I thought I might to post a a few travel tips that I picked up from my last adventure through Australia and the Pacific.
1. In my mind Cairns is the all round best place to learn how to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef taking price, quality and safety into consideration.
No matter what you have heare, you won’t be able to organise your Scuba Diving or Great Barrier Reef Cruises in Cairns cheaper when you arrive .In fact they will probably all be full in the tourist season.
2.The Aussie sun is very strong. Try to wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion, even on the cloudiest days. If spending the whole day outside, reapply sunscreen obsessivly. Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day when the sun is worst. Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
3.Kava, the traditional drink in Fiji, can affect you more than you would think (numbing of your mouth is one thing). Only imbibe if you feel comfortable and are somewhere safe. A couple of mouthfuls won’t do much, however, so don’t be afraid to try it if you trust the supplier.thing|One other note]: 20 years ago women NEVER participated in the kava ritual. In modern areas this has changed, but in the more traditional islands of Fiji and many other island nations, it remains prohibited.
4.Caution in Tonga: What you have heard is not a lie: Tongans are surprisingly light handed, not surprising in a culture where “permenent borrowing” is the done thing. Be especially wary in Tongatapu and in Neifu in the Vava’u islands….. when you leave your hotel or hostel, lock your bag!
5.Drive carefully in NZ. Drinking and driving is sadly an unnecessary part of country Kiwi culture - especially on the South Island. Kiwi’s are notoriously rude drivers.Those roads are narrow and winding. Don’t try to make time. Don’t try to use the cruise control. Don’t accidentally use the wrong (right) [side of the road]. Seriously. So many deaths in NZ are from car accidents. Be careful.
6.When going on a trek, whilst in Australia check the length of the hike and think about using a qualified guide for long or challenging treks. If walking unaccompanied, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Wear protective shoes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent and take protective gear, a topographic map and compass. When walking, stay on the trail, behind safety barriers and away from dangerous situations. Don’t feed native animals, as you might get attacked. Plan walking in colder months carefully.
I hope these help anyone going to New Zealand.
