Taking a gap year to travel and work in Australia is an amazing opportunity. With its stunning beaches, fascinating wildlife, and friendly locals, Australia is a top destination for backpackers and gap year students. Proper planning and preparation will help you make the most of your Australian gap year adventure.
Research Your Options
First, spend time researching all the opportunities available to you in Australia. Browse gap year program websites to find programs that match your interests. Consider getting a work and holiday visa if you want the freedom to travel and work odd jobs during your gap year. Research interesting places to visit and make a rough itinerary of where you’d like to go. The more research you do, the easier it’ll be to plan a fulfilling gap year in Australia.
Apply for a Visa
Most gap year students in Australia travel on either a working holiday visa or a student visa. A working holiday visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to a year. To be eligible, you must be between 18-30 years old and have sufficient funds to support yourself. A student visa is necessary if you want to enroll in university or college courses during your gap year. Start your visa application at least 2-3 months in advance so you have it in time for your trip.
Book Your Flights
Once you’ve set your dates, start looking for flights! Try booking at least 2-3 months in advance for cheaper fares. Consider flying into one of Australia’s major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. This will make it easier to access more travel and work opportunities during your gap year. You can also look into open-jaw tickets to fly into one city and out of another.
Look into Travel Insurance
Don’t forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your gap year in Australia! Look for a policy that includes health coverage, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and emergency assistance services. For extra peace of mind, get insurance that covers any adventurous activities you plan to try like surfing, skydiving or hiking. Having insurance can save you thousands if you need medical treatment or need to cut your trip short.
Arrange Your Accommodations
One of the most useful things you can do while planning your gap year is booking accommodations in advance for at least the first part of your stay. This gives you one less thing to worry about when you first arrive. Hostels are affordable, social, and cater well to backpackers. You can also find short-term vacation rentals and room shares on websites like Airbnb. Wherever you stay, read reviews carefully and choose places with security features like lockboxes.
Get Necessary Vaccinations
Meet with your doctor 4-6 weeks pre-departure to get any vaccinations recommended for Australia. This typically includes hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and measles, mumps and rubella. You may also need vaccines for diphtheria, polio, and chickenpox if you didn’t get these growing up. Your doctor can help determine what vaccinations you should get.
Staying Connected While Abroad
One concern many people have when traveling is staying connected with friends and family back home. Thankfully, there are great options to help you stay in touch during your gap year. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential for bypassing geographic restrictions and protecting your data when using public Wi-Fi. If you're concerned about missing out on your favorite TV shows or sports games, Cybernews has compiled a list of the best VPN for travel so you don't have to. With the right VPN, you'll be able to keep up with the latest episodes and games.
With some advance preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of your Australian gap year. Get ready for an amazing adventure down under full of new friends, fun adventures and lifelong memories.