What you need to know when you travel in Australia

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Australia that it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re into nightlife and clubbing, spending lazy afternoons on a beach or you prefer camping and exploring nature, Australia is the place for you.

The Land Down Under has a lot to offer, but there are also some things you should know before you book your ticket.

We give you a few useful Australia travel tips:

The Australian sun isn’t gentle

The Australian sun isn’t gentle
Photo: MagicM, Bigstock

You’ve probably heard this a million times from your parents already, but we have to say it again – cover up! You don’t want to be spending too much time out in the sun because it can be awful for your skin and bad for your overall health. The sun is really strong in Australia, so get your hands on some quality sunblock and apply it before leaving the house, even if you’re not going to be out for very long. You will get burned much faster than you would at home (or anywhere else in the world for that matter). Wear a cap or a hat, apply sunscreen or makeup with SPF, and you’ll be good to go.

Australia is expensive

Australia is expensive
Photo: Gripfast, Bigstock

Make no mistake – Australia is one of the countries with the highest prices out there. This can be a pretty big shock if you’ve recently visited Thailand, India or China, and once you see that a simple drink can cost up to $15, you won’t be so keen on going on a shopping spree. If you’re hoping to stay on a budget, it might be a good idea to look for hostels when travelling with friends. Big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne are difficult to “do” when you’re on a budget, but with a bit of research, you can still manage.

Getting around in Australia

Sydney trains, Central Station.
Sydney trains, Central Station. Photo: Andy Leung, Pixabay

The most important thing is to get to your intended destination safely and to do that, you should prepare before your arrival. It’s easy to find affordable car hire from Gold Coast airport in advance, so you don’t have to worry about finding a car after you land. If you’re traveling the country and exploring, you might want to rent a reliable car so you don’t have to think about buses and trains. If, on the other hand, you’re staying in the Sydney area of New South Wales, it’s a good idea to get yourself an Opal card so you can use public transport without having to worry about buying different tickets for the train, bus, ferry or the metro.

The Australian climate is strange

raining australia
Photo: Mike, Pexels

Most people know that winters in Australia are sunny and warm, but not many are aware that the climate differs from region to region. This is a very big country and it’s only natural that the climate will vary depending on where you are traveling. Remember that the north has mostly tropical climate with two main seasons – the dry and the wet, whereas the South’s climate is a bit more temperate so you can experience all four seasons. Most people choose to visit Australia in December, January, and February as this is the time when there’s no school and everyone enjoys the summer, but if you’re hoping to visit the north, it might be better to visit in the winter (June to August). This is when the tropical area will be warm and dry.

Australian visas

Australian immigration visa
Photo: Luap Vision, Bigstock

Last but not least – you should get a visa if you’re planning on visiting. It doesn’t matter if you’re only staying for a couple of days or a few months, if you want to enter the country, you need to get a visa. The good news is that you can apply online for certain visas if you’re a tourist – the Electronic Travel Authority visa is the most popular among tourists as it’s valid for a year and allows you to stay up to three months at a time.

Depending on why you’re visiting Australia, you should take some time to prepare for the trip, especially if you’re heading to the outback (it’s best described as “unforgiving”). For the most part, Australia is beautiful and everyone who comes to visit swears to come back again someday. If you’re hoping to have a great time, take our travel tips to heart, be prepared and enjoy your trip to the Land Down Under!

Tracey Clayton
Tracey Claytonhttp://highstylife.com/
Tracey Clayton is a full-time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor, and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”
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