Visiting a new country is great but going to an entirely new continent is what’s really awesome. The exposure you get from traveling is something no other activity can match and it gives you a chance to see how other people live and how things are done in different parts of the world – but as with anywhere, there are at least 5 things to know before visiting Sydney.

For starters, Australia is not just a country; it’s also an entire continent which is separated from the rest of the world. Anyone visiting Australia needs to know about the differences they’re expected to encounter as they will have some impact on the quality of their journey. Here are 5 things to know before visiting Sydney.

5 Things to Know Before Visiting Sydney

Sun burns are faster—and hotter

One of the first things which people from the outside notice in Australia is the heat of the sun. The sun seems to be hotter in Australia probably because of the depletion of the Ozone layer. When you’re planning places which you would visit in Australia, you have to keep in mind that you’re going to be exposing yourself to the sun and you must plan accordingly.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer and the reason is long and direct exposures to the sun. Protecting your skin using hats and sunscreens will ensure a smooth trip for you. Groupon offers many deals on products which ca1n protect you from the damaging effects of the sun. No one wants to look like a tomato on vacation!

There actually are four seasons

Movies and popular media have us believed that Australia is hot and sunny every single day of the year but nothing could be further than the truth. Australia is one of the lucky places on earth which enjoy the four seasons in their entirety. You wouldn’t want to be the tourist who comes in his sleeveless shirt and Bermuda’s only to be caught off guard and find that it’s really chilly and he should’ve brought clothes to more suited to the weather. One of the best things you can do for your trip is to check for weather patterns before your arrival to the country to ensure that you won’t have to face any unwanted surprises.

Food is fine to eat—and actually delicious

Australia has been very severe in the implementation of laws which govern the arrival of an eatable from a foreign place. Check the list of things, on the internet, which are permitted to be brought to Australia before you finalize your packing for your trip. Before your landing in Sydney, or any other part of Australia for that matter, you’ll be provided a set of guidelines which you’re required to follow and it included things which can be brought to the country.

There can be a fine of more than $200 at the spot for bringing banned foods in the country. You must declare all the food items you’re bringing with you whether it is something as simple as a chocolate or nuts. Declaring the food is the proper way to go as the customs officials generally allow you to keep the food item if it is packaged.

It’s easy to get around and explore

Sydney is one of the cities where it is a joy to walk around. The city is flat with no hills and the streets are well-lighted and well-marked. The public transportation system is decent and you can buy Opal Cards, a stored-value transit card, from any newsstand and save yourself quite a lot of money in terms of transport fares – it is perhaps the cheapest and most convenient option for traveling within the city. A very popular mode of travel from the United States, Uber, has been gaining grounds and is expected to become widely popular in a comparatively short time.

There are heaps of festivals

If you’re heading to Australia then you should ensure that your trip coincides with any of a large number of festivals which have become a hallmark of activity in Australia. The Sydney Festival brings around 400 cultural performances in January every year where over a thousand artists perform and it is a sight to behold. Another major festival to keep a track of is the Annual Good Food Month which takes place in October of every year and is appreciated by foodies from all parts of the country. Planning the trip properly will give you much more bang for your money when you finally decide to visit Sydney.

So, there are 5 things to know before visiting Sydney. There are definitely more, but figuring them out is half the fun. Right?

This ‘5 Things to Know Before Visiting Sydney’ post was written by Frank Lee for The Lady-like Leopard.