From a jet-setter to ordinary consumer, what happened?

l'esprit d'escalier — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:17:38 -0800

Having enjoyed my share of jet travel both locally and across the globe for the last couple of decades I was surprised last week on an interstate Qantas flight at the persistent use of the word "customer" in the inflight communications rather than the usual "passenger". Considering it appears to be, in Australia, mainly Virgin Blue who encourages ad lib customer communications, this usage peaked my curiosity and I'm hoping anyone actually doing or having dreamed up these communications can shed some light.

(Nothwithstanding the title of my post, I did not experience any change in the friendliness of the crew or the quality of service.)

Making the best of few weeks down under?

adamk — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:09:35 -0800

AussieVacationFilter: I'm a young guy in Los Angeles seriously considering a solo trip to Australia. The Qantas Aussie AirPass seems like an amazing way to build a great trip without breaking the bank. However, with the level of freedom the AirPass would give me, I want to make sure I'm using my time and multiple cities wisely. Any advice and itinerary recommendations you'd be willing to make would be greatly appreciated! (I've seen this thread before and threads like it, and while some of the advice given will prove quite useful, my situation seems different enough to merit a new question)

I'm a single 24 year old guy. I've done the hostel thing in Europe thing before and had a great time moving from city to city, meeting new people to see the sights with by day, and soaking up the nightlife. I'd like to embark on another memorable adventure sometime in the coming months, and since I've always wanted to visit Australia it seems like a great fit.

Working way too hard and generally not having a life for the last few years has left me with gobs of paid vacation in the bank. I can definitely take a 2 week vacation. If I feel compelled and ask very nicely, they'll probably let me take 3 of my weeks at once.

With the AirPass I'd have a flight into some major city, and then 3 domestic flights within Australia. I like city life, and while I'm not sure I want to spend time in the heart of the Outback, I'd like to spend SOME time taking in some of the natural beauty available. Additionally, I'm a SCUBA diver and would like to spend a few days diving the amazing reefs.

So, wise natives and veteran travelers, I'm dying for advice about a sequence of locations to hit and the associated can't-miss events. The AirPass costs different prices based on which "Zones" you visit, but I'm willing to travel anywhere if it's worth it. Then again, as I learned on previous trips abroad, it's never fun to spend a huge portion of your vacation in transit. If I end up being based in NSW, ideas like "a day trip to Perth" are probably not going to work.

I'm happy in clean hostels, but can splurge for proper hotels from time to time if need be. I have some money saved, so I'm neither poor nor rich.
That said, prices do seem to drop as more time goes by due to change in the in the season and move to colder weather. What's the latest I can visit and still stay warm on land and in the water?

Thanks!

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From a jet-setter to ordinary consumer, what happened?

Making the best of few weeks down under?