Originally Posted by the troubadour (Post 13014410)

I'm struggling to think of more to do if the pennies are tight in Australia. I get it that the beaches are free and due to the better weather far more accessible and free. But I can't see much else that can be done on the cheap. Okay petrol is cheaper. Needs to be though with the long drives to get anywhere. I don't think Australians have much disposable income , I recall the stat's confirming such with regards to interest rates rising and how so many people would find meeting payments difficult having a minimum of savings and living on the edge so to speak. Average wages seem to be eaten up by cost of living. I think it is agreed that Australia is more expensive than UK outside of London. Wages are higher but have been stagnant for a long time. A lot of casualness in employment as well.

I appreciate that The South of England is expensive, more so than Adelaide, but I wonder just how much the difference really is outside of Brighton (I've looked and know is expensive) But loads to do I've always found. Better walkability. Great walks on The Downs, Beach with pier, access to London and so on. Not to mention some great pubs and a diverse range of people.

But you are quite correct. It at the end of the day, is what you want out of life. Very easy to understand the frustration of the past eighteen months living anywhere in UK. I'm sure I'd be pulling at the leash as well to get back to Australia under such conditions.

Originally Posted by the troubadour (Post 13014411)

At least Canada as the French part adding to its diversity. But besides that similar although opposites in the weather. Yep. Australia has become very expensive to travel in or around over the past two decades. Big reason why many holiday in South East Asia or Pacific.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 13014429)

According to the OECD, household disposable income is very high by international standards - certainly in the top 5 or 6

Hope this helps

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 13014429)

According to the OECD, household disposable income is very high by international standards - certainly in the top 5 or 6

Hope this helps

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 13014435)

Also, to get anywhere here the distances are huge so if you've got to get on a plane anyway you might as well make it to somewhere comparatively cheap and exotic.

Originally Posted by the troubadour (Post 13014437)

Australian savings are not. A change in personal circumstances will floor many who have taken on too much debt.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 13014429)

According to the OECD, household disposable income is very high by international standards - certainly in the top 5 or 6

Hope this helps

Originally Posted by the troubadour (Post 13014459)

No confusing. Australia ranks 59th in world in Gross National Savings. (although 17 figures)That's way behind countries like Ireland, Congo, Gabon ,One behind New Zealand and one if front Japan.

Originally Posted by the troubadour (Post 13014459)

No confusing. Australia ranks 59th in world in Gross National Savings. (although 17 figures)That's way behind countries like Ireland, Congo, Gabon ,One behind New Zealand and one if front Japan.

Originally Posted by Thereandback (Post 13014466)

Where is England?

Originally Posted by the troubadour (Post 13014438)

I think most do just that. With the Coruna Virus, so many are now visiting areas within Australia, or own state that have never visited, or not for a very long time. Why do it when nearby is so cheap and as you say exotic.

Originally Posted by the troubadour (Post 13014438)

I think most do just that. With the Coruna Virus, so many are now visiting areas within Australia, or own state that have never visited, or not for a very long time. Why do it when nearby is so cheap and as you say exotic.

Originally Posted by Pollyana (Post 13014754)

Why do it? Well for some of us, because everyone we care about is on the other side of the world and we would rather like to be able to see them again. The Aussies bang on about how everyone should holiday here, what they forget is that when some of us travel its not just for pure "holidays", its to be with those we love.

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 13014757)

And if the truth be known, as nice a country this is, it lacks the variety of history and experiences that places like the UK can offer. And it can get tiring arriving at breathtakingly beautiful after breathtakingly beautiful beach. Only problem is (in my opinion, and I respect that you might disagree) the UK can be a miserable place to live long term. Peak summer is nice though ....All 5 days of it! :cool:

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 13014757)

And if the truth be known, as nice a country this is, it lacks the variety of history and experiences that places like the UK can offer. And it can get tiring arriving at breathtakingly beautiful after breathtakingly beautiful beach. Only problem is (in my opinion, and I respect that you might disagree) the UK can be a miserable place to live long term. Peak summer is nice though ....All 5 days of it! :cool: