Annisa Maher

What To Pack For a Working Holiday in Australia (Ladies)

Annisa Maher — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 09:48:41 +0000

If you’re like me and deciding what to pack makes you shiver

Then hopefully reading this will make the whole process a little less stressful. Although it seems like a relatively straightforward task, I often leave it to the last minute because I’ll dive in with little to no thought and later find myself getting overwhelmed with choices and questions. So, we’ve put together a basic what-to-pack guide to help you feel prepared and organised.

Australia is a MASSIVE country with diverse and sometimes extreme climates. If you plan on being here for a year or more, you need to be prepared for hot and humid days, chilly mornings and nights, stormy weather and everything in between. There is a world of difference, for example, between the harsh and dry heat of the Outback, the tropical, humid air in Tropical North Queensland and the cooler summer temperatures in Tasmania. Melbourne alone is notorious for being the city of four seasons in one day, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Essentials

The following are what we consider to be must-pack items, meaning anything not mentioned is at your discretion to include (for example, while watching Netflix in your hostel bed on a rainy day is a MOOD, we don’t consider a laptop to be an essential). It also goes without saying that your list of what to pack may be longer depending on what kind of traveller you are and what tours or activities you plan on doing (e.g. if you’re a hiker or a surfer, you’ll need more specific equipment/clothing).

Some things on this list can absolutely be bought once you arrive (e.g. shampoo) but we factor them in here because some people prefer to leave with them, use them up along the way and ditch them to leave space in their bag before their flight back home.

Bags

Backpack. The type and size of backpack is quite a personal choice and one that will require some research. If you’re a minimalist, you will most likely make do with a 50L backpack. If you need a little more room, aim for a 65L one and if you’re a hoarder and/or love buying things when you travel, you can go as big as 85L. Ultimately, you want one that you can carry with ease and comfort, is good quality and spacious in terms of capacity. Check out brands like Kathmandu, Osprey, Ultralight Adventure Equipment, Gregory, Granite Gear and Deuter for some options. One particular backpack that we think ticks a lot of boxes is this 70L one from Kathmandu.

A smaller backpack/a tote bag to bring to the beach, on a day out exploring or to the grocery store.

A bumbag/small purse to put cards/money/smaller items in for a night out or a trip to the market.

A small laundry bag that folds down nicely.

Toiletries

A toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a travel razor. These can certainly be bought here at any discount drugstore (e.g. Chemist Warehouse), with toothpaste as cheap as $1AUD.

A bar of soap and a soap container. Avoids the need to buy single-use plastic!

Hairbrush. For the Rapunzels out there.

Medication. Make sure you get extra prescriptions filled in advance if you need to or do your research about whether your medication is available in Australia.

Makeup. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life, but keep it minimal if you can. If you think you need to pack that blush that you used once six months ago, you don’t. In Australian heat, everything just melts off your face anyway.

Shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, moisturiser. Buy a few 100mL travel tubes and fill ‘em right up before you go. Saves space, and you can easily buy bigger bottles, share costs with others and refill your tubes as you go. Having these handy tubes means you can also go away on weekend/camping trips and use them.

A Moon Cup/Diva Cup/menstrual cup is a good alternative to tampons and pads. A Moon Cup is light, saves space in your bag and is better for the environment. Plus it’s got a cool name.

Towels. Leave your big, bulky one at home and throw in a smaller, lightweight microfibre towel in. And don’t even think about packing a beach towel, swap it instead with a sarong that can be used for the beach and even as a skirt on hot days.

Clothing

Underwear/socks. Pack at least 7 pairs of underwear, then throw in 7 more. Just kidding, but don’t skimp out on underwear just in case you can’t always do washing as often as you’d like. When it comes to bras, go for comfort (none of this underwire business) and you shouldn’t need more than 2 or 3. Throw in 7 pairs of socks too and make sure you’ve got a warm pair for chilly nights or early morning hikes.

Swimwear. You’re coming to one of the surf havens of the world where so many UNREAL surf brands were born, so hold out and invest in a high-quality and long-lasting new suit. Don’t bring any more than two pairs of bikinis/swimsuits in your suitcase, just don’t do it.

A lightweight waterproof jacket. These can often fold into almost nothing and will no doubt come in handy. Don’t bother bringing a proper jacket over, unless you’ve got a good quality one and you know you’ll be in a part of Australia with a colder climate in the height of winter. You can always buy a second-hand one over here for cheap!

A couple of jumpers (or sweaters). You will definitely need these at some point.

Playsuits/jumpsuits are great to throw in, because they’re two-in-one and are usually thin and breathable. Plus they’re really cute and can be both casual and chic for nights out.

Pants. Denim’s not a fantastic choice for heat or humidity, so a single pair of jeans will do if you can’t do without. Otherwise, aim for 2/3 pairs of lightweight and breathable pants.
Shorts. Throw in a few pairs of shorts, but try to find a pair that doubles as pyjama shorts, beach shorts or sport shorts for days when leggings won’t do.

Shirts. Pack 7-10 tshirts/crop tops/tank tops and make sure you’ve got a couple of long-sleeved shirts. If you’re the outdoorsy type, pack a thermal for any camping trips or winter hikes. Yes, Australia does get that cold.

Sleepwear/casual wear. Always have a pair of tracksuit pants or leggings, a big t-shirt and a comfy hoodie to lounge around in.

Sportswear. Depending on how much physical activity you plan on doing while you’re away (be honest with yourself here), a single outfit (leggings/shorts and workout top) should be fine to start with.

Clothes for a night out. Don’t go overboard trying to fit in a handful of fancy outfits – just pack basics that go well together. A couple of skirts/dresses that are fit for both casual outings and social ones are always good and a small jacket like a denim jacket or thin bomber can help dress up an outfit.

A hat. The sun is extremely strong in Australia and we take sun care pretty seriously so wear a hat and lather on the sunscreen on a sunny day.

Shoes

A pair of comfortable and good quality running shoes for hikes, working out and just walking around all day in.

A second pair of casual sneakers for everyday activities and even going out in.

Ditch the heels and instead opt for a pair of shoes that serve a second purpose (e.g. some nice sandals or boots). In a lot of places in Australia, you don’t need heels to be allowed into places and to be honest, unless you’re working an office job in the city or going to fancy clubs, you won’t need them.

A pair of flip flops. In summer in Australia people LIVE in these, but you can easily buy a pair when you get here.

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Tech/Accessories

An adaptor/converter. Having one on you means you won’t need to go looking for one last minute if something comes up.

Unless you need it for work or any other reason, leave your laptop at home. An iPad takes up less space and does the trick, but is also unnecessary. If you’re planning on being away from home for at least a year, invest in a good smartphone but without a contract so that you can get an Australian SIM card. A smartphone will double up as a computer and a camera in one – win.
A good portable charger so that you never have to find yourself in a tricky situation.
Headphones
A kindle or e-reader

Documentation

Passport. Would be weird if you got in the country without one.
A printed version of your visa (otherwise an electronic version will do)

Ensure you upload all of the documents you may need to access (your CV, your visa, other forms of ID etc) to your Google Drive. You will be able to print out whatever you need at any library. Alternatively, put them on a USB but make sure not to lose it.

Money

Avoid converting your money at the airport when you arrive, you will just lose money in doing so. Wait and go to one of the many places in the city with better rates.

We suggest converting the equivalent of $250AUD before arriving so that you have cash ready for when you land. This gives you a bit of a safety net if you can’t exchange your money right away.

You can also create an account with TransferWise before you go. You’ll save money when you transfer money from your home bank account to your Australian one and you can start using money right away, even before receiving your Australian bank card. See here for a full breakdown on how to create an account.

Last Tips!

This may sound like an obvious one, but leave anything you don’t NEED at home. If you feel triggered reading that, go take your hair dryer out of your backpack right now.

Packing cubes are really great for organising your belongings so they’re easy to find and put away again. They also fit neatly into your backpack and help to maximise space.

Don’t leave with a full backpack. Save some room for a new hoodie, trinkets for your mates back home and a jar of Vegemite.

Don’t bring your favourite, most expensive jewellery because you will just spend time stressing about losing it.

Pack your essentials at the top of your bag so you can easily retrieve them when you land without having to unpack your entire bag.

Make sure you distribute the weight across your core and back to avoid any injuries or pain. This means packing the most heaviest items in the middle, closest to your back.

Buy a waterproof bag cover so that you’re prepared for unpredictable weather!

And last but not least, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance!

The post What To Pack For a Working Holiday in Australia (Ladies) appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Five Most Instagrammable Places in Sydney

Annisa Maher — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 05:44:12 +0000

Sydney is hands down one of the most picturesque and photogenic cities in the world.

Naturally, this makes it the perfect destination for travellers (and Instagram lovers) who love to wander around, camera in hand, capturing the beauty around them.

The spectacular Harbour. Quirky alleys and side streets. Breathtaking beaches and rugged cliffs. Stunning parks. The list goes on…

If you find yourself in the Harbour City, make sure you explore some of Sydney’s most scenic (and Instagrammable) areas that you simply can’t miss out on.

The Rocks

I’m going to start this off with the most obvious choice.

The oldest neighbourhood in modern-day Sydney. The Rocks has so much to offer to the Instagram aficionado. Zigzag your way around the cobblestone streets to find beautiful, old sandstone buildings built by the first British settlers in the 18th century.

If charming heritage-listed buildings aren’t your thing (but also, why wouldn’t they be?), then you can always go searching for the various cosy courtyards that are lit up by warm fairy lights at night. Or the many unique underground cocktail bars that are scattered around.

For the old souls out there, I recommend that you venture out on your own tour of the oldest pubs in the area (trust me, there are a few).

The stunning architecture alone is wildly Instagram worthy. But walking around, you really do get a sense of the area’s Old World charm and character. It’s palpable.

To mix things up, witness the brilliant juxtaposition of modern, minimalist design and historical heritage by visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Not only is it quite unique to see such a beautiful Art Deco building against the backdrop of old brick and sandstone, it also happens to be a fantastic Museum.

What would an Instagrammable spot be without an incredible vantage point? A short 20-minute stroll from The Rocks will get you to Observatory Hill. Here, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Harbour. And if you’re looking for accommodation with a view, look no further than the Sydney Harbour YHA. The views from the rooftop are phenomenal, allowing you to look out to both Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Don’t say we didn’t tell you.

Barangaroo Reserve

I think we all know just how instagrammable parks can be, and Barangaroo Reserve is no exception.

Set in the middle of the city, this beautifully-landscaped garden is quite literally the perfect spot for a picnic. With incredible, uninterrupted views of the harbour, it is the ultimate place to get a spectacular sunset snap.

Pack a picnic, a blanket and a bottle of wine (yes, it is BYO), sit yourself down on the grass and admire the view. Once you’ve had enough to eat, go check out one of the many lookouts. Better yet, take a stroll along the foreshore promenade. Hand holding is recommended for maximum romantic effect.

If you’re someone who prefers to treat themselves and eat out, then you’re in luck.

Not only is there a multitude of incredible places to eat and drink (hello food snaps), but most of them will also have ridiculous views of the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge too. I’m talking waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars. I wasn’t kidding when I said these were some of the most instagrammable areas in Sydney…

Not only is this place stunning, but it is also culturally significant. It’s a key site where clans of the Eora Nation lived, hunted and fished both before colonial settlement and during. If you feel like learning more about the rich cultural history of Barangaroo Reserve, you can take part in an insightful Aboriginal Cultural Tour. Not only will the tour take you through the Reserve, showcasing all of the wonderful native flora, but you will also get some insight into the significance of the land to Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.

Newtown

Newtown is Sydney’s eclectic, free-spirited neighbourhood with a whole lot of character.

Boasting a thriving food, drink, art, music and theatre scene, it’s where everyone goes to eat the best ramen, snatch up rare vintage pieces, see live music and drink crisp draught beers.

But why exactly is Newtown one of Sydney’s most instagrammable areas? Well there are a few reasons. Number one: it’s home to what seems like an endless array of wonderfully colourful and often thought-provoking street art. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a square metre of concrete in the whole neighbourhood that ISN’T covered in vibrant illustrations.

Newtown is also where you go for your hit of multicultural deliciousness.

If you’re a fan of anything from Vietnamese, to Pakistani, Japanese, Ethiopian or Greek, Newtown’s got you covered. Add your pick of craft breweries, grungy bars and classic pubs to the list, and you’ve got yourself the perfect day of eating and drinking. Fill your camera roll up with shots of the different dishes, beautiful cocktails and charming venues and you’re good to go!

And finally, Newtown just so happens to be home to all of the vintage stores, thrift shops and knick knacks of your dreams. If you love to wander around in search of second-hand treasures and “little cute things”, you’ll be delighted at the number of shops you can cruise through. Not only are these quirky shops and stalls aesthetically pleasing (instagram-worthy for sure), you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable model of shopping by purchasing pre-loved items. Win win!

Bondi Beach

This one needs no introduction.

Bondi Beach probably takes the crown as THE most instagrammable area in Sydney, and rightly so. The spot itself is iconic – after all, what’s not to love? Surfers in their element. Turquoise blue waves washing up on orange sand. A beautiful rugged coastline. It’s no wonder Instagram lovers all flock here to try to capture the magic.

Start at the northern side of Bondi Beach and make your way to the Grassy Knoll for the ultimate panoramic view. Hint: take a picnic blanket and kick back with some snacks as you watch the sunset give off beautiful pinks and purples over the neighbourhood. Of course, you can also stroll down the beach and get that epic Lifeguard Tower shot (Bondi Rescue, anyone?) because we all know it’s a good one.

Slowly make your way down the beach to the famous Icebergs saltwater pool – the most photographed pool in the world.

You know the one – runs 50m long and is quite literally placed RIGHT next to the ocean? I’ll admit, it is pretty special to watch the wild waves crash up against the rocks and the side of the pool.

Not enough content there for your Instagram? Well, if you really wanted to level-up, you could set off on the Bondi to Coogee walk along the coast, passing by four more beaches. And trust me when I say that the shots you can get on the way are breathtaking. I’m talking dramatic cliffs, rock pools, Aboriginal rock carvings and tons of orange roof speckles scattered around everywhere. Oh, and if you get hungry, just pop in to any of the cute little suburbs on the way for a delicious treat to refuel.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Heritage-listed, majestic and lush.

A trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney is good for the soul, and for the camera roll (rhyme intended). A green oasis that spreads out over 30 hectares, it is once again an ideal place for a picnic, a leisurely stroll or a quiet ponder. Try and see if you can spot any of the birds, fish, lizards and frogs that are roaming around – bonus points if you manage to catch them on camera!

And seeing as we are talking about Sydney after all, what would this instagrammable place be if it didn’t showcase TWO of the most famous landmarks in the world – the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

The spot I’m talking about is called Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench on the Garden Island Peninsula. From this bench, you can take in the ultimate, uninterrupted view of both of these beauties, side by side. Best seat in the house.

Next, take advantage of the ridiculous amount of colourful flowers, trees and berries because they are at every corner. And if you’re doubting just how picturesque this place is, head to the RBG Sydney Instagram page and see for yourself!

There are also endless events and workshops and exhibitions at the RBG, so make sure to check what’s on when you visit. Head down to The Calyx, the centre that hosts these activities, and take in the cool light features at night. Oh, and the building itself is prime instagram material.

Now, while we deem these five places to be the most instagrammable areas in Sydney, the truth is that every corner of this city is spectacular and wonderfully Instagram-worthy. There is an abundance of picture-perfect spots that all need to be seen to be believed.

Reading blogs, watching videos, planning an itinerary and chatting to experts can all help make sure you don’t miss out on the “must-sees” and that you make the most of your time. After all, we haven’t even touched on Sydney’s beautiful surrounds in this blog. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

The post Five Most Instagrammable Places in Sydney appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Top Five Experiences in Sydney

Annisa Maher — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:56:26 +0000

Sydney is about as iconic as cities get, so it’s important that you experience it properly.

How? By making sure you add these top five things to do to your list.

It can be daunting when you’re trying to plan the perfect trip in a city as exciting and with as much to offer as Sydney.

Where do I start? What are some unique experiences that I won’t find everywhere? Are there any places I should skip? What won’t be worth my time? Where can I get the best margarita? Okay, maybe that last one is just me.

Well lucky for you, the team at Welcome to Travel just happen to have all the answers. While we are experts in all things Melbourne, we also have a secret soft spot for Sydney. So, we want to make sure you do it the right way, by ticking these top five experiences off!

Shake Things Up At A Cocktail-Making Class

Are you someone who likes to try new things and have more unique experiences? Then this one’s right up your alley. Sydney’s food and drink scene is amazing and I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to try the local watering hole out. But why not experience it’s bar culture the right way and do something more unique?

Taking an actual class means you’ll learn from the best. We’re talking professional mixologists who are incredibly passionate about what they do and would love nothing more than to teach you all about it. Learn which ingredients complement which flavours the best. Make the best looking drink you’ve (probably) ever made. Then, proceed to taste your masterpiece and get a little silly with your mates. It won’t be all work and no play – there’s plenty of time to get a bit tipsy and fool around – but be sure to make the most of it!

A cocktail-making class is fun, unique and if nothing else, a great place to learn a new party trick. It’s also the IDEAL activity for a rainy day. So do yourself a favour and take note of this unreal experience for when you’re in Sydney.

Learn More About Australia’s First Nations Peoples With An Aboriginal Cultural Tour

If travelling to you means seeking insightful, enriching experiences – then absolutely consider doing an Aboriginal Cultural Tour.

Australian Aboriginal culture is the oldest living culture in the world. Naturally, when the opportunity comes up to learn from an Aboriginal educator or guide, you take it. Whether it be their stories, spirituality, traditions, bush tucker (bush food) practices or their meaningful relationship with the land (or country), I guarantee you will learn something new and exciting about the rich history and heritage of the place we now call Australia and its First Peoples.

The Gadigal people of the Eora Nation are the tradition owners of the land that is now known as Sydney. Eora means “from this place” or “here”. Come along to a tour with an open and curious mind, and learn all about their culture, customs and beliefs! You won’t be disappointed.

The Aboriginal Cultural Tour held at Barangaroo Reserve is a fantastic experience. Other examples include the Aboriginal Heritage Tour at the Royal Botanic Gardens, or the Sydney Rocks Dreaming Tour.

Take In The Crystal Clear Waters of Jervis Bay and Closely Admire The Bottlenose Dolphins

Just three hours outside of Sydney, you’ll find one of the most unique places on earth. We’re talking about the whitest sand in the world, mesmerising turquoise waters and an abundance of wildlife. If you haven’t yet visited the famous Jervis Bay area, you’re in for a treat. If you’ve had the chance of witnessing the natural beauty of this place, then you undoubtedly understand why it’s in our top five experiences in (near) Sydney.

What could possibly make the experience more unforgettable, you ask? Well, for starters, how about cruising around the bay for an hour or so to really take it all in from the best seat in the house (or boat)? Not good enough? No worries, let’s throw some BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS into the mix and see if that gets you going.

I’m not sure if there is anything more magical than being able to watch dolphins in their natural habitat, gliding through the crystal clear water and jumping up to say hello right beside you on the boat. There are around 80-90 resident bottlenose dolphins in the Jervis Bay Marine Park just waiting to amaze you, so don’t forget to write this one down on your bucket list.

Learn How To Surf

We know this one seems relatively obvious, but you absolutely can’t visit Sydney without attempting to carve on a surfboard. Attempting being the key word here.

Sydney and its surrounding areas on the South Coast of New South Wales have arguably some of the best surf beaches in the world. It is therefore IMPERATIVE that you try out as many as you can, and while you’re at it, might as well slap a wettie (wetsuit) on and go for a paddle. You are, after all, in Australia.

If you’re a beginner and are put off by the idea of trying to learn on overcrowded beaches such as Bondi Beach, then getting further out of the city is always a great alternative. In fact, I would argue that places such as Gerroa, Terrigal, Ulladulla or Corrimal Beach, all less than 2 hours outside of Sydney, are IDEAL spots to learn to surf. Plus, it gives you a wonderful reason to explore surrounding areas and get more of a genuine travel experience.

There’s no feeling quite like paddling out, bobbing up and down on your surfboard and looking out to the horizon. Surfing is, hands down, one of the best experiences you can do in Sydney. And of course, getting absolutely thrashed by the waves and falling off your board are equally as fun.

Have A Chilled Beach Experience At Bondi

If you go to Sydney, there’s no leaving without experiencing all that Bondi Beach has to offer.

Bondi is easy to get to from the city centre, and you can comfortably spend a full day (or more) there. Had a couple of drinks last night and woke up feeling a bit dusty? Bondi has the perfect remedy. Head to the Northern End of the beach, jump into the crisp ocean to get that saltwater hit and body surf your way through the consistently great waves. Don’t forget to always swim between the flags, otherwise your hangover might just get a little bit worse.

What better way to dry off than with the Bondi to Coogee Walk?

This walk goes from the Southern End of Bondi Beach to Coogee, passing three other beaches along the way. It takes about 2 hours one-way, but if you’re not in the mood for an extended stroll, you can always tap out at any of the stops, grab a bite to eat and a beer, and head back. The Bondi to Coogee walk is incredibly scenic, and you have the opportunity to spot Aboriginal rock carvings and beautiful ocean pools along the way. It’s a yes from me.

While it’s not necessarily an experience in itself, exploring Bondi Beach is without a doubt one of the top five things to do in Sydney. The lifestyle, the beach, the great restaurants and bars, and of course, the world-famous Bondi Rescue Team – Bondi’s got it all.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know the examples that I’ve listed here are just touching the surface of what you can see and do in Sydney. After all, it is one of the most vibrant, bustling and iconic cities in the world. But at least you can leave after having read this with a better idea of what’s absolutely not to miss out on in terms of experiences (according to us, of course).

If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start with your travel planning, I would definitely suggest reaching out to some travel experts and asking them to point you in the right direction. We love to see how enthusiastic people are about travelling and above all, we love to connect with likeminded people and make sure they make the most out of their adventure.

The post Top Five Experiences in Sydney appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

How I Got A Job In Travel Through An Internship

Annisa Maher — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 06:05:18 +0000

I think it’s fair to assume that many people who are fresh out of university and on the hunt for their first full-time job often feel overwhelmed.

This is probably largely due to the fact that there is an overwhelming amount of competition for entry-level jobs, growing pressure to “stand out” and an unrealistic expectation to have 5 years of experience under your belt by the age of 20. Maths was never my favourite subject at school, but I know that doesn’t add up.

Needless to say, I certainly felt this pressure and to add to it, I had the misconception that to work in the travel/tourism industry, you need to have travelled extensively around the world, which is a naive belief that I can now thankfully look back on and laugh about.

But looking back, the best thing I could have done to set myself up and give myself a chance was to get work experience.

In my case, I managed to snap up two short-term internships between getting my Bachelor’s Degree and finishing my Masters, and they definitely paid off when the time came to go fishing for my first full-time adult job.

Internships can lead to work contacts that you’ll use in the future, networking opportunities, the chance to further develop your hard and soft skills and just generally help you develop an understanding of what to expect in the workplace and make the transition easier.

And don’t get me wrong, I understand that not everyone has the luxury of being able to devote extra time and energy towards another project ON TOP OF what they’re already trying to juggle, but if you are in a position where you can make that sacrifice, it will definitely be worth it in the long run.

I know you didn’t ask, but here’s a bit on my background (yes, it's one of those blogs...)

I was born in the Philippines, to an Indonesian mama and an Australian dad. Fast forward five years, dad got a promotion and an opportunity to relocate to Geneva, so we packed our bags and moved across the world to a small village called Ferney-Voltaire, on the French side of the border between France and Switzerland.

This is ultimately where I grew up for the next thirteen years, up until I finished high school.

I went to international schools in France and Switzerland, which was such an epic experience/opportunity that I will always pinch myself for.

I met people from all over the world with different backgrounds, families, stories and ways of living and thinking.

It was around this time that I started to develop my curiosity and appreciation for travel, culture and learning about people. My friends were from Malawi, Sweden, Canada, Pakistan, Ireland, the U.S… the list goes on. On the surface, we had little in common, but we shared similar experiences and an open mindedness that you develop from growing up in an environment like that.

We were children of expats – parents who worked for any of the various U.N. organisations that were headquartered in Geneva, meaning we didn’t really know where “home” was, but we really liked being part of the same big melting pot.

All of this to say that even though I didn’t travel the world, I still got that enrichment from my people and my experiences. And no matter what role you go for, you will always be able to bring something else to the table that is equally as valuable and relevant.

I went off to the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia because it’s where my dad grew up and also where my parents met and fell in love.

After dipping my toes in Psychology, French Literature and Linguistics, I decided on a Bachelor of International Tourism Management because, at this point, why not.

I didn’t really know what I wanted to do (see Kimmy K GIF below for reference) but I knew that I really valued my international background and really believed in the benefits of travelling and what it could achieve. On the other hand, I understood that we needed to change the way we travel and learn to limit impacts on host communities and the environment with more sustainable practices.

During this time, I had to undertake a short internship as part of my degree and I managed to score one at a great adventure travel agency that catered mostly to backpackers.

I mainly provided administrative support for the team, but I still developed a good understanding of how a travel agency works and got to learn what travellers were looking for. It was really inspiring to see how keen these people were, some of them straight out of high school, to travel around the country and discover new things on their own, meeting people along the way and experiencing new things.

I see the same thirst in the travel legends that walk through our doors today and have the biggest drive for adventure and discovery and are willing to make sacrifices and decisions to make their travelling dreams come true.

A common road that a lot of my friends from Europe took after their Bachelors was to dive straight into their Masters, so I felt an internal pressure to follow suit.

I wasn’t quite ready for a full-time job, but I also didn’t know what I wanted to specialise in, so I decided to take six months off to work it out.

Pretty soon after, I landed a three-month internship with an ecotourism organisation and absolutely loved it. I knew that the area that I wanted to get into, sustainable tourism, is quite niche so I figured it would probably be best to do my Masters straight away.

After my Masters, I wasn’t very successful in finding a role in sustainable tourism that I had the experience for.

I had degrees under my belt with the grades to show that I knew what I was talking about, but I didn’t have the work experience to prove that I knew what I was doing (according to job descriptions).

Mind you, this is how I felt with SOME work experience, imagine how it would have been with NONE. I started branching out and deviated slightly from the path I thought I needed to go down, because at the end of the day, all experience is good experience and you will learn from each and every role you spend in. After a while, I finally came across a role for a tour company that one of my ex-bosses from a previous internship was advertising.

At this point, I was pretty disheartened at how long it was taking me to find something and didn’t have much hope.

But both Adam and Darryl made it abundantly clear that they didn’t need someone who had been everywhere and seen everything, nor were they after someone with 10 years of work experience. They just wanted someone that could adapt, show up, and step up to the plate.

It was through this whole process with them and the rest of my team that I started to see working in the travel industry (and the whole job process) through a different light.

There is no real moral to this story, but if I could give anyone some advice from all of this it would be to go out there and get as much experience as you can, in whatever forms you can.

Try to get a balance of both theoretical knowledge (if university is even the route you want to go down, because it’s not everyone’s cup of tea) AND practical experience. Internships are a great way to build on your skills and feel more prepared for a full-time job.

They can also be really instrumental in helping you decide what it is you actually want to do. The harsh reality is that it is becoming increasingly competitive out there, and you will need to prove that you have what it takes to do the job better or in a different way to someone else.

But don’t get discouraged when looking at job descriptions. Just because you can’t tick off every little requirement, doesn’t mean you’re not right for that role or that you can’t prove yourself in other ways.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to deviate from the route you had previously set for yourself – it’s okay to take a little detour, you’ll learn so much along the way.

The post How I Got A Job In Travel Through An Internship appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

How Do I Plan My Travels During COVID?

Annisa Maher — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 05:43:02 +0000

We know that planning your travels during the current COVID-19 outbreak isn’t as obvious as it sounds.

Normally, in uncertain times, our instinct is to hold off on making any decisions because anything can change from one day to the next. But travelling for so many of us is such a huge part of our lives, and something we look forward to and work towards.

If travel is important to you, planning for the next adventure can be really great for our motivation. It can give us more purpose in our day-to-day and generally just bring us a lot of joy. So let’s not treat future travel plans like it’s the elephant in the room. Instead, let’s try to to reignite that travel spark as best we can from the comfort of our own homes (for now…)

I’m not here to sugarcoat the current situation and how it will affect the way you travel. I think we all know that on a global scale, the travel and tourism industry will take some time to recover and rebuild better than ever before. But in the meantime, it won’t hurt to get inspired, get informed and get planning your next epic adventure. Trust me, you’ll want to be prepared because the minute that good news hits, you’ll be running to go catch that plane.

Get Inspired

This one’s easy. There is so much inspiring and relatable travel content out there. Focus your energy on this kind of stimulation, because it’s guaranteed to get you feeling energised and good again! It’s important for us to have something to work towards during this period when it can sometimes feel like we’re living Groundhog Day all over again.

You can’t travel just yet, but you can certainly start hyping yourself up. Feed your hungry travel soul and get your mind racing about the endless possibilities that are waiting for you on the other side of this. Think skydiving above the ocean. Watching the sunset with a beer in your hand and salty water on your skin. Tasting a new delicacy at the local markets. Hearing someone speak to you in a beautiful, unknown language. I don’t know about you, but I feel better already.

Watch some inspiring videos, read some informative and interesting travel blogs and get brainstorming on your dream trip. It can be doing something as simple as getting a pen and paper out and writing down a brief outline of what you want to do. Or watching a string of vlogs about the place you want to go and getting some insider tips of incredible spots that can’t be missed. Or reading up on what solo travelling is like and how to make the most of your gap year.

Call it a mood-boarding, call it self care, call it getting organised. What it ultimately is, is letting yourself feel good about something you’ve been deprived of recently, and getting excited about the idea of exploring, eating, drinking, swimming, laughing and living again.

Get Informed So You Feel Prepared

This includes reading up regularly on travel restrictions (national, state and local) that affect all countries of departure, transit and arrival. Some destinations may also still have quarantining requirements in place, so it’s worth checking this out as well.

When it comes to information of this nature, try to get it from formal, reliable sources like government and industry websites. What safety measures does this destination currently have in place to limit transmission? Is mask-wearing mandatory in certain areas or under certain circumstances? Will you need to be tested upon arrival? These are questions you need the answers to in order to feel more prepared and manage your expectations.

Another way to stay informed is to subscribe to newsletters and follow the social media channels of any local travel businesses you’re thinking of booking on with. They could be posting updates through their Instagram or Facebook accounts, or even with informative videos.

It’s in their best interest to keep their following informed with any updates that may concern them/you, whether they’re about visas, travel restrictions or their own business updates. It’s also nice to feel connected to the business and experience beforehand, particularly at a time like this when your trip can still seem quite far away and out of your hands.

More often than not, they will be grateful to have that connection too, so go on and slide into their DMs. Or just follow them, whatever.

Take Extra Measures To Deal With Uncertainty

When you’re ready to start booking things, make sure the airlines, accommodation providers and tour operators offer flexible options.

You want to feel comfortable knowing that you won’t be stuck should any unforeseen circumstances change your ability to travel or the business’ ability to provide a service.

Flexible options can mean anything from free date changes, to special COVID-19 cancellation terms, to ‘book now pay later’ options to affordable deposits to secure your booking. Having these options will leave you feeling reassured and confident, even in the face of uncertainty. To feel extra secure, get comprehensive travel insurance, and make sure to read the policy carefully.

Try to be as realistic as possible about the current situation before you make any decisions.

For example, let’s say you know that you want to come over to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa as soon as internationals are granted entry into the country. If you know that borders are still closed for the time being, with no specific date to reopen, I would personally hold off on applying for your visa.

While booking tours and accommodation is more realistic due to the offering of flexible options, there’s no rush to apply for your visa until you know more about when restrictions will ease and you’re more confident about being granted entry.

Reach Out To Travel Experts

When you’re ready, get in touch with people who actually know what they’re talking about.

Believe it or not, they probably more excited to talk to you than you would think! Travel is also a huge part of their lives, and not only have they had to stop doing it, they’ve had to slow down on living vicariously through you guys as well (for the time being).

Reach out to some experts, let them know what you want to do and see and let them help you make it a reality. Putting a solid travel plan together will be so exciting and rewarding, and done with an expert can leave you feeling confident and accomplished.

The post How Do I Plan My Travels During COVID? appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Australia

Annisa Maher — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 01:47:51 +0000

We all know the things that Australia is known for:

Beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, barefoot surfers, icons like the majestic Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House, quarrelsome kangaroos and cuddly koalas, barbecues, venomous arachnids, vegemite… The list goes on.

But what about the lesser known places and phenomena? Australia is, after all, the world’s biggest island with incredibly diverse landscapes and is the home of the oldest living culture in the world. So, we’re taking it upon ourselves to shine light on and pay homage to these wonderful things you didn’t know you could do in Australia.

Go jump in a pile of snow

Or go skiing, whichever you prefer. Many people seem confused with this one, but yes Australia does actually get snow in the mountainous regions in the south of the country.

While there isn’t an abundance of it, there’s certainly enough to create a cosy, wintery snow season in the months between June to September. Some of the best places to indulge in some winter sports are in the Snowy Mountains, the Australian Alps and Tasmania. Ski resorts such as Perisher, Mount Hotham, Thredbo, Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Ben Lomond are all popular choices, and offer terrains suitable for all difficulty levels.

But if you don’t care much for overheating in a big onesie while you speed down a snowy mountain with your feet attached to slides, fear not. You can still go and experience snow, sleep in a cute country cottage and sit by the fire with a glass of wine just like the Europeans do.

Places like Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, Oberon and Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales and Lake Mountain in Victoria are perfect for the wintery vibe. Cherry on top of the cake? Country pubs with working fireplaces are PLENTIFUL in Australia – do yourself a favour and check them out.

Go searching for some beautifully strange natural sights

If you’re intrigued by the natural phenomenon behind beautiful pink lakes, then you’ll be glad to know that you can feed that intrigue in Australia. The most popular and picturesque body of water with a bright pink hue, known as Lake Hillier, is off the coast of Western Australia. But there are actually various pink lakes all over Australia and definitely worth exploring.

Sydney’s known for a lot of things, but one thing that’s not as broadcasted as the Opera House? The Figure 8 Pools. These are naturally-formed tidal pools that are shaped perfectly as figures of 8 and are really quite aesthetically pleasing. However, they’re not easy to get to and sit on a dangerous rock shelf. So, if you want to see them, make sure you’re well informed on the weather, tides and swell and check the Royal National Park page for information.

Find out where and when these unique events are held

Just off the coast of Darwin, in the Northern Territory, you can find the Tiwi Islands. Wurrumiyanga is the largest community on the Tiwi Islands and is where the annual Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final takes place, as well as a popular art fair. Both of these events are incredibly significant to the remote Indigenous communities on the islands and are certainly worth checking out if you’re in the Northern Territory. The events are held in March – so pencil them into your travel itinerary!

Another event to chase in Australia is one for the books. The Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) is an extraordinary natural light display in the sky. The beautiful green, blue, purple and red colours really are a magical sight to witness. And guess what… You can see them best from Tasmania. It’s recommended to go looking for them in the winter months, but you can spot them all-year round. Go somewhere with little light pollution, and prepare to be mesmerised.

Check out some pretty extraordinary wildlife

We all know that wallabies, kangaroos and koalas are Australias’ sweethearts, and rightly so.

But many are unaware of the other magnificent creatures you can spot in the wild in this beautiful country. For example, did you know that one of the very few places you can take part in responsible (very important!) cage diving to witness the beauty of the largest predatory fish in the world, otherwise known as great white sharks, is near Port Lincoln, South Australia?

Speaking of fish, you can also tick off an epic item off your dream bucket list in Ningaloo Marine Park, by swimming with the largest of them all: the beautiful Whale Shark. On the Ningaloo Reef, they hold the highest rate of Whale Shark swim numbers in the world and only engage in eco-friendly tourism practices, meaning they ensure absolute minimal impact on the environment and marine life.

Didn’t know you could see PENGUINS down under? Well now you do! As someone who works for a tour company that includes this wonderful and unique experience in its itinerary, I know that people are SHOCKED at the idea of being able to witness these little waddlers in their natural habitat right here in Australia, on Phillip Island.

What about some unusual land creatures too?

Then let’s start off with the most unusual of them all: the Cassowary. Never heard of them? That’s what this blog is for.

This beautiful, but terrifying, exotic bird is essentially an emu that looks like it’s dressed up to go to a Mardi Gras festival. The Southern Cassowary is native to the tropical forests of Australia, so you can set out to North Queensland and try places like the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation for a glimpse.

And last but certainly not least, the adorable but less-known QUOKKA. These cute, smiley marsupials can be seen in the wild on Rottnest Island. Add them to your Australian bucket list and you won’t be disappointed. They’re coined the happiest animal in the world, and we completely understand why.

And for the lightning round...

Think sand dunes are cool? Well, we got those too, all around the country, and you can sand board down them.

Fascinated by volcanoes? When the Undara Volcano last erupted, it spat out 23 billion cubic litres of lava and made some of the largest and highest lava tubes in the world.

Intrigued at the fact that there’s a Spanish Castle somewhere in Queensland? I am equally as bewildered.

Never heard of the town Coober Pedy, where in summer it gets SO unbearably hot that they decided to build their houses, cafes and churches UNDERGROUND? I also just found this out.

I think that’s enough to get you started. Check out ANY of the wonderfully-Australian things above, and I guarantee you’ll feel a lot like Owen Wilson does in every movie he’s ever been in. Also, don’t forget to watch our tour guide/influencer queen Clauds talk about all of this in our latest video (below). If you’re looking for more advice on what’s absolutely not to miss in Australia, get in touch!

The post Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Australia appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

What Is A Tour And Why Should You Go On One?

Annisa Maher — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 02:56:43 +0000

For First Time Solo Travellers

Or less-experienced travellers in general, making decisions when trying to plan for the ultimate travel adventure can be incredibly daunting. How to get from one place to another, how to see everything you want to see in a certain amount of time. The list goes on. The good news is that going on a tour can make those decisions a whole lot easier and take the stress out of the equation.

I think tours are a really great way to ease into stepping out of your comfort zone. Why? Because everyone you are doing it with is in the exact same boat. A tour is essentially an organised trip that is guided and, honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of organised fun?

Dispelling Myths About Tours

Group tours can sometimes get a bad wrap, particularly from adventurous souls who prefer to go their own way at their own pace, in search of a road less travelled by. But many don’t know that opting for a tour doesn’t mean you have to compromise on adventure, independence or more low-key destinations.

There exists the assumption that tours can be too large and impersonal, over-guided, and subject to a strict itinerary. While this may still be the case for some, this structure has changed dramatically in recent times. Most group tour operators these days now focus on offering flexibility, variety and smaller, more intimate tours.

It’s also important to note that group tours are not one size fits all. The number of types of tours are endless. But I can guarantee that you are bound to find one that suits your travel style and expectations and allows you to meet like-minded people.

Some tours choose to just scratch the surface and cover as many key tourist sights as possible. Others may choose a slower and more authentic approach that focuses more on educating travellers on the destination, culture and environment.

From sightseeing tours, to eco-tours, to adventure tours, there’s a myriad of options out there that are worth exploring!

The Value of a Guide

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a tour is the guide.

Tour companies will often employ local people, meaning guides often have first-hand experience living in and exploring the destination. This comes hand in hand with extensive knowledge of the area, along with its culture and history. Because of this, the experience is made ten times more authentic and personal, because you are being shown the destination through the eyes of an insider.

Local guides also have the hot tips: the hidden gems, the cutest locally-owned shops where you can buy gifts for your friends back home, and which cafe to get the best oat milk flat white from (if you don’t know what that is, you’re in for a treat).

A good tour guide is engaging, passionate and knows how to tell a story.

Having a guide show you around should feel like wandering around town with a mate. Exploring little streets and quirky stores, doing a bit of window shopping along the way, trading stories and anecdotes, popping into a bakery for a treat, taking some photos for the gram and finishing the day off with a nice cold beer and a burger at the pub on the corner. Throw some valuable insight and knowledge about the destination and culture into the mix, and you’ve basically got yourself a guided tour. Who would have thought?

Meet Like Minded People

Let’s not forget that travelling is all about meeting new people and sharing experiences with them.

So, what better way to do that than throw yourself into the deep end right from the start and spend days (or weeks) eating, drinking, sleeping and exploring with your own little travel crew?

There’s something really special about discovering new places with new people who are like minded and share the same passion for travel. It really does make the whole experience so much more enriching and memorable.

Take it from someone who works for a tour company and sees it every week. Travellers start the week off as complete strangers, all from different walks of life, bringing their own experiences and stories to the table, and over the course of the week they become such a tight-knit family that by the end, they don’t want to part ways.

You never know what could happen. Whether it’s finding the perfect summer fling to get you over your breakup or meeting friends for life that you will go on to travel with for years. The possibilities are endless!

The sense of community that comes hand in hand with people choosing to go on an adventure together is pretty heartwarming and in my opinion, is what travelling is all about.

Avoid Logistical Nightmares

Sometimes, it’s best just to leave it to the experts to take care of the logistics.

Don’t want to be blind sighted by national park fees that you were unaware of? How about left desperately searching for the nearest gas station? Or having to deal with a bus or accommodation booking gone wrong when you’ve had approximately 2 hours of sleep and a ton of tequila?

If you opt for a tour, not only does it often make more sense financially, but EVERYTHING is organised and taken care of for you. This means that you have more time to just be, enjoy and take it all in without worrying about where to be, how to get there or what to do.

To put this into perspective, let’s take Fraser Island as an example. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, and a must-do destination on the East Coast of Australia.

No roads means the only way to get around is by driving around the island, on the sand, in a 4×4. Yes, it’s exactly as cool as it seems.

Doing a guided tour is HIGHLY recommended because not only is the island HUGE and remote, it’s also dangerous if you don’t understand the tides. As in, you could end up in the ocean if you miscalculate when high tide is.

On top of this, wouldn’t you just rather have all of the boring stuff (food, camping gear, transport) already sorted for you so you can spend your energy on frolicking in the pristine freshwater lakes, cruising down lazy rivers, driving like a rockstar on the beach and drinking beers by the fire?

So How Do I Find The Right Tour For Me?

You do want to make sure that you pick a tour that’s designed for travellers like you, has the vibe you’re looking for and has good reviews so make sure you do your research!

Watch some YouTube videos/travel vlogs and read some blog posts by people who have done the tour or by the company itself. These can really help give some insight into what to expect, what the company is like and if it’s for you. Word-of-mouth recommendations are usually quite reliable!

Go on the company website and even reach out to them. We all understand that this is a difficult decision to make, so we’re more than happy to answer your questions or paint a better picture for you. At the end of the day, we just want you to have an unreal and unforgettable experience, because a good tour is one you will never forget.

Still want to learn more?

Then our legendary guide Clauds has made a video below just for you.

The post What Is A Tour And Why Should You Go On One? appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

When Is The Best Time To Take A Gap Year?

Annisa Maher — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 02:45:15 +0000

It's The Question Worth A Million Dollars...

Or at the very least, a couple thousand. When is the perfect time to take a gap year? If you’re indecisive by nature, it’s a question that will make your skin crawl. And even if you’re a decision-maker, you’ll still wonder ‘what if?’

What if I go now and miss out on opportunities that may never come up again? What if I’ve done all I need to do, but now it’s too late? We’ll go over all of the benefits and reasons for taking a year off to travel at different stages of life, but spoiler alert: there is no perfect time so if you’re thinking about it, just bloody do it.

Why Not Straight Out Of High School?

Just finished high school, ready to put down the books for a while and take a year off to figure out what the next steps are? Well why not do it in a foreign land, where you can try new food all day and meet people from all over the world? There is a lot of pressure placed on young adults today to know exactly what they want to do when they finish school. This pressure isn’t helping anybody – it will either push us into something that we may end up regretting or make us miss out on so many other opportunities that we were blind to.

There is no doubt that travelling on a gap year will allow you to experience new cultures, contribute to your personal growth, help you to develop life skills and teach you independence and maturity. With these new skills and experiences, you will be better prepared to tackle what comes next, whether that’s more study, work, or even more travel. So if leaping into the unknown sounds appealing to you, leap. Enjoy this moment and use it to be carefree and feed your curiosity. You won’t regret it.

After University?

If like most, you decided to jump straight into more study after high school and now have a degree/diploma/certificate under your belt, you’re probably aching to switch off, get out there and get amongst it (it being everything). One of the great benefits of taking a gap year after university is that you can now complement your academic knowledge with real world experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to strengthen your intercultural competence, learn a new language and develop street smarts.

Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills that so many people look for in potential candidates: open mindedness, time management, social skills, stress management and teamwork, to name a few. These are all strengths that come hand in hand with travelling to new, exciting places, stepping outside of your comfort zone and demonstrating a willingness to challenge yourself. All of these things will ultimately make you more attractive to employers and more valuable in the workplace.

So, don’t question whether taking a year off before entering the workforce is a smart decision, and certainly don’t worry about employers not taking you seriously because of it. Gaining a global perspective, reflecting on your strengths and working on yourself and the way you deal with those around you will make you that much more hirable in the long run. What have you got to lose?

After Working For A While?

Decided to get a job straight after university and have now found yourself in a role you don’t love, lacking motivation or drive, or simply feeling like you’ve missed out on the opportunity to explore more of what the world has to offer? OR have you found a job you love in a field that you’re passionate about, but before progressing to the next stage of your career, you’re looking to work on your strengths and get some more real world experience? Take a gap year. Sometimes, when we feel like our motivation levels at work are stooping, it’s because we need to push the reset button and reassess what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and what we need to do about it. Travel can help you do just that. It can be the vehicle to help you understand yourself better as well as the world around you; it can create a space within which you have the freedom to take a step back and re-evaluate your purpose and passions.

Travel is hands down one of the best things you can do to make yourself a more understanding, organised and adaptable human in an increasingly competitive world. It throws curveballs at you that in turn will make you a better decision-maker and problem-solver which, spoiler alert, are two very desirable skills to have. So once again, if your body and brain are telling you that you need a break, listen to them and book a plane ticket.

How About When You Just Need A Change?

Packing your bags and going on an adventure when you’re in need of a change can ONLY do you good. Whether you’re looking to switch up your lifestyle a bit, make a career change, deal with a rough breakup or shift your mindset, travel will give you the space you need to look at the bigger picture and understand what you need to do to grow from your experience.

Need some time alone with your thoughts? Go on a long hike and reflect with no distractions. Find comfort in food? Plan a full day of exploring different elements of a new and exciting cuisine. In other words, eat all the things. Due for an appreciation check? Go have a swim in the ocean, let the salty water on your skin dry in the sun and be one with nature. Travel gives you the wonderful opportunity to take a breather and check yourself before you wreck yourself. Meeting new people, tasting new things, opening your eyes to new cultures and chasing sunsets will help you re centre, redefine your meaning of life, help you find your place in the world and reinvigorate your soul. It sounds ridiculously corny, but it’s true.

There Is No Perfect Time

So if you can’t stop thinking about it and any or all of the above arguments speak out to you, pack your bags. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you to explore it, and there are always going to be reasons to say no. Don’t miss out on an opportunity that could ultimately change your life just because you’re feeling pressured to stick to the status quo. Eat the food, watch the sunsets, meet the people and feel the feels.

If we haven’t already made it obvious enough, we think Australia is the perfect place to start exploring. We also know the perfect tour to set you up for your year-long (or longer) adventure.

The post When Is The Best Time To Take A Gap Year? appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Which YouTubers Love Welcome to Travel?

Annisa Maher — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 04:18:48 +0000

Love watching videos of people on their travel (and other) adventures?

Clearly, so do we! Over the years, we’ve come across a handful of inspiring YouTubers who produce really engaging content. We’ve been lucky enough to be part of their incredible experiences in Melbourne, Australia and beyond and show them what this beautiful part of the world has to offer. In return, we’ve learned so much about them and how travel has helped them grow and work towards becoming the best versions of themselves. So if you want to know what your favourite YouTubers are like in real life and what they thought of Welcome to Travel, then keep reading!

UnJaded Jade

The first YouTuber/Welcome to Travel legend we’ll introduce is a lovely little lady known as UnJaded Jade.

Jade explores topics from veganism to productivity to self-love, and shares a lot of her personal life experiences. But our favourite videos to watch are her travel vlogs that document her solo travel adventures because she’s so relatable, incredibly down to earth and just down right inspiring (she solo travelled for the first time at just 18, and learned/grew so much from doing so).

It all started when Jade popped into our suggested videos on YouTube and we reached out to her because we saw that she had plans to travel Australia. After a few pies were thrown our way, she finally replied and agreed to let us organise her whole Australian East Coast trip starting from Sydney, making her way up to Cairns and finally flying down to Melbourne to do our 8-day tour, in February 2019. The way Jade chose to do it goes to show that even though a big part of what we do is help travellers get settled and set up for the rest of their time in Australia, our tour can also be a great way to end your Australian adventure.

Ultimately, there is no perfect time or scenario. However and whenever you choose to do it, you will still make so many friends and have an unforgettable experience in the best place in the world.

So many people loved the itinerary that we created for Jade after watching her journey on YouTube, that we’ve actually lost count of the number of times we’ve recreated it for other travellers too. She also couldn’t have spoken more highly about our 8-day tour in her vlog (we’re not crying, you’re crying!) and the love is most definitely shared!

Backpacking Bananas

Next up on our list of beloved YouTubers is Christianne Risman, also known by her alias of Backpacking Bananas!

Christie is a seasoned solo traveller who’s been going on adventures all over the world and capturing them on camera for over 8 years now. Last year, she scratched 43 countries off her travel scratch map and we’re all still picking up our mouths off the floor. She’s got a wealth of knowledge and experience to share on all topics related to travel, which is why we were so keen to collaborate with her.

After the Things Never Said By Backpackers video went viral (the creative baby of our very own Darryl and Adam), Christie and Darryl decided to do a video together on what to expect on a Working Holiday in Australia and the best way to go about your first week. Christie later had the full Welcome to Travel experience with us in November 2018 and we quickly saw just how legendary and lovely she really is. To this day, she is still our tour guide Clauds’ girl crush.

Benn TK

And now for the man of the hour, Benn TK aka world’s best videographer, aka the OG, aka Darryl’s man crush. Benn is incredibly talented at what he does and is ridiculously passionate about travel (and us, or at least we like to believe). Darryl saw an amazing video he made in Vietnam and crawled his way into Benn’s DMs to connect with him. After realising Benn was a Melbourne local and seeing how down to earth and driven he is in real life, Darryl managed to convince him to film our promotional video for our 8-day tour before we had even run the very first one!

Benn loved the idea of showcasing what Melbourne has to offer, came along on the promo tour and created the best promo video we ever could have hoped for. In fact, it was so incredible that we also asked him to do one for our East Coast tour, and he doesn’t know it yet, but he’s never going to get rid of us now. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out Benn’s YouTube channel for some serious travel inspo.

Beauty Spectrum

Our story with Molly, who goes by Beauty Spectrum on YouTube, started when she commented on a few of our Instagram posts after having seen who we are and what we do through Unjaded Jade’s videos (how’s that for connecting people?!) Shortly after, Darryl organised a WhatsApp call and they quickly discovered that they were each from parts of Northern England that are only 1 hour apart!

Molly related to a lot of Jade’s content, particularly the motivational videos on how challenging yourself can be incredibly rewarding, and that spoke to us too. When Molly came on tour in January 2020, she showed us that she wasn’t afraid to dive into the unknown and experience new things – and that’s the kind of traveller we love and will always encourage! It was a pleasure to be a part of her journey.

Holly Gabrielle

And last but certainly not least, our lovely Holly Gabrielle, lover of Melbourne markets and penguins.

Holly reached out to us and told us that while she had extensive studies under her belt and huge academic success, she had yet to come across the opportunity to travel and discover new cultures and experiences.

So naturally, we told her to come over and explore Melbourne and Australia with the best crew. In her videos, Holly speaks of her evolution throughout the tour, how she learnt to make new friends and put herself out there and how that in turn led her to grow as a person and really appreciate new experiences. Penguins are also her favourite animal, so she DIED at the opportunity to watch them waddle across the beach.

Darryl ended up planning the most incredible trip for her, stopping by amazing destinations like Adelaide, Alice Springs and Cairns. He even Skyped her mum because Holly was new to travelling, so he wanted to make them both feel at ease! By the end of the tour, our tour guide Clauds couldn’t believe the progress Holly had made and Holly, in turn, gushed about how the Welcome to Travel crew made her feel so at home. Holly is the perfect example of how even though stepping outside of your comfort zone can sometimes be challenging, travel has the wonderful ability to open your eyes to new things and push you to become a better you.

Thinking about coming to Australia and travelling to some of the most beautiful places on Earth? Then get in contact with me and I’ll be able to help with your travel plans!

The post Which YouTubers Love Welcome to Travel? appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

The Four Best Hostels In Sydney

Annisa Maher — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 01:02:12 +0000

In the planning stages for your travels around Australia and need help deciding which is the best hostel in Sydney? That's what we're here for!

Over the last decade specifically, hostels have had to evolve and change with the times. Hotels are getting cheaper, AirBnB is becoming a very solid alternative and it’s a competitive world. To top it all of, there are a lot more hostels around in general…

Hostels are a really great place to kick back and meet people from all over the world, particularly if you’re travelling. But cleanliness and location just don’t cut it anymore – we expect more. We want free wifi, breakfasts, recommendations, evening events, we want to feel special and for each place to have that individual wow factor. With that being said, here’s a list of the best hostels in Sydney that have a lot to offer.

Sydney Harbour YHA - The Rocks

Looking for the best hostel in Sydney? Then look no further.

Sydney is an ICONIC and world-famous city. I don’t know if you’re aware, but one of the reasons for this is that it’s got a pretty nice harbour. Oh you haven’t heard? Well, it’s really great. It has this gigantic bridge (Sydney Harbour Bridge… Still haven’t heard of it?) and a funny shaped, majestic building (Sydney Opera House… anybody?!) set on a quaint waterfront. It’s simply lovely.

So naturally, if you’re only in Sydney for a couple of days and you know you want to spend time around the harbour and The Rocks, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, then why waste travel time when you can stay in the middle of it all?!

Where can you find such a place, do you ask? Well, the Sydney Harbour YHA is quite literally the hostel of your dreams.

There aren’t too many hostels around the world that are situated in the VERY heart of such action and in such proximity of renowned icons. Trust us, you’ll feel lucky to be there.

The hostel’s main draw is its location, yes. But what’s even more incredible is the view of EVERYTHING listed above from the hostel’s rooftop. Oh yeah, we meant it when we said this is quite possibly the best hostel in Sydney.

We also love that they offer a Free Archaeology Tour and a Historic Pub Tour (also free!) to all guests. Throw in a guided beach walk, free pancake breakfast, $2 sausage sizzle and $7 burger night and you’ve got quite the package deal.

One last bonus is the ease of access to nearby hotspots such as Manly, Watsons Bay (look it up, it’s beautiful!) and Taronga Zoo. You’re a hop, skip and a jump away from ferries, trains and light rail! If you’re keen to be right in the middle of the culture, history, beaches and action, then Sydney Harbour YHA is the one for you.

Wake Up!

There are many super hostels and flashpackers right now, but I’d say WakeUp! was the first of its kind in this iconic city.

This hostel is right next to Central Station, meaning it has one of the best and most convenient locations in Sydney.

Not convinced yet? Well, they also have the VERY BEST service I’ve ever encountered in a hostel. You can tell the staff really want to help and are genuinely interested in making your stay better in any way they can.

They also have Guided City Tours and organised Group Beach Days. These added experiences are great for meeting new people, getting out of the hostel to explore and seeing more of Sydney.

Quality is what Wake Up! lives and breathe, and you can tell when you walk into Roy’s Café or Side Bar. Both of these are Wake Up! side projects – great venues with fantastic offerings. Nothing but quality here!

Roy’s does good food and is the daily coffee fix for many locals, yet is still very affordable for us backpackers. Side Bar’s prices are also affordable, making it popular with residents. It is also a Sydney institution. It’s globally recognised as the place for a good night out for backpackers and students, with DJs, theme nights and live music.

Wake Up! has many common areas and a huge welcoming lobby that has wifi, luggage storage and a professional travel desk.

It’s fair to say WakeUp! makes the cut as one of the best hostels in Sydney. That’s probably why it came 6th in the Hoscars (Oscars for Hostels!), in the category for Best Extra Large Hostel in the world! We’re impressed.

If you’re keen for Wake Up!’s vibe, but prefer to wake up to the sound of crashing waves, then you’ll be happy to know that there is a Wake Up! in Bondi Beach too!

Sydney Central YHA

Where’s the ideal place to stay when you’re in Sydney? Next to Central Station or next to the Harbour of course! And since we’ve already covered the latter, we need to make sure Sydney Central gets a shout out too.

Something that’s incredibly impressive about the property is its open, alfresco feel, despite it being SO central and in such a busy part of town. Fun fact: it’s also located in a heritage-listed building.

This laid-back and spacious vibe is partly owed to their rooftop, which features a heated swimming pool and spectacular views of the city.

This is what I’m talking about when I say we expect more from hostels these days. How about a morning swim before setting out to explore the city, followed by evening drinks on the rooftop? Don’t mind if I do!

Like WakeUp!, they also have a bar and a great café attached. In addition to $4 bacon and egg rolls to appeal to the masses, they also do more unique dishes, like a cracking Thai Beef Salad for example!

These guys also offer daily activities and everything else you didn’t think you needed, but you do. This includes 24h access, wifi options, air-con, a travel desk, luggage storage and even… A CINEMA AND A SAUNA? Yeah, we probably should have started with that.

Because it is so central, public transport is right at your doorstep – meaning you can easily venture out to Sydney’s many neighbourhoods.

Mad Monkey Kings Cross

Aside from the cool name, Mad Monkey is a fantastic hostel to try on for size.

If you’re partial to a party, then this is the best hostel for you. Located in an inner-city suburb that is recognised for being the embodiment of Sydney’s nightlife scene, you certainly won’t get bored staying in a place like this.

With quirky artwork all along the walls inside, a real group atmosphere and tons of free activities on offer, we recommend Mad Monkey for our social butterflies who want to make the most of their time here.

What free activities, do you ask? Oh, only rooftop yoga classes, surfboard hire, gym access, plenty of events and a dedicated FIFA gaming area. Not enough for you? They also have a travel desk, free WiFi, luggage storage and a free hot breakfast in the mornings. Mic drop.

So, there you have it: our humble list of the top four hostels in Sydney. Do your research, see which one suits you and the vibe you’re after best, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local guide or travel expert if you need help booking any nights. Hostels are the backbone of backpacking and are the ultimate place to meet people and start exploring, which makes choosing the right one that much more important. At the end of the day though, no matter what hostel you choose, you’re bound to have the time of your life in Sydney.

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