Job Discussion Forums

[VictorVictoria]

Hi,

Was planning on coming to Australia for a Job Fair conference (at my expense) with a short trip to New Zealand for fun during Dec/Jan 2009 but I have been amazed at the prices for hotels in Sydney, Australia and New Zealand and the everyday expenses.

Are decent hotels all so expensive? What kind of money should I look at for 3 weeks? Are there more economical options in Sydney or New Zealand - I don't do dorm rooms. What would an average cost be per day for 3 meals? Or should I consider attending another conference in another place - Thailand?

How do you manage to live, survive, in Australia or New Zealand at these prices?

PM if you have any suggestions on making my planned visit a joyful and economically feasible experience or if you see it as a economic nightmare.

Thanks.

[lozwich]

[keitepai]

Depends which city you are looking at for accomodation - there are places that are decent but not 'dorms'. Where are your conferences?

BTW We don't survive in NZ that is why I teach overseas!! We plan to return to live when we have saved enough to live there. Sad reality.

[VictorVictoria]

Thanks for the replies. To clarify, I wondered how you could take a vacation in country if hotel prices are so high. Hotel prices also to me are an indicator of the cost of living.

I am looking at Sydney during the summer season (Dec-Jan) - I know, ouch! Also noted that in many countries I have travelled, they have high, low, mid season prices but many of the hotels I check in Sydney also factored price differences on a weekly, weekend, too.

Any further info re: Sydney?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[illegalme]

Dec/Jan is our peak season, cheap accommodation will book out fast.

Then again, Australia and New Zealand are exactly like every other Western country at the moment, there is no such thing as *cheap* accommodation, unless you want to try out a shared hostel, which you've already ruled out.

You're looking at spending between 80-150 AUD a night for accommodation, for a reasonable room. But as with anything, this can vary wildly.

Food shouldn't be a problem, you can find take away food that is inexpensive and I would imagine you could keep your food costs to about 20 AUD a day if you are careful with your money.

I'm biased because I live in Melbourne and have been to New Zealand recently, but I don't see how either country is noticeably expensive compared to any other developed nation. Holidays in developed nations are expensive, lol.

If you're struggling for cash I would say go for Thailand, you'd have more money to enjoy yourself. Good luck!

[lozwich]

Maybe it would be worth looking for serviced apartments so that you can cook for yourself and save a few bucks? These are what's known as self-catering accommodation in other countries..

[eslstudies]

Mr Internet saves the day.
I've stayed in cheap but decent Sydney hotels. There's plenty of decent low priced food too.
http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/Australia/Sydney/