Australia vs. Europe

[Britneigh]

For a first time backpacker that has never been to Australia or Europe, which would you suggest going to first? Australia? or Europe? I know that Canadian money is worth more in Australia, but it seems like Europe has a bigger variety of...everything. What do you guys think? I know some may say it's a matter of preference, but try to give your honest opinions. Remember, I've never been to either place, but am equally interested in travelling to both places in the future...I'm just not sure where would be best to go first.

Britt

[Kim]

Well, Australia is more of a party backpacker place and is very well set up for backpackers, who are quite catered for.

Europe-much more to see and things are quite different, which is cool. More expensive, though.

Both are extremely fun, although I'm glad I did Oz when I was younger cause the whole getting drunk and going out every night thing doesn't really appeal to me now.

Kim

[LHR02]

>>>>>>>although I'm glad I did Oz when I was younger cause the whole getting drunk and going out every night thing doesn't really appeal to me now<<<<<

OH NO!! Get yourself to Europe my 17 year old Britt! ;D
See, I just knew I needed to Mom worry this gal. Don't go getting any bad ideas from Miss Kim! te-he

ging

[Patrick]

I'd like to fly to Australia too but the flights are pretty expensive compared to going into London.

Anyway, I haven't been to Australia so I can't really give a comparison. I think Europe is great because you can experience many different cultures and observe what a different lifestyle it is. All I can suggest to you though Britt is figure out where you'd like to go most of all and go there first.

[Kim]

Yeah, but look at me now Ging.. I can't remember the last time I even had a drink-4 years ago maybe? LOL
I burnt out early-now that I'm the ripe old age of 28..! ;D

Kim

[Kim]

Oh and also the flight is shorter to Europe, if that's a selling point as well. The flight to Oz is a KILLER.

Kim

[nakita]

well, im australian so of course i'll say go there its fantastic, but it depends on what you want out of your adventure- australia is an outdoor country, its about trekking around, beaches, bushwalking, surfing, hiking, scuba diving etc- of course you can do the city thing and party thing if you should choose. Europe can be those things too, but id say its more of historical/cultural adventure, with the scenery too. Australia has a lot to offer for those who love the great outdoors, scenery and ancient environments, and the history is in the landscape and environment, not the buildings. People forget it has a native population and history of its own with an amazing history of animals and plants. I love that, and i love what europe has to offer. Aus. is by far cheaper, but further. And they'll still be there, whichever you decide! Hope you enjoy yourself!

[nitsansh]

Honestly... I was never attracted to Australia... it's the last continent in my priority list... Europe, America, Asia and Africa are much more attractive in my opinion... and even the rest of Oceania... I would go to New Zealand, Fiji or Vanuato first... but since that region is the furthest from my place, I doubt I'll ever get to that part of the world...
Europe allways attracted me because of the culture, history and the variety... and also the safety and convenience of travel, due to its high developement. Within an area smaller than Australia or USA, if you count out former Soviet Union, you can find 30-something countries which are all different from each other... even within many countries you find great variety...
I never consider Europe as one unit...
As far as nature is concerned, you can find everything except desert and tropic jungle in Europe... well, maybe coral reefs as well...