Australia & New Zealand Vacations from Chicago
G’day!
Thanks for visiting our Down Under Travel website. At Go Walkabout Travel, we’re your Australia and New Zealand Travel Specialists for Chicago, Illinois.
We design high-end, tailor-made vacations featuring hand-picked hotels, private or small group touring, and seamless travel arrangements.
With over 35 years of combined experience creating customized itineraries, our team brings genuine local knowledge and insider tips to every trip we plan for our clients from Chicago.
Born and raised Down Under, our Australia and New Zealand specialists share firsthand expertise and the kind of insights only locals can offer.
Here are a few helpful tips from our travel experts to get you started when planning your trip to Australia or New Zealand.
Visa Information for US Travelers to Australia and New Zealand
If you are a US passport holder, you will need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) when visiting Australia and New Zealand. Your Australian and New Zealand Travel Specialists will provide full instructions on how to apply for these. You must have at least six months of validity remaining on your US passport from the date you return to the USA, and you must declare any criminal records upfront when applying for your visa, otherwise you may be denied entry.
Our Down Under Travel Specialists recommend that visas (ETAs) are applied for and approved before your international airline tickets to Australia and New Zealand are issued.
Flying Out of Chicago O’Hare
Like anywhere in the USA, traffic and flight delays can cause mayhem and a lousy start to your vacation. If you are traveling to Chicago O’Hare Airport from surrounding areas such as Naperville, Hinsdale, or Lake Forest, make sure to allow plenty of time.
It’s always better to be checked in, relaxed, and enjoying a drink before your flight than stressed at the beginning of your personalized holiday to Australia or New Zealand.
Flight Connections from Chicago
The best flight connections from Chicago to Australia and New Zealand are via Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
Even if the weather looks perfect in Chicago, your aircraft could be arriving from somewhere experiencing delays, and that can throw off everything. It’s always best to allow at least a 4 to 5 hour connection, or even better, plan an overnight stay before your international flight.
It’s very hard to play catch up on a custom or tailor made trip, and starting your vacation relaxed is far better than racing through airports stressed.
Returning to the USA
Coming home after a luxurious vacation in Australia or New Zealand can be tough, especially with the jet lag. We recommend taking a couple of extra days off work when you return to give yourself time to adjust. You’ll feel much better for it and ready to get back into your routine.
Fun fact: the flight back to the USA is always a little longer because of the headwinds and jet streams from Australia and New Zealand.
Arriving Before Your Tour
Always plan your flights to arrive a day or two early if you’ve booked a guided tour in Australia or New Zealand. This gives you time to adjust to the time zone and avoids the stress of missed connections if your flight is delayed.
Your Australia and New Zealand Travel Specialists are always available to help with any issues through our 24/7 emergency contact numbers in both countries. We’re always here to support you throughout your journey.
24/7 In-Country Support
Your Australia and New Zealand Travel Specialists are always available to help with any issues through our 24/7 emergency contact numbers in both countries. We’re always here to support you throughout your journey.
Plan and Book Early
We need time to design your once-in-a-lifetime custom itinerary to travel Down Under. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing the best accommodation options and first choice on small group tours.
Australia and New Zealand are becoming busier than ever, especially with post-pandemic travel catch up, major events, and conferences filling calendars well in advance. Play it safe and have your personalized vacation package tailor made early.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
When planning your trip to Australia, it’s worth including a thoughtful mix of accommodation styles to match your travel pace and comfort preferences. Domestic flights can have strict luggage limits, and for longer journeys, having occasional access to laundry facilities is a practical plus.
You’ll find a wide range of luxury accommodation in Australia, from world-class island retreats such as Hayman Island in the Whitsundays and Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, to elegant city hotels like The Four Seasons Sydney, and premium serviced apartments that provide extra space and flexibility for extended stays.
If your travels also include New Zealand, booking early is essential. With its smaller scale and limited capacity, the most sought-after properties fill quickly. Options include boutique hotels, romantic luxury lodges such as Huka Lodge near Taupo, Matakauri Lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu, or Blanket Bay near Queenstown, and exclusive country retreats, each offering an authentic and personal New Zealand experience.
Time Zones in Australia and New Zealand
Just like North America, not all regions of Australia observe daylight saving time. When flying domestically, always check with flight attendants or airport screens to confirm the local time.
Even cities that line up vertically on the map can be in different time zones during daylight saving, for example, Sydney and Brisbane.
New Zealand does observe daylight saving, but as it’s a smaller country, it has only one time zone, which makes things far simpler for travelers.
Start Planning Your Trip
We’d love to help you plan your dream vacation from Chicago to Australia or New Zealand. Our team of Australia and New Zealand Travel Specialists will create a custom itinerary designed around your interests, comfort level, and travel style. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a well-earned retirement trip, crossing another golf course off your list, or finally taking that bucket-list journey, we’ll make sure every detail is handled seamlessly.
Reach out today to start planning your personalized trip with a South Pacific travel expert.
Read one of our Chicago Client Testimonials here!