Travelling Solo Solo travel is an experience that is exhilarating and can be truly memorable. It allows you to do what you want when you want! To make this unique travel experience both safe and secure we have listed optimise travel’s tips for solo travellers. Your time spent travelling solo will open you up to new … Read more
Travel Etiquette: The Respectable Way to Travel on an Airplane Travelling can be tough. Travel etiquette is important, especially for Australians as visiting foreign countries will most likely mean boarding an airplane and spending a significant amount of time flying. This can be a stressful experience for the first time to frequent flyers. Traffic to … Read more
Former Etihad Air Hostess Reveals How to Get Upgraded to Business Class
Maria Holmqvist (@maria_ampersand on Instagram) is a Former Etihad Flight Attendant who now calls Sydney home. During her 5 years with Etihad, she lived in Abu Dhabi, frequently departing all over the world while providing 5 star customer service to tens of thousands of travellers each year.
Maria spills the beans for Optimise Travel on the airline industry as we ask her how it all works, why do they or don’t they give upgrades and the methods that can help you get upgraded to business class.
Hello Maria, After working for Etihad Airways for many years what did you notice about the system of upgrading passengers on flights?
The flight attendants don’t have much say on upgrades unfortunately as it all has to be taken care of prior to boarding the plane. The ground staff are the ones who have the power to upgrade so it’s them you have to “flirt” with. There are a few basic things you need to have covered in order to have a better chance of getting an upgrade which I’ll outline below, and other than that it’s a bit of luck and being at the right place at the right time.
Would you say that it is necessary for passengers to be part of the Airlines loyalty program?
Absolutely, 100%.This is rule number 1. Airlines will always look after their frequent flyers as a priority.
Would being first in line at check-in or last to board the plane have any influence?
I’d definitely recommend being in the back of the queue. Ground staff won’t make any major changes to start with, and would be too rushed and stressed to even consider upgrading at this time. They would have to wait and see if there are any major issues they have to deal with and would need to save the seats for those kinds of situations; on many occasions, it is a large family would be booked into business or first class who then cancel it last minute.
At this point, catering is already booked and stocked on board. It’s more likely for ground staff to do upgrades in these kinds of scenarios rather than having to call for last minute catering and risk delaying the flight. The meals are usually stocked based on the number of guests, with not much to spare.
It’s also much higher chance to get an upgrade if travelling alone (and definitely without children).
Would a polite passenger or an angry passenger have the best chance of receiving an upgrade to Business Class?
Polite. Depending what the person is upset about, if there’s a reason serious enough and the airline is at fault I guess they would have to rectify the issue, but it would help to be to the point and polite rather than out being angry and creating a scene.
Would a charming and well-dressed person have a better chance of an upgrade to Business Class?
It definitely helps to be dressed for the part. Airlines want to create a stylish and professional look of their premium cabins so they blend in with usually a large number of business travellers, generally.
Should people ask for an upgrade to Business Class? And can you ask when already on board?
Absolutely, doesn’t hurt to ask (nicely that is), even if you’re already on board. There are people who will just go up and seat themselves but that won’t get you very far. If there’s an issue with your seat, screen or people around you, or you have a sudden medical condition you can always ask the crew if it’s possible for you to change seat where it’s not as stuffed, packed with people and noisy etc.
If there are spare seats why don’t Airlines reward its customers?
This is due to several different reasons. Airline policies usually state that upgrades should not be handed out. Time management is also a factor as the slightest delay in departure costs the airline thousands and thousands of $$$. If the airline would be upgraded to a full cabin on every single flight it would be very unfair to those that have paid full price.
Thank you, Maria, for your insight and knowledge on the Airline industry. Keep up to date with Maria’s travels on Instagram
Optimise Travel Stopover Test Let’s face it, Australia is a long way from many countries in the world. If you want to go to far away destinations in Europe or the United States, spending anywhere from 14 to 27 hours on a direct flight can be a killer. That’s one of the reasons why countries … Read more
A vast range of destinations are there to be explored so why not take the plunge and travel by yourself! Travelling solo gives you a sense of freedom and allows you to see and experience things entirely from your own perspective. Going on holidays by yourself means being in control of what activities or experience … Read more
Ever wondered what time of year is the best to visit your favourite holiday destination? Or how much you could save by changing the dates of your vacation next year? Travel Weekly has released its figures on some of the most popular travel spots from around the globe and it shows when the most affordable time … Read more
Exchange rates are a double-edged sword. The Australian dollar has taken a bit of a pounding in the last year or two on world currency markets, meaning you currently won’t get as much bang for your Australian buck in many overseas countries as you did not long ago. But there is always a silver lining.
Australian holidays in 2018 are great value for money by comparison with many overseas destinations. And let’s face it, Australia is a big country. Not many of us can say they have seen all it has to offer.
Let’s take a look at Thailand as a financial comparison. As the below graph shows, the Australian dollar has headed south against the Thai baht since the peak levels of four years ago, especially in the last two years. In 2018, the Australian dollar is worth 30% less against the baht than it was in 2012. Put simply, your money won’t go as far in Thailand as it did then. A holiday to beach destinations like Phuket, Ko Samui, Pattaya or Ko Phayam is now 30% more expensive. That’s money you could spend on an Australian holiday and if it’s beaches you’re looking for, we are blessed with some of the world’s best.
In this article, we’ll focus on some of the less obvious but must see Australian beaches. Destinations that are not packed with people and are as beautiful as anywhere on the planet.
Image from www.xe.com March 2016
What Are The Must See Australian Beaches?
Queensland
When you think of must-see Australian beaches in Queensland, the Gold Coast, Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef probably spring to mind. You may have already visited those popular destinations, or be looking for some different or less crowded.
If you are, the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is well worth a visit. Fraser is the largest sand island in the world, with its 75 Mile Beach the highlight. It is well-known for its multi-coloured sands, ranging from standard white through to orange and darker tones. Numerous crystal clear freshwater lakes there will cool you down, including the Champagne Pools, a collection of recreational waters formed by volcanic rocks. The foam of the ocean crashing into the rocks bordering the pools creates a natural jacuzzi. Fraser Island is also a prime whale-watching destination between July and October each year.
How to get there:
The quickest way is to catch a flight to Sunshine Coast Airport. From there you can then catch a short chartered flight to Fraser Island.
Image: http://uexplore4x4.com.au
Heading further north, Mission Beach between Townsville and Cairns is another great alternative. The golden sands of the Mission Beach region stretch for 14 kilometres. It contains four beach villages nestled against lush tropical rainforests, each with its own charm and characteristics. You can choose to do very little but relax and take in the beautiful scenery, or do a wide variety of water and beach activities, it’s up to you. Numerous accommodation options are available, from basic campsites through to luxury resorts.
How to get there:
Catch a flight to Cairns. Mission Beach is about an hour and a half’s drive from there, with airport transfers, bus, rail and car options available.
Image: http://www.alluxia.com
Heading further north still, if you do want to experience the most secluded Great Barrier Reef island, Lizard Island is for you. It’s very expensive but well worth it. When looking at the price, just think of the money you’re saving by not going to a destination like Thailand with the Australian dollar being so low. Lizard Island has 23 stunning and largely secluded white beaches, with spectacular diving and snorkelling spots to explore the wonders of the colourful reef and its fish species.
How to get there:
Fly to Cairns and then catch a 1-hour charter flight direct to Lizard Island.
Image: http://www.lizardisland.com.au
New South Wales
The north, south and central coasts of New South Wales offer plenty of must-see Australian beaches. Despite being a popular getaway in the north, you can still find one or two secluded beach spots in the Byron Bay region, including Whites Beach at Broken Head. Part of its charm and the major reason for its seclusion is its relatively limited access. To get there, you need to drive on a dirt road through a rainforest, and then walk along a path to its shoreline. As its name suggests, there you will find beautiful white sand, accompanied by crystal clear water and numerous rock pools. You’ll also often sight dolphins swimming in its shores. It feels a world away from the million dollar Main Beach just 10 kilometres away, so if your holidaying at Byron Bay you can experience the best of both worlds.
How to get there:
If you’re not located within a few hours drive, catch a flight to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. From there, you can arrange an airport shuttle bus transfer.
Image: https://www.kayak.com.au
The central coast of New South Wales is famous for its surf beaches at places like Avoca, Terrigal, and The Entrance. But the region isn’t just for experienced surfers. Beginners can learn to surf at one of the many accredited surf schools in the area. Fishing and boating are also popular activities there.
How to get there:
The central coast is an hour’s drive north of Sydney.
On the south coast, Jervis Bay is an idyllic location 200 kilometres south of Sydney, with white sands and crystal clear blue-green water. The area is also inhabited by penguins, a pretty rare sight in Australia. It is also a popular whale-watching region from May to November. Hyam’s Beach is a great spot in the Jervis Bay region, offering a range of accommodation options and activities such as snorkelling, diving, surfing, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
How to get there:
Driving from Sydney is easy or catch a flight to Jervis Bay Airport and then use an airport transfer service.
Image: http://www.australiantraveller.com
Victoria
If you’re holidaying along the 243 kilometre Great Ocean Road between Torquay and Allansford on the south-east coast of Victoria, you’ll be able to visit the iconic Bell’s Beach surfing venue, see the Twelve Apostles collection of limestone stacks off the coast of Torquay, as well as find plenty of secluded spots.A good option to consider is doing a stretch of the Great Ocean Walk in the Great Otway National Park. In that region, you’ll find four hidden places well worth a visit – the beaches at Milanesia, Rivernook, Station and Parker Inlet.
How to get there:
If you’re not within a few hours driving distance, catch a flight to Avalon Airport in Geelong and then hire a car or catch an airport shuttle bus.
Image: http://www.barryplant.com.au
Western Australia
Cable Beach near Broome in Western Australia is a stunning visual location. There the turquoise of the Indian Ocean meets the ochre of the Australian outback, with ideal swimming, sunbathing and beach conditions. Both sunrise and sunset camel rides operate daily along a section of the 22 kilometre white sand stretch and make for a memorable experience. For the more free-roaming spirits, the area also includes a nudist beach but this definitely an optional experience and not on everyone’s must see Australian beaches list.
How to get there:
Catch a flight to Broome and book an airport shuttle service.
Image: http://www.markboyle.com.au
Turquoise Bay in Exmouth is also a stunning beach location in Western Australia that is well worth a visit. Its beautiful waters, colourful coral and fish make it an ideal swimming and snorkelling destination.
How to get there:
Catch a flight to Learmonth Airport and then catch an airport shuttle bus to Exmouth.
Image: http://www.ournakedaustralia.com.au
In Perth, the iconic Cottesloe Beach is a picture postcard location, with dazzling white sand surrounded by Norfolk Pines. Watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean is a sight not to be missed for those from the east coast of Australia. And although Rottnest Island is just a short ferry ride from the mainland, when you get there it will feel a world away. Just one tip if you are looking for a quiet getaway. Make sure you avoid “schoolies” or “leavers” week in late November when thousands of high school students invade Rottnest to celebrate their graduation. At any other time of year, you’ll be able to peacefully enjoy its beautiful and tranquil surrounds.
How to get there:
Catch a flight to Perth. Cottesloe Beach is only a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Getting to Rottnest Island will require an additional short ferry trip. Leaving from Fremantle just south of Perth is the quickest way.
Image: http://natashaoakleyblog.com
Tasmania
Tasmania is better known for its green scenery than beaches, but one exception is its picturesque Wineglass Bay located in the Freycinet National Park. Its deep blue sea is offset by stark white sand, with various shades of pink granite cliff faces combining to form a rainbow of colour. Swimming, snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking and rock climbing are popular pastimes here, along with simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery. You can also take in the views of the entire Bay by hiking to an elevated lookout. You’ll be able to take postcard-like photographs with ease.
How to get there:
Catch a flight to Launceston then hire a car or catch a bus for a 2-hour drive.
South Australia is not very well known for its beaches, but a pristine location you should make a point of visiting if you are ever in the State is Second Valley. The Rapid Bay caves can be explored with Kayak Tours.
How to get there:
Catch a flight to Adelaide. If you want to get to Second Valley hire a car for the 1 and a half hour drive south.
Beaches probably aren’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of the Northern Territory. However, Mindil Beach is worth a visit if you are ever in Darwin. It is particularly well known for its markets that are held on its shores in the late afternoons and early evenings from Thursday to Sunday each week. Mindil Beach is just 3 kilometres from the Darwin CBD.
How to get there:
Catch a flight to Darwin.
Image: http://www.adventurouskate.com
So there you have it. Our Optimise Travel tips for must-see Australian beaches in each State and Territory. With the current value of the Australian dollar they are well worth considering as alternatives to an overseas beach destination.
We have some of the best beaches in the world, so why not leave your passport at home and tick one of these off your bucket list?
If you have any tips for must-see Australian beaches please share them in the comments section below so others can benefit from your experiences.
We all dread our phone bill after an overseas holiday. If managed poorly it can ruin all the good memories from your trip abroad. We use our mobile phone for safety, peace of mind, photography, communication and entertainment but these all come at a cost if we are not careful. Here are the best methods to ensure you don’t come back from your holiday with a costly international phone bill.
Image: http://motto.time.com
Before You Travel:
Turn off Data Roaming
– Data is charged automatically if left on and can skyrocket your monthly bill into the thousands
– I Phone – go to your Settings > Mobile > then slide off Mobile Data and Data Roaming
– Android – go to your settings > Wireless controls > Mobile Network Settings > then uncheck Data Roaming
Turn off Location Services or only use them for apps like maps or travel apps
– I Phone – go to settings > privacy > Location Services > slide Locations Services OFF
– Android – go to settings > Location > slide Location Services OFF
Make sure your Handset is unlocked and works with local carriers.
Bring a travel adaptor and charger so your phone doesn’t run out of battery. Portable Travel chargers are reliable options if you are exploring cities and constantly using your phone.
Update you voicemail. Tell people your globetrotting and direct them to an email address as a better way to contact you.
Book a hotel/hostel with Free WIFI. Australian hotels charge for WIFI but this doesn’t mean that foreign hotels do too so shop around when booking accommodation.
Ask your friends which option they chose, maybe they have a Sim that just needs topping up that you could use.
You can leave your phone at home when travelling but let’s be serious; this is almost never going to happen 🙂
When Arriving Overseas
Buy a local prepaid Sim Card when you arrive in your destination. Most arrival airports will have this option and if your phone is unlocked then it is one of the cheapest options. Your usual Australian number will not be available but others apps will still function with (and maybe without) WIFI. Oh and be careful where you store your Aussie Sim card. Definitely learned that lesson the hard way.
Use free WIFI in hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping centre’s, airports and anywhere else you can log on. If you are walking around a city then take screens shots of maps and pages so you can use them even after you leave your WIFI hot spot.
Use your independent apps for communication rather than your Australian carrier. Email, What’s app, Viber, Skype, We Chat, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram and Facetime can all be used on WIFI with Data Roaming switched off.
If you do not trust your urge to browse social media and have not prepared for well for your phones overseas travel then simply take out you Australian Sim Card and only use your phone when WIFI is available. This option works extremely well as hotel lobbies; cafes and shopping centres usually have free WIFI in most overseas countries.
Returning Home
Keep your foreign Sim or Travel Sim for the future. Give to friends to borrow on their travels.
If you get stung with a large international phone bill then contact you network provider and negotiate a discount on your plan. Often they will give you some credit allowance if you speak nicely and ask for a reduced bill.
Please Share your International Phone Bill tips, tricks and stories in the comments section so that others can benefit on their travels!
*We aim to provide up to date content and information but care should always be taken when purchasing products from retailers. If any information provided is no longer correct then please email us at optimisetravelaustralia@gmail.com or post in the comments section
When Exchanging Travel Money we are constantly being bombarded with deals and being told the best way to use our Australian Dollars when we travel. Most of the time it is companies promoting their product as ‘the best’ or ‘the safest’ product for the consumer when their main focus is it exploit travellers with hidden fees and charges.
I have travelled to many countries, changed many currencies, used many types of Bank Cards and even cashed travellers cheques before (yes that’s old school). These experiences always left me feeling that I had been ripped off and that I had lost a lot of money during the process. My aim is to explain the Pros and Cons with each method so travellers can make smart choices and get more when Exchanging Travel Money.
Image via: sarahardmantravels
Credit Cards ‘CC’
are dangerous if used without self discipline and this can be amplified when travelling abroad. Banks charge a currency conversation fee, meaning that when you buy in a foreign currency the bank of the CC will take between 0.5% – 3% of the purchase price as a fee. Eg: if you buy a 200 USD pair of shoes in New York on your Australian CC with a 2% fee, you pay an extra $5.50 AUD just for using your card. If you like swiping your card these fees will quickly accumulate.
You are locked into the banks exchange rate with the currency you purchase in and this is often unfavourable for the traveller
Credit Card fraud is more common outside of Australia and I have many friends who have been scammed for thousands of dollars (feel free to post your story in the comments section)
One benefit (depending on your type of card) is that these purchases both in Australia and abroad can contribute to Frequent Flyers points and bonuses that can be used at a later date.
Please visit our article on Credit Cards and Frequent Flyer points for more information on Australian Credit Cards
Travel Money Cards ‘TMC’
This type of Bank Card acts similar to a Debit Card in that you preload your card with however much ‘cash’ you would like and once you it runs out you will need to add more usually from your internet banking. Many of these cards allow you to set specific currencies ahead of time so that travellers can see how much of a local currency they have in their account. In facilitating this convenience to its customers, banks take various fees and charges. Like Credit Cards, many banks will charge a currency conversion fee for your transaction also while using travel money cards.
Please read our article on different Travel Money Cards which breaks down the fees and charges you will encounter and also the benefits of this type of card.
Cash
As the old saying goes. Cash is King. In my experiences as a traveller, CASH will give you best value for your Australia Dollar.
But what does that mean?
Do I carry Australian dollars to another country?
Or do I buy foreign currency before I go?
Where should I do this?
And most of all…is it safe?
Most of us who travel abroad will have little experience in exchanging travel money to and from Australian Dollars. This can make for an uncomfortable experience, especially in a foreign country and often feels like it is bordering on some type of illegal activity. This is not the case and problems rarely arise when following some simple steps to keep safe and get the best rates.
Image: http://www.travel-money.com.au
In Australia:
Banks and foreign exchange shops are commonly used and found in all major areas of the country with the majority located in big cities and close to the tourist hot spots. These are all safe and secure but offer various rates for different currencies. Travelex offers best rate guarantees on many currencies but negotiating is key when making a transaction and smaller, independent FOREX places can call their bosses and ask for a better rate than what is advertised. Things to keep in mind when Exchanging Travel Money.
Always use foreign exchange that is situated in safe and visible street location
Play different FOREX places against each other to get the lowest rate
Travelex and small independent venues have ability to lower rates beyond advertised market rates
Check our currency converter for same day median rates and aim to get as close to that as possible (top right of homepage)
The larger amount of money you exchange the more negotiating power you have
NEGOTIATING is key. If you do not ask for a better rate then you will not receive one
Overseas
Many of the tips that apply within Australia will also apply in foreign countries. Changing money in a secure, safe and open location is a priority in any countries where crime an increased concern. Also being aware that people may be watching you and taking care of your bags and belongings is always a good idea. Using the room safe to keep your cash, passport or other valuables is also highly recommended. Just don’t forget your belongings when you checkout!
AUD is readily accepted in almost all foreign destinations with the best returns coming from checking our currency converter rates, changing larger amounts of cash and negotiating for every last peso, yuan, dinar, lira or dollar.
Bringing Money back to Australia
A few years ago on the rare occasion that I had money left over in a foreign currency I would be madly exchanging it at the airport a few minutes before departing on my flight home. This resulted in me taking whatever rate was available and not giving it a lot of thought as to how I could better use my leftover cash.
Nowadays I bring home my foreign cash instead of losing out to the FOREX places. If I bring $200 USD back from the states to Australia I will simply save it and change it with a friend (or a friend of a friend) who is travelling in the next few months. This benefits both parties because neither have to pay fees for exchanging money.
Of course, I would probably not bother to bring Nigerian Naira back to Australia but currencies from places like Indonesia, the United States, Thailand, Hong Kong and Euros can be easily sold to someone you know or possibly saved if you plan on returning to the same destination in the future.
Travellers Cheques
With modern technology and increased security in the digital age this form of currency exchange has been largely fazed out and is not widely used. I would not recommend buying travel cheques but if you would like to use this method then talking with your bank is a must.
Changing currency when travelling is often a difficult and frustrating experience. By following these steps you can tackle this stressful task confidently and with the knowledge that you are not being ripped off.
If you have any suggestions for exchanging travel money please comment below and share your experiences in the comments below
*We aim to provide up to date content and information but care should always be taken when purchasing products from retailers. If anyinformation provided is no longer correct then please email us atoptimisetravelaustralia@gmail.comor post in the comments section.
