One Mans Odyssey

 You may have also noticed the Blogrush panel that has been added to the website. This has been added so you can easily find related blogs accross the 'Blogosphere". I have not had much experience with this but I thought I would trial it out for a while. You can let me know what you think on the contact page.

ATTENTION: If You Want a Successful Blog of Your Own then
You Must Read on…

 Well done, many people with their own blog are quite happy just keeping on at it and never really getting anywhere. You've shown your commitment to success by reading this. I am about to tell you the basis for these latest additions to my site and why…
You Need these tools for Success!

• Aweber - This is a great tool to build a mailing list and is what I use for the subscription service that you can see on this website. You can automatically update your readers or message them as often or as little as you like.

• BlogRush - You will enjoy more readers and they will be getting more from your blog.
  The beauty of this little tool is that you do two things:
  • Supply your readers with more information than you can personaly provide.
  • The BlogRush tool will literally be driving readers to your blog from other blogs. 

Once you have added both of these to your blog you will begin to notice more people visiting your blog. The more people that visit your blog, the more readers coming back to you, the more you have coming back and using blogrush, the more people will visit and this will
create a very positive cycle. Even if nothing else make sure you take advantage of these two opportunities now and your blog will grow faster than you had ever thought possible.

Happy Blogging!

P.S. Remember to Subscribe for Updates so that you can keep up to date on more great travel and blogging articles!

So you've decided you want to visit Australia and you probably have an idea of the type of trip that you want. One of the first hurdles to get over will be getting your visa to enter the country. You will need a Visa for whatever type of trip you take. The main visas that I am aware of are:

• ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Working Holiday Visa
• Student Visa
• Migrants Visa

Which visa you choose will obviously depend n your reason for traveling to the country. This article is mainly about the Working Holiday Visa as this is the one I went for and therefore where most of my knowledge is based. By now you should know which one you need and you need to start looking for information.

A Word of Warning: As I looked around there were many companies who would kindly fill out the forms for you and go through the process on your behalf to "save you time and hassle". DO NOT bother wih this companies unless you have a real aversion to filling out forms. Seriously the process took me no more than half an hour and the visa arrived the next day. By the the end of this guide you should be ready to complete the process in this time or even less.

So you came to find out how to get an australian visa…

The number one bit of advice I shall give you here is that you should check out the official Australian Immigration site(linked at the end of this guide and from the links page). Here you will find more than enough information on all the types of visas out there, the specific details and restrictions on each. This is where I got all the useful information I need about getting a visa. It will give you up to date prices, I paid around £80 at the time for mine in September 2007 as a reference.

The application process could be slightly more in depth if you hold any criminal records or health related issues. It is possible that you will be asked to an interview or for a check up with a doctor before leaving. They will notify you if any of this is necassery after you have sent off your application for  review. There is both a paper and electronic application. I took the electronic version though I am sure they ask similar details.

To complete the form will require:

• Your Passport
• Basic Details about your address etc.
• Know your Reasons for Travelling
• What type of job you expect to have (If a visa that allows you to work)

There was nothing too in depth and once you are finished you submit it. You will then recieve your reply via email had you selected this option, it is not instant. This arrived for me within 24 hours but can take longer so don't worry if yours has not arrived within that time. Once you have this print  you can print if you wish but the document is stored electronically and linked to your passport.

Good Luck & Happy Travelling

 
Get your Australian Visa

A small but exciting update!

I've just got past the second major thing in my preparations. I've Booked my flight for November 19th as planned, this stuff is real!

• £711 return with Qantas

I have booked a return flight dated next year but this can be changed for a fee of £50 so I should be Ok if I need to change it for any reason. Anyhow as I said I really shouldn't be writing this now but you can expect a few updates to the site over the next couple of days. If you are considering travelling yourself then you want to see this!

That's all from me tonight folks,

Dan

Oh, one thing before I go… I've already added something for you!

Visit Essentials Now and gain access to my Australian Treasure Chest!

I have created a group on facebook called 'Lost in Australia' for travellers currently in or planning on going to Australia. It will be a place where members of the social networking site can meet with other non-natives and share tips, stories, pictures and videos.

If you are interested in joining you will need to register on facebook if you haven't already and then visit us here!

Who else wants to have some fun?