Destination

March 21, 2020 by Jeremy

Information on Australia Citizenship Test and Traveling Before Ceremony

So, you have visited Australia and have decided you want to stay and become an Australian citizen. You have thought about it and you want to live, work and invest in this great country referred to by many as the Outback. 

Permanent resident

Just to be certain that you understand – a permanent resident of Australian is someone who has a permanent visa but is not yet a citizen. You can have a “permanent visa” and work, live and study without any restrictions but you will not be a citizen and will not be able to:

  • Automatically will not have the right of entry into Australia if you travel out of the country.
  • You will not be able to vote in Australian government elections.
  • You will not be eligible for any governmental services and benefits that are maintained for only citizens.

Australian Citizenship

Australian Citizenship does have plenty of rewards for those who want to have permanent legal residency in Australia. Most of all you get to meet and live among people that like you have come from different countries and races from almost every country around the world. Second, you become one of a unified, liberated and democratic society. And finally, the most valuable part of becoming a citizen of Australia is the commitment you make to the value of the country and its people. You can find more information at citizenshipaustralian.com.

Citizenship Test

One of the requirements of becoming an Australian citizen is that you will have to take the Australian Citizenship test. This is a test that will evaluate what your knowledge is of Australia. This includes:

  • Beliefs
  • Geography
  • Government
  • Laws
  • The people

You also will be tested on the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen. The Australian Citizenship Test will also test what you know about Australia in regards to the government and the law. And importantly, it will also test you on Australia’s democratic:

  • Beliefs
  • Liberties
  • Rights

Apart from the topics already mentioned, the exam will also test your basic knowledge of the English language.

20 questions

This test is made up of 20 multiple-choice questions. It is a computer-based exam and the questions are drawn randomly from a large database of 200 questions and each applicant will have 45 minutes to finish the test. The questions are taken from the official guide called “Our Common Bond” that is published by the Home Affairs Department. Passing this test, you will need to make a score of at least 75%. After passing the test, you will have demonstrated your commitment and understanding of the Australian Citizenship Pledge.

Traveling outside Australia

You might have questions about traveling outside of Australia after you have approved for citizenship, passed your exam and ready for the citizenship ceremony. If you have not finished all of this, you must still travel using your current passport. And in addition, this will not affect your ability to attend your ceremony or to become an Australian citizen. 

10 days

If you wait for at least 10 days, you might be able to apply to get a passport as an Australian citizen. If you have passed the Citizenship Test, it takes about 10 days for this information to be updated in the system. If you can’t wait, then your current passport will have to be used.

January 3, 2020 by Jeremy

5 games to keep kids entertained while you travel

When I was a kid, long journeys were all about the games. At the first whimper of “Muuuum, I’m booooored” she would shoot right back at me with, “Let’s play a game then”. I spy, the number plate game and 20 questions were all firm favourites in the car when I was a child.

In the digital age, it’s all too easy to rely on technology to keep children entertained on long car, train or plane journeys. However, spending too long looking at a screen can make kids carsick or suffer from headaches or a sore neck. Plus, playing traditional car games is a great way to bond as a family during the journey so it’s a good thing to keep doing.

Here are five of the best games to play while you travel…

1. The number plate game

There are many versions of this game, which you can adapt depending on which country you’re in. In the USA, the game is known as the license plate game and involves spotting license plates from different states. In the UK, you could look for number plates starting with different letters, or in Europe you could even look for ones from different countries. All you need is a piece of paper to scribble down the number plates that you spot. The person who gets the most wins. The great thing about this game is that it works just as well for one child as it does for siblings.

2. I spy

“I spy with my little eye, something beginning with…” I spy has been a popular game for as long as anyone can remember. Once you’ve got past the common choices of ‘road’, ‘trees’ and ‘sky’, the game often gets trickier, particularly once your kids start thinking out of the box and coming up with things like ‘teeth’. Playing this game with young children is always funny, especially when you spend ages guessing everything you can think of beginning with S and then they tell you the answer was ‘ceiling’! For very young ones who can’t spell, you could switch letters for colours and spy things that are green.

3. Memory game

Also known as ‘Granny went to the supermarket’, this game involves making and remembering a growing shopping list of items that start with each letter of the alphabet. For example, I might say: “Granny went to the supermarket and bought apples” and you would stay: “Granny went to the supermarket and bought apples and bananas.” Other names for this game include The Picnic Game and The Casserole Game. Perhaps you could come up with your own themes, such as what you would pack to go camping?

4. Things beginning with

In this game, one person thinks of a category, for example, things you can wear. The other thinks of a letter, like B. Then you have to take it in turns to come up with things you can wear beginning with B. This can be a tricky game and is just as well-suited for adults as kids. Descriptive words are okay in this game, so “big knickers” would be allowed! But that then means that you can’t have anything else ‘big’ or any other kind of knickers! Some of the answers are hilarious once you get past the obvious ones. 

5. Would you rather?

Would you rather wear a wedding dress every day or a swimming costume every day? Would you rather have twelve fingers or two belly buttons? The possibilities for this game are endless and all you have to do is decide which is the lesser of two evils. If you’re stuck for questions, there are some hilarious would you rather questions you can look up online.

So, there you have five games which should keep the whole family entertained the next time you travel. None of these need any equipment and many will have children of all ages not just entertained but laughing their heads off! So next time you have a long car journey, or even a flight, give these games a try and you may even be able to leave the kids’ tablet computers at home.

This article was provided by Simon Hansen from Family Travel Planet.

December 18, 2019 by Jeremy

Key Tips on Getting the Best Deals When Hiring Luxury Cars

You may want to make a grand appearance at an event in a top-of-the-range car or to give your lover a special treat by riding in a luxury car. Maybe you are on a holiday with your family and you want them to have special and memorable time, so you decide to hire a luxury car to drive them around. You may also want to spoil yourself by riding in a comfortable luxury ride. Whatever the reason for hiring a luxury car, you can get great deals and save your cash or get a real luxurious machine at an unbelievable rate.

Here are some tips on how to get yourself the best deals when renting luxury cars:

Make reservations

While you have an option of walking into the brick and mortar office of a luxury car rental company and getting a car on the spot, you can choose to do early bookings. You could do so online on the companies’ websites or via a telephone call or even by visiting the car rental offices long before the date of renting the car. By walking into the rental company and driving out with your preferred luxury ride, you can be sure that you will most likely pay a premium rate. Early reservations, especially online, allow you to compare the rates of several rentals, negotiate the rates, or consider other things that could save you some money.

Utilize frequent hirer programs

As is the case with airlines, hotels, and other service providers, luxury car rental companies monitor their customers and offer discounts to their loyal clients. You are therefore in a better position to get the best deals if you use one or a few car rentals every time you hire a luxury car. Joining the loyalty program of your favourite rental company is a good idea so you get benefits like members-only deals even though you may not a frequent hirer. So, identify a good and reliable luxury car rental company like Milani Exotic Car Rentals that has all of the best high-end cars that you can enjoy driving or being driven in and be their consistent client to get the best deals.

Negotiate prices

Do you know how to boost your bargaining clout? Well, get quotes from several luxury car rentals and use the rate of one company to negotiate with another or get some understanding of the prevailing market rates. You must always ask for a lower rate because you can never get a lower rate if you do not ask for it. When a luxury car rental company refuses to lower their rates, you can push to see if you could get an extra day at a lower rate.

Utilize family or friend referral discount schemes

Some luxury car rentals give discounts to friends or relatives of their past clients. To take advantage of such discounts, inquire from your friends and family if they have ever rented a luxury car form a certain exotic car rental company.

Conclusion

You can also get the best deals when renting luxury cars by ensuring that you understand what the rental price covers so you do not have to pay extra charges for things you may have overlooked. You can also seek to know the excess insurance coverage, or the amount that you should pay in case of an accident. Get to know if they will still accept the policy if you get separate insurance for the excess and a guarantee that they will not demand a deposit from you.

December 10, 2019 by Jeremy

What To Pack for a Guys Trip in the Swiss Alps

Sometimes, you just need to leave women or partners at home and go on a rogue guy’s trip. This winter, why not go on a mountain trip to the Swiss Alps? It would cross off many items on the good old bucket list. 

So to help prepare for your trip, here is your packing list for a guy’s trip to the Swiss Alps:

Your passport

First things first, you’ll need your passport since you are leaving the country. It is also recommended to travel with a paper copy of your passport in your luggage just in case you are separated from the original. 

Winter coat

Before you go, get yourself a good European brand winter coat. Buying a coat from a company founded where ‘real winters’ happen is advised so you know you are getting a piece made for intense winter weather. Beloved mountain brands such as Moncler for men, designed a great selection of stylish and warm coats available on luisaviaroma.com. You will certainly see this brand during your time in the Alps! Blend in with the rest in the most stylish way possible. 

A good pair of snow boots

Needless to say, a good pair of snow boots is a must. Be sure to get a pair well in advance before leaving for your trip so you have time to get used to your boots. More importantly, make sure that they offer you the support and warmth you want and need! The last thing you want is for your feet to be cold and wet while exploring the Swiss Alps. Proper gear is required! 

A good backpack

A good backpack for your adventures is essential. You’ll want enough space to pack essentials to bring on the slopes, snow trekking, or to a day of exploring a nearby village. In it you can carry food, a water bottle, keys, phone, wallet, an extra layer, etc. Many backpacks also have a waterproof cover that is especially helpful to help keep your items safe and dry. If you plan on going for a snowshoeing trek, look for a ’30 litres’ backpack that has straps to attach snowshoes on the outside. 

Lots of warm clothing

It’s not to say that you need to over pack for your trip, but you do want the right clothing. Pack layers, including thermal layers with wicking properties that can be washed and dried quickly, thermal tights, waterproof pants, waterproof gloves, wool hat, and wool socks that wick away moisture and keep you warm. You’ll also want warm cozy clothes for time after the slopes when the temperature continues to drop. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a year round item. When you are up in elevation and in snow, the sun really reflects and you want to protect your skin. Yes, in the middle of winter it is possible to get sunburned. Don’t forget lip sunscreen!

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case can save you the cost of having to replace your phone… just in case. On the off chance that something should happen, this is a purchase you’ll be thankful you did in the moment you really need it.

An empty stomach… for all the Swiss food you will eat

Swiss food is warm and delicious, and you’ll want the space for it! After days on the slopes and exploring the Alps, there’s nothing like cheese fondue, raclette, and Älplermagronen. 

Switzerland has some of the best mountains and skiing in the world. A guys trip here to just relax and hit the slopes will be a trip to remember! 

October 3, 2019 by Jeremy

Fix-It Tickets: What Happens If You Don’t Pay Them On-Time

It doesn’t always seem like it, but most of the time traffic laws exist to help people make sure they are driving safely in a safe vehicle. That’s why fix it tickets exist, to help make sure drivers are keeping vehicles in the condition that makes them safe on the road. These tickets are technically called correctable violations, because if you fix them within a specified time frame the fines are either waved or minimized. Correctable violations include not only tickets for vehicle repair like broken or burned out headlights, but also for issues with the documentation like improper proof of insurance. So what happens if you miss the deadline? For starters, there’s a penalty fine, and then from there things just keep getting harder.

Increasing Fines and Court Appearances

If the ticket isn’t fixed within the specified time frame, the system begins to grind into gear. The first thing that happens, other than the penalty fine, is that a court date is assigned in traffic court. If you make your court appearance, there are several options open to you. Most of them will look familiar if you have ever had to fight traffic ticket Los Angeles before.

  • Agree to pay the fine and pay it with the court clerk on prior to the court date or on the day of the hearing
  • Argue your inability to pay, which may result in decreased fines or a payment plan
  • Demonstrate the work was done and explain why it was not signed off by an authorized person on time

The easiest way to deal with a fix-it ticket that has passed its deadline is to show up to the court appearance to explain what happened. Ignoring the hearing leads to a further escalation of penalties.

What Happens After a Missed Court Appearance?

Like missed court appearances for other issues, a missed appearance for a fix-it ticket leads to an escalation of all the problems in play that led to the hearing being scheduled. Typically, fines automatically increase as a bare minimum. If they go unpaid for long enough, they will continue escalating. Unpaid fines that have escalated as far as the law allows eventually lead to the suspension of driving privileges for those affected, and that can hamper your ability to renew a vehicle’s registration in the long run.

It’s really quite simple, the faster you deal with a ticket, the less it will cost you. Of course, life isn’t that simple. Sometimes, you can’t get free of work to do the things you need to do, or you wind up with family emergencies that distract you from administrative details like a traffic ticket. When that happens, a traffic violation lawyer might be able to help you figure out the best way to resolve the issue with a minimum of fines and inconvenience. The courts listen when drivers have legitimate reasons for failing to follow through with unpaid tickets and missed deadlines, but you do need to follow through with an explanation and a negotiation to take care of the issue. If you’re not sure how to start, contact a traffic lawyer to get help.

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