Swain Destinations

Seeking out unique travel options in must-see destinations

Australia

Gratuities in Australia – the safe way about it

Australia

There’s a lot of confusion among travelers about how much one should leave as a gratuity (or tip). For example, last year in Japan, I paid my fare and tried to give the driver the change as a gratuity. He winced as though I had insulted him and, to my surprise, he insisted on giving me change.

In the U.S., you’re a louse if you leave less than a 18-20 percent gratuity in a restaurant. That’s because the minimum wage for food service workers is painfully low in places such as New York City — just $2.13. Workers are expected to live off the tips. [Read more…] about Gratuities in Australia – the safe way about it

Fun Facts about the Land Down Under

Australia

In honor of Australia Day, which we celebrated last Saturday, here are some fun facts about the continent:

• When the English first saw a platypus, they thought the Australians were playing a joke on them by sewing the bill of a duck onto a rat.

• Australia was once a British penal colony of thieves and other unsavory folks. Australia’s first police force was made up of 12 of the best-behaved convicts. [Read more…] about Fun Facts about the Land Down Under

The Top End at Wildman

Australia

My recent adventure brought me to the Northern Territory, where my son Ian II and I made our way to Darwin. We flew straight from Philadelphia to Darwin, via Denver, Los Angeles and Brisbane – talk about a journey. As we landed in Darwin, we were met by a very familiar face, Bob McDonald from Kakadu Art. Bob has been flying in Kakadu for as long as I have been arranging travel from the States – and also happens to be a good friend. [Read more…] about The Top End at Wildman

Sydney Update

Australia, Ian Swain Sr

Sydney, Australia

I had to come down and visit Sydney as 2 new hotels have appeared. The Park Hyatt Sydney was closed for 8 months as they completely refurbished the entire hotel and added 3 sensational new suites on the 4th floor. I was lucky enough to stay a night as Andrew (the General Manager) allocated me into one of their Premium Deluxe Opera View rooms. The room looked right at the Opera House, boasting a large balcony with a chairs and tables to allow a chance to sit and marvel at this unique building. [Read more…] about Sydney Update

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