So continuing on from Part 1. Once our flights had been booked the finer details could be made. So the next step we took was booking our first hostel. We had no idea on where to start to we just decided to pop onto hostelbookers.com and see what hostels were available in Sydney. We actually ended up at a hostel called Jackaroo, which wasn't our first choice, but decided on that because it was a much cheaper option of the two we were looking at! We had decided to stay in a private room, as we would have been travelling for '2 days' which obviously boosts the prices up, but I would definitely recommend doing so to get over the dreaded jet lag but also it slowly breaks you into hostel life. The booking of the hostel was very straight forward, and you get sent through a confirmation email too. Factors I would bear in mind when booking your first hostel are:
Prices: Even though it is the beginning of your trip, accommodation is the biggest expensive when you are travelling, and you might think you wont be staying long at any given hostel so paying the extra $20 a night is fine but you soon get sucked in by the hostel and the people there and I can honestly say you will want to stay longer, unless obviously the hostels is not nice haha.
Reviews: Look at the reviews if you want to know why the hostel is so cheap but please do not rely on them!
Distance from the Airport: This is quite important if your accommodation does not offer airport pick up, and there is no public transport, taxis soon add up!
Facilities at offer: This really is just seeing what else is an added bonus, I say (being an internet addict) that free wifi is always a must or else it really does start adding up, but be aware this is the section where they try to fool you most! Eg free wifi when you book on a tour.
Travel insurance is always one of things that just slips out of your mind until the very last minute (or maybe just mine). But luckily it is very very easy to do and set up. Look around for your best deals, check that the activities you want to participate in are included eg skydiving, surfing ect, as they really will try and trip you up. And then decide if you want basic, silver, gold or whatever options they give you, but I was told to always go one up from the bottom. Touch wood we will not need it but it really isn't wise to travel without it, you really don't want to risk it! Also here in Australia if you hold a UK passport (there are also other selected countries) you are entitled to limited free healthcare. If you need to go tot the hospital/doctors you will either be seen for free or charged and then credited back. Bonus!!
We also had the challenge of finding the 'right' backpack. To be honest you can go and try all the backpacks on in the world but you really will never know how good it is until you've crammed it packed and are jetting off. All you can do is go to an outdoor shop and see a specialist in order to know that the straps and belts are suited for your build. Also top tip you really don't need lots of litres, the more you have the more you will fill it, it is very true to say you will always have a jam packed bag.
No comments:
Post a Comment