So...at the urging of several friends, this blog was created so we can share the highlights of our trek to NZ and OZ.
Over the next few days, we'll be doing final preparations. Deb has the pack lists all compiled. Mike is making sure we have connectivity and reading material and entertainment on the long plane trips.
Recognizing that on-board Internet might be costly, and cell-phone roaming with A US phone can be quite expensive, a few alternatives are being considered:
- Kindle 3G evidently has basic browser capability for simple websites and Gmail
- while in port, there are many free WiFi options; e.g. McDonalds and Starbucks
- Telecom XT, the local GSM carrier offers prepaid SIMs for unlocked cell phones, HotSpot/MiFi, and iPad
- www.iphonetrip.com will rent a SIM with unlimited DATA for $16/day
We'll have to decide how disconnected we'll actually want to be...
Thanks for the tips. John and Cindy have a few days in Sydney and Cairns before flying to Auckland to board the cruise.
ReplyDeleteDeb and I toured OZ in 1996 when Mark was 4. We had a fantastic time for 4 weeks - Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, and Ayers Rock. Lots of kms on both cars and planes. No Canberra though.
Roger originally wrote, and my comment above is in reply. I somehow managed to delete his comment, so here it is again:
ReplyDeleteRogerFeb 1, 2012 04:24 PM
Cool - I love Aus/NZ. We vacationed there 4-5 years ago. Kacie came with a friend and spent 2 days with us and the next 6 weeks traveling with backpacks from Melbourne up to Cairns. Kathy and I rented a car and put on over 2500 km between Sydney and Brisbane (not with backpacks). We them flew to Auckland for 5 days and drove all over the North island. Both countries are extremely clean - even parks out in nowhere land. You will have a great time. In Sydney, we stayed in Darling Harbor which has lots of great food and activities. There is a fun market called Paddy's market that you should go to if you can. Everyone knows where it is. Good deals on tourest clothes and handmade stuff and lots of food stands - although on a cruse that may not be a high priority. You'll have a great time.
Roger