Expat Life & Travel
Welcome to Bright Lights of America, an expat and travel blog for Australians moving to, and living in, the US. You’ll find a wealth of information on everything from planning your move, to visas, financial and tax issues, settling into expat life, and deciding where to live.
We know you’re here to start a new chapter in your
Hi, I’m Katherine
An Australian expat who loves living in San Francisco and helping other Aussies make their dreams of moving to the US come true. I’ve been travelling since I was a teenager, with and without my family and friends.
My first expat jaunt was to London, which I used as a base to travel Europe and to explore my own backyard. London is the perfect place to spark a life-long love of wanderlust.
Bright Lights of America began its life in 2015 when I moved to the US on my own to pursue a career opportunity. Since then it’s grown into a resource for expats who want to find the easiest ways round the bureaucracy and culture shock that sometimes comes with life in the US.
Expat Life
Why you need a good credit score in the US (and the best way to start building a great one)
If you’re new to the US, you have your hands full adjusting to your new life. It’s temptingly easy to ignore your credit. But that would be a mistake, and here’s why.
In the US, your credit s...Read More
E3 visa interview (your step-by-step guide)
As the date of your E3 visa interview looms, there's no need to get nervous or worried about what's in store. Lots of Australian expats looking for work in the US have been there before you and have a...Read More
Where to get Aussie Meat Pies in the US
When you're far away from home for a long time, you sometimes need a bit of familiar comfort food. Nothing brings back memories like smell and taste and meat pies fit both of those bills for Aussie ex...Read More
Travel Tips & Itineraries
San Francisco itinerary for first time visitors
After almost four years living in the city by the bay, it's finally time to write a San Francisco itinerary for those who are visiting for the very first time and want to know about all the must-see...Read More
17 Mile Drive Monterey in pictures (with maps)
California's 17 Mile Drive, Monterey has a reputation for a reason. It stretches for miles (17 of them, as the name suggests) of beautiful coastline, glimpses of wildlife, nature and gorgeous houses. ...Read More
Winchester House virtual tour (pictures from inside)
Taking a Winchester House virtual tour has been a little tricky since the contract for a movie about Sarah Winchester, played by Helen Mirren, was signed.
Winchester will hit theatres in the US on Fe...Read More
Latest Posts
The 27 best views in San Francisco
San Francisco is all about colour. The blue ocean, the red Golden Gate Bridge, the pretty pastel Painted Ladies, the street art, and rainbows representing LGBTQ rights that are ingrained in the city. ...Read More
Books set in California (to inspire wanderlust)
Just because you can't physically travel, doesn't mean you can't get away from it all and experience a new place from the comfort of your armchair.
We've collaborated with a few travel bloggers to ...Read More
COVID-19 Quarantine in Australia
Australia's international borders are currently closed to anyone other than citizens, residents, and their immediate family members. There are also strict quarantine measures in place for those return...Read More