Gap Year Advice in Australia
Q.
Hi
I’ve decided to take a gap year trip to Australia (yawn!) and was wondering if you guys at OS had any useful tips for a dizzy blond doing this for the first time?
Bobbie
St Albans
A.
Hi Bobs
So you’ve decided to go. Your parents are worried and you’re excited and maybe a little scared too.
As with all trips a little thought and planning before you go will ensure your trip is safe, comfortable and loads of fun.
As you may have guessed virtually the whole crew here has “been there, done that, got the t-shirt” so it’s really been a case of editing their suggestions to those that are printable!
So here goes.
BACKPACK
If you haven't already got a backpack get a Travel Sac that opens from the front and make sure it fits well.
Easy access and comfort are essentials for traveling!
TRAVEL CLOTHING
To get the most from your trip get clothes specifically designed for traveling.
These will be lightweight, easy care and some offer some extra useful built in features like UVA/B protection and even insect repellency.
FOOTWEAR
Footwear should be lightweight, breathable, and supportive and it goes without saying as comfortable as your old slippers!
Sandals are a must and again should be travel specific in design. The sole unit should be non-slip and the strap construction supportive but not restrictive.
PACKING
Make the most of the space you have in your backpack.
Roll your clothes rather than folding them.
PACKING CHECKLIST
- Passport (Valid for the duration of your trip)
- Air Tickets
- Travelers Cheques, Credit Card, Cash
- Travel Insurance Documents
- Travellers Towel
- UK or International Driver’s License
- International Student Card / Proof of Age Card
- MP3 Player / Discman
- Camera & Charger
- Mobile Phone & Charger
- Travel Sac Flight Cover
- Worldwide Plug Adaptor
- Padlocks for your Luggage
- Insect Repellent
- Fleece and Jacket (It gets cold occasionally)
- At least 2 pairs of knickers
MONEY
Set up Internet Banking. It makes managing your money easy.
Make a family member a signatory of your accounts so they can take care of anything that may arise on your behalf.
Organize a Direct Debit to pay your credit card monthly minimum.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
Always ask for seconds on the plane. Even if you're full you can store it in your backpack for later.
Carry rice everywhere. When you go out for dinner you can just ask for some hot water.
Shave your head. You'll save money on shampoo, haircuts, combs and mousse.
Walk everywhere. (Sydney to Melbourne takes about 3 weeks.) You'll get to see everything & get fit as well.
SAFETY
Make sure you have Travel Insurance and check that the cover is appropriate for you.
It doesn't cost much and can cover you against medical expenses, theft of your belongings & missed flights. For a great deal on travel insurance check out our Travel Insurance page.
Australia is a safe place. However, you still need to take general precautions to ensure that you and your belongings are safe.
HEALTH
Being sick sucks.
Being sick when you're traveling really sucks!
Go to your doctors a few weeks before you travel for a quick checkup and to stock up on contraceptive pills, inhalers, or any medication that you may need.
Australia and the UK have a reciprocal health agreement whereby you will have access to free medical treatment whilst in Oz. Your GP will provide you with the necessary 'Medicare' card.
You will not need any vaccinations for travel in Australia. It is a relatively safe place. (Apart from the sharks. And snakes. And spiders. And jellyfish. And crocodiles.)
Due to a gaping hole in the Ozone layer, the sun in Australia burns skin fast. Wear sunscreen!
TOP TIPS
Photocopy all your important documents before you go and leave them with someone reliable at home. Email yourself your flight details, insurance policy info, passport number, traveler’s cheques numbers & important contact numbers, like your bank's contact number from abroad.
Where you stay will be full of guys just like you backpacking in the opposite direction. Pick their brains for info on where you’re going next. Where to stay; work opportunities, places to party etc. Share your experiences with them cos some will be moving on to the place where you’ve just come from.
Have a great trip!
