Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
1:00 AM 16th May 2024
travel
The Wizard of Oz – Australian Travel Tips!
Photo: Photoholgic on www.unsplash.com
Considering a trip to Australia any time soon?
Although prices in the post pandemic years have been higher because of “revenge travel” (people catching up for lost time with friends and family), prices have been dropping and are forecasted to continue to fall as aircraft availability and frequency improves.
That’s the opinion of David Boyd, travel hacker, frequent flyer, and CEO of the comparison website Credit Card Compare.
He said: "Travellers are increasingly looking for value and versatility, and our recommendations for travelling to Australia reflect this shift,” he said. “The opportunity to include free stopovers in cities like Singapore and Dubai can transform a single destination trip into a trip of a lifetime, maximising value for money and the enjoyment of travel."
Some of Mr Boyd’s Handy Hints:
Break up the journey with a free stopover
This is a great way to visit a country you may not have visited before. Many airlines that connect with Australia offer free accommodation in their respective capital or hub cities to encourage tourism. The best stopovers are in Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), Tokyo or Osaka (Japan Airlines).
A stopover is often for one night, but some, such as those offered by Japan Airlines, are longer. This is also a great way to soften the effect of jetlag.
Position yourself outside the UK to save taxes
Air Passenger Duty (APD) on long haul flights departing from UK airports can add hundreds of pounds onto the cost of a flight depending on its class. However, you can avoid this by starting the flight from a cheaper non-UK airport such as Helsinki, Oslo, or Istanbul.
Make sure that the total cost doesn’t exceed the cost of flying directly from the UK and leave plenty of time to connect since you’ll be flying with separate airlines and tickets.
Don’t forget your entry visa
Despite our shared history, British citizens still need a visa to enter Australia.
The eVisitor visa is free and allows you to stay in Australia for up to 3 months. Although processing times are typically fast, don’t leave it to the last minute and risk your entire trip.
You may need an additional visa if you take advantage of a stopover.
Your passport must expire after leaving Australia
For entry into Australia, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
However, if you plan on taking a stopover in a country on your way to or from Australia, check the entry requirements for that country. Many will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
Register to claim your frequent flyer points
If you're paying cash for your flight, don't miss out on collecting frequent flyer points. Given the long distances involved, a flight to Australia can earn a significant number of points, which can be redeemed for flights and goods.
You don’t have to credit points to the program of the airline you are flying with thanks to airline alliances and partnerships. For example, if you fly to Australia with Qatar Airways, you can credit points to your British Airways Executive Club account.
You still need travel insurance
Although there is a reciprocal health care agreement between the UK and Australia, you should still take out travel insurance to cover the trip for things such as lost luggage, flight delays, repatriation, etc.
You do not need to enrol in Medicare — their equivalent of the NHS — if you are only planning to stay in Australia for a short time.
Pack clothes for cooler weather
Australia's diverse climate means travellers should pack accordingly. While the Northern Territory and far north Queensland enjoy warm weather year-round, the mountainous regions in New South Wales and Victoria are cold and snowy enough for a few days on the slopes.
Information courtesy of:
www.creditcardcompare.com.au