u/Lou_91

As the title suggests I was born and raised on the Isle of Man until my parents left when I was 16 - I haven't been back since (and this was 14 years ago now!)

I am thinking of doing a trip back for a few days staying in my van in June (after the TT).

How much have things changed or not in this time? Should it be fairly easy to park up and stay in more remote spots (its a converted panel van)?

Also, I'd love any tips or ideas of where to go! Thinking of more remote spots that I didn't appreciate as a kid, I don't need to ride the steam train again! I also love kite surfing and surfing - neither of which I did while I was on the island.

I’m in an insanely fortunate position to have 6 weeks paid leave from just before Christmas into mid Jan and wanting to plan a trip. I’m thinking of doing about 2 weeks snowboarding in US/ Canada and have a few questions:

- I assume it will be both cheaper and more snow sure if I do mid Jan rather than over Christmas/ New Year?

- Where should I be looking? I’m not very good (I can link turns on a blue/ red when I’m feeling confident- not carving)

- I don’t want to spend a fortune. Ideally hostel sort of situation. Is that possible?

- if I do this the cheapest way possible, what sort of money am I looking at having to spend for a good 2 weeks? I like a beer and a pizza/ burger. Not fussed about fancy eating out.

I might possibly like somewhere where I can come down the mountain for a couple of days and see elsewhere too :)

Thanks!

I have found myself in a very lucky position to have 6 weeks off over Christmas and into January. I was originally going to go to Cape Town and work from abroad there. I now have a new job that doesn't allow working from abroad but has given me the time off!

I am 30, from the UK, used to travelling solo, have done a lot of time in Europe in my van with my pup (pup not coming on this trip), but I do like to be in social situations frequently.

Things I enjoy:

• horses (I am a very accomplished rider, very mediocre at all of the below)
• kitesurfing
• surfing
• snowboarding
• hiking

I would like to mix at least 2 or 3 of these into the trip.

Wherever I end up I must absolutely be surrounded by an awesome group of people on Christmas Day. This will be my first Christmas away from family. It would be even better if I could sing some carols at a church on Christmas Eve :)

Ideas so far:

3-4 weeks volunteering or similar in Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and then down to Cape Town

3-4 weeks in South America followed by 2-3 weeks snowboarding in the US/ Canada (this might be too expensive :'( )

I will be looking to stay in nice hostels.

Really really keen to hear what other people would do with this time.

Notes:

I am more drawn to the Americas than Asia

I have pondered Australia but concerned about travel there and back. Also, not sure it is that exciting?