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If you need to visit Australia on business, even for a very short period of time, you will need to apply for an Australian visa. This article gives some basic details of the three types of business visa available.

There are three types of visa available for business visits to Australia. It should be noted that a business visit is NOT the same as "working" in the context of applying for an Australian visa.

The first is a Short Stay Business Visa which is suitable for a visit of less than three months. This will cover a business person for normal business meetings, negotiations and conferences and may be applied for through their chosen airline or via the internet. This is a Business Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Alternatively, applications may be made in writing.

The second type of business visa is a Sponsored Business Visitor (short stay) Visa. In order to quality for this type of visa, a business person will need to be sponsored by a member of an Australian parliament, an authorised government agency, local mayor or other authorised organisation and the sponsor will need to guarantee that their visitor will abide by all the visa conditions including that which specifies the date by which they must leave the country.

The third business visa is a Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa. To apply for one of these, an applicant must have an approved employer as a sponsor who has an eligible position available. The employer can be an Australian or overseas company and the employee must be a foreign national with the applicable skills to fill the position. The eligible position must have been approved as a skilled occupation suitable for this program, must be full time and of a minimum salary as well as meeting various Australian laws and award requirements. However, before the employee can apply for a visa, the employer will need to apply to be a sponsor of overseas employees and nominate the job vacancies to be filled. The nomination period will be 12 months or until all the vacancies are filled, whichever is the shorter. The sponsorship will be for a period of 2 years and the visa period may be anything from 3 months to 4 years. However, if the employee wishes to change employment, he will need to find a new approved sponsor with an eligible position and re-apply for a visa.

Full details of all the above can be found on the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website.

In our next article, we will look at working in Australia as opposed to being a business visitor.

Australia is not just about the city of Sydney and the grandiose Opera House. More than the famous kangaroos, koalas, trackers and the outback, the continent down under actually tops the list of every nature lover's favorite escape to paradise.
Lismore
Lismore is perfect for those looking for the chance to commune with nature. Because forests are all around and even within the city, avid hikers, trekkers and campers alike would love to immerse in the beauty of nature that is just a few minutes away from the city center.
Credited as the birthplace of ecotourism, Lismore boasts of breathtaking waterfalls and national parks of World Heritage rainforests. Aside from the usual nature adventure, tourists should not miss Organic Tuesday which is a showcase of everything that grows on the fertile volcanic soil that is officially certified organic.
Kununurra
Kununurra is a city no only for a rendezvous with nature but also for inspiration and motivation when everything else seems to go another way. When all else fails and the moral is so down and low, Kununurra and its story is sure to bring back the smile and the determination to make things work.
Literally meaning Meeting of the Big Waters, Kununurra is a relatively new town in Australia. Contrary to most places which grew from small communities that gradually evolved into towns and cities and on the process developed a rich backdrop of culture and tradition, the city traces its history only a few decades back to the creation of the Great Ord River Irrigation. The town was created, in the truest sense of the word, with the purpose of being the service town for laborers and farmers that were implanted to the area during the construction of the dam and the irrigation system.
Sitting on arid lands, Australian government did not just resign to the fact that agriculture would not be feasible in the Western region. They then determined to challenge the adversities offered by nature. Aside from the dam, they also factually created two man-made lakes to ensure that farmlands they aim to develop would never go dry. True enough, what used to be hot and warm landscape of barren lands, Kununurra now features croplands and greeneries as far as the eyes could see.
Indeed, Australia never fails to keep surprising her visitors. Lismore and Kununurra are delightful desserts after a hearty serving of a taste of life in the outback.

There are myriad reasons for you to visit Singapore! Although it is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The combination of dream-like, exotic landscapes, imposing ancient temples and worship sites grant the island a mysterious, almost unreal feature, immersing travellers into a deep state of relaxation, appeasement and contemplation towards the wonders of nature. As soon as you arrive in Singapore, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificent sites and ancient architectonic structures, emerging from a landscape that seems to be untouched by man. The multitude of parks, botanical gardens and the beauty of the beaches found in Singapore render the diamond-shaped island a marvellous destination for tourists from all over the world.

Contrasting with the exotic landscapes, vast parks and ancient architectonic remains, imposing sky-scrapers, wide boulevards and modern monuments suggest the advanced civilization characteristic to Singapore, defying the struggled history of the country afflicted by many political conflicts in the past. With a population of around 4.5 million people, Singapore has a pronounced syncretic character, bringing together people of different ethnical groups and various religious beliefs.

Due to the multitude of Singapore attractions, the best thing to do is to seek the help of a local guide. Singapore guides can take you to the most interesting sites and local attractions, helping you discover the beauty of the island. Considering the fact that the majority of people in Singapore are fluent English speakers, the language barrier shouldn't be an impediment in interacting with the locals. If you decide to seek the help of a Singapore guide, you will be taken to a wide variety of ancient temples, monuments, parks, botanical gardens and even ports, sites of great importance to Singapore.

One of the most important Singapore attractions is the temple Thian Hock Keng, referred to as the Temple of Heavenly Bliss. Thian Hock Keng is an ancient Chinese worship site, initially built in tribute to Ma Po Cho, the patron goddess of sailors, also known as the Mother of the Heavenly Sages. The temple was reconstructed in the 19th century by Tan Tock Seng and Tan Kim Seng, highly respected personalities in the history of Singapore. The entrance inside the temple is guarded by the statues of two imposing lions, symbols of strength and fertility in Asian culture. At the temple gates, "door gods" provide further protection against evil spirits, purifying temple visitors from malignant energies. In front of the altar is the statue of Ma Po Cho, flanked by statues of the Protector of Life and the God of War.

Singapore is a country with a very interesting culture, built on the scaffolds of different ancient traditions and beliefs. If you decide to visit Singapore, you will be amazed by the intriguing contrast between ancient and modern, old and new, tradition and libertinism. A trip to Singapore is undoubtedly a remarkable and unforgettable experience for tourists from all over the world!

Our web community of business flight attendants is always thinking of ways to make traveling easier. You have to when your job takes you away from home base for several weeks at a time! The following tips are for business as well as leisure travelers.

1. Ring Around the Collar Dirty neck rings around shirt or blouse collars can be removed by putting shampoo on them. Rub the
shampoo in as if you were washing your hair. Shampoo is specifically made to remove body oils the "ingredient" of neck rings.

2. Removing Gum You can pick up just about anything on the soles of your shoes. Removing gum can seem like one of the most difficult things to do. The solution? Rub ice on the gum to harden it and then use a dull knife to remove the gum. The gum will come right off without damaging your soles.

3. Killing Flies Are there flying insects in your hotel room? Hair spray will kill flies and most other insects.

4. Drying Out Wet Magazines or Books Place paper towels on both sides of a wet page to absorb the moisture and prevent wrinkling.

5. Lingering Onion or Fish Smells on Hands Can't get rid of onion or fish smells on your hands? Wet them, sprinkle them generously with salt, and rinse.

An Asian wedding? Probably. An Asian honeymoon? Why not? If you've already explored the streets of Venice, taken pictures of the Eiffel Tower, visited the numerous museums and art galleries in Italy and wined and dined on tempting Italian and French cuisine, perhaps you may want to explore a different culture and different taste on your first time together as a married couple. This is an experience that would definitely leave a lasting impression on both of you.

Asia offers as much richness and romantic mood as the West. And one place you can explore is India, one of the oldest birthplaces of world civilization. It's a cultural experience you both would never forget, with the colorful muslins, the dark-skinned complexion of its people, the million temples, mosques, churches and palaces you can explore. This will be a honeymoon that would never leave you bored.

Ooty is one of the best destinations of honeymooners in India. From the fragrant wind to the silence punctuated by the rustling of trees and the enchanting scenery, this place spells romance, romance, and more romance. Visit the botanical gardens and the Doddabetta peak with it view of the Nilgiri hill ranges. Seven-hours away from Ooty, there's the Kodaikanal tucked among the hills of Tamil Nadu. Take a boat ride in the Kodai Lake with your loved one and enjoy the trees, the water and the solitude.

If you're looking for something tropical and sunny, plus sand and water in India, there's Goa and Kerala, two of India's most famous beach get-aways. Goa also boasts of wooden carvings and furniture, coir mats, straw hats, artifacts, brassware, and junk jewelry you might want to stash away as honeymoon souvenir. Bask under the sun and experience the calm and soothing natural beauty of India.

Don't fail to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Made from white marble, this edifice was built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This is considered as one of the Orient's greatest testimonies of love. Here you can feel the warmth and security of being loved greatly.

For some taste of Indian royalty, there's Rajasthan, one of the most colorful regions in India. Visit the Palace on wheels, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Lalgarh Palace.

Located in North India and covering the states of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, don't miss the ultimate experience of exploring the Himalayas. The peaks in Kashmir are perfect for mountain climbing and trekking, while the Himalayan peaks in Uttaranchal are pilgrimage sites.

India is also known as one of the spiritual centers of many religions in the world. Khajuraho offers a tour at its temples constructed by the Chandela rulers during the 9th and 10th century B.C.

Nature lovers can also consider staying at Darjeeling, Kodaikanal, Srinagar, Shimla and Manali, among others for an aesthetic experience with nature. Take pictures of the forest-covered hills and stroll through orchards and enjoy the sight of endemic Indian flora.

It's a paradise to be explored, boasting of pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains and a peaceful scenery. The hub of the Oriental culture, one of the melting pot of the world's oldest traditions, religions and civilizations, India is the place to experience on your romantic sojourn.

Asia occupies a quarter of the earth's land mass, it spans a lot of time zones. Having a single travel guide for all of Asia is virtually impossible. Asia like any other continent, here are basic travel tips for a few of the most happening countries in Asia.
Vietnam
The country's recommended tourist spots are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both modernized. All tourists in Vietnam, except Thai and Philippine Nationals need a tourist Visa before entering the Country. Health wise, Malaria is prevalent in Vietnam, it would be best to bring with you anti-mosquito lotions to prevent being bit.
Indonesia
Aside from the usual prohibition of narcotics and deadly weapons, Radio cassette Players are banned in the Island of Bali, which is a prime tourist spot in Indonesia. Any object with Chinese characters written on it, are also prohibited in Bali.
Thailand
Thai people are very religious and very loyal to the monarchy. You would often see pictures of the king around the cities, never make fun of him. The Thai also consider the head as the highest part of the body, whether spiritual or physical. Refrain from touching anybody in the head, and try not to point at anything with your foot.
Malaysia
It's best to bring light and cool clothing in Malaysia. You would usually find food stands in the cities selling the local delicacies, "teh tarik" a creamed tea, and "roti canai" a type of pancake, are a must try when you do encounter them. Malaysia has many religions, you would usually see, a variety of Christian churches, Muslim Mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples may be present in each city.
Philippines
The Philippine has 7,107 islands and islets; beaches are the main tourist spots in the country. There are several museums and Historical Landmarks in Manila, the country's capital. Boracay Island is the boast of the country which has white sand beaches.
Hongkong
Hong Kong is a key destination for many travelers. It is located in Eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly, leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong offers diversity in: culture, religion, and lifestyles.

Chinese, (Cantonese) and English are both the official language here. So foreigners, who are planning to visit, should not have any problems exploring, and experiencing the culture of this vibrant place; since English is widely spoken here.
Hong Kong dollar is the currency in use here. One American dollar roughly equals around 7 Hong Kong dollars.
Hong Kong is known for: its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food, and beautiful skylines. Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high end streets of: Shanghai, London and Paris. But the best places to shop here are the unique shops, and street markets that exhibit the charm and uniqueness of the locality.
General Tips
Each country in Asia has its own currency, although up-end establishments will accept dollars, there are very few of these around. It is best to have your money changed at the local bank. Some hotels also offer money changing, but usually at a lower exchange rate.
Like any kind of decisions people have to make, it is always important to know the area they will be visiting so as to familiarize themselves with the laws, locations of best tourist spots, and the kind of people they have to deal with.
Going to a place without having the slightest idea what it is all about is just as bad as going to the wilderness with beasts lurking everywhere and there's no gadget to protect them.

I have been traveling to Thailand off and on for the past 35 years. I was stationed in Bangkok in the early 70's and I still go on vacation there 2 or 3 times every year. With all of those trips, I knew the Bangkok International Airport like the back of my hand.
In September 2006, the new airport, Suvarnabhumi (su-war-na-poom) opened and the end of the Don Muang era came to a bittersweet close. Suvarnabhumi is now the official International Airport for Bangkok and Don Muang has been relegated to domestic flights. I now had to learn to navigate this new metal monster.
Suvarnabhumi, meaning "Golden Land" is about 30 km east of Bangkok in an area known as Nong Ngu Hao, or "Cobra Swamp". The complex covers 32 square kilometers, and has the world's tallest control tower (132 meters). The passenger terminal has 360 check-in desks, 120 gates, and accommodations for handling 45 million passengers a year. Surrounding the airport are flooded rice paddies.
The new airport is an architectural masterpiece of metal and glass and is aesthetically beautiful. My only complaint is that it is a long hike from the arrival gate until you actually reach the Immigration lines. It seems like miles.
On the plus side, as soon as you clear Immigration, there is giant electronic display board which tells you where your luggage is. There are many luggage carousels and knowing exactly which one is yours makes life a little easier.
Once you get your bags, clearing customs is a snap. I have never been checked once in over 35 years of flying in to Bangkok. The next thing you will face is the taxi mafia gauntlet.
Bags in hand, you will walk into a mass of humanity - some waiting for loved ones - most waiting to harass you. They are the infamous clipboard toting taxi mafia. They will pester you, block your way, ask where you go, and never give up no matter how many times you refuse and no matter how many languages you swear at them in.
Having used all of your best football moves, you work your way past the clipboard thugs and head for the down escalator. This will take you to legal and much more reasonable taxis. You will have to pay a small fee - but you will get some piece of mind in return. The taxis are registered, the girls in the booth speak English, and you won't have to do any bargaining as these taxis use their meters.
If your cabbie offers to take you and not use the meter, agree upon a price and who will be paying for the tolls. This will be your first opportunity to experience haggling in Asia. Have fun.
I can't vouch for all the taxi drivers but I did find one very honest one using this service last year. I left my credit card wallet in the cab and the driver contacted my hotel and arranged to return my plastic intact. He was rewarded handsomely and saved me a lot of hassle and possibly a lot of money.
Now you will experience the controlled chaos of driving in Bangkok. It is indescribable and has to be experienced. Say a prayer and hope for the best.
If you plan to go anywhere in Thailand, you might be lucky enough to fly out of the old International Airport - Don Muang. It resembles more of a ghost town than an airport but still brings back to me memories of hundreds of trips to Thailand. Being the first thing you see in a foreign country, you develop a fondness for airports.
I guess I will get over it and learn to accept Suvarnabhumi and treat this new International Airport as a new friend. I have been there twice and will return in March, 2008 for another holiday. And, luckily, I will get to visit my old friend, Don Muang, the next day as I head up to Khon Kaen. It will be good to see old and new friends.

Report any problems to the airline before leaving the airport; insist on filling out a form. Open your suitcase immediately when you get to where you are staying. Any damage to the contents or any pilferage should be immediately reported to the airline by telephone. Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with. Follow up immediately with a certified letter to the airline.
Damage
If your suitcase arrives smashed or torn, the airline will usually pay for repairs. If it can't be fixed, they will negotiate a settlement to pay you its depreciated value. The same holds true for belongings packed inside. Airlines may decline to pay for damage caused by the fragile nature of the broken item or inadequate packing, rather than the airline's rough handling.
Carriers may also refuse to give you money for your damaged items inside the bag when there's no evidence of external damage to the suitcase. But airlines generally don't disclaim liability for fragile merchandise packed in its original factory sealed carton, a cardboard mailing tube, or other container designed for shipping and packed with protective padding material.
When you check in, airline personnel should let you know if they think your suitcase or package may not survive the trip intact. Before accepting a questionable item, they will ask you to sign a statement in which you agree to check it at your own risk. But even if you do sign this form, the airline might be liable for damage if it is caused by its own negligence shown by external injury to the suitcase or package.
Delayed bags
If you and your suitcase don't connect at your destination, don't panic. The airlines have very sophisticated systems that track down about 98% of the bags they misplace and return them to their owners within hours. In many cases they will absorb reasonable expenses you incur while they look for your missing belongings. You and the airline may have different ideas of what's reasonable, however, and the amount they will pay is subject to negotiation.
If your bags don't come off the conveyor belt, report this to the airline before you leave the airport. Insist that they fill out a form and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. If the form doesn't contain the name of the person who filled it out, ask for it. Get an appropriate phone number for following up (not the Reservations number).
Don't assume that the airline will deliver the bag without charge when it is found; ask them about this. Most carriers set guidelines for their airport employees that allow them to disburse some money at the airport for emergency purchases.
The amount depends on whether or not you're away from home and how long it takes to track down your bags and return them to you. If the airline does not provide you a cash advance, it may still reimburse you later for the purchase of necessities. Discuss with the carrier the types of articles that would be reimbursable, and keep all receipts.
If the airline misplaces sporting equipment, it will sometimes pay for the rental of replacements. For replacement clothing or other articles, the carrier might offer to absorb only a portion of the purchase cost, on the basis that you will be able to use the new items in the future. (The airline may agree to a higher reimbursement if you turn the articles over to them.)
When you've checked in fresh foods or any other perishable goods and they are ruined because their delivery is delayed, the airline won't reimburse you. Carriers may be liable if they lose or damage perishable items, but they won't accept responsibility for spoilage caused by a delay in delivery.
Airlines are liable for provable consequential damages up to the amount of their liability limit (see below) in connection with the delay. If you can't resolve the claim with the airline's airport staff, keep a record of the names of the employees with whom you dealt, and hold on to all travel documents and receipts for any money you spent in connection with the mishandling. (It's okay to surrender your baggage claim tags to the airline when you fill out a form at the airport, as long as you get a copy of the form and it notes that you gave up the tags.) Call or write the airline's consumer office when you get home.
Lost luggage
Once your bag is declared officially lost, you will have to submit a claim. This usually means you have to fill out a second, more detailed form. Check on this; failure to complete the second form when required could delay your claim. Missing the deadline for filing it could invalidate your claim altogether.
The airline will usually refer your claim form to a central office, and the negotiations between you and the airline will begin. If your flight was a connection involving two carriers, the final carrier is normally the one responsible for processing your claim even if it appears that the first airline lost the bag.
Airlines don't automatically pay the full amount of every claim they receive. First, they will use the information on your form to estimate the value of your lost belongings. Like insurance companies, airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs. If you're tempted to exaggerate your claim, don't.
Airlines may completely deny claims they feel are inflated or fraudulent. They often ask for sales receipts and other documentation to back up claims, especially if a large amount of money is involved. If you don't keep extensive records, you can expect to dicker with the airline over the value of your goods.
Generally, it takes an airline anywhere from six weeks to three months to pay you for your lost luggage. When they tender a settlement, they may offer you the option of free tickets on future flights in a higher amount than the cash payment. Ask about all restrictions on these tickets, such as "blackout" periods and how far before departure you are permitted to make a reservation.

When you are planning your trip there are some things you can fail to remember. Usually they are very useful things and their absence can cause some inconveniences. Depending on the length of your trip and the place you are going to the list of the necessary items will differ.

In any case, if you are going abroad you must have all the necessary documents.

1) your foreign passport with visa (if necessary)
2) your tickets (plane, train, bus - just any)
3) your hotel voucher (if you stay in a hotel)
4) your insurance (if you have one)

If you are traveling with a travel agency, you'd better have their telephone numbers and other contacts both in your country and in a country of your destination.

So, when you plan to spend away from home only a couple of days you should only take your documents and a sufficient sum of money. There are hardly such things you can't live without for several days. Of course, if you do prefer not waste your money, you should not forget your toothbrush ad other item of the personal hygiene. However if you stay in a prestigious hotel these things won't be a problem.

Some people live their city with a strong desire to forget about all that they have left in their motherland, but if you still want to be in touch with your relatives and friends you'd better to take your mobile. Of course, you can call from the reception in the hotel, but mobile is much more convenient and cheaper.

In any foreign country if you don't speak its language, the phrase-book can become almost indispensable thing.

No matter for how long your trip will last - you will be safer if you take your medicines with you. If you route lays far from the big cities you simply couldn't manage to find what you need. Even if you are going to New York or Paris, are you sure you would like to waste your time and money looking for your salvation? It's good if the foreign pharmacists know the name of your medicine - and if they don't?

Continuing about healthcare - it's highly recommended to make all the vaccinations you can need in the country you are going to. It's especially urgent if you go to the tropical countries of in the country where the epidemic can spoil your plans. The list of the vaccinations you may need can be easily found in your travel agency, in the embassy of this country and even in Internet.
Don't forget also to take the clothes for you rest. Swimsuit, T-shirts and shorts on resort and a couple of the warm sweaters and blazers in mountains. Anyway, don't forget your running shoes - barely you will like to make long walks on high heels or in uncomfortable shoes.

If you expect long trip in bus or train, or long flight - take some books, magazines or something else to entertain yourself. Some people always take their talismans in their journeys. So, if you feel uncomfortable without your old toy - don't forget to take it too, especially if you plan a long stay abroad.
Anyway, when you have cash or credit card you won't be in trouble - now you can buy almost everything, almost everywhere.

Traveling with a disability or a medical condition will be easier if you plan ahead of time.
* Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance at the airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can only assist you with the screening process. Your airline will assist you through the airport facility and the screening queue line.
* If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, speak with your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering the security checkpoint.
* The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase, or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, and mobility aids, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability.
* Pack your medications in a separate pouch/bag to facilitate the inspection process. Ensure that containers holding medications are not too densely filled, and that all medication is clearly identified. It is recommended that passengers refrain from packing any medications in their checked baggage that they do not want exposed to X-rays. Instead, send larger quantities of medications to your destination by mail or any other way preferred.
* If you have medical documentation regarding your medical condition or disability, you can present this information to the Security Officer to help inform him of your situation. This documentation is not required and will not exempt you from the security screening process.
* Make sure all your carry-on items; equipment, mobility aids, and devices have an identification tag attached.
* TSA recommends that you bring all the necessary tools and/or appliances that you require to put on or take off your prosthetic device (e.g. wrenches, pull sleeves, etc.) should you need to remove your prosthetic device for any reason. TSA allows these tools to be carried through the security checkpoint once they have been screened.
* If you have a medical device (on the interior or exterior of your body) check with your doctor prior to traveling to determine if it is safe for you to go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded. If your Doctor indicates that you should not go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded, or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for a pat-down inspection instead.
* Your personal supplemental Oxygen will need to undergo screening. Check with your Doctor prior to coming to the checkpoint to ensure disconnection can be done safely.
* If your Doctor has indicated that you cannot be disconnected or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for an alternate inspection process while you remain connected to your oxygen source.
* If you need an Oxygen Supplier to meet you at the gate, check with your airline well in advance of your departure about their procedures for allowing suppliers to meet you at the arrival's gate since these procedures vary from airline to airline.
A little prior planning can make your trip easier for you and for the security personnel.