backpacker Archives

Tag Archive for: backpacker

Why Moving to Australia could be the Best Decision of your Life!

It seems like everyone is making the move to Australia! If you’re thinking about jumping across the pond, DO IT!! Moving to a new country is a big decision, one that involves a lot of pros and cons lists. If you’re pondering the idea of relocating and looking for a place that offers a blend of opportunities, lifestyle, and natural beauty, Australia should be number one on your list!. Here’s why making the move to Australia could be one of the best decisions you ever make!!

Quality of Life

Australia consistently ranks high in global quality of life lists, and it’s easy to see why! The country has a laid-back lifestyle that perfectly blends city living with easy access to nature. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have top-notch healthcare, great schools, and vibrant arts and culture scenes. Plus, Aussies really know how to balance work and play. Enjoying life outside of work is a big deal here, with plenty of opportunities to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and staying social!

The Outdoors

Australia is famous for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. From the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. The coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres, offering some of the world’s best beaches. Whether you’re into surfing, diving, or just relaxing by the ocean, Australia’s beaches are unbeatable. There are loads of national parks where you can hike, camp, and spot wildlife. The country’s natural diversity means there’s always something new to explore, so you’ll never get bored of discovering all that Australia has to offer. Some of ULTIMATE’s favourite national parks are located in the Blue Mountains, Noosa, and Port Stephens!

Welcoming Culture and Diverse Society

Australians are known for being super friendly and laid-back. The “Aussie” culture is all about inclusiveness and openness, which makes it easy for newcomers to feel right at home. With people from all over the world calling Australia home, the country has a range of different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. This multiculturalism is reflected in the country’s food scene, festivals, and community events. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Thai, Indian, or Middle Eastern cuisine, you’ll find it in Australia.

Great Weather Year-Round

One of the best things about living in Australia is the amazing climate. With mild winters and warm summers, you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round. The weather varies across the country, so you can pick a climate that suits you best. In the southern parts, you get distinct seasons with hot summers and cooler winters. Up north, it’s more tropical, whilst coastal cities usually have a nice, temperate climate, making them perfect for beach lovers and those who enjoy spending time outdoors!

Outdoor Lifestyle and Sports Culture

Aussies are super passionate about sports and the outdoors! Cricket, NRL, and AFL are huge here, with games drawing big, excited crowds. People love playing and watching sports every weekend, and it’s a big part of the culture. Australia’s natural environment is perfect for staying active, with loads of spots for hiking, surfing, and exploring. Whether you’re catching a game at the local pub or hitting the waves, there’s always something fun to get involved in!

Opportunities for Travel and Exploration

Australia’s geographic location provides unique travel opportunities. While the country itself offers an array of destinations to explore, its proximity to Asia and the Pacific means you can easily travel to exciting international destinations. Holidays to Bali, New Zealand, or Fiji offer a chance to experience different cultures and landscapes. Domestic travel is more common for Australians though since the landscape is so unique! Flights between major cities are relatively short and affordable. Each region of Australia has its own charm and attractions, ensuring that you’ll never run out of places to visit!!

Making the move to Australia has so many benefits, from a high quality of life and beautiful natural beauty, to a welcoming culture and many job opportunities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, better career prospects, or an incredible work-life balance, Australia has something to offer everyone. Australia is the ultimate destination for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives. So, why not take the plunge and make the move to the land down under? You won’t regret it!

by Chloe Williams

Featured, Travel Tips!

The 9 Types of Backpackers You’ll Meet Traveling

Backpackers you’ll meet traveling

While we often pick a place to travel based on the destinations, the iconic attractions, and the Insta-worthy monuments, our experiences are ultimately determined by the quirky and unforgettable people we meet along the way. Although I spent majority of my time in Budapest arguing with a Hungarian doctor to stitch up my friends head, we both credit the trip as one for the books just because of the hilarious people we suffered with. Or the time in Ireland when we stayed in an absolute dump of a hostel, but met a 44 person Gaelic football team that dragged us to a bar where the average age was a ripe 80 years old.

So after my fair share of backpacking, I’ve noticed there tends to be a few consistent types of travellers we all meet. Whether they’re absolute legends or just plain awkward bunkmates, you can bet you’ll meet some if not all of the following travelers:

‘The 40 year old that thinks he’s 18’ Backpacker

He’s means well, he really does. They’ve probably just left a boring corporate job and are trying to fulfill their backpacking dreams while they still can, but when your grandpa’s look-alike is trying to tag along as your partner for the hostel’s beer pong tourny, it starts to get awkward.

‘The Buzz Kill’

The Wet Blanket, the Debbie Downer, the Negative Nancy, whatever his/her name, they’re a mega buzzkill. Either the city is too dirty, the sun too sunny, or the food truck only has 2 Michelin stars, but everything just subpar. Avoid these travelers at all costs or else you’ll start seeing the once sparkling Eiffel Tower as a couple of chopsticks with some old Christmas lights thrown on.

The One Who You Have Literally No Idea How They’re Still Alive

How are they standing in front of you right now?!? They’ve lost their passport, they have no money in their account, and haven’t slept in days but have made it from point A to point B in some sort of fashion. I recommend to keep these kids around for a short but insane time as you’ll probably end up in the most memorable situations, but you also may end up on the side of the road 30 km from Melbourne with no cell phone signal or money… but hey, you win some you lose some. They’re either really goddamn smooth and can charm their way into the VIP area of the most exclusive club, or they’ve made a deal with the devil for just one more night in Ibiza. God help them wherever they land.

The Planner

The complete opposite of above. They’ve researched the museums, they’ve booked the tours, they’ve meal prepped, and they’re ready to just go with the flow. Ha! Just kidding. Any group needs a mama bear like this, but if you’re traveling with one (or are one), make sure to get a couple drinks in every now to take some stress off of the itinerary.

The ‘Blogger’

These travelers have a few pros and cons. You’ll have endless amount of photos of yourself looking at sunsets and maybe even a 30 second video of the trip that took zero effort on your part. The cons are that you’ll spend half your time watching him/her get the perfect foodie shot and the other half determining the best quote as a caption. Hint: ‘I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list’ definitely hasn’t been overused.

The Americans/Canadians/Australians

You’ll hear them before you see them. The only difference between the three is that one apologizes for how rowdy the other two are getting at morning mimosas (eh?). I can say it cause I am one, but travelers from one these three lovely, raucous countries will surely let you know that they’re from one of these three lovely, raucous countries. They’re fun loving and heavy drinkers so put your party pants on for a nice long round of Cheers Governor.

The Hippie

While I always encourage people to pack light, these guys tend to take the advice to the extreme. You can spot them with the faded jeans, heavily worn backpack, and their homemade squirrel nut grub, always up for a spiritual chat that you may or may not want to continue after the first 45 minutes. They may be the one that has lived at the same hostel since they’ve arrived, or they may be bopping from couch to beach depending on the weather.

The One that High-Fives the Front Desk

They know everyone at the hostel and can tell you the latest drama at between Abby and Sarah (like seriously, you didn’t hear?!). They’re either extremely outgoing and quirky or have just been there for god knows how long. Either way, they are, or think they are, really popular.

And the One Who’s Shaking the Top Bunk

If you know, you know.

Can you think of any more? Let us know in the comments below!

Planning your gap year adventure? Check out our ULTIMATE backpacker tours & get in touch for more info!

by Mackenzie Thomas

Featured, New Zealand

5 Reasons Why NZ Is a Backpackers Paradise

New Zealand: A Backpackers Paradise

The land of the Kiwis is often hyped as one of the most well travelled and photogenic places in the world, and for all the right reasons. Not only will the New Zealand photos rack up your Instagram likes, but it boasts some epic adventures to cross off your bucket list. The laid-back, high-quality lifestyle has attracted more and more backpackers looking for one hell of a place to travel to, and New Zealand does not disappoint!

Seriously Friendly Kiwis!

This lovely bunch of people are friendly, welcoming and always up for a chat! When you’re travelling the locals you come across can really make a difference to how you much your enjoy your time so it helps to have locals who are excited for you to be travelling their country! They usually have a few local recommendations up their sleeves too! 😉 After briefly chatting with a local on the street while looking for some late afternoon grub in Queenstown, I was given some insider tips and told to head to the famous Fergberger burger joint. This place is AMAZING and as my new Kiwi friend had suggested I phone ahead to order, I didn’t even have to wait in line! #MakeKiwiFriends!

Adrenaline Activities

From bungy jumping, white water rafting and kayaking to glacier hiking and snowboarding, New Zealand is THE place to be if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie!

Not only does New Zealand offer some amazing activities, but you’ll also be doing them in some of the most stunning spots in the world. Try Skydiving over mountains, jet boating through crystal clear rivers and zorbing down ‘Hobbiton’ hills. Ask our travel team for recommendations!

Travel

One of the best things about travelling around NZ is how many different travelling options there are. You can join guided group tours (recommended for when you first arrive – check out Ultimate NZ), buy a hop-on, hop-off bus pass or road trip it in a camper or car. Whatever you decide, the adventures are endless!

Maori Culture

One of the most unique things about New Zealand is how true many of them have held onto the traditional Maori culture. You must be on a tour to visit a Marae, which is a tribal meeting ground, but it is fascinating and truly special to be a part of. The local people will hold speeches, sing traditional songs, and eat a hangi feast. If you’ve ever seen a New Zealand’s All Blacks haka warrior dance, you know that the Maori ceremonies are something to behold!

North and South Islands

New Zealand is small yet mighty! The North and South Islands are both stunning in different ways! The North Island is rich in Maori culture, has tons of hot springs (and even a beach where you can dig your own jacuzzi!), scuba diving, and swimmable beaches. In comparison, the South Island has more dramatic scenery, stunning lakes and mountains. You’ll find amazing beaches and breathtaking National parks in both the North and South Island of New Zealand!

New Zealand is crazy beautiful and packs a punch, full of spectacular mountains and beaches for your adventurous side while still being able to enjoy the backpacker life and have an epic night out on the town. Pack your bags, buy your ticket, and check one more amazing country off your list!

Planning your gap year in New Zealand? Why not start your year with our awesome 8 day tour of the North Island. Check out Ultimate NZ and download your FREE brochure today!

by Mackenzie Thomas

Featured, Southeast Asia

Confessions of a backpacker in Southeast Asia

Confessions of a Backpacker in Southeast Asia

So while backpacking many different countries, you’ll find yourself in some potentially sticky situations or making decisions that perhaps under normal circumstances at home you wouldn’t consider. Some of these decisions may be questionable to others but nevertheless end up being a funny story! So here a just a few “confessions of a backpacker” that I have come across while travelling, some of which may be personal experiences and some are stories that I have been told or have seen happen:

The Bum Gun!

When travelling through Southeast Asia, you’ll probably get ‘Bali belly’ at least once. It only takes one dodgy bit of street food mixed with non stop drinking and non-potable water to get you rushing to use the toilet! In this rush, you may forget to check if there is (or remember to take your own!) toilet paper in the cubicle. Upon finishing you may also realise there is none, and your only option is to use the bum gun, an amazing invention which as it’s name suggests allows you to spray yourself with a toilet hose after going. With no paper left to dry yourself, you may have to resort to using the t-shirt you’re wearing to dry yourself.

The Sniff Test!

One that every backpacker will come across! Adopting the ‘sniff test’ while travelling, ie smelling your clothes before putting them on to check if you can get another day’s wear out of them or if you will insult everyone you meet that day. The similar ‘turn your underwear inside out to get another days wear out of them’ trick is also something most backpackers will confess to! Oh the joys of backpacking! 😉

Missing Luggage!

When your airline misplaces your bag and you wear the same clothes for 3 days (see above!) instead of buying a new top or borrowing from a new travel buddy. C’mon, we’re on a backpacking budget afterall!

Weeing in the wild!

When your overnight bus breaks down and you’re in the middle of nowhere desperate for the loo so you end up having to wee behind a bush on the roadside. You’ll never see those locals driving past on their mopeds again right?

Get Low!

When you take part in a topless limbo in order to get a free bucket on Koh Phi Phi. Girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!

Money, money, money

It can be hard to get your head around the different currencies in Southeast Asia! With £1 converting to approximately 17,000 Indonesian Rupiah, the exchange could leave even the best mathematician a little confused. You may learn the hard way and end up paying the toilet attendant the equivalent of £10 to use the toilet, instead of the £0.10 they’d asked for!

#DrunkenTats

When your friend says they want to draw you a travel tattoo and you naturally think it’s a fantastic idea and go along with it.. because you always wanted a stickman on a scooter tattoo!