Language and Religion
• There is no official religion in Australia. Churches can be located in most towns for both the Catholic and Church of England faith. Other general religions are Methodist, Presbyterian and Uniting Church. Places of worship for Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other religious denominations not frequent to Australia will only be found in the major towns and cities.
• Need an interpreter? The telecommunications provider Telstra offers a 24 hour translation and interpreter service for an extensive range of languages. Dial 13 14 50. The local white pages telephone book will give more information.
Medical
• Australian nationals and New Zealand visitors are covered by Medicare, the national health cover scheme. It does not apply to visitors from any other country.
• Visitors should always get medical cover insurance prior to departure from their home country.
• Visitors will only require specific vaccinations if they have traveled through an area infected with yellow fever. Visitors passing through other countries when entering or leaving Australia should check the vaccination needs of those countries.
• All cities and most towns offer 24 hour medical facilities by way of private practice clinics or government run hospital amenities. They will be listed in the telephone book of the area you are visiting.
• Chemists are located in all towns and cities all over Australia. The Australian chemist does not operate the "soda fountain" type of drug store found in the USA.
Telephone and Communications
• In an emergency dial 000. This will connect you to the ambulance, fire and police services.
• Phone cards are a popular way of accessing the public phone system. Cards are obtainable from selected newsagents and stores. Select public phones also accept credit cards. Public phone call assistance is available by dialing 013.
Tips
• Australians working in the tourist, hospitality and transport industries are paid a minimum salary. Tipping is not normal practice but is generally considered a suitable gesture of approval when the level of service has exceeded expectations. A tip of around 10% would be considered appropriate.
Customs, Quarantine and Visas
• To enter Australia you will need an up to date passport valid for the duration of your stay and a valid tourist visa issued in your own country and entered into the passport prior to the travel date. New Zealand visitors are exempt from these requirements and are granted an entry permit on arrival. Visa applications are made to the Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission, as applicable, in your home country. Make sure you apply for the correct visa type. For example, if you plan to work, you will need to apply for a work permit which is generally limited to singles under 25 and which only allows for casual work to be performed for up to 3 months. Tourist visas are usually valid for a stay of 3 or 6 months. At the time of making your visa application you will have to sign an undertaking that you have an outward bound ticket and sufficient funds for the period of your stay.
• No duty is payable on personal effects. Adults may carry up to 250 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcoholic liquor in their personal effects provided it is carried with them. Duty and sales tax is applied to dutiable goods exceeding $400AU. Strict regulations apply to narcotics and prohibited substances.
• When entering Australia you will have to surrender all fresh food, animal and plant products and any unprocessed foodstuffs. You will be required to sign a statement to this effect. This is a quarantine regulation to prevent the entry of foreign organisms that may have a harmful effect on Australia's native vegetation, wildlife and farming goods.
• Strict policies apply to the import and export of protected wildlife and items made from protected species. Any such items will be seized by customs officials upon arrival.
Money
• Major shopping centers do not open on Sundays. Tourism oriented outlets do have a 7 day trade as do convenience stores supplying essential needs.
• Banks are only open Mondays through Fridays and usually only between the hours of 9-4. Most towns have automatic teller machines to cater for after-hours transactions.
• Australian currency consists of 5c 10c 20c 50c $1 $2 as coins. Notes are $5 $10 $20 $50 and $100.
Electricity
Australian electricity supply is 220-240 volts. Most electronics stores stock adapters for 110v appliances as well as adapters for 220-240v appliances with different plug types.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Traveling in Australia, Part 1
Weather and the Environment
• Guard against sunburn at all times, but particularly in summer. Use a wide brimmed hat, 15+ sunscreen, sunglasses, protecting clothes and shoes. Australian sunlight has very high UV levels and skin damage occurs quickly, especially during the middle of the day.
• Check future storm fronts for signs of a greenish tinge. This often indicates a hail storm that may cause damage to persons and property.
• Always observe correct beach safety. Swim only at patrolled beaches. Only swim between flagged areas. If in doubt, ask. Always check for caution signs.
• If you intend to swim in shallow coastal waters north of Gladstone, make it your business to be educated about box jellyfish (marine stingers). Usually found in shallow waters near creek or river mouths, more likely after local rain, usually absent in rough water. Not usually found over deep water or coral. Stinger season is usually from December to March in the Gladstone (south) area and longer, from October to June, in the Cairns (north) area. Most popular beaches in the stinger areas are netted to give swimmer protection.
• At all times wear thick soled shoes when walking in shallow tropical waters or reef walking as protection against the highly disguised stonefish. It has dorsal spikes which will rupture the skin of the foot and inject poison causing extreme swelling and agony. Deaths have been occurred as a result of stonefish poisoning.
• There are other venomous creatures on the reef such as some of the cone shell species and coral snakes, both of which are capable of causing death. If you intend spending time on the Barrier Reef without expert guidance, ensure you have a good knowledge of what can harm you before you start.
Road Travel
• Australian traffic drives on the left hand side of the road.
• If you are in doubt about your driving license being acknowledged in Australia, obtain an International License from your local automobile association prior to your departure.
• Road speed limits differ between states but are usually 100-110kph on the highways and 50-60kph in built-up areas. Interstate highways are not of the same standard as USA and European highway systems but nor do they carry the same traffic volumes.
• Don't hitch-hike, it is illegal.
• Never leave small children or animals locked in vehicles in very hot weather. Dehydration occurs very rapidly. This practice is illegal.
• The most serious danger on the road is fatigue. Look for driver refreshment stations and pull off and rest after driving for some hours.
• Be cautious when driving on country roads at night in cold weather. Cattle and native animals such as kangaroos lie on the bitumen road surface which holds the warmth of the sun. Car lights blind and mesmerize the animals and they may just as easily run into your vehicle as run away from it.
• When traveling on remote outback roads/tracks, always tell someone at the destination of your expected arrival time and number of people in your party. If you fail to arrive within a reasonable time, help procedures can be started. Do NOT leave your vehicle as a missing vehicle is much easier to find than a missing person.
• When traveling on unsurfaced or poor quality roads, always carry out a vehicle check before starting off on the next sector.
• Extra care is needed when sharing the road with road-trains. These are main movers with multiple trailers of cattle attached and are about 170 feet long. Always give them plenty of space as the buffeting from displaced air as you pass in opposite directions can be quite severe. Allow at least 3000 feet of clear road before overtaking a road train.
• Do not try to cross flooded rivers and causeways unless you are sure of the water depth and road surface damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
• Dirt from passing vehicles on outback roads can obscure your vision. Don't take risks, slow down or stop until it settles.
Air Travel
• Steer clear of flying early morning and late afternoon on the eastern seaboard routes. These flights are usually heavily booked by business people traveling between the capital cities.
• Require extra leg room? Ask to be seated in a row that serves the exit doors as these rows seem to have more room.
• When checking in and getting seat allocation, ask if your seat is in the first row immediately adjacent one of the large central video screens. You may wish to ask for a different spot, especially if on a long international flight.
• A departure tax of A$30 per adult is payable when leaving Australia.
• Guard against sunburn at all times, but particularly in summer. Use a wide brimmed hat, 15+ sunscreen, sunglasses, protecting clothes and shoes. Australian sunlight has very high UV levels and skin damage occurs quickly, especially during the middle of the day.
• Check future storm fronts for signs of a greenish tinge. This often indicates a hail storm that may cause damage to persons and property.
• Always observe correct beach safety. Swim only at patrolled beaches. Only swim between flagged areas. If in doubt, ask. Always check for caution signs.
• If you intend to swim in shallow coastal waters north of Gladstone, make it your business to be educated about box jellyfish (marine stingers). Usually found in shallow waters near creek or river mouths, more likely after local rain, usually absent in rough water. Not usually found over deep water or coral. Stinger season is usually from December to March in the Gladstone (south) area and longer, from October to June, in the Cairns (north) area. Most popular beaches in the stinger areas are netted to give swimmer protection.
• At all times wear thick soled shoes when walking in shallow tropical waters or reef walking as protection against the highly disguised stonefish. It has dorsal spikes which will rupture the skin of the foot and inject poison causing extreme swelling and agony. Deaths have been occurred as a result of stonefish poisoning.
• There are other venomous creatures on the reef such as some of the cone shell species and coral snakes, both of which are capable of causing death. If you intend spending time on the Barrier Reef without expert guidance, ensure you have a good knowledge of what can harm you before you start.
Road Travel
• Australian traffic drives on the left hand side of the road.
• If you are in doubt about your driving license being acknowledged in Australia, obtain an International License from your local automobile association prior to your departure.
• Road speed limits differ between states but are usually 100-110kph on the highways and 50-60kph in built-up areas. Interstate highways are not of the same standard as USA and European highway systems but nor do they carry the same traffic volumes.
• Don't hitch-hike, it is illegal.
• Never leave small children or animals locked in vehicles in very hot weather. Dehydration occurs very rapidly. This practice is illegal.
• The most serious danger on the road is fatigue. Look for driver refreshment stations and pull off and rest after driving for some hours.
• Be cautious when driving on country roads at night in cold weather. Cattle and native animals such as kangaroos lie on the bitumen road surface which holds the warmth of the sun. Car lights blind and mesmerize the animals and they may just as easily run into your vehicle as run away from it.
• When traveling on remote outback roads/tracks, always tell someone at the destination of your expected arrival time and number of people in your party. If you fail to arrive within a reasonable time, help procedures can be started. Do NOT leave your vehicle as a missing vehicle is much easier to find than a missing person.
• When traveling on unsurfaced or poor quality roads, always carry out a vehicle check before starting off on the next sector.
• Extra care is needed when sharing the road with road-trains. These are main movers with multiple trailers of cattle attached and are about 170 feet long. Always give them plenty of space as the buffeting from displaced air as you pass in opposite directions can be quite severe. Allow at least 3000 feet of clear road before overtaking a road train.
• Do not try to cross flooded rivers and causeways unless you are sure of the water depth and road surface damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
• Dirt from passing vehicles on outback roads can obscure your vision. Don't take risks, slow down or stop until it settles.
Air Travel
• Steer clear of flying early morning and late afternoon on the eastern seaboard routes. These flights are usually heavily booked by business people traveling between the capital cities.
• Require extra leg room? Ask to be seated in a row that serves the exit doors as these rows seem to have more room.
• When checking in and getting seat allocation, ask if your seat is in the first row immediately adjacent one of the large central video screens. You may wish to ask for a different spot, especially if on a long international flight.
• A departure tax of A$30 per adult is payable when leaving Australia.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
4 Vacations to Unlease Your Inner Child
It’s Not Too Late for Band Camp
If you ever feel like you missed out by not going on a summer camp vacation when you were a child, or you long for that feeling of freedom and togetherness that going to camp with other kids engendered, then guess what? It’s not too late to chase your dream or rekindle those old feelings, and today these camps exist for adults, as well. Whether you want to enjoy a band camp with like-minded individuals playing orchestral, big band, brass, or rock music, if you want to learn new activities such as archery and rock-climbing, or whether you want to explore your artistic side at a painting, writing or theatrical retreat, all are available. In fact camps for adults is bound to be the next big thing in personalized, tailored summer vacations, so don’t wait around to book yourself onto one of these vacation retreats.
A Wildlife Retreat
Remember exploring the natural world as a child in summer vacations? Setting foot into the woods to build a camp with your friends, getting lost in the countryside, finding streams where you could fish, lifting up rocks and looking at all the creepy crawlies underneath. Well that impulse to be surrounded by nature still exists, even if you haven’t ventured out into the glorious countryside in years. So to get in touch with your inner child, head out to wildlife reserves, nature sanctuaries and other areas to explore the beauty of the wild landscape and reconnect not only with the rhythms of the world but with the person you used to be.
Go Visit Your Parents
Nothing brings out the little kid in you than being around your parents, and no matter how long you have been away, you will find yourself settling right back into your teenage self after a few days with them. Being back in an old, familiar environment, seeing close family members and loved ones really reconnects you with your old self and your roots in a way that nothing else can. And nothing is likely to make your parents happier than calling in on them for a few days every year, just hanging out with them and getting to know them as adults, not just as people who used to make you food, clean your dishes and drive you to school.
Kids Need a Break Too
Even kids these days need to know how to settle down, stop trying to grow up so fast, and just be children. You only get to live your childhood once, so make sure they make the most of it by sending them to summer programs in the hot summer vacations for memories that will last a lifetime. With the internet, peer pressure and the constant stress of school exams, life can be hard for today’s kids. Yet time outdoors in gorgeous Alpine summer camps such as Tignes in France can be just what they need for them to learn how to enjoy being a kid again in summer holidays. No computer games or internet to keep them locked up inside, and the supervision of expert guides, helps them get outdoors and enjoy activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting, football and tennis tournaments.
If you ever feel like you missed out by not going on a summer camp vacation when you were a child, or you long for that feeling of freedom and togetherness that going to camp with other kids engendered, then guess what? It’s not too late to chase your dream or rekindle those old feelings, and today these camps exist for adults, as well. Whether you want to enjoy a band camp with like-minded individuals playing orchestral, big band, brass, or rock music, if you want to learn new activities such as archery and rock-climbing, or whether you want to explore your artistic side at a painting, writing or theatrical retreat, all are available. In fact camps for adults is bound to be the next big thing in personalized, tailored summer vacations, so don’t wait around to book yourself onto one of these vacation retreats.
A Wildlife Retreat
Remember exploring the natural world as a child in summer vacations? Setting foot into the woods to build a camp with your friends, getting lost in the countryside, finding streams where you could fish, lifting up rocks and looking at all the creepy crawlies underneath. Well that impulse to be surrounded by nature still exists, even if you haven’t ventured out into the glorious countryside in years. So to get in touch with your inner child, head out to wildlife reserves, nature sanctuaries and other areas to explore the beauty of the wild landscape and reconnect not only with the rhythms of the world but with the person you used to be.
Go Visit Your Parents
Nothing brings out the little kid in you than being around your parents, and no matter how long you have been away, you will find yourself settling right back into your teenage self after a few days with them. Being back in an old, familiar environment, seeing close family members and loved ones really reconnects you with your old self and your roots in a way that nothing else can. And nothing is likely to make your parents happier than calling in on them for a few days every year, just hanging out with them and getting to know them as adults, not just as people who used to make you food, clean your dishes and drive you to school.
Kids Need a Break Too
Even kids these days need to know how to settle down, stop trying to grow up so fast, and just be children. You only get to live your childhood once, so make sure they make the most of it by sending them to summer programs in the hot summer vacations for memories that will last a lifetime. With the internet, peer pressure and the constant stress of school exams, life can be hard for today’s kids. Yet time outdoors in gorgeous Alpine summer camps such as Tignes in France can be just what they need for them to learn how to enjoy being a kid again in summer holidays. No computer games or internet to keep them locked up inside, and the supervision of expert guides, helps them get outdoors and enjoy activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting, football and tennis tournaments.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Your First Day Onboard
Security and check-in is always a lengthy process, unless, of course you have a medical condition or a high-priced grand suite VIP room. But we all have to go through the line and wait, so it's no different from anybody else.
As far as the actual embarkation itself, you'll likely have to take an elevator, escalator, or stairs up to a higher level which is basically only a rather lengthy hall, eventually with a metal floor, which is the gangway onto the ship itself. It makes a cruiser's favourite sound.
Soon after you board, it's often good to find your stateroom as well as your dining room table, in case you would like to request a change, for the table at least, if it's necessary and possible. It's also good to have some lunch, which is complimentary onboard the ships. However, try not to go directly to the main buffet dining hall. Instead, opt for one of those little cafes or specialty shops. You wouldn't get to large of a selection of great foods, but you'll have a considerably smaller, quieter crowd.
While you're in the eating mood, though, look around the ship to find the other eating locations. There is often a rarely busy little place tucked into a corner with some great food.
Tour the ship for other places, such as the plentiful lounges and clubs, kids areas, casino, library, and so on. There is likely maps available or posted.
Make sure to read through the entire first day's activity schedule/planner/bulletin/newsletter to see what is going on, where, and when. Mark choices for each member of your traveling party. You can transfer the times and locations to other papers for each member and/or have a master list that states who is where and for what purpose from and until what times.
There will be a loud, annoying alarm, which signals the beginning of the mandatory boat drill, which you are legally required to attend. You will be informed where your stateroom is supposed to go for the drill, and will not be allowed to use the elevators to get there. Remember where your location is, just in case of the very rare event that you will need to get there.
Luggage. Hmm. Where is it? Seeing how the crew has to go through likely thousands of suitcases, you will probably have to wait a little while for your luggage to be delivered up to your stateroom. It could take upwards of 3 hours or more! Of course, if it doesn't arrive after 4 hours, you might want to make a call to see if everything is all right.
And on that wonderful note, why don't you start planning on your own personal embarkation onto one of those amazing cruise vessels. Make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.paycation.com today!
As far as the actual embarkation itself, you'll likely have to take an elevator, escalator, or stairs up to a higher level which is basically only a rather lengthy hall, eventually with a metal floor, which is the gangway onto the ship itself. It makes a cruiser's favourite sound.
Soon after you board, it's often good to find your stateroom as well as your dining room table, in case you would like to request a change, for the table at least, if it's necessary and possible. It's also good to have some lunch, which is complimentary onboard the ships. However, try not to go directly to the main buffet dining hall. Instead, opt for one of those little cafes or specialty shops. You wouldn't get to large of a selection of great foods, but you'll have a considerably smaller, quieter crowd.
While you're in the eating mood, though, look around the ship to find the other eating locations. There is often a rarely busy little place tucked into a corner with some great food.
Tour the ship for other places, such as the plentiful lounges and clubs, kids areas, casino, library, and so on. There is likely maps available or posted.
Make sure to read through the entire first day's activity schedule/planner/bulletin/newsletter to see what is going on, where, and when. Mark choices for each member of your traveling party. You can transfer the times and locations to other papers for each member and/or have a master list that states who is where and for what purpose from and until what times.
There will be a loud, annoying alarm, which signals the beginning of the mandatory boat drill, which you are legally required to attend. You will be informed where your stateroom is supposed to go for the drill, and will not be allowed to use the elevators to get there. Remember where your location is, just in case of the very rare event that you will need to get there.
Luggage. Hmm. Where is it? Seeing how the crew has to go through likely thousands of suitcases, you will probably have to wait a little while for your luggage to be delivered up to your stateroom. It could take upwards of 3 hours or more! Of course, if it doesn't arrive after 4 hours, you might want to make a call to see if everything is all right.
And on that wonderful note, why don't you start planning on your own personal embarkation onto one of those amazing cruise vessels. Make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.paycation.com today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)