Lots of great advice here, have planned on having my NVFR before I go but we'll have to wait and see..
The Cessna 200 option would be great but I reckon it could be hard to get one and could become very expensive.. but still a good idea none the less..
Not bringing a stranger is an interesting point also which I have considered before, I just wouldn't want to do it on my own and most people I know couoldn't take time off work or away from families for an extended period of time.. catch 22
Keep the posts coming thanks and again if anyone knows a good ac for a good rate feel free to drop me a pm..