Cost of Living Comparison: Australia vs Canada vs UK

Planning to work abroad? Compare the real cost of living in Australia, Canada and the UK- rent, food, transport, salaries and savings potential.

Cost of Livingn Comparison-Australia vs Canada vs UK'

When choosing a country to work abroad, salary alone doesn't matter. What truly matters is how much can save after expenses. 

Let's compare Australia, Canada, and the UK using real-world living costs and earning potential.

Housing Cost (Biggest Expense)

Australia

-Rent: 1 bed city- High

Sharing accomodation is common

Utilities can be expensive

Canada

-Rent varies greatly by city

-More affordable outside Toronto and Vancouver

UK

-London is extremely expensive

-Northern cities are more affordable

Reality: Canada offers the best balance for housing

                                                                

imagecredit: by Gabriel Vera from Pixabay

Food and Daily Expenses

Country              Groceries                Eating out

Australia            Expensive               Expensive

Canada               Moderate.               Moderate

UK.                    Moderate.               Affordable pubs

Cooking at home saves money in all three countries.

Transport and Healthcare

Transport

-Australia: Car-dependent

-Canada: City- dependent

-UK: Excellent public transport

Healthcare

-Australia: Medicare 

-Canada: Public Healthcare

-UK:NHS

Salary vs Savings Reality

High salary= high Savings

Country.                        Salary                         Savings Potential

Australia                       High                            Medium

Canada                          Medium                      Medium

Conclusion:

If your goal is maximum savings, Canada often wins.

If lifestyle matters most, Australia shines.

If culture and travel access matter, the UK works well.

The best country depends on your priorities, not hype.

                                                                                       

Visiting Louvre Museum in Paris, France

          One treasured holiday that we did just recently was our visit to Europe. A highlight of which is our appointment to the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Considered as one of the world's most famous museum, it houses approximately 35,000 materials from prehistory up to the 21st century period. 

        This popular museum is located on the Right Bank of the Sienne River in the 1st arrondisement of Paris. When we arrived, we noticed that the main entrance is through the glass pyramid in the Cour Napoleon courtyard. From our hotel, we took the Metro going to the site. For public transportation especially through the Metro, the two closest stations are the Palais Royal- Musee du Louvre and Louvre-Rivoli. 

          Regarding its operating times, it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00PM except on Tuesdays when it is closed. Luckily for us, we arrived at the museum at 10AM yet we noticed there were several people already ahead of us. On its operating hours, take note that this may vary on public holidays, so it is best to constantly double check the official website before planning a visit. Tickets can be secured online in advance or at the museum. We were lucky since my wife was so quick to purchased tickets online. We also learned that starting next year, non-European visitors will face higher enrty fees. 

          Upon researching, I discovered that the Louvre's extensive collection includes masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Finally, the museum's eight curatorial departments includes a wider range of art and artifacts from various cultures and time period. 

                                                                                 

Best Places to Visit In Victoria Australia in 2024

          Victoria is a beautiful state in Australia with many attractions and activitiues to enjoy. According to National Geographic, it is one of the most exciting destinations to visit in the world. Here are some  of the latest places to visit in 2024 based on various sources.

1. Philip Island- the island is famous for its wildlife, especially the Penguin parade, where you can watch thousands of little penguins return to their burrows at sunset. You can also visit the Philip Island  Chocolate Factory where you can see the largest chocolate waterfall and indulge in some sweet treats.

2. The Grampians- this is a stunning National park with rugged mountains, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, and diverse flora and fauna. You can hike, camp, rock climb, or take a scenic drive through the park and admire the views. 

3. Mornington Peninsula- this is a popular seaside destination with sandy beaches, natural hot springs, wineries, golf courses, and charming towns. . You can relax, swim, surf, sail, or pamper yourself at the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs. 

4. Bendigo- this is a historic city that was once the centre of the gold rush in Victoria. You can explore the heritage buildings, museums, art galleries, and gardens, or try a luck at finding gold at Soveriegn Hill, a recreated 19th century mining town.

5. Healesville- this is a quaint town in the Yarra Valley, a renowned wine region in Victoria. You can taste some of the finest wines, cheeses and chocolates or visit the Healesville Sancturary, a wildlife park that showcases native Australian animals.

6. Daylesford- this is a spa town that is known for its mineral of springs, wellness centres and holistic therapies. You can rejuvenite your body and mind, or explore the surrounding countryside, which has lakes, forests and gardens.

Image by xiSerge from Pixabay

7. Dandenong Ranges- this is a mountain range that offers a tranquil escape from the city. You can enjoy the lush greenery, exotic plants and wildlife or take a ride on the puffing billy, a historic steam train that runs through the hills.

8. Ballarat- this. is another city that has a rich gold rush history and culture. You can visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park, where you can see kangaroes, koalas, crocodiles, and other animals. It is also the 3rd largest city in Victoria and known for its 1851 gold rush.

          Hence these are but just a few of those interesting palces that one can visit when in Victoria Australia. 

Visit to Myrtleford, Victoria

     Bonding moments with the family is always something special for me. And last April of this year, me and my family had the chance to visit one of the iconic places here in Victoria Australia. Just to give everyone a little background of Myrtleford, allow me to share with you the following facts about it here:

     

" Myrtleford- is a town situated in the northeast part of Victoria, Australia and that is 280 km (170 miles) northeast of Melbourne and 46 km (29 mikes) southeast of Wangaratta. It is part of the Alpine Shire local government area and in the year 2016, it had a population of about 3,193 people."  - Source- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtleford

                                                                

      

              

     Hence, we stayed there for two days and two nights in one of their popular hotels- the Myrtleford Hotel. As soon as we arrived in the place, we started right away exploring the busy downtown area with all the visiting local and international travellers in town. When we were there, they had a festival wherein food of various kinds plus live band were on display. Then when we had the chance we went to Bright, another popular tourist destination due to its heaps if exciting sceneries and wide variety of flowers that become so delightful to the eyes especially on seasons of Fall and Autumn. 

     Then we also had the time to visit Mount Beauty and we were mesmerised by the excellent display of mother nature in the area. Their collection of flowers and plants were great plus the surrounding mountains depict such a feeling of awe and stillness. Hence, we always savour our memories in those places and we are ones of those fortunate people to see them in person. 

                                                                                    

Wilson's Promontory: Victoria, Australia

     After a long overdue of my update on this blog, I am now sharing with you my latest entry: the Wilson's Promontory in Victoria, Australia. When you visit this beautiful state of Australia, Victoria prides itself as the state which owns several places of interests for all tourists: local and non local.Depending on your area of interest whether camping or hiking or mountain trekking, Victoria is the state that offers all of them.

     One of the favourite places for tourists in Victoria is Wilson's Promontory. " It is also known as Yiruk and Wamoon in the Gunai and Bunwurrung languages respectively. It is a peninsula that forms the southermost part of the Australian mainland. South Point is the southernmost tip of Wilson's Promontory and hence of mainland Australia. Located at nearby South East Point is the Wilson's Promontory Lighthousde. "-  Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilsons_Promontory

Image by sabinamajoor from Pixabay 

Areas of Interests in Wilson's Promontory:

1. " Barry Creek camping area- on this campoing site, one can't stay for more than two nights. From the carpark on Five Mile Rd which leads east of Wilson's Promontory Rd, it's a walk of 6.2 km to Barry Creek.

2. Five Mile Beach camping area- Five Mile Beach arrows along the eastern coast of Wilson's Promontory between Monkey point and the headland that hides gorgeous Sealer's Cove. This generous sweep of sand is a great place for beachcombing, swimmiing or just nap while the ocean laps the shore.

3. Halfway Cut camping Area- Walkers keen on getting to the lighthouse perched on the southeaster btip of the prontory stride down Telegraph TRack from Telegrapg Saddle and stop for a breather after 7 km at Halfway Hut. 

4. Lower Barry Creek camping area- From the Five Mile Rd carpoark, you'll need to walk for 9.7 km to reach Lower Barry Creek- the route leads east down Five Mile Rd before branching North on a separate trail that starts just to the west of Barry Creek."- Source- Camping Around Australia, www.exploreaustralia.net.au

      There you go, I have just shared with you some of the popular spots in Wilson's Promontory so that you can pick your choice to stay and unwind on any of your rest day. 

                                                                           

The Beauty of Ireland

    Ireland is a place that should be included in one's bucket list for travelling.  This country is well known for its being wild yet such a very wonderful country. Ireland actually is an island that belongs to the north Atlantic Ocean, and it is also known fore being divided into two: Ireland which occupies five- sixths of Ireland Island, and west of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, this one being a part of the United Kingdom. 

    With regard to its population, it is not yet considered as a big country and as a matter of fact, one- third of its people live in Dublin which is also known for being its capital.  Dublin which means "town of the hurdled ford" is derived from the Irish name Dubhlinn, meaning "black pool". This is situated in the province of Leinster near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, as the mouth of the River Liffe and the centre of the Dublin Region"- from Wikipedia, free encyclopedia.

    One of those many reasons why Ireland is so popular to visitors especially to tourists is the people itself. Local Ireland people are known to be so friendly to visitors. They're such a hardworking group and they own that passion for a less stressful life. When it comes to their families, they also practice and maintain close family ties among them.    

                             

         One other area in which the country is known for is its love for literature. All throughout their history, Irish people are known to be so rich when it comes to loving and preserving the country's literature. In fact, listed as one of the famous authors who contributed a vast and made a positive impression of Ireland itself is Christy Nicholas. She has written some books and a popular one is focused on Ireland. The title of this book is Ireland- Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland. 

    Sharing with you an excerpt from this famous author, " I've been to Ireland several times, and it holds a special place in my heart. Ireland is 'mo anam an Blaile", my soul's home in Irish. It is a place I feel comforted, warm and welcome.  I wish to share some of this peace and serenity with others. Please, feel free to join me in my journey through Ireland, its history, mystery and magic."

    Hence, if time allows for travel, include in your bucket list this wonderful and magnificent country called Ireland. 

 

                                             

Mornington Peninsula

        As previously mentioned, the state of Victoria is such a rich state in many matters like natural resources, dairy products, cultural traditions etc. One of its richness is its richness in scenic spots and various  tourist attractions which could not escape the eyes and taste of any visitor. 

Photo by Marc Zimmer on Unsplash

         Thus allow me to share on today's post Victoria's famous tourist destination,  the Mornington Peninsula. "It is a peninsula located south-east of Melbourne, Victoria. It is surrounded by Port Phillip to the west, Western Port to the east and Bass Strait to the south, And it is connected to the mainland in the north. Geographically the peninsula begins its protrusion from the mainland in the area between Pearcedale and an area south of Frankston. "- source- Wikipedia- the free encyclopedia

         Depending on one's interests, yet allow me to share here some information about Mornington Peninsula.

* " Possible Marine Activities: the uniqueness of this diving area includes different types of places of interests such as its sandy beaches to the ruggedness of its mountains. Areas popular to visitors are:

1. Bayplay- 3755 pt Nepean Road Portsea

2. Bay Fish N Trips- Mornington Pier, Schnapper point Dr, Mornington

3. Moonraker Dolphin Swims- 7 George Street, Sorrento (bookings essential)

* Several land attractions and activities: one can have plenty of options here to share with others noteworthy activities such as exploring the rugged terrain of the place, or try tree surfing and if not, find yourself lost and survived the challenging mazes.

1. Arthurs Seat Eagle- 1085 Arthurs Seat Road, Dromana, 

2. Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens- 15 Shoreham Rd, Shoreham

3. The Enchanted Adventure Garden - Mazes and Tube Slides- 55 Purves Road, Arthurs Seat

* Golf Courses and Resorts- for those golf enthusiasts out there, enjoy the 18 courses to choose from both senior and social golfers. Meet new friends by engaging yourself to a funfilled  round of golf.

1. Bay Views Golf Course- Elizabeth Dr, Rosebud

2. Mercure Portsea Golf Club- 46 London Bridge Rd, Portsea

3. Mt. Martha Golf Course- Forest Dr, Mt Martha"

Source: www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

         Aside from these exciting line up of possible activities shared here, there are other wonderful places of interests that one can cherish. For more information about the place, visit their website: www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org