Although many travelers think they know it all when it comes to going abroad, but there is a lot more to consider, especially when travelling to new places you know little to nothing about. Here You will learn essential traveling tips from flights, when to get your tickets, packing tips, and other general rules of thumb. You will also be exposed to more specific Australian travel tips, like local laws, rules, regulations, or strange customs you may be unfamiliar with. Most travelers look like travelers-fanny packs, maps, cameras tied around their necks, and the infamous Hawaiian shirts, but you don't have to go without a general idea as to what to expect.
You will obviously need a passport to get into the country. Make sure to keep it in a secure place as you definitely do not want to be stuck without it. Keep a list of important or emergency contact numbers with you along with crucial travel documents like itineraries, hotels, identification, etc. When you do arrive to your hotel, be sure to keep those documents safe from any harm by keeping them in the safe deposit box. You will also be required to have a valid Australian tourist Visa, which you can obtain from your own country before leaving.
When it comes to the actual flight, brace yourself. This will be one doozy of a flight. Remember that the bag you check has to be less than 50 pounds, or most airlines will charge the heck out of you. Try to balance the weight between your carry on and you should have no problems. You are able to have a carry on and a personal item, lady this means a purse generally for you. A way around it is to carry an extra large duffel instead of a purse if you need the extra room. Just remember about souvenirs on the flight back! Recently, a law has been passed that you are not able to carry on any liquids or gels that are more than 3 oz. This means you MUST check your hairsprays, tanning oils, contact solutions, and things of that nature if it contains more and they WILL catch you! (take it from me who has learned the hard way, twice!) I repeat, THEY WILL CATCH IT! Remember, the seasons in Australia and the US are switched. Don't go over there in July thinking it will be as hot as Death Valley in August. The summer months in Australia are in November through February, and the opposite is true for the winter months, so plan accordingly as you don't want to pack only tank tops and flip flops and be cold and miserable the whole time. Pack clothing that travels nicely, resist wrinkles, dry fast
Alright, the flight itself: Once you get on the plane, turn your watch to the local time and get your mind thinking that way, it helps drastically with jet lag. If you have room, pack small toiletries with you like a toothbrush, deodorant, or moisturizer. You will be on the plane for hours and will understand why later. If you plan to sleep, which is a good idea, and helps to pass the time, pack a lumbar or neck pillow. Blankets and sometimes pillows will be distributed, but if you have your own you won't have to worry and will be snoozing like a little lamb in no time.
Once you land in Australia, you should already have your reservations for you accommodations of your stay. There is everything imaginable as far as accommodations is concerned from virtually free back packing to luxurious five star resorts and hotels. The major hotels obviously have a larger range of places to hang your hat, but as you get farther into the country, you will be limited to cheap motels or motor-motels. So, you need to think about the type of vacation you are planning and keep your pocket book in mind, too!
Alright, so now you have landed, you are free of jet lag, your bags are put away in your luxury hotel suite, and you are ready to paint to the town red. There are a few cautions to not before immersing yourself into the depths of the Aussie culture. Although Australia is known for being a rather safe country with low crime rates, you should just take general precaution and not assume that nothing can happen to you.
While in Australia, you will more than likely be outdoors for a greater portion of your stay. Because most of the travel takes place during the summer months, be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen. Forget the motto, "less is more". You will be thanking your lucky stars when you aren't burnt to a crisp.
While at the beach, be aware of the flags; they should be yellow and red. You must stay in between the flags for several reasons. There are sharks in the waters; although I am not trying to scare you, it is the ocean and it can happen, although quite rare. What is more serious and probable is jellyfish. During November through April, Jellyfish are quite prominent in Australian waters and you can get stung. Although usually not fatal, it will greatly disrupt your experience. If not at the beach, but still outdoors, be aware that there are crocodiles (where do you think they came up with the idea, "Crocodile Dundee"?) There are also snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlers you should not be afraid of, just be aware that they exist and attacks can happen, although unlikely if you just pay enough attention!!
Alright, enough of the scary information. Here are just a few last minute pointers, just FYI. There are three different time zones in Australia: EST, CST, and WST. Tipping is completely optional, although customary. The acceptable rate is 10% for special services, like servers. Liquor laws state you must be over 18 years of age to consume or buy alcohol in public. As far as money, credit cards, and money exchanging, it is quite simple. Most traditional credit cards, debit cards, traveler's check and local Australian currency are accepted. Exchanging money from your currency into Australian dollars in quite simple, too. There should be currency exchanges in airports, and major tourist locations for you to quickly and painlessly exchange money.
