”

 In just one day, this sydney-sider conquered all of these, including several other iconic hot-spots- all of which are free to experience!

 Starting with Buckingham Palace, this visionary residence exudes a quality of character that will leave you with a feeling of royalty. “Buckingham Palace is great for the changing of the guards, their hats are awesome. You just have to go there”, explained Hudson. The changing of the guards occurs at 11:30am everyday throughout summer, and varies throughout the rest of the year. For the curious minded, you can visit Buckingham palace’s state rooms, for just 14 pounds for students. Buses are easily accessible close-by the palace. The closest Tube stations are Victoria, St. James Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Green Park. Buckingham Palace is found in the Westminster district of London. 

 Next on Hudson’s list of London’s free offerings is the British Museum. She admits that if she had only 24 hours should would certainly visit it for its rich tapestry of history. “It was massive, and the best museum I have ever been to by far”, she professed. “And it’s free!”

 The museum generously offers an amazing array of historical collections, with many rooms featuring different pockets of history. There are galleries dedicated to specific periods of time including, Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Ancient Greece.

 It’s located on Great Russell Street, with the nearest Tube on Tottenham Court Road, which will only take you six minutes to get there by foot. There are several bus stops near the museum, including New Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road (Northbound), Gower Street (Southbound), and Southampton Row. Statistics show that the British Museum was London’s leading attraction in 2008, with more than 5.9 million people popping in to check it out.

 Despite her budgetary situation, Lorraine also felt a desire to explore Harrods- a heaven for wealthy folk in need of a shopping-fix. “It was the most beautiful department store I have ever seen. I couldn’t afford to buy anything, but entry was free.” If you’re a Shop-a-holic with a credit card, consider yourself forewarned. This is the place where the Queen herself takes a visit when she’s feeling a bit frivolous. If you too are on a budget, then an innocent peep could do no harm, and gives some variation to your day.

 Travel enthusiasts, Bronte Coy, agreed, admitting to the jaw-dropping reaction she had during her visit to Harrods earlier this year. The 20-year-old, who travelled with friends from Sydney, Australia, said it was simply amazing. “I was there with my friend for about two hours, it’s like another world,” she said. “There is nothing else like Harrods.”

 The colossal store is made of seven levels, over 4.5 acres. More than 15 million customers visit each year. The nearest tube stop is Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly line. Leaving the station via the Brompton road exit will take you right outside of Harrods.

 These are but some of the destinations Lorraine paid tribute to during her 24 hours, including Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, via the Westminster Tube; and London Bridge by the London Bridge Tube Station. “I lost my breath when I saw London Bridge; I couldn’t’t believe I was there.”

 Australian girl, Jenna Bradwell, visited London during the European summer this year; and admits that if she only had 24 hours she would take a trip to the London Eye. “I love it whenever you see the eye”, said the 20-year-old. “It’s the breath taking views that get me every time”. The icon is basically a large Ferris wheel holding glass capsules rather than chairs; in which you can view some of London’s most picturesque views, including Big Ben and Parliament House.

 The Waterloo Tube Station is only a five minute walk from the London Eye. The Eye is on route for most London Sightseeing buses, along with the Tate Modern Museum and Convent Garden. The London eye is the leading paid attraction in the city, according to last year’s statistics.

 During her stay, Lorraine opted to spend the night at the Royal National Hotel, in Russell Square. This is not the ideal solution for a backpacker Lorraine admits, being 100 pounds per night. However, it remains a good option for a young traveller who has the funds for it. “It was relatively central, had a lovely park and was just around the corner from the British Museum.” Another option for accommodation in this area would ideally include the Smart Russell Square Hostel, with beds starting from $14 Australian per night. It includes a guest kitchen, bathroom, games room and 24 hour security.

 Statistics from 2008 suggest that London remains the world’s most popular city for International Tourists. This is closely followed by Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

 So what are you waiting for?

 There’s 24 hours left on the clock; and your time starts now!

London’s calling!

Kate in Barcelona

But for some, travel is about something else. It’s about more than snapping the sights, trawling the pavement and jumping back on the bus. It’s about setting your own pace, getting closer to the culture and most importantly, doing it solo. 21 year-old Kate Cora travelled Europe for eight months before starting uni, and believes travelling alone offered a chance to escape from the norm and test herself.

“I suppose it was a lucky stage in my life where I was feeling amazingly confident and self-assured. At 18, adventure was the only thing on my mind. Looking back now, I could say that a good part of my decision to travel alone was pure naivety, but none the less, I still had an overwhelming desire to break out of my world and experience the rest of the world.”

“Travelling alone was like throwing myself off the deep end… but if you know within yourself that you have made the right decision… the rewards are amazing,” she says.

It’s this idea that travel can be about personal challenge and change that attracts so many people to exploring their world alone. University of Wollongong student Chris Counsell took a year off travelling and volunteering throughout South East Asia after high school, and says doing it alone left him with experiences that stay with him today.

“All of the experiences, particularly the ones where things don’t go as planned, really do change you. Honestly, the 300 days I spent overseas seem surreal now that I’m comfortably back home. You always catch yourself thinking back to times overseas, drawing on the experiences and knowledge for use in everyday life.”

Canadian student Julie Luckham, who recently travelled throughout Australia, agrees with this notion of travel as an agent of change.

“It can be a good chance to learn more about yourself, and increase your confidence in your capabilities. It’s a great way to make friends from all over the world…and maybe an opportunity to find out what you are or aren’t interested in, or to push your limits without other people’s influence.”

But what is it really like to go it alone in places where everything but your passport is foreign to the senses?

“There are always moments where you get lonely, particularly when you are stuck travelling and have no one else to help you,” says Chris.

Alicia Crouch, an Engineering student at UOW, spent five weeks travelling Europe after a session of studying abroad in England, and says that nights can sometimes be lonely when you don’t have a group of people to go out with.

Kate believes this is overcome by the compulsion to seek out other like-minded travellers.

“As an individual it is almost second nature to seek out other single travellers. No person, while travelling, picked or chose with whom they ‘hung out’ with, like one would in their home country. Everyone seemed to at least try and be friendly.”

Solo travel can also end up being more expensive than travelling with a partner or a group, especially when it comes to accommodation. When Julie travelled to Perth, she found that hostel accommodation was pricier for singles than for groups, who could better distribute costs.

“If I could, I’d try and get a hostel room with friends. Getting your own room is sometimes just too much.”

Chris with a family in Nepal

Speak to anyone that’s travelled alone for a time though, and they’ll tell you these moments where things go wrong, plans are thrown into disarray and guidebooks thrown out the window are the moments that make the journey. These are the moments that challenge you to think on your feet and confront things that you may not have thought you were capable of.

“Getting the trains to Raxaul in India was the worst (I ended up in the capital of Bihar, the poorest state in India, at 3am with no trains to Raxaul as they had set them on fire in student riots). But you get used to these times really quick, particularly when you realise the sooner you grit your teeth and move on, the sooner you’re going to get to a time where you can enjoy it,” says Chris.

Solo travel is about traveling on another level. So throw your comfort zone out the window, learn a few phrases, pack a change of clothes and get out there.

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.”
- Soren Kierkegaard

Want to know more about traveling solo? Read on for Part Two of 24 Hours In’s Guide to Going it Alone

Mt. Fugi- Image by David Phelps

1. My earliest travel memories are of…

…..Well, when I was about five-years-old, my grandparents had a caravan about an hour away from Wollongong. My parents would take us down there to spend our holidays. I have fond memories of catching hermit crabs, swimming and sand fly bites.

2. I can’t travel without…

My Bum Bag! This becomes a part of me, especially when I travel overseas. Its skin coloured and I can wear it under my shirt. This is where I keep my passport, plane tickets and extra cash. Some may call it paranoid- but it makes perfect sense to me!

3. My best bargain was…

….That’s a tricky one. I can’t say that one stands out in my mind. But I do love free stuff, so if there is ever a chance that I can ‘buy one and get one free’ then I’ll take it. That would be my claim to a good bargain.

4. I was genuinely scared…

…….Nothing scares me. I’m tough.

5. I love travelling…

…..You bet, I love traveling! At 18 I flew from the nest and explored London, Ireland, Hong

The French Riviera- Image by David Phelps

Kong and most of Europe. I was away for about five and a half months. When I finally came home my mum took my passport ‘for safe keeping’; I don’t think she wanted to give it back.

Last year I traveled to Japan for two weeks, and loved it. The culture, the people and the atmosphere- this is my favourite destination so far. In less than a week I will be heading to Vietnam- I’ve got my Bum Bag ready!

6. I love listening to…

…….most music to be honest. I can be random in regards to my music collection. At the risk of giving a generic answer, I have to say that I like anything with a good beat, and something with meaning in its lyrics.

7. I know it’s rude, but I…

…..I’m not a rude person. Although one of my quirky flaws would have to be correcting people’s grammar as they talk. I don’t consciously do it, it just happens.   

8. My favourite bar would be…

…..I wouldn’t say I have a favorite bar, although I love North Gong Pub. Of all the places in the world, I’m quite happy to go to my local watering hole. They have good food and it’s a great place to have a beer and just hang out with mates.

9. I met…

…..A great many people on my travels, and I stay in touch with a lot of them still.

10. If I had to pick anywhere, it would be…

…..Well, I can’t pick just one- there are too many places on my list. I’d love to go to the Amazon, Antarctica, Egypt, and Mt. Everest. I think it’s great to have dreams; they keep you going, and give you purpose. After all, what is life without a dream?

The hundred or so dollars you spent on you hair doesn’t matter- you know you’re going to look great.

You’ve been planning a big night out in the city for ages and you’ve got everything planned out: where you’re going, who you’re going with; but it’s what you haven’t planned for that could be dangerous.

Safe partying is important and statistics show that teenagers who are informed about the risks the face are more likely to take steps to protect themselves and enjoy a successfully safe night out.

So to help you out, here are some tips on how to make sure that your night goes to plan.

First of all, plan how you’re going to get to your destination and how you’re going to get home. Make sure you have a backup plan.

The last thing you want is to be stranded outside a club at 3 in the morning with your friend hurling in the gutter (the one who was supposed to be driving you home).

In case of possible early morning abandonment, it doesn’t hurt to have the local cab company’s number stored in your phone, and know a hotel or mate’s place where you can crash just in case you’re a fair way away from home.

On the subject of phones, always make sure that before you leave the house your phone is charged and is working. Realising halfway through the night that you have to rely on a stranger to get home is not the ideal situation.

For anyone with an iPhone, the must have travelers application is iamSafe. Downloading this application to your phone will ensure that your loved ones can keep track of you wherever you are. If you feel that you are in any danger, activating this application will notify you nominated emergency contacts by SMS or voicemail and by email. Your position will also be tracked and recorded.

Image Copyright: superlocal, Flickr

 
“I think it’s such a great idea. I have it on my phone. I haven’t had to use it yet but it’s just really comforting to know that in case something does happen my parents will be notified and hopefully be able to find me,” frequent traveler Dawn Kellerman said.

Going in a group rather than by yourself is also another way to make sure your night ends well. With the increasing crime rate in Sydney’s CBD, wandering around the city by yourself is not the smartest of ideas.

While going out and getting drunk with your friends seems like a great night out, it could also become extremely dangerous.

In 2005-06, the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that teenagers aged 15-19 had the highest rate of hospitilisation due to intoxication from alcohol.

The 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey also found that 19% of men aged 18-24 engaged in high risk drinking at least once a week.

Having a few drinks is fine, but to avoid hospitilisation and permanent damage, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink is the best way to go. Eating a meal high in protein before you leave home is also a good way to make sure that your night out doesn’t end in the emergency room.

Illicit drugs have also become a common problem amongst partygoers.

23% of people aged 15-24 were found to have used illicit drugs in the 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

In 2005-06, there were 11 700 hospitilisations in Australia as a result of illicit drugs, 60% of them being young women.

Just say no. you really have no idea what effects the drugs will have on your system and everyone will have a much more enjoyable night if you’re not in the corner having a seizure.

Also, always keep your drink on you at all times. While you may feel safe with your friends and the environment you are in, someone could be trying to spike your drink.

Remembering these few simple tips will ensure you live to party on tomorrow (depending on how bad your hangover is).

Thanks to Jenna, Chris, Holly, Kate, Julie and Alicia for their great advice!

1. Meet People!

Julie believes it’s essential to get out and make some friends along the way.

“When you get somewhere, even if you don’t feel like it …socialise. Find where people are, and go meet them, talk, find out who’s staying at your ho(s)tel, who is going to be there for a few days, etc.  Most people are really friendly and happy to get to know new people, so even if you feel like you’re intruding, you probably aren’t (I’ve definitely thought I was intruding on groups of friends travelling together, and found out they only met each other hours ago, or maybe days).”

“This way, even if you haven’t made lifelong friends or anything, you’ll feel less lonely. You’ll know that you know someone around, and even if you spend the next day out by yourself, or catching up on some rest, you’ll probably feel less isolated.”

2. Ask a tour guide or local what the standard prices of taxis are

“Many cabbies will see that you’re a tourist and try and rip you off! Try to keep most cash on international cash cards, not in notes.” (From Jenna)

3. Don’t let opportunities sail by

It’s sometimes easy when you’re travelling by yourself to hesitate and not take risks, but Chris believes this only leaves you with one thing- regrets.

“Never, ever pass an opportunity to do something no matter how scary, gross or challenging it may seem. The only things I regret from my time overseas are the occasions where I chickened out and passed on trying something different. You’ll kick yourself. Especially if you don’t do things because you don’t think you can afford them. Don’t worry about money, as it’ll cost you a lot more to go back overseas and have the opportunity again. Plus, having a mouthful of maggots makes for a great profile picture on Facebook!”

4. Be aware and informed

Kate believes it is important to know as much as possible about your destination before you leave home.

“Other than spending hours on the godsend that is Google, I would recommend that prospective travellers get some advise from either a local or someone whom has travelled to your destination before. All the guidebooks give you generic safety advice, when what you really need is someone to tell you not to stay at this hostel because you have to walk through the cities crime hub to get anywhere or to be careful of what you drink in certain places it might be local custom to make your drinks (much) stronger than what you are used to.”

She also advises female travellers to exercise greater caution if travelling alone.

“Girls, to put it bluntly, be aware of local practice in terms of men and bars. From an Aussie perspective, it is a bit shocking as to the lack of respect foreigners showed towards solo travelling women. Just as you wouldn’t at home, don’t go out drinking alone.”

5.  Endless takeout and tequilas will eventually take a toll

Especially important if you’re doing an extended stint of travel abroad, Chris says it’s important to look after the body as well as the mind.

“You have to remember that a ‘gap year’ of volunteering and traveling can’t be treated like a holiday just because it’s too long. Call it whatever you like, but remember that having a year of holidays lazing around, drinking and eating Thai curries will affect your health more than schoolies ever could. It takes a lot of trekking across the Himalayas to get back into shape.”

6. Resist the urge- pack lightly

Everyone aims to follow this rule but few do, and Kate says it’s especially important for the solo traveler.

“Just think… you have no one to pick up your slack, so if you can’t carry it yourself then you’ll be in deep trouble. And think about how far you’ll be able to lug your stuff… as an individual (or a budget traveler in general) you will walk a long way with that back pack, so be sure you can manage it.”

7. ‘Wakarimasen?’ Learn a little of the local language.

Holly believes knowing a few local phrases can get you a long way when travelling alone.

“I know it’s clichéd but learn the basics of the language, even if that’s just hello thank you, excuse me and sorry. It’ll make public transport trips a lot less embarrassing.”

8. Live on the edge! Be flexible with plans.

Holly also believes it’s essential to have a bit of flexibility in your itinerary.

“Be prepared to just let yourself wander, plans are good but you might meet people and want to change them. Don’t be too set in your ways.”

Got your own tips and advice for other solo travellers? Leave us a comment below!