Travel Tips
Even though we can’t travel overseas at the moment doesn’t mean you can plan!
Passport
Before you book an overseas holiday – check that your Passport has more than 6 months validity from when you plan to end your trip. Most countries won’t accept you if you have only 3 months left until your passport expires. You might be able to pass through Australian customs with no problem, but if the country you are entering has a different rule – those immigration guys can send you back in the blink of and eye. And yes, you need Travel Insurance.
Because a Passport is just something that sits in your drawer until you need it, it’s bloody annoying and expensive when to find out it has expired and you need and emergency passport. Pop a reminder in your calendar six months before your Passports and Visas are about to expire. Find out more about the cost of a Passport here. You must keep your passport in good condition.
Visas
Get the right visa for the countries you are travelling to and transiting through.
International Travel Insurance
Yes, you need it. Make sure you read the policies before you sign up. Find out if you are covered if you drive a motorcycle, go windsurfing, skiing etc. If you get injured – will your insurance pay for you to come home?
Shop around to find out which insurance company is best for you. As a general rule it is a good idea to only take things that you are prepare to loose / have to replace i.e. your grandmothers pearl earrings or your great-grandfather’s dress watch.
Smart Traveller?
It’s a good idea to register your travel details with Smart Traveller. If a natural disaster or terror attack occurs in the area you are travelling the Australian Government can contact you. Smart Traveller is also good resource to find out if there is any political unrest or other issues in the country you are planning to visit, which may not be common knowledge.
Health Checks
At least 12 weeks before you are due to travel you need to check if you need any vaccinations. Depending on where you are going, of course. Vaccinations are expensive, but not as expensive as getting seriously sick when you are away.
Medication
If you need to travel with medication, make sure you have enough supplies AND find out if you can take it with you to your destination and places you are transiting through. Keep the medication in the bottles / packets they come in. It’s going to look dodgy if you turn up to customs with a clear bag full of pills.
Bank
If you intend to use your credit or debit card whilst travelling – let you bank know so they don’t put a hold on your card, because they could flag it as potentially stolen and put a hold on the card. Also, ask about the exchange rates if you use your cards overseas you can get hit with currency conversion fees in the country you are visiting and back home. Most Banks have an app you can log into and notify them of your travel plans.
Money
Buy some local currency before you go so you can pay for a taxi to your hotel or food when you first arrive.
Shop around for the best exchange rates and keep an eye on money changers. The local currency may look very different than what you are used to and you are a prime target for scammers of you stand out as a tourist.
Driving
If you plan to drive whilst you are overseas you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some countries, like the United Kingdom, allow you to drive with your current Australian licence for up to 12 months without an IDP. To apply for an IDP you need to be over 18 and have a full, valid licence. You will need your current licence and a recent passport photo. You can apply online here RAC – allow at least 2 – 3 weeks in case there are any hiccups with processing your application.
Other travel tips
Packing
Don’t over pack! It’s hard not to over pack, but really think about what you need and what you can buy at your destination. Leave the shampoos, conditioner and body moisturisers at home – you can get them any where and when they burst in your luggage due to air pressure – you won’t be happy. No you don’t need a hairdryer / straighter or more than three pairs of shoes – you are on holidays!
Luggage
If you are travelling to mutliple destinations don’t take a big suitcase with you – you want a cabin bag and a small back pack so you can hit the road as soon as you arrive. No one likes to hang around the airport waiting for their luggage to appear on the carousel. And if you are travelling with others and you are the only one with checked in luggage – you are not going to be popular.
One last travel tip
Have fun, don’t stress too much and learn a bit about the local culture and a few phrases before you go. Travelling is a great way to get to know you.
