How I did it: I graduated high school in 2009 and my mom made me an offer. She told me I could throw a big grad party or take a vacation anywhere in the world. Of course I chose a vacation! And it worked out because my granparents threw me a huge awesome grad party anyways. It did take 3 years for the timing and everything to work out, but I finall got to go to Australia and do all the things I've always wanted to do since I was a child. 

I visited Sydney, Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Port Douglas and Brisbane.  Port Douglas and Ayers Rock were by far the best spots of the trip.  We snorkeled the great barrier reef, pet kangaroos, held a koala, pet a dingo, watched the sunset and rise at Uluru, rode horses through the rainforest and on the beach.  It could not have been more perfect. Ok, the weather could have been a bit better, but I won't complain!   We travelled through the company About Australia, who helped us schedule our flights, hotels and tours.

Lessons & tips:

• Bring an umbrella.
• Don't bother visiting Alice Springs.
• "Lemonade" is practically Sprite, and there's no iced tea =(
• Everything in Australia is at least twice as expensive as in America

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May 05, 2012, 09:39PM PDT | 4 comments | 20 cheers