Expert: Stephen Tanenbaum - 9/22/2004

Question
Hi Steve,

Thanks for answering. We are 30 years and 32 years old. In larger cities like Buenos Aires we will stay at an hostel. Not larger cities we prefer to camp. If that is not possible we just seek a budget place to stay. In Asia it is not possible to camp, what we understand. So we probably will be staying in hostels and hotels. I do not know what the situation will be on Easter island and Tahiti. We even do not know yet if we have to stay at Tahiti or go to another island. Any ideas?
We are planning to dive or snorkel on Tahiti or one of those islands.

Unfortunately we will not go to the Iguazu Falls. It is just too much out of direction. We would like to spend much time in Patagonia. We will also visit Santiago, the Atacama desert and the lake district. We have not planned much. We only plan a flight from B.Aires to Ushuaia (Patagonia) and a boat from Punta Arenas, Chile to Puerto Montt Chile. The rest will be decided once we get there.

In New Sealand there will be probaly no problem with camping. We just hire a car there. Any ideas about cheap rentals?

In each area we will spend about 6 weeks, except for Easter Island and Tahiti, a short week there is the idea.

Looking forward to your reply.

BR,
Marieke


Answer
Sounds like a wonderful trip but not too much I can offer.
We stay at budget hotels so no experience with hostels and camping. Also, we have much experience staying on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. But you mention TAHITI which is a different island. Also, you are not sure if you will be staying on Tahitia or other islands.

I can point you to our author's web site at:
www.cheaptravel.net
On our web site you will find a magnificent picture of Cooks Bay on Moorea one of the Tahiti Islands. Also, an excerpt from my Shark Feeding video. So you can see how interesting the scuba diving is.

New Zealand is marvelous. I would do  a carefull web search for the best car rental deal. We  rented campervans which is more expensive but much fun for motor camping.

You will also find a picture of our New Zealand campervan rental on our web site. Our favorite area was Queenstown. Also, an interesting side trip is Hamner Springs.

Sorry I could not be more helpful. Have HAPPY TRAVELS.