One thing though has been more of a gamble; accomodation!
We've stayed in all manner of places, all with their own atmosphere and environment, people and staff and importantly cost and value for money.
Simple things like hot showers, clean toilets, walls (yes, you read right!), curtains, comfy mattress, no infestations become essential topics of conversation on the road.
Good places are recommended, bad ones aren't. The power of websites like TripAdvisor and HostelWorld isn't taken for granted and I have to admit before we left was a little sceptical about how they actually worked, but listening to hostel owners and managers its like having big brother watching you!
We were fortunate to have many lovely places to stay;
Inn Crowd in Singapore,
Pippies at Rainbow Beach,
Emu Park Beach Resort,
Enid on the Whitsundays,
Bungalow Bay Koala Village on Magnetic Island
and Cape Trib Beach House in Cape Tribulation.
(Obviously the best place was Jan & Pauls in Brisbane!!!)
Other weren't so bad and had the basics;
YHA Rockhampton
Beaches in Airlie Beach, Grand Hotel in Bundaberg,
Cool Bananas in Agnes Water
and Caravellas 149 in Cairns.
The only place that we couldn't recommend was Globetrotters in Townsville due to no walls, cramped space and next door to a loud bar. The facilities advertised were also out of action and minimal thought to food supplies in the kitchen.
Most of our accomodation was based on dorm styles costing between $15 and $25 per night with doubles costing approx 2.5-3 x cost of single dorm bed. It really isn't that bad, if you're thinking about it, just be sensible. Lock expensive things away and keep the other stuff on you.
Hostelling is great fun. You meet so many like-minded people and if you're doing lots of guided tours or going in the same direction, its very likely you'll see them again. We met up to 6 people in one place from our travels!
YHA cards are useful, but don't get as much discount as you might think although we had booked a lot through Tribal so the cost would have been heavily discounted anyway
It's very easy to get (in the Vauxhall Zafira accent!!) "overtired" from the sightseeing, scuba diving, kayakking, drinking etc etc so don't underestimate the importance of sleep and rest. Our top tips are:
1) ear plugs and face mask - snoring is second only to partying in the dorm as a cardinal sin and/or you could end up near a door!
2) use your towel as a curtain - helps with reducing light and increasing privacy in a lit and busy dorm
3) if you're up and out early pack the night before - it's courteous to fellow travellers and saves bashing into everything bleary eyed (Amber take note!!!)
4) sleeping bag liners - most places will give you a sheet, but not all will provide extra blankets so the liner will give you a bit more warmth but without the bulkiness
5) if you're on a tight budget think about working for your accomodation. most smaller places won't be offended if you ask, whilst others may proactively advertise
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