Articles Tagged with: australia

Australia – Backpacker Surfers Paradise 2007

Not all backpacks are created equal. There are the basic backpacks that simply carry your books to and from school and then there are the backpacks that can handle the extreme, outdoor elements when camping. Some backpacks are designed to hold special gear such as laptops or mp3 players. What are some of the new backpack styles for going to school? Here are several styles to consider when choosing a new backpack.

Rolling BackpacksRead more

Looking forward to having a wonderful Australian holiday, but worried about the lodging and travel expenses? Over the last few years, the number of accommodation facilities has witnessed a huge global upsurge. As a result, it has become relatively easy for travelers to find the right kind of lodging that is suited to their budget. If you happen to be the ‘always on the move’ backpacker, there is no reason why you cannot have a great holidaying experience in the city or country of your choice.

The following tips will help you enjoy your holiday even if your funds are in a tight situation: Join a Holiday Accommodation Exchange Network

A notion gaining immense popularity amongst frequent travelers, the holiday exchange network is a simple means to having undiluted fun at a moderate cost. As a member of a Holiday Accommodation Exchange network, you can put up your own lodging facility on offer, and in turn, opt for a stay in other members’ accommodation facility for a specified time period. Many people choose to exchange the use of their homes for a holiday. This arrangement is extremely lucrative as there is little or no expense associated with securing a place to live during the holiday. Plus, the actual owners can provide a good amount of information on local attractions and must-visits, thereby saving your time and money on unnecessary research. Opt for Holiday Rentals

Most backpackers opt for a stay in holiday homes and apartments because they are cost effective. This is because you don’t need to pay for all amenities such as daily servicing, room service and other facilities that you won’t generally use. As a traveler, you can save money on eating out; as you are required to self cater in a holiday rental home. In fact, most holiday homes also have laundry facilities where you can wash your own clothes, as well as opt for bedding without paying extra. Try Unique Locations

Tourists, especially the ones with families, usually prefer to stay in crowded, popular locations. Resultantly, the accommodation facilities in these places are often priced high and mostly taken up. As a backpacker, you should not hesitate in selecting a holiday property that is a reasonable distance from the usual range of properties. In doing so, you can avail attractive discounts and also do away with the incessant bustling prevalent in crowded places.

Take a Break is one of the most preferred online travel resources for backpackers planning a stay in Australia.The portal lists a wide range of holiday accommodation options including holiday rentals, apartments, holiday homes, etc., for short or long stay in various Australian cities.

When your son or daughter decides to spend a year backpacking around Australia, how will you handle it? Whether you object to his or her decision or applaud your child’s independent spirit, as a parent you will probably have some concerns.

Australia has an extensive backpacking industry designed to support and assist travelers exploring the country by foot. Hostels, transportation systems, and work-for-hire programs are all readily available. With a little planning your backpacking son or daughter could enjoy the experience they’re dreaming of.

But things can go wrong during backpacking adventures. How will you handle the worst case scenario? What can be done to prevent backpackers from becoming missing persons Australia statistics?

Responsible parents will have a plan in place to both minimize the risk and take swift action should the unthinkable occur. Preparation won’t alleviate the pain and suffering parents endure when they realize their child has gone missing. It may not protect the missing from injury, harm or even death. But it can help minimize the time it takes to find a missing backpacker and make a world of difference to everyone involved.

Increase the odds of success for law enforcement agencies and professional missing persons Australia search efforts with the following tips and advice:

1. Plan regularly scheduled check-ins. Missing people in Australia can’t be found unless someone knows they’re missing. Aim for check-ins with your son or daughter at least every 3-5 days. Don’t forget to set a reasonable date for the next check-in on every call.

2. Keep the backpacker in contact. Make check-ins and emergency contacts with you easier for your son or daughter. Provide your child with a phone, calling cards or both that you can charge from home for them. Keep an adequate balance on their account so calling home is always an option.

3. Note specific locations at check-ins. Where is your child staying, who are they with, and where are they working? Also note any plans they may have to move on in the future and what their next destination is.

4. Have a recent photograph and copies of identification on hand for your son or daughter. This includes passport information or whatever other documentation they may be carrying.

5. Be involved with their plan. Help your son or daughter plan their backpacking route and chart their progress on a map as they check in every few days. Plan Ahead for Swift Action

Should the worst happen and your child fails to check in as regularly scheduled, report it immediately to the local police in their last known location. If you are concerned for your child’s health or well-being, file a missing person’s report. Be sure to provide the police with all of the information you have about your son or daughter’s last known whereabouts, destinations and travel companions.

If you have probable reason to suspect your child has suffered an injury in the wilderness or countryside dial 000 for Emergency Services assistance.

Missing persons Australia police investigations may yield results, but be prepared with a back-up plan to take action swiftly. You will need to contact the local media in the area where your child was last seen and in any surrounding areas. Plan to hire an expert missing persons Australian people finder for your best chance at a successful location.

Planning ahead may not prevent your backpacking son or daughter from disappearing. But it can increase the odds they will be found quickly and safely returned home.

Backpack Around Australia

Emergencies For serious emergencies requiring, ambulance, police or fire brigade, dial 000.

Food & Restaurants Australia has excellent restaurants, cafe’s and other eating places. You can find places to suit any type of budget. The quality of fresh food in Australia is very high and easily accessible.

General Safety Australia is a very safe country in general. However, it is always a good idea to keep personal belongings in a secure place. If you are carrying important personal items, it is a good idea to carry them on you in a place that is secure from any pickpockets. Also, when getting about at night, it is a good idea to stay on main streets and avoid dark off street areas that may look suspicious.

Hitchhiking This practice is strongly discouraged throughout Australia.

Language The main language spoken in Australia is English.

Let someone know where you are It is always a good idea to let someone know where you are and where you intend to be in case something happens and you need to be located. Liquor

Legal drinking age The legal age to consume alcohol in Australia is 18 and over.

Medications Visitors are permitted to bring reasonable quantities of prescribed (non-narcotic) medications. All should be clearly labelled. Large quantities should be accompanied by a Doctor’s Certificate. All medication must be carried as hand luggage and declared on arrival.

Sun Protection Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. The sun is very strong and it is recommended that you wear sun protection whenever in the sun.

Surf and water safety

* Many of Australia’s most popular beaches are patrolled by Life Savers or Life Guards. Whenever swimming at these beaches, always swim between the red and yellow flags that are set up as the safest areas for swimming. * Read and obey warning signs around swimming areas. * Don’t swim directly after a meal. * Never run and dive in the water. * If you have trouble in the water, don’t panic, raise your arm up for help and float and wait for assistance. * If you get caught in a rip, float with the current (don’t try and swim against it), signal for help and wait for assistance. * From late October to early May, coastal waters of northern Australia are subjected to venomous box jellyfish. Do not swim in unprotected open beaches during this time. Only swim in protective enclosures.

Telephones Australia has a very modern telephone system. There are many payphones located throughout the entire country. Local calls are charged at an un-timed amount of 40 cents. Long distance and International calls vary. There are many specials available to travellers through use of phone cards.

Time Zones There are three time zones in Australia:

* Eastern Standard Time (EST) for News South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. * Central Standard Time (CST) for South Australia and the Northern Territory. This is half an hour behind EST. * Western Standard Time (WST) for Western Australia. This is two hours behind EST.

New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia have daylight savings, which commences at the end of October and finishes at the end of March. Tasmania’s daylight savings starts from the beginning of October and goes through until the end of March. Note, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia do not have daylight savings.

Tipping Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, however if you believe the service was very good, tips are certainly appreciated.

Vaccinations The only vaccination required is if you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country, or zone, within six days prior to arrival into Australia. Check with your local doctor if you are unsure.

Weights & Measures Australia uses the metric system of weights and measures.