RACQ travel consultants are experienced to help you with your travel planning. Here are some helpful tips you need to consider.
- Check your destination before departure. Even if you booked your holiday a year in advance and all things were fine, situations can change quickly, so please stay informed. Smarttraveller, and initiative of the Department of Foreigh Affairs & Trade, has a wealth of advice whether you are a backpacker, parents with children or travelling seniors.
- Know the local laws and customs. Every country is different so be aware of what is expected from clothing, alcohol rules and speed limits. Australian consular assistance cannot override the local laws so you must obey all laws in your destination country.
- Check with your doctor on what recommended vaccinations or other precautions maybe needed before you travel. Make sure any prescriptive medicine you are travelling with is allowed in the country of your destination, and you have enough for the entirety of your trip.
- Travel Insurance – it is said that if you can’t afford insurance you can’t afford to travel. Once you leave Australia you leave the comforts of our Hospital systems and even a simple trip to a doctor can ruin your holiday budget. You should have coverage for hospital and evacuations. Make sure it covers you for any specific activities you might do eg: Skiing or hiking.
Find out more about Travel Insurance.
- Make sure you have at least 6mths valid on your passport, even if you are only travelling for one week. Some countries will refuse your entry if you do not have at least 6mths on your passport.
- Check to see if you require Visas for the country you are travelling. RACQ travel agents can assist with this, or visit http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/
- Leave copies of your itinerary, passports and travel documents with family or friends. It is also a good idea to leave a copy of your insurance policies and credit card numbers in case you need to quickly contact them to cancel cards.
- Consider back-up access to money. A good idea is to travel with a separate visa and mastercard (not linked to one account), so if one needs to be stopped the other will still keep you going. Your bank should have a range of international ATM cards or traveller cheque options. Don’t leave organising your money the day before you depart, you should test that your cards & transfer facilities are working before you depart.
- Take a list of emergency phone numbers with you, including credit card contacts, insurance numbers and any international calling numbers you may need (eg: flight details and family).
- Consider putting your mobile phone onto international dialing in your destination country. Be aware of the charges for phone calls, but this is a good idea for emergencies. Text messages are often still cheap while you are overseas, so contact your mobile phone provider for full details.
- Purchase a power adapter before you travel, as often they are difficult to find and expensive at airports. Most electronic and department stores stock them at reasonable prices too.
- Even if you don't intend to drive when you travel overseas you should always carry an International Driving Permit.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a requirement for renting a motor vehicle in many countries and is helpful for tourists who find themselves in need of identification or assistance.
Smarttraveller, an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, has a wealth of advice whether you are a backpacker, parents with children or travelling seniors.
Prepare for your holiday, and have a wonderful experience!
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