What a month it\u2019s been! With the semester nearing its end, it\u2019s officially time to buckle down and commit to full-on study mode from dawn to dusk. Well\u2026 mostly! Melbourne\u2019s spring warmth brings plenty of fun parties and campus activities that make it tempting to trade in textbooks for time outdoors. We even had a Halloween party, though I’ve learned that Australians don\u2019t celebrate Halloween quite like we do back home. Few people here have ever gone trick-or-treating, so it was fun to share stories and see everyone\u2019s unique costumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from hitting the books and Halloween celebrations, I took a quick trip to Sydney! The highlight? Scuba diving with gray nurse sharks. It was an incredible experience to see these gentle giants up close and learn about their behavior and conservation. One baby shark we saw has scoliosis and needs Botox injections every three months to improve his quality of life. We even explored the iconic Sydney Opera House and tasted some of the best kebabs I\u2019ve ever had, plus a delicious chicken skewer that hit the spot after a long flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This past week marks the start of a series of international adventures! I\u2019m currently writing this on a nine-hour flight to Thailand. We\u2019re staying in Bangkok, where I\u2019m eager to try Thai cuisine and, hopefully, enjoy some sunshine! Spring in Melbourne has been unusually rainy, so the chance to soak up some rays on Bangkok\u2019s bustling streets and maybe hit a beach or two sounds ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before heading out, I picked up some handy travel tips from a local character \u2014 a bike mechanic by day and a fashion photographer by night. He suggested I bring an AM\/FM radio for exploring Thailand, which I thought was an interesting tip. Apparently, tuning in to local stations is a great way to get a feel for the vibe of each place we visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After Thailand, the adventure continues with stops in Cairns and Vietnam. I\u2019m especially looking forward to spending a week in Vietnam, exploring everything from street food stalls to bustling night markets with my travel buddies. After Vietnam, they\u2019ll head back while I fly solo to Fiji. I can\u2019t think of a better way to cap off my semester abroad than with a two-week stay on Fiji\u2019s beaches \u2014 studying hard and diving into assessments is all worth it with this tropical reward in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re thinking of doing your own travel to Australia or the surrounding areas, here are some of my top tips to make the most of it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Fly with Jetstar:<\/strong> They offer tons of affordable options, especially if you\u2019re willing to be flexible with travel amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Hunt for discounts:<\/strong> There are always good deals, especially for last-minute flights. It pays to spend a bit of time searching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Stay in hostels:<\/strong> Hostels here are safe, social and an ideal way to meet other travelers without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Try local food spots:<\/strong> Don\u2019t skip the \u201chole-in-the-wall\u201d places. As long as the food\u2019s cooked, you\u2019ll find incredible flavors that you might not find in the touristy spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Pack light:<\/strong> Australian airlines can be strict with baggage limits, especially for carry-ons, so only bring the essentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This month has been an unforgettable blend of hard work, new friendships and exciting travels. Here\u2019s to more adventures, and the invaluable memories and lessons that come with them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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