| Austalia - Advice on travelling alone (8 posts) |
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Hi there
I am heading over to Austalia in July and am going by myself, and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice...I am really excited about it but am also feeling quite scared. Just wanted to know, how easy it is to meet people, how much money I should take? What should I pack?
I would really appreciate some help please.
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Two of my friends went- one met lots through a Contiki tour she took before she went on her own, and then she met some at a hostel. I'm going next year through SWAP- but I'm sure you'll meet tons of people through your hostel.
As for money- both girls spent around 7-10,000 Canadian for about 6 months. I'm only going to take 5000 and work while I'm there. I think it really depends on how much travelling you want to do, and the activities (watersports) you want to do.
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Hi,
Like everyone else said, don't worry. It's easy to travel alone in Aussie even for a female. The people are very friendly and it's not just the people from the south!!! I don't know where you'll be arriving, but there are loads of brochures everywhere so grab a few before you leave the airport. Money wise - I don't know.. hostels are around about $30 or cheaper per night. Bring a lock or you can buy one. I know that the sydney central YHA have cupboards in the rooms where you can put your stuff. July would be winter time. If you are going to northern Aussie then it'll be pretty nice, maybe a thin sweatshirt, but in the south it does get colder (min temp a bit above or below 0 degrees C), so maybe a jacket. Some hostels doesn't allow the use of sleeping bags, so maybe bring your own lining or whatever you call it.
I don't know about anyone else, but I kept my most important documents/money with me at all times (even going to the shower). Maybe I'm paranoid, but better be safe than sorry!!!
Good luck and have fun!!!
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Hi,
i can't give specific advice on Oz and NZ but my son 25 was there for a year with his fiancee 21, this two uears ago. OK there were two of them, but they hostelled, bussed, drank and met friends round Oz and enjoyed every minute. And had not one bit of problem.
You are right to be careful, but my evidence suggests tyat the folks of the deep south are hospitable, kind and certainly not hostile.
George
PS.... sew a Scots flag onto your jacket and rucksack.... it will open doors!
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Hi!
I am coming to australia in the middle of august, so reading through all of this has really helped me too :)
Am also thinking about everything: what to pack, how much money to bring etc etc.. I am actually wondering about how big a back-pack I shoul use. Some say it should`nt be to big, but others say that you should have room to fill it up a bit along the way (so get a big one).
I am really looking forward to go
This is an experience for life, and I cant wait!
I am also traveling alone, look forward to it - but I also think of it as a bit scary. But I am sure it will work out just fine.
Big hello from Norway
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Just to add to everyone else's advice, I've been travelling alone in Oz for the last 5 months and it's fantastic.
I was exactly the same as you all worried and nervous as I'd never done anything like it before, I'd never stayed in a hostel, didn't know what to pack or really what to do when I got here but......
It's been so good, an experience I'll never forget, it's made so easy out here for travellers, especially if you're on your own. Personally I think this is the best way to do it, you'll meet more people and have loads of experiences.
Just do it, as they say, you'll never look back.
Money wise....I've spent about 4000 GBP in 5 months. That's being quite careful (cooking in the hostels each night, bar a few eating out treats!)but I've still done loads of tours and seen everything I wanted to. My best advice would be to have a good travel book (Lonely Planet) and a rough idea on where you want to go, use the travel shops for advice and once you get out here become a leaflet and brochure collecter, they hold so much info.
A trek towel (approx 25GBP) is a must, don't bother bringing a regular towel, there too bulky and never dry when your in a rush to pack and move on. Ear plugs as well ar essential as there's always someone who starts russling plastic bags and packing in the middle of the night, or stumbles home drunk to the dorm!
A good wash bag with a hanger on to hang up in the showers and a torch so that you can find your way back to bed if everyone else is asleep (dorm etiquette is not to turn the light on)
Happy travelling anyway, I'm sure you'll look back and laugh at how worried you were, I have.
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I've travelled alone a lot, and my biggest advice is to make sure that you have a credit card that you keep on you all the time just in case something happens.
I just packed lite and used it to buy anything absolutely necessary/ get cash, etc. My bank was authorized to take the minimum payments from my account, so while I saved up for months, I left most of my money at home so I didn't need to worry about stolen cash, travelers cheques, and just memorized the number for my credit card replacement. You can also bring it in the shower with you, lol.
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A few of my friends from abroad have backpacked alone in Australia and have found the experience enjoyable and unforgettable. We Aussies are a friendly bunch and in fact I plan to do Europe next year if all goes well
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