London

A budget of £500 per month between three people for a six-month trip throughout the Far East and continuing on to Australia, New Zealand and finally California – that's the sort of challenge that whets the wanderlust and sends shivers of anticipation down the spine. It also demands a lot of organisation and strong friendships that will withstand short tempers when feet are hurting, the locals aren't friendly and the heat is oppressive!

Fortunately, Fiona Ng, Rob Skinner and Julian Peedle forged strong ties as students at Wolverhampton University, when Julian and Fiona shared a house and Rob became a close friend. After graduating in 2000, the trio were free to take to the road – and mapped out a long one, for each chose four countries to visit.

Both Julian and Fiona are deaf, while Rob is hearing but has a deaf mother, father and brother and a passion for interpreting, so he's well placed to help out here and there if necessary. Julian's girlfriend Diana is due to join them six weeks into their trip, which will give Fiona some company at nights in hostels.

Insurance, visas, injections and other practicalities are all under control, but the three admit to feeling a lot of apprehension about the trip and how they'll shake down together in different surroundings. Julian says, 'It'll test our friendship. I know it's a big risk but we're going for it as it is our lifetime dream!'

Throughout the trip the backpackers will be sending home e-mails and video footage and this website will track their progress. Check it out to find details of the travel, the troubles and the triumphs as Rob, Julian and Fiona join the backpackers on the islands of the Far East, explore Australia's Great Barrier Reef and laze on the beach at Malibu before the final flight from San Francisco back home to Heathrow.

Top