Proper preparation for Australia

Ah, Australia. Breath it in. The continent down under has been a mecca for people trying to escape their own reality, while still getting to speak English. With its seemingly infinite amount of pristine beaches, incredible surf, as well as rugged outdoors, Australia has something to offer for all travelers. In the last couple years, Australia has also started to be home to a booming economy, as well as a place becoming deeply rooted in their ancestral heritage. All these aspects make Oz a fantastic place to visit. If you aren't already planning your trip, this small piece of advice I’m about to offer may be enough of a push to get you on the phone with your travel agent pronto.

While preparing to visit Australia, one needs to save money. This is the obvious tip. While many travelers will save heaps of cash before their visit, or else get a working holiday visa, there is one tip that many travelers overlook but would save them a ton of cash: Make Australian friends!

If you have ever come in contact with an Australian, you will find out a few things very quickly. First, most of them are very well traveled. With the idea of a gap year being ingrained in the culture, most Australians have been over seas in some capacity. Along with that, a huge part of their culture is talking, listening and just overall conversation. Australians love to host people and show travelers a good time. They will let travelers stay in their homes, introduce them to their friends and even feed them! If you are looking to make your trip to Oz special, you best find some Australian friends.

So how does one meet an illusive Australian? One safe bet is to do a little pre-travel travel in places the mysterious Auzzies like to visit. One safe bet is in and around Southeast Asia. With the proximity in their favor, many Australians head here for their seemingly never-ending holidays. If you are really in a spot for a time, a trip to Kuta in Bali may be the easiest place to meet people from the land down under.

Make sure to cement relationships with some Aussies during your travel. They will make your time in Australia amazing, and teach you a thing or two about how to treat guests when you get the chance to host them in your neck of the woods.

Photo courtesy of SMH