Australian Information

Are you travelling to, or moving in Australia? You might be travelling here on business or planning the holiday of a life time. Or you might be a local, and you are just moving to a new town with the family in tow. Finding relevant information about your destination can be time consuming and costly. There is a lot of information, and a variety of sources to check out.

If you want general information about Australia, the internet and directories will give you with an abundance of general Australian news and travel posts.

A travel agent and manager is your first port of call, however, sometimes you need verified information about services, groups, events and business contacts to support your travel plans.

Australian information tailored to your needs, can easily be acquired, by contacting an Australian information and concierge service.

Getting verified information

I recall, on one business trip around Australia, I overheard a person asking for information from a hotel receptionist about where she could access the local genealogy group. The receptionist was clearly overloaded with guests coming and going and responded that the guest should check out the local telephone directory.

Of course, this would probably list the group, but would the information be up to date and would it include a contact person who would be available at that time of the day.

So often people travelling find themselves without the details they need to make their holiday worthwhile or their business trip successful.

Know what you want

I have also had the experience of booking accommodation and arrangements for conference facilities and equipment on line.  However, on several occasions, the information shown on the website, was not exactly what I ended up with.  It is also important to ask the right questions when contacting accommodation and conference facilities by telephone.

Check list for Australian travellers

Here, are some strategies that might help you obtain the right information and check it is verified.

· Develop a trip plan based on what you do and need in your everyday life;

· Make sure the plan includes the health and other needs of all the family;

· Include a list of places and events that you would like to attend if you are on holiday;

· If you want to visit a hobby group. ask local groups if they have Australian contacts;

· If want to attend an event or need a service, get verified information before arriving;

· Check out websites such as Google Maps for driving trips but verify timeframes;

· When booking accommodation, check out feedback and review sites;

· When booking conference facilities ask about past conferences and check these out;

· Find a  virtual concierge service to help find meeting rooms and technical resources;

· Check out the state government websites for information about visiting crown land;

· Contact the Local Council and talk to a community worker to discuss your needs;

· Local Council websites sometimes have community directories and mobility maps;

· State Government websites sometimes have a data base of services;

· If you are here on business find a local printer and stationery business, just in case;

· Children’s holiday groups may be open to travellers so get this verified; and

· Where possible get verified Australian information with details for a contact person.

After years of travelling for business and recreation, I know how valuable it is to get everything verified before you leave. Information on the web or in directories can be fixed and sometimes out of date. What is your experience?