Footballing Down Under
Written By: Megan Sones of Chasing Kids in Heels
As the world begins to regain a sense of normalcy, many Americans are excited to begin planning long term trips and activities, specifically those abroad. Why not combine two loves-- travel and soccer-- in the process? The easy solution: the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, 2023.
With a record breaking two Olympics in a six month span, there is no question that sports fans alike will be craving a major sporting event. But why use those precious vacation days on a trip to the World Cup? Can you imagine the look on your kids’ faces when they get to experience this once in a lifetime trip? The memories, the “firsts”, and the unique experiences, let alone the family bonding, will outweigh the overall price tag (estimated later in this story). I mean, isn’t that what being a parent is all about? Creating opportunities for your children and getting to see joy through their eyes.
Australia has much more to offer than what first meets the eye. We know that the 15 hour flight may not seem like the most ideal use of your time, but when it comes to the alternative, cleaning up after the kids and doing laundry, it may just sound like paradise. Qantas, Australias’s most popular airline, provides a variety of amenities including cotton sleepwear, slippers, eye masks, dental kit, ear plugs, and deodorant to ensure you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to take the country by storm.
The Sights
Australia is known for many “not to miss” attractions, including The Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach, the Gold Coast, Tasmania, and the Sydney Opera House. Channel your inner romantic comedy character on your trip, fall in love with the country, take longs scenic walks, or even try a new hobby. For many people, Australia is the perfect destination to try their hand at surfing. A thrill seeker? Take the day to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With an average temperature of between 48 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect opportunity to “get outdoorsy” and explore. With breathtaking views, hiking, kayaking, and exploring are all right at your fingertips. Make sure to take plenty of photos, but be sure you’re not only behind the camera, mama! This is a trip you will want to remember!
The Arts
Presented in a variety of different mediums, Australia has many museums, theaters, and gardens open to explore. Plan in advance or take the path less traveled, but make sure to stop and “smell the roses,” especially those in Melbourne. An additional advantage to the small proximity of the country is that its size allows for more simplistic and affordable travel within the country and to its neighbor New Zealand. Want to truly get to experience all that there is to offer down under? Pick a few destinations and get your exploration fix!
The Food and Drink
Let’s be real, we all need a few days (or even weeks) to be off kitchen duty, meal prepping and dish duty. Allow yourself to be served like the queen you are! From bars to restaurants, Australia is buzzing with activity. Australia has many Asian culinary influences, but is truly a melting pot of all different kinds of cuisine. Talk to the locals! Step away from the tourist areas and enjoy a true local experience. We can all take a page from the Australian lifestyle and mentality—take a deep breath and relax a bit! Australians have a unique and greatly appreciated work/life balance.
The Culture
According to an expat source in his young thirties, “Australia is an extremely unique place to live. You get to see another country’s perspective on the world. Australia is interesting in that it has a lot of British influence, but seems to align more to American pop culture. It’s an interesting blend and if you try to see their world view, which is very egalitarian in some senses against the grain, I think you will end up learning a lot about your own assumptions of the world.” Grab a pint of Fosters or a cocktail and meet the locals. Not only are Australians interested in meeting and learning from Americans, but their accents aren’t too shabby either.
The Game
And the reason you’ve all been waiting for…. the love of the game! The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the first tournament to expand 24 teams to now include 30 teams, more play to love. As the tournament will be spread across both Australia and New Zealand, you will have the unparalleled opportunity to follow the tournament across stadium, city, and country lines.
We know that getting away doesn’t come easy, but it’s important to make the most of it, and make it work for you! Estimated costs for seven day trip for a family of four from Los Angeles, run from $6500 to $10,000. These calculations were derived from independent research and after consulting budgemytrip.com Traveling to Australia gives you the opportunity to do it all- have your Vegemite and eat it too. Enjoy all the beauty and the perspectives that Australia has to offer, we promise you won’t regret it mate!
Want to Travel to Women's World Cup and Save Money ($5,000)?
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Love to Make a Positive Impact and Travel...participate in Recruiting for Good referral program to do both. Referrals allow us to generate proceeds and make a greater impact in kids' lives....We're rewarding referrals with travel to enjoy Sweet Hip Trips & See The World for Good to learn more visit www.SweetHipTrips.com FOR +HE +SHE +WE
**Photos in blog courtesy of Jordan Sones**