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Visiting the Down Under? Step Outside the Typical Tourist Spots

College can be an exciting yet stressful time for students. This is mainly the case where money is involved. Trying to budget for tuition and fees, textbooks and living expenses is a constant challenge each semester but so is trying to secure funds for the fun stuff. There is always the option of enjoying off-campus activities and events within city limits but many students would rather get away from the area altogether by taking a vacation.

The costs associated with travel, especially to international destinations, do add up quickly and for those attending campuses like Stanford University—known for its higher tuition and fees—the goal of saving up enough money can be difficult but definitely not impossible.

However, should students manage to get enough money saved up for their airfare and accommodations, that isn’t the end of their budgeting plans. Just as it’s important to plan well in advance for purchasing airfare tickets and reserving a room at a hotel, it’s also ideal to create an itinerary for what activities you’ll get into once you arrive and get settled in.

Planning a fun trip to Australia? Start searching online for information related to attractions, events and other related activities that are suitable for first time visitors. Of course there are the gorgeous beach areas like Byron Bay and adventurous places like the Outback that belong on the list of must-see spots, but Australia has many more stunning destinations for students on vacation. There is so much more to the country than the Outback.

In the mood for wining and dining? Many college student vacationers will be pleasantly surprised to know that Australia has a number of wonderful hot spots that fall under this category, such as Hunter Valley , known for its vineyards and national parks that all offer an amazing selection of fine wines, stellar cuisine and beautiful surroundings. However, there is more to this destination than drinking wine and eating great food. Hiking and camping are among a handful of popular activities to choose from.

Want even more outdoorsy places to get into? Then check out what the Blue Mountains have to offer. Students with a love of nature will find all their needs fulfilled with one trip to this area. In addition to the picturesque landscape, which is filled with plenty of trails for hiking and quaint villages, this tourist spot is also home to musical events, open-air markets, flower festivals, sports events and even popular classic car meets.

Worried about the cost? That’s where Internet research comes into play and why it’s ideal to find out this information before getting to your destination. If you know the name of the places you’d like to visit, search online for sites that focus solely on visitor information for those destinations only. Such sites typically have in depth details about what each area has to offer, including maps, a list of attractions and events by month, restaurants, touring schedules and even special deals and discounts.