Tips for Australian backpackers

The belt-tightening at home won’t stop them. There are a lot of Australians determined to go on with their long distance travel plans. After all, Australia’s money is at an all-time peaking against numerous of the globe’s currencies, but nobody can tell for how long.

So how can you get the most out of your buck?
The reputed travel agencies recommend you should be focusing at all-inclusive travel packages (sightseeing, meals, transfers, accommodation and airfares) which are paid in advance with Australian dollars and pre-paying, booking and planning your comprehensive package up to one year ahead to benefit of significant early-payment discounts and other special offers.

The last week of October is the most ideal time to lock your self into overseas forays, when travel businesses – particularly those offering European holidays – release their rates for the next year, although other tour operators announce prices in January for the entire year.

Today, the European petrol prices are extremely high and travelling Aussies should consider coach journeys.
In the UK and Europe, drivers are likely to discover that full thank of fuel costs almost as much as one night of lodging. Conversely, a bus’ diesel expense is spread over 35 or so passengers.

I randomly plucked a number of 2008 tour programs from several Brisbane tour operators’ racks last week. I homed in on one agency’s seven-day “Highlights of Europe” tour package beginning at $1625. Starting and ending in the British capital of London, their tour program took in Paris, Lucerne, Heidelberg and Amsterdam.

The vacation included: accommodation, coach transportation, tour director, cross-channel ferry and local taxes.
If flight services were also booked with this travel company you could benefit from free transportation from your arrival air hub to your accommodation establishment and one night’s free lodging. A discount of 10 per cent was offered by the travel agency if you paid and booked one year ahead.