i'm planning on going to australia next October for 12 months. i've never travelled like this before and would like to know a few things.

Has anyone ever used any of these meet and greet packages? What are they? How do they work? Are they a rip off?

How do you go about planning where you want to go? When planning is it best to book all the hostels before you go, or just arrive at a hostel when you get there?

Is it cheap living out there, for example how much is the dollar worth out there, what can you get for a dollar compared to the pound?

Work, What kind of work can i expect to get? Can i get office work? Whats the pay like?

What sort of budget should i aim for? How much should i take with me?

Where can i buy the cheapest flights?

Where's the best places to go?

I'd really like some advice on how other people went about planning thier routes and also their experiences.

Please help i feel that the guide books will not answer these questions.

I'd also like to go to new zealand too, so if anyone's ever been the some questions apply.

I'd appreciate any help anybody can give me.

Caroline