How to plan your next trip
Want to travel smarter and with less stress? From packing lists to travel tips to budgeting we have these covered below.
Having a pre-travel checklist is a great way to make sure you haven't forgotten anything but to also keep your travelling within budget. Here is a link to a quick budget tool:
To Do List and Travel Tips
Before you travel here a few things to do before you leave home...
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Ensure you have any required VISAs or ETSAs - check official Government websites
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Obtain a valid International Drivers License if you are driving overseas
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Have you arranged travel insurance?
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Schedule any payment of bills that may be due whilst away
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Notify your bank /credit card that you will be using the card overseas. Confirm if there are any foreign transaction fees with that card. Ideally you will take a credit card that has NO foreign transaction fees.
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Let your neighbours or family know that you will be away - helps to have someone keeping an eye on your home
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Print out travel documentation - it is handy to have paper backup in case electronic versions are not accessible to show customs
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Check Government travel advisory websites
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Check weather forecasts for your destinations
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Check flight details - have they changed since you booked them? Do you need to pre-order a special meal?
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If you have accommodation or car rental that has free cancellation, then check to see if prices have dropped and rebook.
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Check passport expiry dates - most countries require six-month's validity. Also take a photocopy of your passport
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Check if any immunisations are required for your destination
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Do you need to take any special medicines with you and if so, might be handy to have extra and a letter from your doctor
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Have you arranged a travel money card or have access to foreign currency?
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Have you arranged an eSIM / SIM card or will you use existing mobile data plan overseas?
Packing List
Here are a few unusual travel packing items that we always include in our luggage that you may not think to add:
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Air tags - we also label each one
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Spare zip lock bags
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Tape - duct / sticky tape
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Multi tool - for things like scissors, screwdriver etc
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Plastic bags / shopping bags
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Adaptors - check which one you may need for your destination
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Umbrellas or plastic poncho
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Photocopies of passports, travel documentation
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Wet wipes (antibacterial preferred)
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Shampoo soap bars instead of carrying lots of plastic bottles
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Powerbank
