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 best things to do in Sonora, California
Driving through rural California, you've got your pick of sweet little towns like Sonora. You can breeze by, or maybe do a quick pitt stop, but wouldn't it be more fun to stay a few nights and get a f...Read More
Green Card through marriage processing time and procedure
The thought of moving from an E3 visa to Green Card never crossed my mind when I first made San Francisco my home back in 2015. But then I met and married my Californian husband, and suddenly the Gree...Read More
Green Card medical exam experience
The Green Card medical exam experience can be daunting if you don't know what to expect or what is required of you. It is an integral part of the application process for those hoping to obtain a Green...Read More