Sue, I just wanted to say a special good luck to you as I think you're inspirational! I'm 47, female and single and I've just been told my contract at work will not be renewed at the end of December - and I'm thinking that this must be the opportunity to do the travelling thing. So I'm particularly interested in how you get on. Of the countries you're going to, I've only been to India (in 1995), so I can't offer much in the way of help, I'm afraid. Except to say that I loved it to bits. The very first day in Delhi was scary (I'd never been out of Europe before) but I soon found that once you look confident and have a bit of a laugh with all those people who are trying to sell you tat, it's fine. Oh, and Imodium is marvellous. Have fun! .