Cool Weather of Australia

Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in India. But like India, it is a land of diversity in terms of climate, and has tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, arid deserts and vast grazing lands as also a rich coral reef, abundant with marine life.

The transition from India to Australia, especially for North Indians is generally comfortable. The climate is generally warmer, but in the northern Australian states, is similar to that of Southwest Asia and the Pacific. Temperatures in Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia average about 20ºC to 29ºC in the summer, and about 10ºC to 22ºC in the winter.

In the southern states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, temperatures range from about 16ºC to 26ºC in the summer and about 7ºC to 15ºC in the winter. However, it does snow in Australia in the highlands and southern areas, so warm clothes are advisable for winter wear - and even in summer it is advisable to carry a light jacket, as the weather can cool off considerably.

Checklist

Before you leave, be sure to pack:

• Your documents,
• Ticket and Visa,
• Important telephone numbers,
• Right kind of clothes- Lightweights during summer months with warmer clothes for the cooler winter period,
• Right kind of gear- Sunglasses, sunhats and sunblock lotion are recommended year round in the north and during the summer months in the south

Language and Culture of Australia

Australia is a multi-cultural land. The main language in Australia is English. The country has more than 1 million Asians currently living in Australia.

Of course you’ll have teething problems of cost cutting, budgeting, finding your way around and facing some form of discrimination, but those are the initial hiccups in any foreign land. Australia is known for its well designed programs, favorable weather conditions, secure living and a plethora of options served on a huge platter.

You will need to pick a city that’s simple and affordable. Melbourne and Sydney are on the higher side, so in order to balance the cost of living and enjoy the beaches at the same time, then go for Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.

Travel to the USA

The United States of America is the most preferred choice of destination for many individuals and families around the globe. Individuals/Families travel to the U.S. for various purposes ranging from education, employment, personal, medical treatment, business, and tourism. Possession of a valid visa and passport of your home country allows you to travel to a port of entry in the United States.

At the foremost, a prospective traveler to the U.S. needs to locate the nearest U.S. Embassy/consulate and apply for a visa well in advance. A valid passport and necessary documents should be showed to support the visa application process.

Student applicants need to apply for a student visa, find colleges and universities in the U.S. and apply for financial aid. A course enrollment certificate to a U.S. school or university is compulsory before starting the visa application process.

As a norm, foreign visitors on arrival in USA are required to show valid passport and visa documents. Foreign visitors are also required to fill the I-94 form and any cash, 'monetary instruments' or traveler cheques above US $10,000 or more (in any currency) ought to be declared with the custom authorities.

Plan Your Journey Well

A journey needs to be planned well in advance. It is more important in the context of foreign tours as it involves issuance of passports and also issuance of visa in due time before the departure period. One also should get accustomed to the conditions in the traveling country beforehand to make the trip most pleasurable and exciting.

Alternative Modes of Travel

Air travel is the primary mode of travel between India and the United States. Sea routes are generally opted to ferry vast manufactured products and raw materials. However, a person interested to travel by sea shall explore gorgeous views, get a chance to socialize with a dash of adventure that is hard to find anywhere else. Luxury liners and cruises operate between India and USA via European countries.

Acclimatizing Yourself with the New Weather Conditions

Tourists/Travelers generally opt to go to America during the summer season. Autumn or spring seasons are also commonly preferred.

The climatic condition in most parts of US is temperate. Southern parts of US are hot and northern parts are more seasonal. Surprisingly, when the beaches of Florida and Miami are warm, winters in the northeast can dip to a freezing point.

As it is known that the USA is also a big country with variations in temperature, it is recommended to find out the climatic condition beforehand of the place where you will be staying.

Travel Insurance for Safety

To avoid unpleasant situations arising out of sickness, injury, theft or accident, it is relatively safe to be adequately insured before traveling to a foreign destination.

Travel Insurance provides a person with protection cover in case of cancellation of travel plans arising due to accident, injury or illness. A local insurer will guide you best whether to opt for domestic travel insurance or international travel insurance, in consideration with unique needs.

Travel insurance plans are available on the web. However, only a few insurers provide a wide array of travel insurance plans.

Travel to Singapore

Singapore is a unique destination where one can realize huge business potential and discover delightful tourist attractions spread all over the amazing island. Situated on a strategic point, Singapore is truly modern with a conglomeration of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures.

Singapore is known for advancement in Aviation, Information Technology, Banking, and Finance amongst other sectors. Tourism is also a thriving and booming industry in Singapore. Singapore has sparkled as a top city convention centre for the last 23 consecutive years.

To embark on a wonderful tour of Singapore, certain immigration norms must be fulfilled; at the foremost. Indian nationals must possess valid travel documents, including a passport with at least six months of validity after your scheduled return trip, followed by a visa application to the nearest Singapore Embassy/Consulate. On successful possession of a valid Singapore visa, a trip may be finalized. All foreigners upon arrival in Singapore are required to fill a Disembarkation/Embarkation card, also known as D/E card.

Before applying for a student visa, all foreign students must first be offered a full time course with an educational institute within the list of IHL (Institute Of Higher Learning) in Singapore.

Singapore has strict rules that prohibit goods such as chewing gum, chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products, cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shapes, controlled drugs and psychotropic substances. It is advisable not to carry goods for others and to get accustomed to basic customs of Singapore beforehand.

Traveling Expenses for Singapore

Singapore has a world class tourism industry that caters to travelers from every section and any geographical location.

A self-arranged tour to Singapore is totally dependent on the income/budget of the individual/family. Arranged holiday or business tours come with a certain price tag and due to the variety of travel schemes provided by different tour operators, a fixed price is difficult to be quoted. It is, however, more expensive than its Southeast Asian counterparts. An individual budget of Singapore $150.00/per day, including accommodation is a viable budget.

The currency used in Singapore is Dollar ($). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks though the exchange rates may vary. Service tax is applicable on currency exchange.

It must be noted that individuals entering/leaving Singapore with travellers check or monetary instruments (CBNI) to the total value of above Singapore $ 30,000 (or its equivalent in any foreign currency) must fill up the CBNI Report (Traveller) form (Form NP727).

Get Air Booking

Four million travellers travel to and from Singapore every year. With such huge passenger traffic, it is realistic to say that Singapore is well connected to more than 160 cities all around the world. Foreign travellers are advised to book air tickets after receiving a valid visa and after organizing important documents.

Cheapest air tickets are on offer all around the year, especially with the fiercely competitive nature of air-travel industry. Website of leading airlines may be checked for a comparative cheap air ticket and booked through credit/debit cards. Alternatively, one may pick up cheaper tickets offered during promotional schemes by leading airlines at regular intervals.

While travelling by air, medicines carried must be checked to ensure they are not controlled or banned by the Singapore government. It is advisable to carry personal health records and proper medical prescriptions assigned by a qualified medical practitioner along with medicines.

Carrying prescribed medicine and prescriptions not for your personal use or for someone travelling with you may be illegal.

Buy Cheap Air Tickets

The United States of America has maximum air linkages with almost every country of the world and regular flights operate from major cities of the world. Its international airports are located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC.

America has some of the busiest airports in the world handling millions of passengers daily. Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Dallas's Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport are some of the busiest airports in the world. Airfare in the U.S.A is very competitive and Americans are the world's most frequent fliers.

An overwhelming majority of foreign visitors arrive in the United States by air and with the constant increase in air traffic, fares have been lowered. For a cheap ticket, ticket prices of all the leading airlines for the best scheduled flight and low-cost flights may be compared through the web. It is advisable to purchase air tickets after receiving the visa.

International air fares to and from the USA are amongst the lowest. Air-India, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and many other international carriers fly to major American airports from major Indian cities.

Checklist before Travel

As a preventive measure, it is important to get all your important documents thoroughly checked. A valid passport, travelers check, visa and other entry documents, educational certificates (for students) and other necessary documents should be carried along to avoid any delays and cancellation.

Financial documents and immigration documents should be awarded top most priority. Students must pay attention to their university and other educational documents. Copies of visa, credit card numbers, insurance policies and passport should be carried along and back-up copies, including that of the itinerary, should be left at home with an immediate family member.

Buying Suitable Clothes

As Singapore has got a tropical climate with rainfall almost throughout the year, it is advisable to get light clothes for yourself. Raincoats and umbrellas may be opted for rainy days which are sudden and continuous at times.

How to Apply for Singapore Visa

To apply for a student pass, you must first be offered a full time course and you need to have accepted the same from an educational institute within the list of Institute(s) of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore.

Once you get yourself registered as a prospective student with the IHL, you become eligible to apply online for the visa through the Students Pass On-Line Application and Registration (SOLAR) System, accessible at www.ica.gov.sg.

For a new application, you need to submit:

• A medical report (not more than 3 months old) in the prescribed form
• A copy of the in-principle approval letter
• Duly signed copy of eform16 and,
• Test of a medical examination taken in your home country.

Visa Expenses

A student pass costs S$40 and is valid for a year.

How to Re-apply if your Visa is rejected?

A Singapore consular officer is likely to reconsider a case if an applicant can show further convincing evidence of his/her case. The best way forward is to contact any Singapore embassy or consulate to know about reapplication procedures.

A few applicants are only able to qualify for a non-immigrant visa if their personal, professional, and financial circumstances improve vastly.