Travel @au | Transfercar Blog

Travel Apps: Making Travel Easy-Peasy

With Smart Phones and iPhones basically running the world, they make everything seem easier, even the complications of planning and booking a trip. While travel agents and DIY travel sites are still excellent and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, we think it’s time to turn to our phones to check out what travel apps can do for you and your holiday. Have a look at some of the trending travel apps available. You just might find one that catches your eye. And if we’ve missed any get in touch and let us know which ones you prefer to use and we’ll add them to our next list. Promise!

FlightTrack
This sneaky app helps you check out the paths of heaps of international flights with detailed info on departure gates, delays and even pesky cancellations. If you’re looking forward to someone’s impending arrival, and you want to be there on time, this is the app for you.

WeatherPro
You know how weathermen always get it wrong? Well, with this intuitive app offering weather reports for over two million geographical locations, you’ll never be underprepared again! This app is so accurate that it can basically tell the future of weather. Get it and get it now.

JetLag Genie
How many remedies do you have up your sleeve for jetlag? Well guess what, smarty-pants? They don’t work! What does work is gradually altering your sleeping habits before your trip and this app will help you do that. Simply input your destination, dates and sleep schedule and it will create personalized alarm clocks to set your internal clock straight.

XE CurrencyIt’s all about the bling bling. This free app is the user friendly and it uses live currency rates making it super accurate. FYI: it’s been downloaded over 5 MILLION TIMES, so everyone you know already has it! Get it together!

Packing Pro
Yes, some people need packing help to this extent, and yes, there is an app for to help them. Just tell the app where you’re going and for how long and who with and it tells you what you need to bring in list form that you can tick off as you pack. Amazing.

Onavo
Ugh. Data roaming charges can be a kill buzz for any trip, and I know this first hand. With Onavo the amount of data required to perform everyday tasks is drastically decreased, so it won’t cost you an arm or a leg retrieving emails and posting selfies to Facebook. Can I tell you how it does this? No, no I can’t, but does it matter when it’s saving you money and doesn’t cost anything?!

Perfect World Clock
In a perfect world this clock would run it, but because the world is flawed, we turn to this app to access the time in hundreds of different cities the world over. Is it revolutionary? Not really, but you won’t be calling your mom and dad at 3am anymore so there’s that. Keep time zones at the touch of a screen by adding several clocks as home-screen savers.

TravelSafe Pro
This app is basically your lifesaver. A database of emergency service numbers for every country you’d want to visit, and a few you wouldn’t! And if you’re prone to losing stuff, and your mind in the process, there are embassy details if you “misplace” your passport.

WorldMate
If you have a personal assistant, then I hate you, I mean, fire them this instant because all you need is this app, and this app is all you need. Just forward your various confirmation emails for flights/hotels/hire cars/restaurant bookings etc. to [email protected] and the app generates an itemized itinerary. And it’s free. FREE.

Waze
This is where GPS navigation meets social networking. Just tap in your destination, or use the nifty speech recognition option if you’ve got busy hands, and other users submit traffic reports ensuring you the quickest route!

HopStop
This free app gives you the public transport information of over 68 of the world’s biggest, busiest metropolitan centres. So if you’re looking for the best Metro routes in Paris or you’re just looking to catch a bus in downtown Montreal, this app will give you a stop-by-stop itinerary making it less likely to get lost.

Pin Drop
There are two kinds of travellers: the psycho over-planners who devour all the guidebooks and those who just off and enjoy the spontaneity of travel on the fly. If you subscribe to the latter, this app is for you. It allows you to drop GPS pins onto a map when you come across something interesting, or browse user-made lists recommending the best places for shopping, dining and sleeping in town.

Foodspotting
Foodies rejoice! This app responds to your every gastronomic whim by giving you user-generated recommendations for the local area you’re travelling in. So if you’re in downtown Kiev looking for the best pierogies, have a scroll through Foodspotting and you’ll be on your way to cheesey-potatoey heaven in no time. And it’s free!

Better Translator Pro
Say hello to the highest rated translation app on Android. This app has more than 50 languages in text-to-text mode, and an impressive 11 that operate with the voice recognition feature. Who needs phrasebooks with apps like this?! Don’t expect immediate fluency, and learning a language while travelling is always a better choice, but this app is at least a start in finding your feet in countries where English isn’t centre stage.

I could go on and on as there are so many great travel apps out there these days, but you’ve got work to do exploring the list we have here. When you’re travelling in the States, Australia or New Zealand with your free Transfercar rental, these apps can give you a head-start on the trip of your dreams. With most of the best ones available for nothing, it just goes to show that the best things in life truly are free. Register with us today.

Beachin’ It at The Great Barrier Reef

Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system that consists of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres? Great sounds like a bit of an understatement all of a sudden! Covering an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres, you can find this World Heritage Site in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. So, where the bloody hell are ya!? The Great Barrier Reef waits for no-one. Oh wait, that’s not true, it’s just sitting there. But really, if you haven’t been here are a few reasons why you should!

The Great Barrier Reef is so massive that it can actually be seen from outer space. It’s one of two structures that can be seen from space, alongside the Great Wall of China, but that one’s man-made, so way less cool. The world’s largest single structure is actually made by living organisms: billions of tiny coral polyps. There are literally hundreds of different types of coral here in the reef, in all different colours and textures.

Labelled as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Queensland National Trust named it a state icon of Queensland as well. This Reef is getting all the titles and it deserves it.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects the reef by helping to limit the impact of human use, like fishing and scuba diving. But the reef has bigger problems than just tourism: with climate change and other environmental pressures, the reef has lost over half its coral in the last 20 years. While tourism is a minor problem, it also helps support the area by generating over $3 billion per year. The Whitsunday Islands is a very popular destination for tourists and locals but the reef is also important to Aboriginal Australians as well.

With over thirty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, the Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1,500 different types of fish including the clownfish, red bass, and red-throat emperor. Keep an eye out for forty-nine of the species’ mass spawn! Want another fun-fact? Seventeen different types of sea snake live here! The reef has more than fish and sea snakes: be ready to get wet and wild with 6 different breeds of sea turtles and even some saltwater crocodiles! Add some sharks, stingrays, and 5000 types of mollusc and you’ve got an underwater dance party that’ll have you singing that Disney classic Under the Sea!

But it’s not all sea creatures on the reef. Over 215 different species of birds make nests on the islands and over 1 million of them use the nesting sites to breed. It’s like a veritable Hitchcock movie out here. This incredible natural gift has such breath-taking beauty that people come to see the 3000+ individual reef systems and coral cays and hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with the most beautiful golden beaches.

Known as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, as a visitor to the Great Barrier Reef you can enjoy various experiences including snorkelling, scuba diving, helicopter tours, boating, and countless other cruises and tours. Fearless? Then you can swim with the whales and sharks if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Whatever it is you’re looking for, the Great Barrier Reef can cater to any type of adventurer.

At Transfercar we’ve got the cars to get to all the good spots near the reef. Here are some of the most popular locations on Great Barrier Reef that we think are worth your time…

Haggerstone Island: This incredible Robinson-Crusoe-feel retreat offers a whole new level of exclusivity, intimacy and privacy. Rent out one of the incredible bungalows and take all the time that you need for rest and relaxation. Why not beach yourself with a loved one on this island and spend some time playing Blue Lagoon if you know what I mean, wink wink!

Heron Island: World famous for its incredible scuba diving snorkelling, Heron Island is the place to be if you want to spot the Green and Loggerhead Turtles. If you haven’t snorkelled before there are plenty of businesses on this island and others that have courses to get you get your snorkel on! You’ll see the most amazing array of sea-life with your own eyes and you’ll never need to go back to an aquarium ever again!

Brampton Island: This picturesque island is a beach lover’s dream, offering 12 different golden sand beaches for you to lie back on if you’re over all the adventuring and just want to relax. If you find a beach and you don’t like, just keep walking on to the other 11 beaches! With so many spots you can guarantee you’ll find a place to kick back without be crowded by too many other tourists.

Bedarra Island: Hey moneybags, if you’ve got the cash to spare (after saving money on rental cars by using Transfercar) then now’s the chance to splurge on this luxury retreat. Spas, hotels, shops, you name it, if you’ve got the moolah, here’s the place to spend it.

Lizard Island: Contrary to the popular belief, Lizard Island IS actually covered wall-to-wall in lizards. Don’t go here. I’m just kidding! This place is a tropical paradise. Seriously, there’s only like a few lizards, and none of them bite (maybe). You’ll be too busy frolicking in the water, catching rays with sting rays to worry about these cold blooded critters anyway!

Now, how do you get to this National Treasure?! That’s easy! You can just pick up your free Transfercar rental car from any major Australian city and start driving! The marine park is almost parallel to the Queensland Coast, from Bundaberg, where you can score some great rum, before heading up to Cape York. Just picture yourself, the wind in your hair as you drive along to one of the world’s greatest wonders. So don’t wait any longer. Book now, you won’t believe your eyes.

The Best things to do in Ballarat

Come and see the wonderful city of Ballarat. Home to miners, wizards and the famous Dr. Blake! When people think of holidaying in Australia, they often think of the bigger cities or the outback. Ballarat is a smaller city that packs a punch and is definitely worth a trip to visit. There is so much to do in this city, you can explore the history of the gold rush, wander through gorgeous gardens, spend the day in a Medieval wonderland and see the arty side of the city.

Ballarat has a rich history of gold and mining. To learn more gold rush history in the area, check out the Sovereign Hill outdoor museum. There are over 60 historic buildings, complete with people in period costume, so you can experience life in the gold rush times. In 2012 a gold nugget worth half a million was discovered in the nearby area and is now on display, so maybe you will strike it rich too! While at Sovereign Hill, make sure that you go to the ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’ sound and light show to see the history of the Eureka rebellion.

If you go at the right time of year, you can attend the Ballarat Begonia Festival. This year, around 45,000 people attended and the number keeps growing each year. The festival is one of Australia’s top ten festivals, and has wine tasting, lectures on tea traditions and plenty of things for the kids to do! The event is free and great fun for everyone.

Garden lovers will also enjoy both the Ballarat and Buninyong Botanical gardens. The Ballarat Botanical garden covers over 40 acres and has amazing Victorian style gardens. The garden is home to one of Australia’s biggest cool climate gardens, with 52 mature trees to wander under. The Buningyong Botanical gardens is one of the oldest public gardens in Victoria. It is the perfect place for a picnic, with access to public BBQ’s, playgrounds and great places to spy fish and birds.

A trip to Ballarat would not be complete without a visit to Kryal Castle Adventure Park and Resort. You can walk through a world of dragons and knights, visit Wizard workshops and experience first-hand their magic, potions and spells. Make sure you see the terrific torture rooms and find your way through a mystical maze! Be sure to make a day trip of it!

The Art Gallery in Ballarat is Australia’s oldest regional art gallery. The gallery offers exciting things for everyone; it has a wonderful display of Australian art, including colonial pieces and modern artists. The Art Gallery is located in the Arts and Heritage precinct of the city, so after your visit go and meander through antique stores, bookshops and cafes to complete your day!

Wherever you go, Transfercar can help you get there. Check out our awesome relocation deals to help get you from A to B, for free.

Backpacking tips for the student traveller!

At last! There is a decent break between study long enough to do some travelling! What better way to see the world this holiday season than to pack a bag and head off to backpack around some astounding places? To have a good backpacking trip, it is vital that a few key things are decided before you go. So here are some great tips on how to backpack when you are a student.

You are about to get your backpack and heft it onto your shoulder, and then stride out the door to become as free as a bird! There is just one problem; half your stuff won’t fit, and the stuff that does is causing back problems; you feel like an elderly person already! Here is the best packing order ever so you can stride with purpose and grace, instead of shuffling with pain and agony.

1. At the bottom, pack your sleeping bag and mat. Your bag will have a zip to open the bottom, so you can access these easily.

2. Then in go the shoes (not your walking boots)

3. Then goes the stuff that you doubt you will look at, but need to have; like very thick jumpers.

4. Gadgets and breakable souvenirs should go in next, nestled in safely.

5. Then CLOTHES!! To save space, roll your clothes. And have your ‘unmentionables’ in a drawstring bag…or you will wear the same pair A LOT as the rest will be lost to the depths of the bag.

6. Have a second drawstring bag for dirty laundry, and try not to confuse them!

7. Then place the cooking pan (with stuff crammed inside it) on top of the clothes and laundry.

8. Finally, your rain jacket, for easy access

9. In the top pocket place everything small, that would otherwise hide and not be seen until the great unpack after the trip; lip balm, sunscreen, first aid kit, tissue, hat etc

10. Remember, pack into the corners stuffing them with things that are unlikely to be used; like the hat and gloves you packed just in case Egypt got snow…

Who are you going to backpack with? Are going to be a solo Stanley, or head off round the world with your best mate, or are you wanting to go in a big group of all your friends? There are pros and cons to all. Solo means you don’t have to worry about other people, if you love a city, then break out the spontaneity and just stay a while longer. The feeling of freedom can be awesome. However, it can also be more expensive, and as a student, low cost travel is much better for those loans… Heading off with your best mate seems like a rockin’ idea, it will be cheap, you can split the cost of rooms and food between you. Plus there is an added safety bonus; they have your back. If your best friend is the stay at home type, or wants to travel but you have different ideas of where to spend the holidays, then you could join a bigger backpacking group. If you get a group big enough that entire dorms are booked out at the hostel by you, and you can get group discounts at museums and tourist spots, then this is a great idea. But, it requires A LOT of planning!! Everything has to be booked way in advance, and you have to stick to the schedule.

Where are you going to stay? A hostel is great fun, you get to meet loads of people and make friends from all over the world. They can also be a great, cheap option for the student traveller. It’s a good idea to have your sleeping bag ready, just in case they don’t provide sheets (or you don’t want to use them) and in a hostel you won’t have much privacy. If you do go with the hostel option, always dibs the bottom bunk as ladders are hard to navigate after a few beers at the backpacking bar. A campervan is great if you are travelling with a small group of friends and you can all split the cost. In a campervan, you won’t have to worry about thieves or ‘that guy’. You can often get amazing deals on travelling with campervans (and the very best deals are with Transfercar), so keep your beady wee eye out for them. Just make sure you can cover the cost of petrol. Camping is another option, and is good for if you are walking across a country or something similar, just make sure there are good, safe, camping spots dotted all over where you plan on strolling.

How are you going to get there? Planes are fast, but expensive and you don’t get to see the countryside. If you have a campervan, you are already covered, but for other situations a car might be best. Backpacking and road trips is an awesome combination and definitely worth considering. Bikes are also good if you are not planning on going a million miles in one day.

Finally- where are you going? There are many amazing places to backpack or to travel around cheaply if you do it right. Just remember to balance it, for one expensive city you can probably see three non-expensive, so maybe go to Paris, and then Eastern Europe. Or Madrid, and then walk the Camino de Santiago. Other options can be to pick a cheaper country, like Indonesia or Costa Rica and just spend a long time there, you will get such an amazing knowledge of the place, and phenomenal experiences.

However you decide to travel this holiday season, Transfercar can help you. We have great campervan deals, and great car deals to get your where you need to go! Transfercar will help get you to the best backpacking destinations on the planet. So enjoy your gallivanting around the world!

Best Vacation Spots

At this time of year, with the glorious holiday season happening soon, it is time to start planning the perfect getaway; whether you are wanting a ravishing romantic weekend, or a trip away with your mates, or a fun family foray out into the world. Sometimes, there are so many options it is hard to know where to go. Luckily for all, Transfercar has you covered and we have found some amazing spots for you to travel to!

First up on the list of awesomeness is Krabi, Thailand. This is the perfect romantic getaway, it is quiet and draw-droppingly beautiful with paradise at your feet. There is also lots of sunshine (providing you don’t opt to go in Monsoon season). There are endless empty beaches, many with legendary beauty, where you and your Significant Other can stroll and swim in relative seclusion. You are bound to enjoy the phenomenal jungle walks and treks. There are so many activities to do, with scuba diving and rock climbing for the adventurous, and local shrines and idyllic white beaches for those wanting to relax. There are a gazillion pristine islands to either stay on or visit, and the Tiger Cave Temple is a must see by all. For those wanting an amazing place to unwind from the hectic year, or those who are thinking New Years is a good time to propose- then this is the place to be (and yes, you can ‘claim’ full credit for the idea when it goes well).

Next up on the list is the phenomenal Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. The Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada, located only 50 miles from Las Vegas. The area has seriously cool geological and historical sites for you to look at, all are unique and highly interesting; from petrified trees to 3000 year old petroglyphs. Also, telling anyone you are going to the Valley of Fire makes you sound awesomely daring and adventurous. However, the name actually comes from the colour of all the unbelievable rock formations, rather than any daredevil lava spouts. The area is only six miles from the gorgeous Lake Mead where you can swim, fish and go boating. With lots of fantastic hikes and walks, this is a brilliant place to go camping. The fall, and also spring, is the perfect time to go with very pleasant temperatures. If you decide to go in winter, be prepared to wrap up warm. A great place to head with a group of friends, some beer and some smores making ingredients.

Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is a beautiful place, with great things to do for the whole family. From kayaking out on the sound, to hiking through Fiordland national park and taking cruises and scenic flights. For all the hikers out there, Fiordland has walks for everyone- from mild and mellow 30 min strolls to the epic Kepler Track, a 60km, four day, mega trek. Because of all the wonderful water, there are an abundance of seals, dolphins and penguins- great for any budding marine biologists! There is also phenomenal diving, as a layer of fresh water on top of the salty, allowing divers to see creatures that usually live much deeper in the ocean! There are also amazing glow worm caves that look so magical they will inspire the young ones and delight the old. Make sure you take all your wet weather gear though, as it is one of the rainiest places in New Zealand!

For those of you thinking the holidays are best spent partying, Darwin is a brilliant place to go this holiday season. The Drinking capital of Australia, this is great place if you are looking for a good time, with multiple great clubs and bars! Make sure you learn the can system before you go, just say ‘red can’ or ‘blue can’ or another colour, each coloured can gives you an awesome different beer! If you want class and sophistication, then Darwin is the perfect climate for fruit cocktails, with lots of plentiful sunshine. If you don’t know where you want to go, then just take a stroll down Mitchell Street to find your place to party, this street is located in the city center with bars and clubs to suit everyone.

Onwards with the list! What is the polar opposite of the desert in Nevada? ‘Why, it is the gigantic Californian Redwoods’, I hear you cry! Seeing the Redwoods is a humbling experience that will inspire you and reconnect you with nature. The trees will fill you with an inner silence and acceptance- the perfect holiday for a back to nature retreat, maybe even a solo sojourn. You should note, that if you go at this time of year you will have plenty of rain so bring lots of hot chocolate, good books and prepare to just absorb the wonder around you, while you wait for the sun to shine and hikes to begin. Even in snow, this is an epic holiday, and if you do decide to make this an awesome family experience then snowball fights will be awesome with the tree trunks as natural forts. Just watch out that you don’t pelt any bears by mistakes! Possible wildlife to see is elk, mountain lions and if you go between the spring and in the fall there are black bears; and even more exciting is the fact that if you go along the coastline, you may even see grey whales!

The whole world has so many wonderful and unique places to see, these are just our current favorites! So pick a spot and prepare for an awesome vacation this holiday season, whether you decide to become a beach babe or nature buff, your getaway is well deserved! Wherever you go , Transfercar can help you get there, so make sure you check out our awesome cars to help get you from A to B and beyond. Happy travelling everybody!

Hidden Treasures of the Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast is an insanely fun place to visit. It’s the number one travel destination in Australia and it’s clear why. The Gold Coast is an endless playground of entertainment, adventure and sometimes debauchery, where there is literally something to suit everyone.

From big clubs to iconic golden beaches, the Gold Coast is an excellent place to get away from the dreariness of everyday life. How many cities in the world can boast multiple worlds in one city? Is anybody up for Sea World, Movie World, Dream World or White Water World? This can sometimes be a problem: The Gold Coast seems like one big amusement park which might not be for everyone. Some of you may want to enjoy a vacation not being surrounded by hoards of other tourists (and their kids!). So we thought we’d present you with some Secret-Squirrel Spots on the Gold Coast to help you think of this wonderful part of Australia in a different light. Read on!

Make a Wish

The Wishing Tree Track: Nestled within the Green Mountains, this mysterious little excursion takes you on a 2.4km trek below O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The walk to the wishing tree is all downhill, thankfully, and takes you along a native flora thick track. Just when you think you’ve seen the most beautiful part of the world on this track, the last quarter of the track will blow your mind. The most adorable suspension bridge awaits you near the end of the track at the ‘piece de resistance’: The Wishing Tree. Once you hit the tree, and you’ve made your wish, take a left into the Glow Worm Gully to see… the Glow Worms! They’re nowhere near as gross as you think.

Come to Coombabah

If you’re looking to get away from the hubbub of the Gold Coast then you’ve got to head to the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area. This area protects more than 1200 hectares of wetland, saltmarsh and mangrove swamp habitat. This is one of the best places in Australia for short hikes, bird watching and plant admiring!

Au Naturel at the Natural Bridge

One of the best day trips you can treat yourself to is in the incredible hinterland, where you’ll find the amazing (and yet unassumingly named) Natural Bridge. The walk to the bridge is quite short and there are plenty of wee secret spots to stop at so you can get away from the tourists, or your family! The Natural Bridge is a magical geological feature created by water erosion through the roof of a basalt cave over literally millions of years. Again, we’ve got some more glow worms, but don’t worry, they don’t bite! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a dip in the water but there are sometimes restrictions in place, so heads up!

Rock and Roll at the Rock Pools

Currumbin Valley Rock Pools is a great place for a fun-filled scenic day out for families or couples. Here’s a hint: walk 50 meters upstream to the small waterfall tucked away from the main attraction if you want some privacy. There are heaps of picnic tables, toilets and look-outs near the rock pools. If it’s warm enough, which is always is, bring your bathers, togs and swimsuits and take to the slippery rocks that provide natural slides into the fresh water!

Life’s a Beach at Greenmount Beach

When you think of the Gold Coast beaches you think of Surfer’s Paradise of Burleigh first but Greenmount is a popular destination for locals in the know. At low tide, Greenmount has some nice secluded spots around the rocks just perfect for sunbathing or a picnic. If you’re looking for some action, head further south to spot the surfers on the frothing main stretch of surf. You won’t be disappointed! Be sure to keep an eye out for the ‘Love Locks’ as they’ve become popular along this stretch, where lovebirds sign a padlock and leave it on the boardwalk fence in memory. Pretty romantic!

When in doubt: Picnic

Picnic Rock can be found in the Green Mountains at the Lamington National Park. This incredible picnic spot is located in a world heritage listed rainforest and has some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see. Considering the trek here is a 3.5km hike through the rainforest, you can rest assured that there won’t be masses of people here. Bring a blanket as the only place to sit is, well, on the rock! If you’re not up for the trek then take an easier stroll through the Regional Botanic Gardens which are a great picnic place too. Spread out over 31 hectares, there are all kinds of walks suited to different taste. Be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden and the Rose Garden. If you’re travelling with kids, the Gardens are a great spot to bring bikes and scooters. There are also plenty of boardwalks and playgrounds to keep the little ones busy while you admire all the native plant species.

When you’re travelling to the Gold Coast with friends, family or even by yourself, there are all kinds of entertainment to pique your interest. If you’re not into the party-hard lifestyle of downtown Brisbane, then jump in your free rental car and explore the wilderness and nature that surrounds the bustling city. The beaches may not be your scene, but don’t worry, the Gold Coast has plenty to offer everyone. At Transfercar, we always have heaps of relocation vehicles that need to be moved to and around the Gold Coast. When you register with us you can be sure you’re going to save money on travel, leaving you more cash in your stash to spend on good food and wine for those picnics, eh? We look forward to hearing from you mate!