I thought that if i have a chance to travel during my birthday week I see to it that it will be a major trip so this year I was given the opportunity to visit the Land Down Under. It’s my first time in this continent and in the Southern Hemisphere. I was supposed to go early this year in time of the Australian Open but it’s the peak of summer during this time and read in the news that it reached 45°C in Sydney this January so it’s good that I decided to move my trip autumn time where it’s not too hot and not too cold as also advised by friends.
Being a Filipino, visa is a big consideration so I processed by visitors visa a month before my planned trip. The processing was not so bad either as long as you have complete requirements to submit. Also learned that the visa application is now being handled by a third-party office as referred by the Australian Embassy. By the way, there’s no visa stamp on the passport instead a visa grant letter if your visa application was approved.
For the flights to Australia, there were many options to choose from. My original plan was to take the direct flight from Manila to Sydney via Philippine Airlines but since got a chance to fly A380 via Singapore Airlines, then I chose the latter. Also the cost was almost the same since I did not book a two-way ticket (flying back to Manila from Melbourne). It’s quite an experience actually flying in a jumbo jet but too bad did not choose to sit on the second deck. It was a short layover in Singapore Changi airport so I’ve had the chance again to explore the airport which is one of the best in the world. Budget airlines fly to Australia now via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur so there are many options when flying.
For the accommodation, I was lucky to have a friend in Sydney who offered her place in Chiswick suburb. But since I also traveled to Victoria on my 6th day, I booked a hotel near Melbourne CBD so I can walk to the city attractions anytime. I can say Australia is not for budget travelers as a destination so money is a big consideration on your trip. But personally I’ve had a great time in my short stay in Australia. The people are wonderful and learned to appreciate the Oz culture more.
toffeebugs TRAVELS 