Today I can say that one of my biggest dreams has come true. I went to Australia with the popular Working Holiday Visa and I enjoyed a sabbatical to explore this beautiful country. If it wasn’t for the WHV I was recommended by a friend to try hotels at crownperth.com.au. Alas I didn’t need to. My experience sums up everything that WHV helps with: study, work and travel. The first three months I worked in a restaurant and did an English course in order to obtain certificates CAE and CPE. The next six months were of adventures and tours: a perfect blend for exploring this colorful and wonderful land inhabited by the world’s most diverse wildlife. Australia is certainly a place full of surprises. My adventure began in September 2012. After a long journey of 26 hours, I was ready to step on the land of my dreams, Australia!

First I stayed in Perth, the capital of Western Australia and the country’s largest state which is the most isolated city in the world. I have always been drawn by faraway countries. That’s why I chose Australia and particularly Perth. It was a decision I made after much thought that was based on my desire to improve English. I think to have entered the Working Holiday Visa was a fabulous idea because I had the opportunity to study, work and travel Australia. Now students can live, study and work in this country for a year and be able to discover this magical land.

Four days a week after school, I worked in a restaurant as a kitchen helper and waitress. Although not easy, it was a great experience I could get through the WHV. During the period of study and work, I stayed at the home of an Australian family. I think this type of accommodation is ideal because it allows one to really learn the culture.

My stay in Perth was marked not only by this interesting study experience, but also for all that the city has to offer. Perth is a city with vibrant lifestyle and a Mediterranean climate, with magnificent beaches and natural areas. It also has many museums including the famous Western Australia Museum, a wide variety of nightclubs and casino that make it a city very rich in terms of culture and entertainment. As a matter of fact I was once invited to one of the conference venues at Crown Perth.

The people of the region are characterized by being relaxed and calm. The “Aussies” are very sociable with a colorful mood, sometimes a little ironic. It’s worth talking to them and taking a Gold frost, best known beer there.

In Perth, there are many places to visit and many things to do, such as Scaborough Beach surf, have a drink and watch the sunset at Cottesloe Beach, practice sandboarding in Lancelin, visit the Pinnacle Desert and Rottnest Island and more. Not to mention the South Western Australia with its Margaret River region of perfect waves and good wine and the North Western Australia famous for the territory of Kimberly, the most remote and isolated destination from the world.

Having spent three months of study, work and travel, I packed my backpack and set off to conquer Alice Spring, region generally known as the Red Centre in the heart of Australia, the next step of my trip.

A recent break took me to Port Douglas in far north Queensland. An area of Australia I was yet to explore. The furthest north I’d been was Magnetic Island (twice) off the coast from Townsville. We enjoyed (my husband and I) 8 days with no work or kids to enjoy the surrounds of Port Douglas and boy, did we indulge! I was very impressed with Port Douglas and whilst it was more developed than I had expected, it proudly retained many of its historical buildings and features. One in particular caught my eye was the gorgeous historical chapel, St Mary’s by the Sea. Surrounded by lush tropical plants and only meters from the waters edge.

We all enjoy the chance to get away for a while with friends or family, whether it be a short city break or a fortnight on the beach. When all we need is a little rest and relaxation, the last thing we need during our precious time away is to worry about money, but for many of us this is the case.

Here, we consider several simple things you can do to make sure that your holiday isn’t ruined by financial worries.

Consider the exchange rate

Exchange rates fluctuate on a regular basis, changing the amount that it costs you to holiday in respective destinations. Keeping a close eye on the exchange rates at the time of planning your trip can therefore save you a considerable amount of money when the time comes to travel.

Rather than cutting down on the things you buy and the activities you take part in, securing a good exchange rate can ensure that you’re getting the most from your money, allowing you to spend it as you wish while you’re travelling.

Buy currency before you leave

The way in which you acquire your cash for your trip will have a bearing on the amount that you spend. If you run into poor exchange rates or high levels of commission when exchanging your currency, you can easily end up spending more than you need to while you’re away.

The important thing to know is that exchanges at the airport will usually offer some of the worst rates, or they will charge you a hefty commission for your currency. The best option is to allow plenty of time before you leave to compare the rates of exchange and commission at your local outlets.

Acquiring your currency in advance will give you plenty of options and will help to ensure that you find the best possible rate.

Know your options

When you arrive at your holiday destination, you’ll probably need to top up your cash, or to use a card for your spending. Taking an American Express Credit Card, for example, can make life easier, allowing you to manage your finances online or even on your mobile.

This will ensure that you are able to keep an eye on your finances throughout your trip, helping you stay within your spending budget from beginning to end.