Travelpunk Noob Seeks Guidance!

[Ryza]

Gday to all the TravelPunk Forumers...

My name is Ryan and i'm a 25yo from Perth, Australia. I currently live in Antibes (France) and looking to embark on a life changing adventure. Basically I want to travel from London to Miami by backpacking my way first across Europe to Istanbul, then the modified Hippie Trail to Kathmandu, through SE Asia up to China, across to Hawaii, then onto LA and finally overland across the USA via Route 66 (with significant detours) I want to start this adventure in June if my preparations are sufficient.

The European and American legs of the journey will be no problem for me as i have spent a lot of time there and have sufficient documentation to be in those places. However the Hippie trail and SE Asia being the more difficult areas make me want to ensure I plan effectively and allow sufficient time.

Ok guys, so now to my questions:

Does anyone have a visa agency they can reccommend? I need visas for Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Phillipines, Vietnam and China... I guess the next logical question is to ask how long one with only an Australian Passport (and residing outside his own country of residence) might expect to wait for so many visas.

The next question is regarding the Hippie Trail leg of the journey. Has anyone done it in the last few years post 9/11 and travelled safely? Also reccomendations on independent vs tour group would be greatly appreciated. I am well travelled, however I have not spent a lot of those travels as a backpacker. I came to the conclusion that first time through Central Asia might best be travelled with a tour group?

Another question I have is with regards to vaccinations. I know that I need Hep A and B, Polio, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Jap Encephalitis, MMR and Rabies... I would like to know how long I should allow in London for these vaccinations, and whether they can all be done together?

Im sure I will have more questions for the wiser well travelled people of the forum, but getting info on visas and vaccinations is my immediate challenge in the planning of this trip and ensuring the adventure gets off to a good start!

Many kind regards in advance!