After I graduated from school, I fulfilled my dream and traveled to Australia for a work & travel year. Traveling is a really huge part of my life (and I´m sure many of yours as well). We get to know different places and experience new things. Through this specific journey I gained more confidence and didn´t hesitate in trying out new things. Australia is the number one work & travel place (especially for us germans) and I really had to find out why!
# workandtraveltips
Before traveling to Australia there are some important things you need to do and know!
1. Having a visa
That is the very first thing you need. I got mine online!
2. Travel insurance
Medical insurance is part of the visa requirements.
3. What to bring…
Plane ticket, passport… and don´t forget a cap and sunscreen :)
4. A lot of money
Make sure you bring a lot of money, because Australia is a pretty expensive place to visit. I know people who slept under tents for weeks and spend only a few dollars for food a day! That´s an unbelievable experience!
For those of you from Europe, Australian prices are comparable to Scandinavian countries. (One night in a dorm room is between 10$ up to $30.)
5. Find work!
Due to the cost of living, most people who come to Australia for a year need to do some kind of work to supplement the money they bring over. It is sometimes really hard to find work in Australia, but there are a large number of pages dedicated to helping you find work. Many traveler are working in farms, doing some fruit picking and others are working in restaurants and coffeeshops (including me).
6. What will you see and do in Australia?
There is a lot to see and it is sometimes really hard to choose and decide the places to visit. Australia is such a huge country, get out and explore. Make sure you get to experience as much of it as you can.
7. Enjoy your time and have fun!
You´re by yourself and independent! Don´t be afraid ask people for help, push your limits and try new things! And with this last point I want to let you know why I kept Australia so positive in my mind. Let me go back in time, collect all the beautiful memories and secure them here on Steemit...
# people
"G´day mate, how`s it goin´?"- That was my very first Aussi `slang´I learned in Australia.
Small talk in a restaurant or even at a checkout counter is a norm in Australia. Instead of a comment about the bad weather, you get a smile from Australians. It was a new thing for me to experience such a high level of friendliness. At the checkout in my country in Germany, there will be no further interaction after a "Hello/Guten Tag". You hardly hear something like "How are you doing?" or "How was your day?" here in Germany. Germans don´t initiate small talk, because they simply don´t see the point in showing interest in you… Not that I expect it, it´s just a normal thing here :)
Australians compliment on your appearance or style and when when we talk, it´s like we have already known each other for a long time. That´s why I love this country so much. People don´t think too much and say what ever comes to their mind. They genuinely try and make conversations, because they like to talk and are interested in what you might have to say.
I made a lot of friends in Australia, especially through my workplace which was a small and cosy coffee in the CBD of Melbourne. I met people from Spain, Arabic, Dubai, Kenia, Japan, the States and many other places. I have learnt about different characteristics, experiences and home customs & cultures. I was pretty shy at the beginning, because I wasn´t used to being open in front of strangers. However, their open minded mentality makes me feel comfortable being around them!
If you like anything about other people whether they are friends or strangers, talk to them or make a compliment! It makes them smile by thinking back. :)
# placesivisited
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital city in the Australian state of Victoria. It rates highly in education, entertainment, health care, research and development, tourism and sport, making it the world's most livable city.
Melbourne´s harbour
I´m standing in the middle right in front of my workplace at a little cosy coffeeshop, cuddling with my workmates from Melbourne and Frankfurt. It´s a really special place to me!
Federation square
Sydney
Sydney is the state capital of new south Wales and the most populous city in Australia and it surrounds the world´s largest natural harbour. The sense that there is always something going on somewhere makes Sydney pretty exiting: it is the big food scene, crazy nightlife and endless days at the beach.
Surfers Paradise (Queensland)
Surfers Paradise is a suburb within the local government area of City of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. I always call it the paradise of entertaiment!
Attractions to visit:
Aquaduck tours, gold coast bungy trampolines, sky point observation deck, jet boat extreme, currumbin wildlife sanctuary and surfers paradise river cruises.
Currumbin wildlife sanctuary
Amazing Australian wildlife, you can cuddle a koala; feed a friendly kangaroo, experience the wild lorikeet feeding, free-flight bird show and Australiana sheep shearing. Witness Aboriginal presenters perform didgeridoo and dancers shows, test your physical ability on the Adventure Parc High Ropes Course, an exhilarating 80 challenge tree-tops ropes course, let the kids loose on Wild Island, the fun-filled outdoor adventure playground and see their wonderful vets in action within the Wildlife Hospital precinct.
www.visitgoldcoast.com
These koala´s were so cute and fleecy. They spend their lives dozing in eucalyptus trees and gnawing on a few leaves before falling asleep again.
# food
It was a big opportunity for me trying out the dishes from all over the world! I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the big multi-cultural selection of restaurants. My number one food recommendation is definitely the Korean kitchen and especially the spicy kimchi hot pot, followed by hot plates of bulgogi beef drew my attention. It was literally a experience of addiction!
Nandos
"Nando’s is famous for its Portuguese flame-grilled, butterfly‑cut chicken, which is marinated for 24-hours before being basted and cooked in Nando’s famous PERi-PERi sauce!"
www.nandos.com
My mouth already waters when looking at the picture!
Japanese dish - Chicken don
Conclusion:
Travel is heaven! With Australia´s unique wildlife, tropical islands, beautiful capitol cities, diverse selection of food and open minded & easy going people is it one of the most interesting continents around the world. I´m really looking forward traveling back and explore more special spots. Have you heard about the 7 km Whiteheaven beach which stretch along Whitesunday island? That will be my next destination!
(This picture is from www.letstravelmag.com)
By thinking about my journey again I feel really thankful having the opportunity to travel! I appreciate every moment I had and want to thank my family and all my friends for making my trip memorable.
Where was your special destination or what will be and why?
Much love
Lisa
