Here’s a few tourist tips I found priceless from my last adventure around Australia and the Pacific.
Cairns is the best place to learn how to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef if you want good value and attention to safety
No matter what you have read, you won’t be able to sort out your Scuba Diving or Great Barrier Reef Cruises in Cairns cheaper when you arrive . In fact they will possibly all be full in the busy season.
The down under sun is intensly strong. Always wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion, even on the cloudiest days. If spending the whole day outdoors, reapply sunscreen often. Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day when the sun is deadliest. Make sure you drink heaps of water to avoid dehydration.
Kava, the local 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 in safe surroundings. One or two sips won’t do much, however, so don’t be worried about trying it if you trust the supplier.One other note: 20 years ago women NEVER were involved in the kava ritual. In tourist areas this has changed, but in the outer islands of Fiji and many other island countries, it remains forbidden.
Fiji Warning. I have been speaking to some old school friends who have just returned from a round the world vacation.Try to use your mastercards as little as possible as both of them had $1000 stolen from their accounts whilst in Fiji.Luckily they had travel insurance so will be covered.
Drive carefully in NZ. Drinking and driving is unfortunately an unnecessary part of rural NZ culture – especially on the North Island. Kiwi’s are notoriously aggressive drivers.Those roads are narrow and winding. Don’t try to hurry up. Don’t try to use the cruise control. Don’t accidentally use the wrong (right) lane.Seriously. So many deaths in NZ are from car wrecks. Be safe.
When going on a hike whilst in Australia check the grading of the bushwalk and think about employing a qualified guide for long or difficult hikes. If walking unaccompanied, tell someone where you’re going to go and when you expect to return. Wear protective shoes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent and take wet weather gear, a topographic map and compass. When walking, stay on the track, behind safety barriers and away from precarious drops. Don’t touch native animals, as you might get attacked. Plan walking in colder months carefully.
I trust these assist anyone off that way soon.