Here’s to enjoying Australia Day without the (Financial) Hangover!
With our National Day just around the corner, millions of Aussies are preparing to party both here and overseas with the key calendar date set to be celebrated with formal and informal events across the world.
In the States, Australia Day is celebrated over two weeks, starting with the annual G’Day USA Australia Day festivities across cities. The UK also joins the bandwagon, with London being one of the biggest expat hubs in the world, while Whistler in Canada is often referred to as “Whistralia” thanks to its large population of Aussie workers.
Indeed, there’s no shortage of hot-spots to party this January 26th! However, the potential dollar cost of our ‘celebrations,’ both here and abroad, can be far more than a few dodgy Facebook photos.
Claudia Saita, Deputy CEO and Executive Director in Australia for Tokio Marine, underwriters for winning World2Cover travel insurance, said that while Australia day is celebrated widely, “it’s important to remember that ‘shoey’ shots and other Aussie antics abroad that may be tolerable at home can land you in major trouble and out of pocket.”
“Breaking the law of the country you’re in can invalidate your insurance, leaving a potentially serious shortfall should anything go wrong. A night in intensive care in Canada can cost upwards of $5000, and the popular destination of Bali costing over $800 a night.
Whether your travelling overseas or interstate this year, our national day can feel far more important to nomadic Aussies than it would at home. Even if your simply marking the day with a barbeque while listening to Triple J’s Hottest 100, here’s a few tips on the best ways to stay out of trouble:
1.Barbeques – A traditional Aussie barbecue is a rite of passage for most! But, if your in India, you might want to throw shrimp on the barbie rather than a burger… In Northern India, cow slaughter is illegal in all states, and can even carry a prison sentence of 10 years in Jammu and Kashmir, or five years in prison and a fine of $197 in Mumbai – even if your in your own home or staying in a five-star hotel!
2.Fireworks – In Finland and Norway, fireworks are only allowed to be set off on New Years Eve, and in the US the laws governing consumer fireworks vary widely from state to state. Ireland and Chile have the toughest laws of all, with all type 2 fireworks – aka “garden fireworks” – only to be seen in professional shows. Watch out! In Ireland alone, you can be fined up to $14, 200 if you are convicted of having illegal fireworks in your possession.
3.Wearing the Australian Flag – If travelling interstate, it’s worth noting that wearing the Australian flag is not “against the law,” however event organisers are within their rights to ban you from a venue if you refuse to follow their house rules. In 2015, both NSW and QLD provided crowd control during public celebrations, asking anyone wearing an Aussie flag as a cape to remove it citing “Tasers, pepper spray, handcuffs, whatever it takes” to remove the offending accessory…
4.Offending the locals – It’s no secret that lawyers can be expensive, with costs of up to $600 per court appearance in Kuala Lumpur. The infamous Budgie Smuggler nine in Malaysia are a prime example of how being a general nuisance can land you in seriously hot water…
5.Hit the beach – Visiting the beach is a true blue Aussie tradition, but be warned, breaking beach time rules can be bad for your wallet. For example, in Italy it is now illegal to save your spot on the sand, with the coastguards confiscating any beach chairs and loungers left overnight, and issuing fines of $284 in some parts of the country.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Australia Day australians abroad travelLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.