Have Long Service Leave Coming up around July till Sep. Where to Go?

Hi all,

I have been at my crappy dead-end job for over ten years (It's a small business so no promotion and only one pay rise in 10 years), so now that the only reward for my efforts, my long service leave, is due this year, I'm at a crossroads at where to go and how to enjoy my 10 to 12-week paid break.

I tend to go on my holidays during the June to September period (since I hate winter in Melbourne and try to get away then) and have a couple of ideas of where to go. I was thinking of these options this year, and was wondering if anyone else has done the same. If so, do you recommend it? Are there any dangers to look out for? Any other hints? Should I do an Intrepid tour, Top Deck (I think I'm still eligible) or do it completely alone?

Here are few facts about me. I am 38 years old, will be traveling solo, have traveled in the past to mostly Greece (my background), cheap Asian countries (Vietnam, Thailand) for short periods with friends, ex-girlfriends and even solo, and have done Contiki tours when I was younger (Eastern Europe, Spain, Western Europe, California and Scotland Tours). As an Ozbargainer, I tend to jump on deals if there is an opportunity and save money by not staying at fancy 5-star resorts, eating at fancy places, etc. A roof over my head and even street food is fine with me (as long as the room and food are clean, I don't mind). I take money into account when traveling and always try to read about scams/alerts and people's experiences on Tripadvisor, although I won't let money limit me completely if it's something I really want to do.

Option 1: See the midnight sun in Finland (or Norway) during August (I have been wanting to do this for over five years now). Stay there for a while, hightail it to Greece and explore places and islands I haven't explored yet (Meteora, Ionian Islands, or Thassos, Limnos, Chios going down Dodecanese line). Plus, if I get too lonely during solo-travelling I can visit extended family and friends in Greece (and save some on accommodation!)

Option 2: The Ozbargainer in me tells me to go to a cheap Asian country and explore it properly, backpacker-style. (e.g See the middle part of Vietman during August since its dryer there, and if I get bored, try a place I haven't been to yet (e.g. Cambodia)). The cheapness of this option allows me to alter and make plans 'as i go.'

Option 3: I always wanted to see Brazil, especially since I am a single male. However, is twelve weeks too much to spend there (and also too costly)? I could always add Machu Picchu and Easter Islands to this itinerary. However, is August a bad time to go, since I usually prefer summer holidays? Is the new Zika virus really that serious? And(pardon my ignorance) is Brazil a dangerous place, especially for a white solo traveler?

Option 4: Explore Japan, I want to do this at some stage in my life. Should I spend 10 - 12 weeks there? Will it be too costly if I do?

Option 5: Explore eastern USA, in particular Miami, Florida(I have already done California). Possibly a road trip. May even extend to Cancun and/or the Caribbean. Although our dollar isn't looking too good.

So what do you guys recommend? Has anyone done any of these during our winter and recommend it?

Any input would be appreciated.

Poll Options expired

  • 11
    Go to the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle, then enjoy the Greek Islands.
  • 1
    Explore one or more Asian country (Vietnam, Cambodia) on the cheap.
  • 3
    Party on in Brazil, and possibly visit Peru.
  • 1
    Explore Japan.
  • 8
    USA road trip then add Mexico and/or Caribbean.

Comments

  • +1

    Don't really have a suggestion either way, but just consider the olympics that are on in Brazil later in the year. Might swing your mind towards that way if you're into sports.

    • I was gonna say that! here is a link to tickets.

      If you want to do that book tickets and accommodation soon as it will sell out.

      Personally I'd go to the Olympics and on the way back pick some places in the USA you haven't been to yet for example New York?

      Unfortunately our dollar isn't the best but if you get the right deals it shouldn't be too bad!

      • I totally overlooked the fact that Rio is hosting the summer games this year in August. I am not a sport fan, so travelling there this year amongst the sport fans may not be the way to go. Thanks for enlightening me on this.

        • In that case the midnight sun sounds incredible and you can go there or come home via Greece easily to visit your family.

          Otherwise a road trip around the US would be good fun. Could be more fun with friends however.

  • +3

    Been around this lovely country yet?

    • Apart from Gold Coast, Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide and around Victoria's coast…. No. Never really thought about it, but always suspected its something to do when your older, retired and/or can't travel long distances. I.e. Driving around with a caravan.

      • +1

        I don't see why you can't do it at your age. All the beauty of our country could be covered during your 3 months, driving around the edge, come in for Uluru etc :)

        • +2

          You're right,i should have put up an OTHER option in the polls. It may be worth considering. And maybe signing up for some RACV roadside assistance!

  • I did the Greek Islands in July 2015. Was excellent but I'm not too sure how they are faring with the influx of migrants and their economy. The Islands were really really good though, much better than Athens. It's a compltely seperate world and different. If you stuck to Santorini, Mykonos and Ios, you would be fine. Seriously the best trip I've ever had.

    My brother also just got back from seeing the Northern Lights and dog sledding etc. He had a great time and the photos are rediculous. Just be prepared for the cold. Might be good to do this then go to the warmth.

    • Always love the Greek Islands, I can never go wrong there, since I also speak the language. Have done the main ones (Santorini, Mykonos, etc) but it leaves so many more to explore.

  • +2

    Nepal is amazing especially as a solo traveler and cheap. Why not go to Vietnam for 4 weeks, Cambodia for 4 weeks and Nepal for another 4 :)

    • This is another good option, never thought of Nepal before…

      • +1

        If you have any questions send me a PM :) nepal is great for a solo traveler especially when trekking

  • +2

    There is currently a deal for tickets to Uruguay for ~$1100. Sth America is where I'd head.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/233064

    • But that's in Uruguay. Forgive my ignorance, but is it worth staying there a little or hightail it to somewhere else?

      • stay there a while. Uruguay is the very quiet player in South America. most people think of chile or brazil first and then several other countries…and then Uruguay. However Uruguay is a surprise. have a read about it on wikipedia. Certainly quite progress and open as a nation and culture.

        I haven't been there but have close friends who have and spoke highly of it. personally, if I wasn't going to Hawaii next week and then Japan in July, then I would book tickets to go there. 2 international trips a year are enough (kids still in school).

        give it a couple weeks. head down to Rio De Janiero and keep going.

        why not?

  • +1

    I love the Meteora, and Northern Greece. Option 1 sounds like it ticks a lot of boxes for you. You could see Eastern Europe on the way down from Finland to Greece if you went by ferry and train.

    Otherwise I think option 3. Its a good time to go hiking at Machu Pichu, because it is the dry season, fewer chances of cancellations at the airport etc. You need a permit, so you'll probably have to decide quite soon in order to have your pick of date. If you're not a fan of the Olympics, if you time your travel to be a few weeks before or after, you might benefit from the Olympics - they will likely increase police presence, transport options etc whilst they are 'on the world stage'.(No specific knowledge of Brazil, countries just seem to do this before Olympics or similar events)

    Or a combination of 3 and 5 - fly into Mexico, then make your way down to Brazil.

  • You'd have to consider Canada with fantastic jaw dropping scenery, nice people and their currency near parity to OZ. Can go SYD/SFO/SYD direct on QF. Could fit in a few days in Seattle and see the awesome Boeing complex and museum.

    • Never contemplated Canada.. the thought of the cold always put me off!

      • It'll be summer there in Melbourne winter. So mildly warmer that the winter you're leaving behind haha.

  • I like the idea of Option 1, or at least checking out the midnight sun, aurora and moving through Europe. But if you go with Asia, couldn't you do SE Asia and finish up with some relaxing in Japan? There are so many things to see but you can add in some spa/sauna time too :)

    • Yes maybe I could mix things up a bit… its all speculation at the moment, so anything is possible :)

  • +3

    Use some of the time to search for a non crappy job to start asap, that way you get a new job, (hopefully better wages etc) and bank nearly 3 mths wages?

    • +1

      I certainly have thought of this, and I may cut the trip short a few weeks in order to put some feelers out there.

  • Another treat to think about - if you decide to go to Scandinavia, sign up to Finnair's flight deal emails and consider a positioning flight to Asia then Business Class onwards with Finnair. Sale prices are amazing, and their normal prices are surprisingly good too. Last month they had a sale where Business class tix to Helsinki (and other destinations) could be had from AUD$1800 return from Singapore.

    • How about fly to Finland from an Asian country, economy? Would it be cheaper that way?

  • Visit Palawan http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/coron-palawan-philipp…. With your Australian dollar you can live like a King in The Philippines.

    • I thought Palawan was a "couples" destination, and one I should go in the future with a special someone.

  • Portugal, any day.

    • Really? Why?

  • try not to go to countries that have that ziva virus

    • As a guy it isn't that worrying - it's been in Africa and asia (and other places) for decades … really it shouldn't be high on your list of things to avoid unless you are going to be getting pregnant any time soon.

      • +1

        As a bloke, I won't get pregnant anytime soon…

  • +1

    Ask your employer if they can let you take it at half the rate, i.e. double the length away at half the pay.. If you're frugal (as any good OZb is!), you should be right to stretch the $ as far as possible.. kind of wished I had been able to wangle that when I took my LSL last year.

    Either that, or weigh up what it's worth to "cash out" the LSL and any Annual Leave you have and leave the job - if you're not happy, move on and see what you can do with yourself and your newfound cash (travel Oz, or still go O/S and make it work).

    I ended up taking 4 months LSL (15 year service + AL) just to get my sanity back (although maybe should have cashed it out!) - and went to Fiji (expensive not recommended), Cook Islands (the best! and NZ$ too) and also drove MEL to Sunshine Coast & back, taking it easy with the family. Time well spent!

    All the best which ever way you go! it's a well-earned break that's for sure.

    • A little difficult to pull off as I also work part time at another place, and the second employer won't take that idea too kindly! Thanks for not recommending Fiji, it reaffirms my beliefs that it is only a "resort/holiday" destination, not a "traveling" one. A little against cashing out also because this may be my only chance for a while to be able to take quite a few weeks off. And I need my sanity back!

  • +2

    Don't forget if you choose to visit Japan you can get to Korea for like 50 bucks on a decent sale. Definitely worth.

  • +1

    option one sounds fantastic. (actually all sound awesome)

    you dont have to take the long service if you dont want to, it can build up.

    • I know, but I should take it on the chance that I may quit when I find a better job when I get back (I really am not sure if I could stand to keep working at this place another year).

      • the long service will be paid out then, if you leave, you don't lose it.

        any of your choices sound great, I'm jealous, wish I could afford it.

        • Dont I lose some kind of leave loading or bonus if i simply cash it out?

        • @eurofoti:
          +1 … LSL is a great 'savings account'.

          Just take the cash when you quit.

  • get the train from singapore to finland, be a solid mission

  • Melbourne to Moscow… No flights.

    That would be my trip.

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