Plan Your Trip
By Larry Rivera, About.com Guide to Australia / New Zealand Travel
Planning trips to Australia and New Zealand include knowing entry requirements, destinations, attractions and other travel information.
Why Visit
Most first-time visitors to any country go for pleasure, sightseeing and adventure in a new and different place, whether it's close by or on the other side of the globe. Here's why you may want to come Down Under and visit Australia or New Zealand or both. Or if you've been here before, why you'd like to return.
Before You Go
You can have an itinerary as detailed as you wish, knowing exactly where to go at any stage of your trip, or you can have an open-ended general plan touching only on main destinations, discovering places you'd like to visit in the course of your journey.
Entry Requirements
For large numbers of visitors to Australia and New Zealand, entering either country for a short period of time requires no complex not extensive documentation, often requiring only a valid passport, return tickets, and a stay of no more than 90 days. But with growing worldwide security concerns, entry requirements may change.
- Do You Need an Australian Visa?
- Where to Get a Visa Outside Australia
- Do You Qualify for an Electronic Travel Authority?
- Do You Need a New Zealand Visa?
- New Zealand Visa Waivers
Driver's Licence
Australian and New Zealand motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. For those used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, this may need getting used to, but many drivers can quickly switch from one driving method to another. Driving rules and regulations in both countries are similar.
- Can You Drive on Your Current Licence?
- Traffic Rules and Regulations
- Parking and Roundabouts
- Renting a Car
Language
If you come from an English-speaking country, you won't find much difficulty understanding Australian English, although some may find the Australian accent "weird" in the same way some Australians find difficulty with other countries' spoken English. And, yes, there are a number of words and phrases that are particularly unique to Australia. So is it necessary to learn Australian English? The short answer is No, but you may want to know a bit of the language...
Weather and Climate
If you come from the northern hemisphere, remember that the seasons in Australia and New Zealand are the opposite of yours, so don't expect to fly from, say, the United States in summer, and arrive in Australia or New Zealand also in the summer. It will be winter here. And while most of Australia has four well-defined seasons, the continent's tropical north is just that, tropical. And up there, it's either the wet season or the dry.
Destinations, Activities, Events
As part of planning your trip, you may wish to consider particular destinations, activities you can do, and what events and festivals take place during your proposed travels.
