To us, you are the most important person in the world. We invite you to explore our unique destinations, and will share our favorite "off the beaten track" places to ensure your visit is a memorable one. Our staff are mainly "Aussies" and "Kiwis," so you can rest assured that you are being advised by the experts!

We use a wide range of hotels "Down Under"; from unique Bed & Breakfasts (all with private facilities) to city hotels and deluxe lodges. Our staff visits the region regularly to ensure the quality of the products in our tour programs.

Anytime at all! Our seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere – summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September. Australia has a wide range of climates but generally no extremes. The average temperature ranges from 73-80°F in the north with the southern areas more temperate although subject to variations. This and the fact that Australia is the driest continent on earth makes our land a great all-year destination. If you’re planning a visit to Northern Queensland or the Top End of the Northern Territory, take into account that January-March are traditionally our "green season" with high levels of rainfall and therefore some tour components may not oper ate. The North of New Zealand is subtropical and the South temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February (average maximum tem pertures ranges between 68° - 77°F).

Tipping is not as common as in the U.S., nor is a service charge added to the bill in restaurants. When you take a taxi, it is not usual to tip but instead to round up to the next dollar.

Standards of hygiene in Australia and New Zealand are very high, and drinking water is safe. Vaccinations are not required if you are traveling direct unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever-infected country or zone within six days before arrival in Australia.

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport that must not expire within six months of the scheduled departure date from Australia. U.S. citizens must obtain an electronic travel authority (visa) to enter Australia (which may be processed by United Vacations); for visitors traveling to New Zealand, a visa is processed on arrival in the country. For all other nationalities, please check with the appropriate consular authority.

A largely casual atmosphere is predominant. In the tropics, lightweight clothing is suitable year round. In the southern, temperate regions, summers (December through February) are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime wear. A jacket or sweater is recommended at night. For the southern winters (June through August), sweaters, a jacket or light coat and generally warmer clothes are advisable. Australians are informal dressers, except for special occasions such as theater and dining at good restaurants. Men may need a jacket and tie or suit and women a more formal dress.

Baggage restrictions are strictly enforced for Australia and New Zealand. You may check two (2) pieces of luggage and one (1) small carry bag. For dimensions, please check directly with the airline concerned.

Currency Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing international flights. It is recommended to cash travelers checks or exchange currency at banks, as the exchange rate is more favorable and the fee less than in hotels. Credit cards are widely in use, but may not be particularly welcome in remote areas or in small shops. ATM cards may be used in the South Pacific; check with your issuing bank for acceptability at overseas banks.

Yes, however you should note that the electric current used is 240/250 volts, and therefore requires an adapter to convert the current. The power outlet is different than in the USA, so you will also need an adapter.

Huge buying power, long standing relationships with our partners, plus our own offices "Down Under" are all combined with years of knowledge and experience and make for unbeatable value and added extras throughout our programs.