It all started back in 1979 with two Aussie backpackers, a long-haul hangover and an idea. To create affordable adventures for awesome humans. Almost 40 years later, we’re the world’s largest student and youth travel company, inspiring over 2 million travellers a year to explore the planet. In that time, we’ve launched apps, festivals, film projects and charity campaigns. We’ve crossed borders to push boundaries, walked unfamiliar paths to find new friends, and got lost to discover the places we love. We’ve done all these things, but our philosophy has never changed. We’re still the place to #StartTheAdventure. We work with the world’s leading airlines and touring partners to create experiences that are real, authentic and responsible. Whether you’re taking a year out, working abroad or just looking for an adventure, you can discover any corner of the globe you choose.
Our Travel Experts are well-travelled, worldly-wise and can repack a 60-litre backpack in a minute. Here at STA Travel, we’ve got experts in most destinations. We can help you with your backpacking trip around Asia, your East Coast Australian Adventure, North American Road trip and lots more. We love giving our customers our first-hand experience and knowledge to help your trip be the best it can be. Thinking of planning a trip? Here’s our travel recommendations for the perfect adventure in our top 3 destinations:
Australia
Australia is one big adventure. So big, we recommend you stay for a while. Spend your gap year here with our unmissable work starter packs, cheap flights and awesome adventure tours and live the Aussie lifestyle – surf before work, spot Aussie wildlife in spectacular natural settings, dive the Great Barrier Reef and meet like-minded backpackers on the way.
Australia has two climate zones – tropical and temperate. In Spring and Summer, conditions are tropical in the north with high humidity and summer rain. In Autumn and Winter, northern and central Australia have clear warm days, making this the best time of year to visit. In the south, temperatures are cooler but there is still plenty of sun.
Thailand
Thailand isn’t just about the world-famous islands in the south, it’s also about experiencing the traditional culture and local customs beyond the beaches. Head to the jungle-clad hills and rice terraces of Northern Thailand for ancient temples, hilltribe treks and volunteering at elephant sanctuaries. For urban feels, stop off in Bangkok, a city of golden riverfront palaces, spectacular street food and the bustling backpacker vibes of the Khao San Road.
Thailand’s hot, dry season occurs between November and April, meaning the best time to visit Thailand is during our winter. April and May are the hottest months, with May to October bringing a rainy season across Thailand and much of Southeast Asia. Do your research, but don’t be put off by this. It can just mean a few hours of rain a day, plus quieter beaches and cheaper accommodation.
New Zealand
Whether it’s spending a gap year in New Zealand, or setting off on a backpacking mission, this place has it all. From taking to the open road in a campervan, ticking off those crazy activities from your bucketlist (like jumping out of a plane), or chilling next to an active volcano, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life. If you’re looking to make new friends on an adventure-filled tour or are looking to apply for a great value New Zealand working holiday visa, you’ve come to the right place.
Written by STA travel.
