Traveling to Australia for a long vacation or simply for a short getaway should be an exciting experience, especially if you are not from the Land Down Under. The country has many things to offer – too many that you may find it overwhelming. If you are staying for a limited number of days, it is best that you plan your itinerary well to fully enjoy the experience.
There are countless travel and tourism articles that provide a plethora of tips and tricks, but this one should be able to give you more insights about the local experience. In order to enjoy Sydney and its neighboring suburbs, do what locals do.
Make sure to use your ATM card to withdraw Australian dollars
Instead of bringing too much of your local money, say US dollars, it is more advisable to withdraw money using your ATM card. While you can always go for foreign exchange shops, you are more likely to get better rate using your ATM card. However, make sure to take note of the overseas withdrawal fees imposed by your bank.
Keep in mind that not all businesses honor payments via credit card
Larger businesses like restaurants, supermarkets, department stress and hotels accept major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and some American Express; however, small businesses usually only take cash. This is why it would be a better option to withdraw money using your ATM card or to have your local money changed into AUD at a foreign exchange shop.
Catch local sporting events
Australians have a very active local sports scene. Some of the most popular sports include “footy” or Australian football, rugby, soccer, tennis, and cricket. Before traveling to Sydney, check the schedule of the sporting events near the place where you will be staying. Witnessing how passionate Australian fans are will definitely be a unique experience. If you are into sports like tennis, you can also take the opportunity to buy tennis racquet since there are many sporting goods shops in the country.
To enjoy your vacation better, go during warmer months
The most fun activities in Sydney are best enjoyed when the sun is high and the weather is warm. If you want to experience the most out of your Sydney trip, you may want to schedule your travel outside the winter months or June to August. During these months, temperature can go low as 8° C (46.4° F), which will easily bar you from enjoying the capital’s breath-taking beaches. However, if you can’t help but to travel to Sydney during the winter months, you can still enjoy your stay just don’t expect to do the activities usually enjoyed during the warmer months, such as swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
Walk your way through the cities and towns
If you have the luxury of the time, spend a day or two just walking around Sydney and its nearby suburbs. Grab a drink at some local pubs, or pay visit to a museum. There are lots and lots to see. You would also want to try authentic Australian foods as they are abundant in almost every corner of the capital. However, if you are coming from the U.S., expect that many of the foods they serve may have the similar taste with the ones you enjoy home.
If you wish to spend some money shopping of items like shirts, jerkies, hats, tennis racquet, caps, mugs, stickers, and swimsuits, just make sure that you have enough room on your baggage. In order to enjoy your vacation in Australia, it is important to come up with a detailed and realistic travel itinerary, and make sure to stick to it if you don’t have plans to go over your budget. The country has tons and tons of activities and destinations to offer, and it is up to you which ones to experience.
