Trip to Australia: Expect the Unexpected
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Today’s CultureTrav guest post is by Harold
Australia is a top destination preference for many tourists. I know many have it on their bucket, and that is why it’s good to know what to expect as a first-time or returning visitor.
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In this post, I will elaborate on some of the things that you will come across in Australia.
1. English Vocabulary May Differ
While most conversations are easy to follow, sometimes I have to try and pick the right term to fit in the context when speaking with Aussies.
Depending on where you come from, you’ll notice a difference in words that apply for various items and activities.
For instance, when talking about trekking or hiking, I used the term “bushwalking,” which is common in Australia and New Zealand. “Trek” is a term used to describe the movement from one point to another on foot. I had to familiarise myself with the Australian English to get along during our conversations with local people. Here are some of the common slang words used.
2. Australia is Huge
Unlike many places I have toured around the world, I needed a longer-term stay. For instance, moving from Perth to Brisbane took me almost 6 hours by flight. I didn’t think there was a need to consider road trips to take that route.
During my tour, I chose destinations depending on the activities, ideally without having to travel a long distance. When booking my ticket, I considered an international airport that was in, or close to, my final destination. This helped me avoid other inter-city transportation expenses.
3. Tipping is “Wrong”
From the various places I have visited in the past, I learned that tipping is (maybe) the only way to show appreciation for good services I received. But when visiting Australia, the expectations are different. Here, workers are paid generously. I think they are among the top paying countries in the world, with a minimum wage of $18.93 per hour.
As I was buying drinks and snacks around the cities, I discovered that I needed to collect every single coin that remained on top of my bill. All the time they had to remind me to pick up my change.
4. Traveling in the Summer? It’s Hot
Summer is a typical season for travel around the world. I came to discover, however, that Australia is quite different. Australia experiences a higher intensity, and the sun can burn your skin badly. Sunscreen was mandatory on my packing list when I headed for Australia, and I wore it every day.
Whenever I had any outdoor activities planned, I used protective clothing to cover up from the scorching sun. To enjoy sightseeing, I rested in a shaded area, and carried a personal umbrella.
Another thing to remember is that the hot sun dehydrates rather quickly. Whenever I went out, I carried my water bottle in my backpack. I also ensured that I went for outdoor activities where drinking water is accessible.
5. Choose Your Camping Destination Wisely
Owing to the varied climate in Australia, I discovered the need to choose my destination wisely to avoid inconveniences. In summer, Australia experiences lots of rain in some parts, while other parts experience the hot and dry season. The variation is due to the expanse of the territory.
Both the dry weather and the rainy have inconveniences when going on a camping trip. You see, the rainy season part will be inconvenient for camping because it can flood an area, and make it impossible to pitch the tents. On the other hand, the dry season places can easily catch bushfires.
There are various spots where you can camp. Remember the authorities should allow campfires in the place you are pitching your tent. Melbourne alone has more than 10 campsites that allow fires. Upon arrival, find a taxi with roof racks, Melbourne has to offer, to carry your camping tent and gear to your campsite.
6. Budget for Your Portable WiFi Hotspot
I know that travelers who come from America and Europe are used to high-speed internet. In Australia, however, there is the inconvenience of poor internet penetration and speeds. To get fast internet to connect back home, I had to visit a public library. However, you know that only texting is allowed in such places. Another place to access a good internet connection is at McDonald’s.
I know that these are inconvenient, and I recommend that you get your own WiFi hotspot. The hotspot will also suffice when visiting other parts of the world.
Harold is a passionate writer. She enjoys writing about the latest trends all around the globe. Through her writing, she hopes to influence as many people as possible to help build a beautiful world.
Hi! I'm the founder of Culture With Travel and #CultureTrav. Please chat with us on social media and contribute in the comments! Follow @Nicolette_O
