Have you been wanting to visit Australia but are looking for something other than a regular flight? It might surprise you to learn that there are many cruise lines now offering trips from North America to the land down under. Many people consider cruise life as the ultimate luxury vacation package, so if you have the time, why not take a leisurely trip to Australia?
There are several options that a vacationer can choose from. One is to cruise to Australia from North America, a trip that usually takes anywhere from ten to fourteen days and requires several days at sea. Some vacationers choose to make this part of an extended or world cruise. Still others will cruise to Australia, spend some time enjoying the country, and then fly home, or vice versa. If you choose to cruise to Australia, be prepared to do so during the fall and winter months. You’ll be crossing the equator which means that North America’s winter is Australia’s summer, making it an excellent time for cruise travel. One option is to take a repositioning cruise at the end of the season. Cruise lines need to move their ships to different parts of the world, depending on the time of year, so it may be possible to take a ship home from Australia that is being repositioned to North America. These cruises can be slightly more affordable, but can also require more days at sea.
Another excellent option is to fly to and from Australia, but enjoy a cruise while you are there. There are many cruise lines offering a wide variety of trips, from simple three day jaunts to a trip around the entire continent of Australia. These cruises often also feature New Zealand, Fiji, and other areas in the South Pacific.
Destination weddings are all the rage, and for a couple looking to get married in a unique location, Australia may just seem like the perfect place. Imagine getting married on a white sandy beach, in a lush tropical rainforest, or even in the Outback! What a spectacular way to enjoy your special day and then launch right into an exciting honeymoon. And that doesn’t even factor in the fun your guests will have!
If you are thinking about holding your wedding in Australia, there are some very important considerations that must be thought out well in advance of your big day. First and foremost, you’ll need to ensure that you are meeting all the legal requirements – both in Australia and at home. The last thing you want is to get home from your trip only to find out that your marriage is not legally valid! Check with your local laws first, and find out what you will need in order to legalize the marriage. This may require getting a marriage license from your local authorities prior to your actual wedding.
You’ll also need to follow the legal requirements in Australia. First, settle on the marriage celebrant that you plan to use. Be aware that the fee to perform the wedding will be different from one officiant to another. Once this has been decided, you’ll need to provide them with a Notice of Intended Marriage form, within eighteen months of your wedding day, and no later than one month and one day prior to the day. Birth certificates will be required, as well as proof that any previous marriages have been dissolved.
Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Australia, so if you are looking to have a same-sex wedding, be aware that in Australia you may hold a commitment ceremony but it can not be purported to be a legal union.
This Australian government initiative allows travelers to claim portions of the goods and services tax (GST) and the wine equalization tax (WET) that they pay on goods purchased while in the country. It can result in a large amount of savings for travelers, and so should be considered whenever purchasing goods, and prior to getting on board the plane and heading home.
In order to qualify for the TRS, you must purchase at least $300 worth of goods, including the GST, at one location and ask the cashier for a single tax invoice. Goods must not be purchased more than thirty days before your departure from Australia. All items that you are claiming must be worn on your person or carried in your carry-on luggage, unless security measures prevent them from being brought on board the plane. Goods and services that have been consumed or used while in Australia (ie chocolate, hotel costs) are exempt from the refund. You must make your claim at the airport at least thirty minutes before boarding the plane.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will first pass through Customs and Immigration, after which you will be able to approach the TRS counter to make your claim. You must have the goods, your single tax invoice, passport, and proof of travel, such as your international boarding pass. The refund will be paid by cheque, deposit to an Australian bank account, or payment to a credit card.
Items such as beer, spirits, and tobacco are not eligible for the TRS, however can be purchased at a duty-free store to save on cost. Wine is acceptable for a refund. Since customs must confirm that the goods are leaving Australia with you, eligible goods must be on your person, therefore items that do not fit into your carry-on luggage or worn on your person are not eligible for a refund.
For more information, contact the Australian Customs Service.
