jothefw

Wondered what anyones thoughts are on best value offshore 'holiday'?

Mate of mine has been told she should lodge an offshore visa instead of onshore (not sure why but think it makes it simpler with her current employer).

Where would you go?

Only for about 5 days or so and she hasn't got a massive budget.

I suggested Fuji and Bali but Fuji looks quite expensive. She's travelling by herself.

Zen10

Hope she's got a good camera

jothefw

Sorry - you've lost me Zen?

goldchoccycoin

She doesn't need to be 'offshore' to apply (as far as I know) - usually the 'offshore' part means you need to be offshore when you are granted the visa. Most visas can be applied for online for anywhere in the world including Australia. However, there may be a visa I'm not aware of that has an offshore application clause.

NZ is usually the cheapest - there are regular flight sales and a room in a backpackers is cheap too.

Zen is referring to your small typo - you wrote Fuji (camera brand) instead of Fiji!

jothefw

Thanks - shows how well I read it!!

She's working with a MARA agent so I'm presuming the advice is correct. I know that I've read a lot about other people having to go offshore previously but I haven't taken a lot of notice whether it was for lodging or approval.

I thought it was a great excuse to go overseas! Wish I could afford to go with her!

Pollyana

If its a case of having to go offshore for the visa to be granted NZ is the one people usually go to. It always used to be the case that it had to be somewhere with an Aussie mission/High Commision to visit in person, but with more visas being electronic this might have changed - the agent should know.

Beoz

As a tip .... I found flights to Bali are pretty expensive but Bali is pretty cheap once you are there..... Fiji (Fuji) flights are pretty reasonable.

Just heard some excellent reports about Vanuatu and not far to get to.

If the tropics aren't your thing then New Zealand is a cheap flight away and a great holiday.

GarryP

Have a play with http://www.kayak.com/explore/
And check out http://www.webjet.com.au/flights/budget-breaker/
And the deals of Jetstar/Virgin/etc.

I'd be inclined to find somewhere you want to go, but haven't been - rather than just going somewhere because its cheap. Christchurch is cheap at the mo (probably because half of its fallen over) but the general area is great - and Hong Kong is always worth a visit if you haven't been.

fish.01

Could take a low cost last minute cruise. They can work out very cheap given all meals, travel etc included in the price...some that travel up the qld coast stop at a little offshore island (Willis) that is officially in international waters so passengers can buy duty free on board if that counts as offshore

Bermudashorts

That is what I was thinking, can't see why anyone would need to go offshore to lodge an employer sponsored visa or why that would make it easier. Unless she is redy for a holiday anyway I would double check that.

commonwealth

Fuji is a beautiful mountain in Japan!

commonwealth

i have an issue with jetstar NZ, they can't stick to their flight schedules! my itineraries have changed a lot of times!

jothefw

Thanks for that link Garry - loved it!!

I agree with picking somewhere where she actually wants to go, otherwise could be a boring week/few days.

She likes diving so I'm encouraging her to do something like that while she's away which probably rules out Christchurch