So, you’re planning a trip to Australia. Amongst all the excitement, you’ll be planning what to do, what to see, and when to go.
It can feel like a bit of a minefield when planning a trip as big as this one, but here are a few pointers on the best ways to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Make a really good itinerary
Base it on your interests, timings, budget, what you’d absolutely like to see, and what doesn’t matter if it drops off the radar. There’s so much to see, after all!
It might sound dull planning in so much detail, but for such an exciting trip it’s almost essential. That’s not to say you can’t be spontaneous, but having a solid plan will keep you on track to cram in everything you want to see and do. No #fomo here.
Pack sensibly
Especially if you’re planning on travelling long distances (you’ll be surprised how far away stuff is from each other). No one wants to be lugging a heavy case from city to city, especially if you’re not planning on hiring a car or camper van.
Backpacks are of course a staple in Oz, but if you’re not about that backpacking life, take only what you need, and remember it’s hot in the summer so you can pack small items and flip flops for the majority of days/nights. Make extra space by rolling items up, and save some room for some Ozzie treats (hello Tim Tams).
Go to those must-see places
No matter how far away they are.
If you’re travelling alone, this shouldn’t be a problem as you can do what you fancy on your own terms. But if you’re travelling with a partner or friend, and they’re perhaps not as keen on one plan as you are, it’s ok to be a little selfish and opt for what you want to do – you might not be coming back for a while!
Australia is renowned for its landscape, cities, and of course, beaches, not to mention spots such as The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays – just magical. Decide what you want to see and go for it. The Secret Traveller has some top tips which should help when planning to see those bucket list spots (including why diving is a great skill to learn, especially for an Oz trip).
Plan according to season
Sitting on the opposite side of the world means summer is winter and winter is summer, and as confusing as it is, you may want to plan your trip based on the seasons to get the most out of everything.
Sydney and other coastal towns are scorching come summer (December), so if you prefer things a little cooler, go either side of these months. Or, pack your best swimwear and hit the beach! Christmas BBQ on the beach anyone?
Capture the memories
It’s a long way to go, so capturing all those amazing memories is something you won’t regret.
A good camera (or one on your phone) is essential for any Aussie traveller, but remember to take time to soak it all up whilst you’re there in the moment, too. Memories also last forever in your mind, not just a smartphone.