I agree with TomD that NZ is a great place to head out especially if you haven't done alot of foreign traveling (recently.)

Safe, secure, nice folks, great trails like the Abel Tazman, many places to put a tent and if none, then lots of hostels. The scenery on either island is incredible. You need to be careful wherever you travel, but you've got great odds of no problems in NZ.
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- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)