So you haven’t heard me blog about my Australia trip lately, have you? It’s coming up very soon, so I guess it’s time to reveal my plans or lack of plans. I’ve been dreaming about going for years and I have a little over a month to go. I’ve given my notice at my part time job and have invented the Twitter hashtag #ozsoon instead of #rtwsoon.
State of the Savings
It’s not looking so good here. I thought I would have another source of income outside of waitressing and it didn’t turn out that way. Even though I’ve only saved 1/5 of how much I estimated I would need, I can adjust and figure something out. I do have a work and holiday visa, after all.
As of today, I’ve saved $1348.97. I still have to purchase my travel insurance, which I’ve already allotted for, as well as a $480 PADI diving course, $900 for hostels, and $3,600 for food, spending money, and everything else. I probably have overestimated how much I would need, but I’d rather overestimate than underestimate.
I probably won’t have enough for my visa’s entry amount, but I’m told they don’t actually check. I do, however, have a flight out, even if I will end up canceling/rescheduling it. This is the most I’ve ever left for a trip with, but also the longest trip I’ve gone on.
State of the Planning
I’m not going to lie. I haven’t done that much planning. I’ve done some research on Australia, but I haven’t booked very many things. Here’s what I’ve got in mind so far:
- Stopping in Los Angeles from January 20-23. Meeting up with the vagabonds of Vagabond 3 and Becs of Travels at 88 mph, who are both experts on Australia. I hope to discuss Oz over some margaritas and Mexican food!
- Landing in Sydney on January 25 and staying with BB for a week. Meeting up with Christine of C’est Christine, Connie of Connvoyage, Heather of There’s No Place Like Oz, Brooke of Brooke vs. The World, and the rest of the Sydney Travel Tribe. Enjoying my very first Australia Day.
- Road tripping across the country, visiting friends from my Croatia trip and BB’s relatives. I want to see EVERYTHING, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Coober Pedy, Cairns, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth.
State of the Expectations
I have absolutely no idea of what to expect. I have no idea how long I will be there. When I thought I had the BusAbout job, I was only going to be there for a few months. But since I still haven’t heard from them a month later, I’m assuming I didn’t get it.
Although an email might have been nice. I don’t know what kind of job I will look for, although I know bartending at a hostel and picking fruit are common options. Theoretically, I would like something in my field, but I won’t be picky.
So I could be gone a month, I could be gone a year. I have no idea at this point. But I hope you will keep reading as I try to figure it out!
So excited for you and I can't wait to read about it all. I wish you nothing but a great time – I know you'll love it there and I'm a tiny bit jealous that you are going to #ozsoon!Definitely want to make an ATL tweetup before you leave!
Can relate fully to your last line before I left for New Zealand, I had no idea when I was coming back either. 3 months at the earliest, 1-ish year at the latest..and it ended up being over 2 years! Whoops!It's a great ride! Can't wait to see you off next month!
Oh Caroline, I admire you already. You seem not bothered at all by anything and for that I have to say you go girl. I know I couldn't be this calm in your situation. Im so the opposite, but hey they say the more unplanned and unprepared you are for the trip the better it is. So hopefully everything works out and you have a blast and everything falls into place.EEEeeee you leave so soon how awesome!!!
So excited for you, Caroline! Going on a working holiday to OZ or NZ has always been a dream of mine. It's great that you're making it happen, and that you aren't freaking out about the details too much.Can't wait to read all about it!
How exciting! Your travel plans before the big trip sound like just as much fun! I'll be following the journey, whether it is one month or a year! Good luck and Congrats!
Yay! So excited for your visit… just reading about how excited you are makes me want to plan another trip down under. Are you planning on getting a job asap or travel around a little while first (similar to what Heather from No place like Oz did) ? If you already know your dates go ahead and look up flights on Tiger (for super cheap but you can't really bring any luggage… also buy luggage allowances at the time you buy your ticket and it will save you huge!) Tiger has great deals right now (get an email from them like every day! and Virgin, of course. even if you don't buy anything know you can get an idea oh how much a ticket cost… we flew in and out of different cities and bought our tickets at different times (if that makes it cheaper- which it did for us) ahhh… can't wait to eat tacos with you and meet in person!
Can't wait to meet you!Do not hesitate to ask any question — big or small — and I'm happy to help! Just met an American last week who's only been here a few weeks and had a job straight away. Like Jade said, I'm all for traveling first if that's financially possible. If not and you're looking for a job, I vote for visiting places of interest in person. It worked for me and has worked for several others!So glad to have another tweep on the way!
I've heard that it's pretty expensive to travel in Australia. How long to you expect your $3,600 food budget to last?
No set plans are always the best plans. You'll find your way and I can't wait to hear all about it!
You have a great adventure ahead of you my child! Just remember to breathe and savor every moment, even the nerve wracking lost moments and nights in the rabbit house-type accommodations. Always wear your seat belt, trust your instincts, take LOTS of photos and come home eventually.
I think one of the best aspects of traveling WITHOUT a plan is that it allows you to kind of go-with-the-flow in case something comes along. I say, enjoy the openness in your plans and see where life takes you!
It's a rough country to do on a limited amount of money, but with creativity, an open mind, and an up-front personality – you'll do fine!Woot, Aussieland!
Looking forward to seeing you explore australia but after having travelled to Europe and with the US/AU currency on par I would have to say australia is the most expensive place to travel so watch your budget.
Luckily there is a wealth of travellers in OZ that I know will be there to help out. Happy travels mate.
Yay, Australia! Let me know if you need a friend in Melbourne – I'm here! I know we've never met nor talked much but I'm happy to show you around.
Loving the hash-tage creation!
The casual pay in Australia is pretty good and since you have experience (I read you did waitressing? Thats good!) you should have no problem picking up a bit of work.
I’m from Adelaide (South Australia) but generally hide out in Melbourne (Australia) so if you head my way give us a shout, I’d love to meet up with you (gelati on the beach? ^_^) and so if you ever need a hand with anything just let me know!
Absolutely! I will definitely be in Melbourne at some point!