Our trip to Australia was our first international trip and there were a few things that we learned from it.
We were a little intimidated by traveling internationally, but it wasn't that big of a deal. The worst part was connecting in Los Angeles, so I'll try to avoid flying through there again, if at all possible. Otherwise, it was fine.
We exchanged some cash once we arrived in Australia, and it was very helpful that we were able to use our friends' bank and avoid exhorbitant fees. Without that luxury, I suppose we would've had to use one of the many expensive currency exchange services. We realized a few days into the trip that we could use our Capital One card without any foreign currency transaction fees that many credit card providers charge, so we could've spent less cash if we'd planned for that from the beginning.
We also traveled at one of the worst times for the exchange rate. The Australian dollar was reaching record highs while we were there, meaning that every dollar we spent in Australia cost us more American Dollars than it would have if the exchange rate were a little more beneficial.
I'm really glad we went when we did, though. Being able to visit a foreign country, or anywhere new for that matter, is so much better when you know someone there who can take you around. That's what made this trip so special - that we were able to spend most of it with some of our best friends. Not only did their guidance around the city help us to experience the best of Melbourne, but we just had a great time hanging out.
We moved to Seattle in February 2008 and shared blog posts and photos during our first few years in Seattle.
- Troy & Lesley H
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Trip to Australia: A few things we learned
Posted by Troy at 7:00 AM
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Australia
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1 comments:
I've developed such a hatred of flying that it's prevented me from thinking ahead towards future international travel plans. But I think I'm starting to get over it and think about where I'd like to go next. Australia is certainly on the list, particularly as Adam and Sofia are there, but Europe is calling me again too. Now if only the exchange rate for those places would turn around...
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