I know of the barrier reef, but nothing else. I heard Sydney is beautiful. I have had a Foster’s a time or two. But what I want is a unique, not-so-prim-and-polished vacation, and to stay off the beaten path so to speak. I want to get a really good feel for the country. Anybody made a trip like this? Anything would be helpful.

Thanks, Steve.

My friends and I really like backpacking, and living in the outdoors. We were discussing taking a trip someone over the summer to go backpacking. The only problem is that we don’t know much about good backpacking trails. We would really like to know the best trails with the best scenery (like rivers and lakes and stuff like that) in the US, preferably the continental states. So, do you have any suggestions for me and my friends?

I am thinking of using that special on Qantas with 3 free flights in Australia and am trying to figure out what places are most worth visiting. I am definitely going to Sidney. Other than that, I have no idea where to go. I love taking pictures but I hate tourist trap kinds of places. I am looking for places where I can put my camera to work shooting architecture, scenery, historical sites.