Navigating the ALPG Tour: Travel Tips and FAQs

Here is a condensed travel guide for all my friends traveling across the world in a few short days to begin their ALPG season. Competing in another country (that thankfully speaks English and has the nicest people) can be overwhelming at first, so I thought I’d compile a few tips. Definitely check out the Sightseeing section for some money-saving ideas. Game on, girls, have a blast!
 
Driving (yes, on the left side of the road):

1. There is no left on red. That took me a few weeks to figure out, but never assume that anything in the States translates to driving in the land Down Under.
2. Only make a U-Turn when a sign says you can. In the U.S., we have signs indicating when we cannot make a U-Turn. Turn without the sign, and you will get honked at!
3. Roundabouts get better, just look right first. You begin to appreciate them as the weeks go on.
4. DO NOT PARK IN PARKING GARAGES! You will pay an exorbitant amount of money unless they’re specified for a grocery store or have a validation system. Instead, ask your billets for advice on how to reach your destination via buses and trains.
5. Rent from Apex – the rates are much cheaper! However, if you book an early/late flight, double check when their offices are open so you don’t have to pay an additional “After Hours Fee” (usually around AUD $30). Sometimes you won’t have a choice, but if you can choose a later flight, that helps save some money.

Flying:

1. The ALPG has a deal with Virgin Australia – take advantage of the free check-in bags (golf bags included)!

Phone Plans:

1. I did not purchase an international phone plan for my 6 weeks in Australia. I was able to get by with Wi-Fi/WhatsApp, but finding Aussies or friends with data plans was definitely helpful at certain points of the trip. I usually only needed a phone to book practice rounds, but most pro shops check their emails as well.

Billets (aka host families):

1. Don’t feel bad about eating their food – Aussies are some of the most hospitable people around and will be offended if you don’t consume their cooking!
2. No AC and no dryers – fans and drying racks/lines for all! Wi-Fi is hit or miss.
3. Signed golf balls paired with a bottle of wine are great thank you presents!

Sightseeing:

1.  You are in Australia! Explore! You will be playing plenty of golf.
2. Start planning your extracurricular trips when you get there (or before!). Be sure to check out the schedule and see which weekend would be your best opportunity to fly to the Great Barrier Reef or to New Zealand. If it’s in your budget, you don’t want to miss out on snorkeling a world wonder or geeking out over Hobbiton while you’re already on the other side of the world. It’s not the shortest trip back if you don’t plan well ;)
3. Bring your college/student ID no matter how old you are. Some of the Great Barrier Reef tour companies really want you on their cruises and will offer student rates as long as you have your ID with you. I went with Cruise Whitsundays out of Airlie Beach.
4. Aqua S – best ice cream in the world; really only found in Sydney and Melbourne. You won’t regret testing your Aussie driving skills to get some.