International Destinations for New Travellers

AuthorsMichael Reyes-SmithBraedon RickardBelinda Long

Thailand

Getting there and things to see and do

Airlines flying into Bangkok and Phuket from major Australian cities include Thai Airways International, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia.

Australian travellers do not require visas if going for less than 30 days.

Amongst many visitor highlights, Thailand offers:• Palm edged beaches, glittering white sand and sparkling

aqua waters.• Erawan Shrine (Bangkok).• The Grand Palace (Bangkok).• Elephant rides.• Nightlife in Patpong (Bangkok) and Patong (Phuket).• The history and beauty of Chiang Mai.• The Bridge on the River Kwai.• Golden statues and Buddhist temples.• Phi Phi Islands.• Koh Samui.[1]

Languages and Currency

Thailand’s official language is Thai. Many words do not had a literal translation into English. However other languages are frequently used and heard Chinese, Lao, Malay and Mon-Khmer, while in tourist areas common ones include English, Japanese, Russian and German.

The currency is the Thai Baht (THB). The symbol of the baht is ฿.

As at May 2013 the exchange rate to the Australian dollar (AUD) is approximately 1AUD = 30THB. Since 1 Jul 2012 the exchange rate has hovered around 1AUD = 31THB.[2][3][5]

Food and Cuisine

Food plays an important role in Thai culture. Social events are often centred around, with dining experiences involving shared banquets rather than meals served for individuals. As such, it is generally considered to be poor etiquette to order a meal for an individual.

Popular Thai dishes and key foods include:• Jasmine rice, a variety of rice originating in Thailand.• Noodle based dishes• Nam pla, a strong smelling fish sauce, servers as a popular ingredient in many Thai meals.• Fruit is often served after a meal, including papaya, mango, rose apples or pineapple.

Herbs and spices are a often a part of Thai meals, with salty, sweet, spicy and sour flavours all being common. Thai dishes have a large emphasis on aroma.[4]

Culture

In Thailand heads and the top of everything from people’s heads to the top of inanimate objects are revered.

Place hands together when greeting people in a prayer-like pose. This is a traditional and respectful greeting and is called wai.

Smiling and laughing helps to get things done, even when you’re unhappy or criticising someone or something.

Never criticise or disparage the King, the flag or the royal family as they are universally admired.[6]

Mexico

Getting There/Things to Do

Many airlines fly direct from Australia to Mexico, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, United Airlines and Qantas.

Australians entering Mexico must provide a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) along with their passport.

Mexico offers much for the visitor to explore, including:• Mexico City, one of the world’s largest and most insane

cities.• Mayan and Aztec temples. It may too late to witness the

Apocalypse on 21 December 2012 but the temples are fascinating and sophisticated.

• Relax on an Ensenada beach.• Swim with whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.[7][8][9]

Languages and Currency

Mexico does not have a single formal national language. The most commonly spoken language is Spanish. However, over 60 languages are formally recognised by the Mexican government, many spoken only by indigenous peoples. English is commonly used in metropolitan and tourist areas but be prepared to try to decipher a heavily accented version.

Mexico’s national currency is the Mexican peso (written as MXN). The symbol of the peso is $ or M$. The exchange rate in May 2013 is approximately $A1 = M$12.25.

US dollars are often accepted in many border towns and tourist destinations.[3][11][12]

Food and Cuisine

Fajitas, chimichangas, guacomole, tacos, salsas and nachos are well known but Mexican food is much more than that.

Traditionally, Mexican foodstuffs have been based on corn, bean, squash and chili. Meats can include goat and ostrich in addition to beef and tomatoes and avocado are heavily used. Everyday staples such as tortillas and tamales are amongst the customary offerings on the Day of the Dead.

For the adventurous there’s always maguey worms, ants or fried grasshoppers.[10]

Culture

Mexican culture differs between the larger, busier cities which are adopting more values from the United States, while smaller cities still adhere to their more traditional values.

• Family is at the centre of Mexico’s social structure• Mexican families have very traditional values, with the

father acting as the head of the family• Authority is highly respected in Mexican culture. One should

respect those seen as ranking higher than them• Mexico is a largely catholic nation, with over 82% of

Mexicans identifying with that religion[10]• Popular Mexican music is highly influenced by their Spanish

heritage. A popular format is the Mariachi group, which consists of singers, trumpets, violin, marimba and acoustic guitar.[11][12][13]

Egypt

Getting There/What to experience

Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates all fly direct from Australia to Egypt’s major centres of Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor.

Egypt is known for its ancient civilisation and the time of the pharaohs. Of course you’ll want to see the sphinx and the pyramids at the Giza plateau but there is much more.• The Aswan Dam.• Colossus of Ramses II.• Sailing a felucca down the Nile.• The great library of Alexandria.• British museum in Cairo.• The Suez canal.• Luxor and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens.[14][15]

Languages and Currency

The national language is Egyptian Arabic, and has been since the Muslim conquest. Prior to that the common language was Egyptian (Coptic).

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), a ‘guinay’ in Arabic and written as E£.

1AUD currently buys 6.81 EGP (as at 17th May 2013).

Small change is hard to come across in Egypt so it is wise to also have carry some cash in US and Euro dollars, as well as a credit or debit card. Taxes are added to your bill at most upscale restaurants – some taxes may be up to 25% of the charge on top of your bill.[16]

Food and Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine mostly consists of vegetarian dishes, breads, dips and seafood (along coastal regions). Meat has historically been too expensive for Egyptians to sustain it as a core part of their diet.

Sharing a selection of different foods is a preferred way to eat, rather than having one set meal each.

Some cutlery may be used but traditionally Egyptians eat their food by dipping bread into various dishes.

Traditional dishes include rice-stuffed pigeon, koshari (a mixture of rice, lentils, macaroni & chickpeas), baba ganoush, duck, kofta, felafel & duqqa (dukkah).[17]

Culture

The majority of Egyptians are Muslims and follow traditional customs such as fasting during the holy month of Ramadan and praying five times a day and observing Friday as a holy day.

Family always takes precedence over the individual. Respect and honour are important values and social class defines people’s positions and their opportunities. The presenting or giving of flowers are generally restricted to weddings or illness.[18]

Italy

Getting There/Things to Do

Flights are available to Rome and Milan through various airline providers, including Qatar Airlines, Air China, Qantas & Emirates.

Australians are allowed to enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa as part of the Schenegan Convention.

Italy is rich with historical icons, such as;•Colosseum (Rome).•Pantheon (Rome).•Galleria degli Uffizi (Florence).•Basilica di San Marco (Venice).•Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps (Rome).•Palazzo Donn’Anna (Naples).•Vatican museums (Rome). [7][19]

Food and Cuisine

Italian food has developed over time, with much of its influence stemming from the ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantines.[7]

Although Italian meals are prepared using many different ingredients, with an emphasis on meats, vegetables and sauces, there are many regional differences in food preferences.

Italian cuisine is often known for:• Risotto, more commonly found in the Northern regions• Famous for its numerous varieties of pastas• Preparing dishes with a variety of cheeses• Corn is commonly served with meals[20][21]

Languages and Currency

Italian is the primary language of Italy, with numerous dialects and regional differences found throughout the country. Many European languages, such as French, Franco-Provençal, English, German and Sardinian are commonly used in certain regions of Italy. Additionally, Latin is still used within the Vatican, especially during religious ceremonies.

The primary currency in Italy is the Euro, denoted by the symbol €. As at May 2013 the exchange rate to the Australian dollar (AUD) is approximately 1AUD = 0.7721 Euro. This rate has climbed steadily from about 0.50 since 2009.[22]

Culture

Food, fashion, art and architecture are most important to Italians, who passionately believe in living life well to the full.

Italians pride themselves on the quality of their wine, food and coffee – it is considered offensive to criticise any of these!

The vast majority of Italians are catholic, with the nation’s capital, Rome, through the Vatican, being the spiritual and physical home of the Roman Catholicism.

Always check with local authorities before taking photographs as it is illegal to photograph official buildings and military areas.

References[1] Australian Government. 2013. smarttraveller.gov.au. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand. [Accessed 07 May 13].[2] Kwintessential. 2012. Thailand - Thai Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html?highlight=YToxOntpOjA7czo4OiJ0aGFpbGFuZCI7fQ==. [Accessed 17 May 13].[3]Reserve Bank of Australia. 2013. Exchange Rates. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/frequency/exchange-rates.html. [Accessed 17 May 13].[4] About.com. 2013. Thai Food. [ONLINE] Available at: http://thaifood.about.com/od/thaifoodandculture/a/foodculture.htm. [Accessed 17 May 13].[5] currency-converter.com. unknown. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.currency-converter.com.au/. [Accessed 17 May 13].[6] Kwintessential. 2012. Thailand - Thai Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html?highlight=YToxOntpOjA7czo4OiJ0aGFpbGFuZCI7fQ== . [Accessed 11 May 13].[7] Webjet. 2013. www.webjet.com.au . [ONLINE] Available at: http://travel.webjet.com.au/webjettsa/home.aspx?TripType=Return&CityFrom=SYD&DateOut=2013%2F5%2F19&CityTo=mexico+city&DateBack=2013%2F5%2F27&TravelClass=ECONOMY&NumAdult=1&NumChild=0&NumInfant=0&EntryPoint=Flight&RequestFrom=Outside. [Accessed 13 May 13].[8] Australian Government. 2013. smarttraveller.gov.au. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Mexico. [Accessed 16 May 13].[9] Visit Mexico. 2012. Mexico. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.visitmexico.com/en/. [Accessed 13 May 13].[10] Visit Mexico. 2012. Mexico Gastronomy. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.visitmexico.com/en/cuisine. [Accessed 12 May 13].

References (cont)[11] NationMaster.com. 2012. North America > Mexico. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/mx-mexico/rel-religion&all=1. [Accessed 17 May 13].[12] http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/mexico-country-profile.html[13] kwintessential. 2013. Mexico - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/mexico-country-profile.html. [Accessed 11 May 13].[14] Australian Government. 2013. smarttraveller.gov.au. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Egypt. [Accessed 07 May 13].[15] Lonely Planet. 2013. Egypt [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt [Accessed 16 May 13].[16] BELINDA[17] BELINDA

References (cont)[18] Kwintessential. 2012. Egypt - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html?highlight=YToxOntpOjA7czo1OiJlZ3lwdCI7fQ==. [Accessed 17 May 13].[19] Lonely Planet . 2013. Italy – Getting there & away. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/transport/getting-there-away#23371 [20] inmamaskitchen.com. Unknown. Food is art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.inmamaskitchen.com/ITALIAN_COOKING/rome_Lazio/Rome_LAZIO.html[21] Encyclopaedia Brittanica. 2013. Italian cuisine. [ONLINE] Available at: ]http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/718430/Italian-cuisine[22] XE. 2013. XE Live Exchange rates. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=AUD&To=EUR&r=1#rates [23] BELINDA

AcknowledgementsPhotographs courtesy of http://www.stockvault.net/ (except Slide 2 – from Michael Reyes-Smith personal collection)