Where Am I?

Here's a link to my schedule

Brown Girl Travel Plans

5 Panchos, 3 umbrellas, and a pair of Galloshes

With only 8 weeks to go I thought I'd better get off my lazy ass and figure out what kind of gear i'm going to have to pack. Which means trying to determine what the weather will be like... the trip starts out great then gets a little wet. Try a lot wet.

Here's what I found courtesy of iexplore.com

New Zealand (June/July): July is the coldest month and January the warmest. Overall, the climate is fairly mild with few extremes of temperatures. The average temperature ranges from 60 F/15 C in the upper regions of the North Island to 50 F/10 C near the bottom of the South Island. During New Zealand's winter, the weather on top of the mountains can be very cold, so take winter coats and rain gear if you'll be spending much time there. Take a sweater and an umbrella no matter what time of year you visit.

Australia East Coast(July): Australian winters are fairly mild, but a bit rainy. July and August the coldest (Melbourne and Sydney, in particular, can be rather cold and drizzly then). The Great Barrier Reef is best visited September-December, but it can also be seen May-August (it's a bit cooler then; cyclones can disrupt sightseeing plans January-April). Take a sweater, no matter when or where you're going.

Indonesia (August): ndonesia is generally hot year round, but the best time - by far - is the dry season, usually April-October. Keep in mind that "dry" is relative - Indonesia's dry is like a hot, humid summer day in the U.S. South. For cooler weather, head up into the mountains - while the coast swelters, the higher altitudes at least are cool at night. The peak tourist season is July-August, during the last part of the dry season.

Singapore (September): Average temperatures hover around 86 F/30 C and seldom dip below 75 F/22 C. June-August is considered to be the best time to visit, but even then it rains often. Don't let the climate stop you from going, however. Most buildings are air conditioned (to the point that you may want to take a sweater), and pains have been taken to make everything as comfortable as can be, all things considered. When it does rain, it's generally only for a short period.

Malaysia (September): It's always hot and humid in Malaysia, especially on the eastern coast; at higher altitudes, it does get better (it even gets downright cold in the Cameron Highlands). Monsoons can cause flooding, with high water blocking roadways and causing long delays for motorists, especially along the coast. The east coast is wet between October and February, and many tourist operations on the islands shut down because of rough seas. This is the best time to visit the west coast, where it tends to be dry when the east coast is wet.

Southern Thailand (September): The weather in Thailand is always hot and humid. Avoid the monsoon season mid May-October, when it's particularly humid and rainy (the streets of Bangkok flood easily), though those willing to chance it will get better rates at hotels.

Laos (Sept/Oct): The rainy season is June-October, bringing much relief from the preceding hot season. Rains are heaviest September-October, making overland travel difficult because of road conditions (be prepared for delays and cancellations). We suggest taking a sweater if you're going to higher elevations, no matter when you visit.

Cambodia (October): The worst weather is June-October, when the rainy (monsoon) season is in full swing and the humidity is astronomical. Unless you're in the mountains, the temperature never drops below 70 F/21 C.

Beginning to see a pattern? Maybe I should have done some more research before planning the dates for this trip. but i think i might just see a light at the end of this soggy tunnel

Vietnam (Oct/Nov): If you plan to visit the entire country, the best months are October-December, when temperatures are relatively mild and nights are cool (highs around 88 F/31 C, lows around 71 F/22 C). Temperatures are lower in the northern part of the country, so take along a sweater or a jacket during this time of the year. (Are my eyes deceiving me, will it actually be pleasant when i'm visiting!)

India (Nov/Dec/Jan): For most of the country, November-March is (by far) the best time to visit. During those months, temperatures range from 40-60 F/5-15 C in the north to 65-85 F/19-30 C in the south. The best times to visit Darjeeling and other mountain areas are March, April, October and November.

Dubai (January): The best time to visit is October-April, when nights are cool and day temperatures aren't so hot.

England (February): thanks to the Gulf Stream, the weather is often tolerable (although it does rain more, and many sights outside of cities may be closed). Take a collapsible umbrella and sweater no matter when you go.


So for those of you who still plan on meeting up with me along the way can you do me a favor and bring me an extra umbrella. I'm sure the one i'll have will be tattered and worn by then

BG


Buy a ticket
Take the trip

Venturing Into New Territory....

The new territory of cyberspace that is. I have embarked on a journey across the unchartered waters of blogging. Hopefully this browngirl will figure her way around quickly so that she can keep you all posted on her travels.

By now most of you know that I'll be taking off in June for a bit of walkabout around Asia/Pacific/Southeast Asia. The trip has been planned out to the extent that I've got a few flights booked and have an idea of where I want to go. Those of you who know me, have seen my lovely color-coded schedule outlined in an excel spreadsheet. Really its nothing more than something to keep myself preoccupied with for the next few months as I know that all dates/times/locations are subject to change

Here are the basics (until i figure out a way to get that schedule posted)

What: Tour around South east Asia

Where: New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Southern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Dubai, and London.

When: 14 June 2005 - 28 Feb 2006

Why: Think I'll leave this for another day, but really Why Not?

How: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.... well actually more like Tuk-tuks, Bemos, and Ferries but you get the idea