Things to Do When You Are on a Gap-Year in Australia
While it looks like you’re all set to go and are super excited about embarking on a huge adventure – living abroad and gaining experience! – have you considered everything you may need shortly after arrival? From camping trips to self-drive plans, and squeezing in unique experiences while managing the pace, you’ll want to ensure that you make the very best of your long-term stay in Australia! Good thing you’ve got us to guide you, the Destination Experts in the land Down Under!
- There’s so much to see and do in this massive country – You’ll want to see and do so much and it could get overwhelming. How are you going to get around? Where will you visit first? One of the first things you’ll need to do is sort out where you’d like to visit and develop a comprehensive list! Begin your plan by outlining each state and city you’d like to visit and once that is done, show your travel agent and they can make recommendations on some fantastic experiences to be had in each region and the length of time needed to experience the area fully. Plus, your travel advisor can give you some recommendations on affordable accommodations and where to dine. Don’t forget to have your travel agent set up your Australian Travel Visa!
- Affordable ways to move around are available in Australia. From budget airlines (Jetstar) to camper rentals and even bike rentals, there are numerous ways to effectively explore every region’s surrounds and wider Australia on a budget.
- You may want a job to help cover living and travel costs – If you aren’t headed to Australia on a working holiday, you may find yourself running low on money while you’re travelling abroad. Websites like backpackerjobboard.com.au (as well as working your connections through the peers you meet while exploring) can really help keep your funds afloat and make your stay longer and comfortable.
- You may want to learn the Aussie ‘lingo’ – The English language is spoken in an abbreviated way and made, well, ‘cutsey’. For instance, you’d say you’re putting ‘tomato sauce’ instead of ‘Ketchup’ on your burger; or ‘avo’ on bread instead of avocado; put on ‘sunnies’ when you visit the beach, instead of saying ‘sunglasses’. Language is made simpler, refined and generally easier to throw into conversations with your colleagues. You may even take this simplified speaking technique home with you upon your return!
- How about attending a local sports event – Australia hosts so many events, festivals and sporting events all over the country. Why not root for a team of your new home country? Or perhaps check out cycling or sailing events, the Commonwealth Games or various uniquely-Australian events such as the Australian Open or the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race? Australia is host to many internally-known sporting events and competitions. When you’re staying long-term in Australia, live like a local and check out a city game or two!
- Organize an island break on your way home – after touring the country you have temporarily called home; you may want to wind down on a sunny and secluded white-sand beach! The South Pacific has some fantastic island escapes – Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa, etc. – where you could relax before your flight back. Several airlines such as Fiji Airways or Air New Zealand offer stopovers in the South Pacific en-route to North America.
This might be the biggest decision you’ll make in your live – taking a Gap Year! Heading to Australia can be the perfect destination to gain self-discovery and worthwhile experiences that are with you for a lifetime.
