International travel

1. International
Destinations for
New Travellers
Authors
Michael Reyes-Smith
Braedon Rickard
Belinda Long

2. Thailand

3. Getting there and things to see and do
Airlines flying into Thailand 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:
• Tropical beaches.
• Erawan Shrine and the Grand Palace (Bangkok).
• Elephant rides.
• Nightlife in Patpong and Patong.
• The history of Chiang Mai.
• The Bridge on the River Kwai.
• Golden statues and Buddhist temples.[1]

4. Languages and Currency
Thailand’s official language is Thai.
Other languages frequently used and heard include Chinese, 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. [2][3][5]

5. Food and Cuisine
Food plays an important role in Thai culture. Social events are often
centred around food, with dining experiences involving shared banquets
rather than meals served for individuals.
Popular Thai dishes and key foods include:
• Jasmine rice.
• Noodle based dishes
• Nam pla is a popular ingredient in many Thai meals.
• Local tropical fruit is often served after a meal.
Herbs and spices are a popular part of Thai meals, with salty, sweet, spicy
and sour flavours all being common.[4]

6. Culture
The tops of everything, including heads and the top of inanimate
objects, are revered.
Placing hands together when greeting people in a prayer-like pose is a
traditional and respectful greeting and is called wai.
Smiling and laughing helps to get things done, even when you’re unhappy
with someone or something.
Never criticise or disparage the King, the flag or the royal family as they are
universally admired.[6]

7. Mexico

8. Getting There/Things to Do
Many airlines fly direct from Australia to Mexico, including British Airways,
Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and Qantas.
Mexico offers much for the visitor, including:
• Mexico City, one of the world’s largest and most insane cities.
• Mayan and Aztec temples.
• Relax on an Ensenada beach.
• Swimming with whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.[7][8][9]

9. Languages and Currency
Mexico does not have a single formal national language. The most
commonly spoken language is Spanish. Over 60 languages are formally
recognised by the Mexican government. English is commonly used in
metropolitan and tourist areas.
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]

10. Food and Cuisine
Fajitas, chimichangas, guacomole, tacos, salsas and nachos are well known.
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]

11. Culture
Mexican culture varies between the larger, busier cities which are adopting
more Americanised values and smaller centres, which still adhere to more
traditional values.
• Family is at the centre of Mexico’s social structure with the father acting
as the head of the family
• Authority is highly respected in Mexican culture.
• Mexico is a largely catholic nation, with over 82% of Mexicans
identifying with that religion.
• Popular music is highly influenced by their Spanish heritage, including
Mariachi groups consist of singers, trumpets, violin, marimba and
acoustic guitar.[10][11][12][13]

12. Egypt

13. Getting There/What to experience
Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates all fly direct from Australia to
Egypt’s major centres.
Egypt is known for its ancient civilisation. Apart from the sphinx and the
pyramids at the Giza major attractions include:
• The Aswan Dam.
• Colossus of Ramses II.
• Sailing a felucca down the Nile.
• The great library of Alexandria.
• British museum in Cairo.
• Luxor and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens.[14][15]

14. Languages and Currency
The national language, since the Muslim takeover, is Egyptian Arabic.
The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), a ‘guinay’ in Arabic and
is written as E£ and 1AUD currently buys 6.81 EGP.
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. [16]

15. 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.
Traditional dishes include:
• Rice-stuffed pigeon.
• Koshari (a mixture of rice, lentils, macaroni & chickpeas).
• Baba ganoush.
• Kofta.
• Felafel and duqqa (dukkah).[17]

16. Culture
The majority of Egyptians are Muslims and follow traditional customs such
as fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, 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]

18. Getting There/Things to Do
Flights are available to Rome and Milan through various airline
providers, including Qatar Airlines, Air China, Qantas and Emirates.
Australians can enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa.
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).
•Vatican museums (Rome). [7][19]

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.
• Its numerous varieties of pastas.
• The use of a variety of tomatoes and cheeses.[20][21]

20. Languages and Currency
The primary language Italian, with numerous regional dialects found
throughout the country. Many European languages, such as
French, Franco-Provençal, English, German and Sardinian are commonly
used in Italy.
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.[22]

21. Culture
Food, fashion, art and architecture are most important to Italians, who
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 majority of Italians are catholic, with the Vatican (within Rome) being
the spiritual and physical home of the Roman Catholicism.

22. 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%2F
5%2F19&CityTo=mexico+city&DateBack=2013%2F5%2F27&TravelClass=ECONOMY&NumAdult=1&Num
Child=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].

23. 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

24. 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
Acknowledgements
Photographs courtesy of http://www.stockvault.net/ (except Slide 2 – from Michael Reyes-Smith
personal collection)