Australia is home to seemingly endless beaches that offer consistent and fun waves, an impressive amount of wonderfully unique species (from cuddly koalas to wobbly wombats), and luxuriant rainforests with epiphytic ferns, orchids, and vines. It’s slightly more expensive, but you don’t have to be rich or wealthy to travel. But if you don’t pay attention, you can easily fall into the trap of spending too much on your trip.
Is Australia just an enigma? It can feel that way for foreign travelers. It’s easy to get carried away with excitement in a land brimming with myths and misconceptions that could fill volumes, but it’s worth remembering we have some wrong ideas about The Land Down Under. Australia is a fun place where people from all foreign cultures come together – everyone is welcome and can feel at home. You won’t see any snakes, spiders, or other dangerous animals in and out of the city. But it has some of the best coffee in the world, so indulge in a rich espresso or cappuccino.
Follow these no-nonsense rules to make your next vacation seamless from beginning to end:
Book Your Flight Ticket in A Hidden or Incognito Browser
Yes, airlines and travel websites can track your behavior, including clicks, how much time you spend on various pages, and what destination you choose. Simply put, the information is used to manipulate your airfare. You can avoid price spikes by searching in Incognito mode, which keeps your browsing private. Most websites follow your search patterns using cookies and IP addresses, so if you check out a flight price on a certain platform and come back after some time, you’re certain to find a higher rate.
When you’re browsing in the Incognito mode, your activity doesn’t show up in the browser history. For complete protection, use a VPN. When you connect to public networks like the airport WiFi, your personal data is at risk, so get an eSIM to enjoy seamless Internet access. Get an eSIM for tourists in Australia that’s easy to install and guarantees excellent network coverage. Most plans you’ll find on websites are prepaid. If you’re going to hang out in Australia for months on end, opt for a monthly subscription.
There’s No Right Time to Visit Australia
It’s never the right time to travel to Australia. The weather varies depending on where you are in The Land Down Under and the time of the year, so while the Top End region is hot all year round, New South Wales experiences sub-zero temperatures, frosts, and snow. The best time to travel is as soon as you’re able to. Consider the regional differences in temperature and find the perfect time for you to go. Most tourists opt to visit Australia from March to May and September to November in case you want to avoid the crowds.
Aussies Speak English, But They Have Their Own Slang Words
The language reflects the relaxed nature of the people and life in the country. Non-indigenous Australians haven’t been around long enough to develop regional accents, but they do use slang words, and if you don’t know the trendy terms, communicating becomes impossible.
Even if you speak the language, you won’t understand what has just been said. Here are some words to keep in mind:
- Ace! – Excellent!
- Bog in – Start eating
- Cozzie – Swimsuit
- G’Day! – Hello!
- Give it a bur! – Try it, have a go
- Thongs – Flip flops
- Veg out – Relax
Many Aussies consider slang part of their national identity, and this attachment to informal language goes all the way back to the earliest English settlements. Using slang words allows you to connect with the locals on a deeper level and understand their humor.
Walking Around Barefoot Is Normal
Something that’ll shock you when visiting The Land Down Under is that people walk barefoot (beyond the sandy beaches), even in grocery stores, cafes, and hardware stores. Why would you need shoes for a quick trip down the road? Most people wear flip-flops, and walking barefoot is a minor change from that – it doesn’t feel too different. New Zealanders also like to go barefoot, so they’ll often skip the footwear when going to the gas station or the playground. City sidewalks are clean, but you might have a hard time getting used to the barefoot lifestyle.
Australia Is Just About the Same Size as Continental USA
Australia is the 6th largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, Brazil, and the USA. You can’t hop on a flight from one side of the country to the other. It’s too big to see on just one trip. You can’t see all of Australia, but you can see enough of it to understand the place. The domestic airlines serve all capital cities and many regional cities, so it’s easy to explore iconic destinations like Kakadu National Park, Daintree Forest, or Perth and Margaret River. Each state is so vast that there are plenty of things to do, so add only one to your bucket list.
You can visit Tasmania, which is often overlooked by international travelers because it’s more expensive than the mainland. Tasmanian life is slower-paced, quiet, and relaxing, so you can rejuvenate your body and relax your mind, and you’ll be totally refreshed when it’s time to go back home. The night skies are dark and dazzling, so look up for a change. The treats along the Tasting Trail are delicious: truffles, cider and berries, salmon, and chocolate.
Wrapping It Up
Australia is unique in many ways, and traveling will impact your appreciation for it, regardless of your background. Planning a trip might seem daunting at first, but with some preparation and research, you’re good to go – whether you’re a foodie, beach lover, or an adventurer, there’s a place for you. Tipping isn’t expected in Australia, so you don’t have to worry about adding extra to the bill. It’s really only for exceptional services. All in all, make sure to install your eSIM 1-2 days before the trip to avoid connection glitches and solve the pain of high roaming bills.
