If you were in Australia, and someone came up to you and said, "G'day mate! Would you like to grab a stubby? Fairdinkum? You beaut!" would you know what they meant? Translated, it means "Hi friend! Would you like to grab a beer? Really? Great!" While it's a relatively easy transition for most visitors to Australia to get around and understand the course of things, there are some things you need to be aware of when visiting the country.

Some Tips for Traveling and Vacationing in Australia

With Australia travel, the country's seasons are reversed to what we're used to in the U.S. The months of June to August are their winter, and in some spots, especially in the southern regions, it can get pretty cold. Likewise, when December rolls around, the heat can get pretty oppressive. Being familiar with the region you're traveling to and what the weather will be like while you're there is important for packing the proper clothing and accessories.

Unlike restaurants in the U.S., tipping is not expected in Australian establishments. In fact, it's not even considered.

Most shops are open seven days a week in Australia. However, they do follow set hours of operation. If you plan to visit a certain shop, make sure you get there within their open hours.

Tips for Driving in Australia

Sometimes, simply driving from spot to spot is the ideal way of traveling Australia. However, there are some rules that will make your driving experience slightly different than it is in the U.S.

In Australia, you drive on the left side of the road. It can be a tricky thing to get accustomed to, but one you can get a hold of with a little practice. It's also unacceptable to honk your horn unless you are warning another driver who is about to hit you.

If you've been enjoying a few cold ones with some mates, then keep in mind the legal level for blood alcohol level is .05 down under.

If you have a valid U.S. driver’s license, then you won't have a problem getting an Australia rental car to help you get around.

Safety Tips for Traveling Australia

While it's a beautiful country, Australia can be a dangerous place for someone who doesn't like to prepare. For instance, the Outback has a host of dangers that need to be heeded before taking a trip into the rugged terrain. Extra water, petrol, a compass and other survival items should be kept in your vehicle on any trip into the bush. You should also be wary of the indigenous animals of the region as many can cause injury. When you're visiting a country with the rugged terrain and wildlife like Australia, you should research as much as you can before going so you can tell the difference between a dingo and a domesticated dog.

The most important thing you can do to help your Australian vacation go as planned is to simply do a little research about the country you're visiting. While there are many similarities between the U.S. and Australia, many little differences can greatly enhance your trip if you make yourself aware of them before stepping off the plane and heading out to the Australia beaches.

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