Australia’s backpacker industry ‘in crisis’

Australian touristAUSTRALIA’S backpacker tourism industry is facing the biggest crisis in its history, with many tour operators struggling to survive following big falls in young travellers.

The number of people staying in hostels has fallen by nearly seven per cent over the past two years, down from 593,000 per year in March 2010.

By Marina Thomas | News Limited Network
For great relocation deals, check out Transfercar.com.au

To and from Hobart, Australia on the Spirit of Tasmania: Ferry times, booking and prices

Spirit of TasmaniaTransfercar have a number of Australian companies needing their vehicles relocated across the Bass Strait between Hobart, Melbourne and then further on to other cities such as Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane. As we often get questions as to prices and ferry times etc, we thought it would be a good subject to write about. Continue reading To and from Hobart, Australia on the Spirit of Tasmania: Ferry times, booking and prices

Crossing the Cook Strait, New Zealand by ferry: Travel times, booking, prices & other interesting information

Interislander FerryTravelling between the North and South Islands of New Zealand means crossing the Cook Strait. The only way to do this with a vehicle is by taking a ferry with either the Interislander or Bluebridge which both arrive and depart from Picton and Wellington.

The Cook Strait crossing (Raukawa Moana in Māori) is the connection between the Tasman Sea on the West, the South Pacific Ocean on the East and the North and South Islands of Aotearoa.

Considered one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist experiences, and one of the most spectacular ferry crossings in the world, crossing the Cook Strait is a top to-do on many travellers bucket list. As with many stunning vistas though, the Cook Strait is also considered one of the most dangerous and unpredictable pieces of aquatic paradise around. Continue reading Crossing the Cook Strait, New Zealand by ferry: Travel times, booking, prices & other interesting information

Looking for a free car or rental to drive overseas? Here’s what you need to know

Finding free cars to drive overseas is relatively easy. You can visit any one of the hundreds of rental companies offering a relocation, drive away or stand by car. You can also check out one of the online relocation companies such as Transfercar who list free rentals on their website for multiple organisations.

However, just because it’s a free or incredibly cheap vehicle, this does not mean it is not bound by the regular rental terms and conditions.

For this reason it is important to know what to look for before you sign on any dotted lines. First things first though, make a list of all the questions you want to ask them, then: Continue reading Looking for a free car or rental to drive overseas? Here’s what you need to know

Australian airports test radiation free scanners

Good news for the health conscious and frequent travellers.  Airports in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, are running tests on scanners that emit no radiation.

The BBC has reported that unlike traditional scanners which emit X-rays and “active” radiation, the T8000, developed by UK-based ThruVision Systems, uses a “passive” screening technology.

ThruVision’s scanners do not “illuminate” people with X-rays, radiation or millimeter waves. Instead, they receive terahertz waves naturally produced by objects and people. When a concealed object blocks those waves, it appears as an anomaly.

The materials that can be detected by the T8000 include weapons, explosives, liquids, gels, ceramics and narcotics.

One other upside to this new technology is that it doesn’t capture or display intimate body details which have been a concern for many travellers in the past.

Other benefits include:

Rapid screening time

No need to enter into a small confined space

Although not permanently implemented yet, these scanners have had positive results; successfully spotting contraband substances on test subjects.

Bermuda is also using ThruVision while Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are considering implementing the new scanners.

If you don’t fancy air travel anyway then check out our FREE cars and campervans in New Zealand and Australia instead 🙂

Check out some of our other great articles:

Be smart when renting or relocating vehicles

The concept of getting from A to B

How to Get from Cairns to Darwin

by Brooke WhyGoAustralia | August 2nd, 2011

Some of the major cities in the country of Australia are quite a feat to get to and between when not taking a plane. Cairns and Darwin are both located in the northern section of the country and are two such major cities that many would like to know how to get from one to the other. It makes sense, after all, to try and hit the two when already in the northern part of the country, a far cry from Sydney and Melbourne.

Obviously, the time limited can benefit from a flight, but the other overland journeys are going to be so much more memorable.

For the full article about How to Get from Cairns to Darwin click here.

Alternatively, for a full list of free cars and campervans on Transfercar click here 🙂