The decision to pack up your entire life and move to the other side of the world is a big one.

Yes, it’s exciting. Yes, you’re going to have the time of your life. And yes, this is going to be an experience that, not only will you remember forever, but you never know, could actually end up changing the course of your life from here on out.

Pretty dramatic I know, but true. So, as you can imagine, there’s plenty to think about and lots to arrange. Luckily for you, here at STA Travel, we’ve been sending eager young people off on working holidays to Australia for years – and we are pretty blooming good at making sure they have the best time possible, even if we do say so ourselves.

To help you get your head around the logistics, I’ve put together this handy guide on all things working holidays, to help you take those first steps towards a new life Down Under.

A working holiday to Australia is an experience you'll never forget.

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It’s Ask the Experts time again and this week they’re facing a pretty hefty question about one readers big trip. Good news is, if anyone can help, it’s our Travel Experts!

If you’d like our experts to tackle a travel question of yours all you have to do is drop us an email and they’ll give you their answers right here on the blog. This weeks question comes from a slightly confused Alexandra…

I’m 18 and planning on going on a trip next January time, but I’m getting completely overwhelmed about where to start. I’m not what you would call a ‘planner’ so I’m having a really hard time trying to get everything sorted. There are soooooo many places I want to see (hot, cold, jungles, rivers, mountains – I want to see it all!) but despite having no real time limit I only have about £5,000 so need to be realistic. If you could help me find some good places for a first time traveller I would realy appreciate it. Thanks, Alexandra

Thanks, Alexandra! What an exciting predicament, £5,000 and no time limit – the options are huge, lets see what Amy and Claire suggest…

The Salt Flats of Bolivia are a unique and awe-inspiring experience

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Holiday romances are common when travelling, the experience can’t help but make us all a little bit more fun, flirty and open to suggestion than we normally would be.

So it’s natural that during those wonder years, months, or weeks, while having the time of our lives away from home, we are more open to falling in love. But, can holiday romances actually go the distance? Can they turn out to be something more than a bit of fun, encouraged by the laid back traveller lifestyle?

I’m a bit cynical myself, so I took my question online, to scout for some real life experiences from our Twitter followers, and got some very intriguing replies. A couple of which will warm the cockles of your heart.

Have you found long lasting love on your travels? Do you think it’s possible, or are you a bit of a non believer? Share your story with the rest of us nosey parkers in the comments box below.

Can a holiday romance really last?

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What is the one thing you need to know if you’re booking a round the world trip? How do you get a job after gaining a TEFL qualification? What’s they best way to travel across America? How long do you need to take part in a volunteering project?

When it comes to planning your own big trip, whatever that may be, there’s one thing that you’ll have in common with everyone else planning theirs – questions. And lots of them.

This month and next, our STA Travel stores will be open late to host our ‘Your Big Trip’ travel talks. A series of nights aimed at sharing advice, tips, important information and inspiring ideas you haven’t even considered, straight from the mouths of our own Travel Experts but also from some very knowledgeable and experienced special guests.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, you could win one of a whole heap of prizes, from bus passes to hotel nights, just for turning up! (Oh, and there’ll probably be a free beer or two too, as if you needed any more convincing).

If you’re planning on heading off on your own trip of a lifetime anytime soon, you can’t afford to miss it, and best of all – they’re totally free! Just make sure you reserve your place as soon as possible because places are filling up fast.

So, that’s the ‘why’s’ taken care of, here’s all the info on the ‘when’ and ‘where’s’.

Thousands of excited would be travellers take inspiration from out travel talks every year.

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Life as an English teacher abroad is special. Imagine getting paid to spend time with groups of enthusiastic young faces that hang off your every word, in one of the world’s most captivating locations.

To break down the 5 most popular TEFL destinations and tell you how you can get a taste of life as an English teacher abroad is TEFL specialist Katie Baxter.

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