I want to backpack from Fiji to the US, advice anyone?

[Winston]

My plan is to fly out to Fiji from the US with my best friend and hopefully get a job there as a lifeguard working at a resort or something.
After a while I want to make my way West towards Australia and keep backing halfway across the world until I get back home, without flying.
I've never backpacked before and I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction as far as finding out what is necessary to make this happen.
What are the rules about crossing borders in so many countries?

[supertom]

My plan is to fly out to Fiji from the US with my best friend and hopefully get a job there as a lifeguard working at a resort or something.

i used to live in fiji for about 8 years, and thats not gonna work, its just not one big resort its a poor place, getting a job at a resort isnt going to be has easy maybe that your white is an advantage

[Real Subliminal]

I did some backpacking in asia a couple of years ago and will be traveling again through asia and south america soon, it was a life changing experience for me, and I'm really jealous of you. My only advice would be to read up about the areas you intend to see, get some kind of travel guide so that you know what sights you want to see, but stay flexible and go with the flow. You will probably meet people and go to places you never planned too, and that is half the fun

[Winston]

thanks for the replies guys. I don't think I'd be able to get a tour guide without any money, though.
I guess my question is, how do I find out how to cross borders legally and find work in various countries? I mean nobody can just enter the US border and start working, you need all kinds of papers and documents and stuff. I mean with the exception of illegal aliens.
With a US passport is it easy to cross borders? Do you need special work permits in other countries? Where do I find this information?

[Pegasus]

I have no experience with this. Maybe to start, check out US Dept of State - Websites of US Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions ? There's a Travel & Business section on the site.

[twa2w]

After a while I want to make my way West towards Australia and keep backing halfway across the world until I get back home, without flying.

Gee, I hope you can swim

Very few boats make fiji a destination. But you may get lucky. Go to the library and check out the Lonely Planet guides - they are designed for backpackers expolring the world on abudget although they aren't as low budget as the guides used to be.

Have fun and good luck.

Cheers
j

[Winston]

Thanks for that website, it looks helpful, at least for identifying friendly countries. I'll take a look at those lonely planet books too.
I just want to know what I can expect when I encounter I border. I don't know anything about visas or anything. I should probably talk to a travel agent or something.

[breakthestatic00]

You asked at the right time, cause I'm gearing up to do some traveling myself.

I wouldn't recommend Lonely Planet books until you are certain where you will be going,what your budget is, etc. My two reccomendations:

Buy the book "Vagabonding" by Rolf Potts - This book really opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of travel. It is a great resource. I'm currently teaching english in South Korea to save up money for travel (it pays well), which I found out about through this book.

and my second suggestion:

go to the Boots N' All travel forums: Everything you need to know about traveling in any part of the world is right here. Just sign up, read the forums and post away.

Travel Forums - BootsnAll Travel Network