Opinion
Twenty things you need to do before taking a holiday overseas
Michael Gebicki
The TripologistPreparation is essential for smooth and trouble-free travelling, and with a detailed checklist, you can travel in confidence. The list below applies whether you’re travelling solo, on a tour or on a family adventure.
Follow the Tripologist’s pre-trip checklist to ensure your travels go smoothly. Credit: iStock
Check your passport
You will usually need your passport to be valid for six months beyond the date of your intended return home. Some countries, such as New Zealand, require only three months. However, airline check-in staff don’t always know the rules, and they might insist on the longer validity before you’re allowed to board your flight to New Zealand.
Tell your bank
Having your card blocked because of suspicious foreign transactions puts you in a jam, but it’s easy to avoid. Log in to your bank’s website or app, and you can usually notify them that you’ll be overseas for a specific period. If that doesn’t work, call.
Driving overseas
Some car-hire operators won’t let you hire a vehicle without an International Driving Permit (IDP). The Australian Automobile Association has a handy website that tells you if you’re going to need an IDP at your destination. If you do, you can apply through the AAA. You need a physical licence to hire a car overseas, the digital version probably won’t cut it.
Global roaming
You can count on free Wi-Fi at hotels and some restaurants, but if you need data to keep your apps alive when you’re out and about, you will need a SIM card that keeps you connected without facing horrendous global roaming charges when you get back. You can either replace your existing SIM card with one for overseas travel or, if you have a compatible phone, buy a travel eSIM from an online retailer. Don’t forget to turn cellular data off from your standard Australian telco.
The bare necessities
Got a connecting flight? Take a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-ons – you never know when you might miss your onward flight and have to spend an unplanned night in a hotel.
Pre-flight check-in
Pre-flight check-in can speed up the process at the airport.Credit: iStock
Complete the pre-flight check-in online at your airline’s website, and you’ll save yourself time at the check-in desk. Select your seat if you haven’t already. Take a look at SeatMaps to help you find the prime spot.
Power up
Switzerland and Liechtenstein have different power sockets to other countries. Credit: iStock
There are 15 different electrical plugs used around the world at present. Switzerland and Lichtenstein use a three-pin plug known as a Type J. It looks like the Brazilian type N, but you can’t fit a Type J plug into a Type N socket. Check what you need on the Power Plugs & Sockets of the World website.
Meds
Seen a doctor? Even if it’s a week in Bali, you need to make sure you’re protected. Take any meds you’re going to need for the time you’ll be away – don’t assume they will be available at your destination.
Cash
If you’re going to need cash immediately after arriving, get some before you go to the airport.Credit: iStock
Need cash from the get-go at your destination? Maybe to pay your way to your hotel? If it’s via public transport, you’re probably OK with a tap-to-pay card or digital wallet, but for a taxi you might need cash. Rather than changing your Aussie dollars at the airport, and risking a dodgy rate, buy foreign currency before you go. Australia Post has decent rates, and you can collect from any post office. If you’re using a new payment card, make sure it works. Use it at home before you set off.
The in-flight comfort pack
BYO comfort for the flight.Credit: iStock
Got a long flight coming up? You can up your comfort with a few essentials in your carry on. Mine includes quality foam earplugs, a sleeping mask, an inflatable wrap-around head pillow, wired earbuds with a two-pin 3.5mm adapter that fits the socket of the in-flight entertainment system and a pair of disposable slippers.
Travel insurance
Don’t leave home without it. If anything goes wrong, and you’re not covered, you could be facing a financial disaster many times greater than the cost of a travel insurance policy.
In-flight entertainment
Time passes slowly if you get stuck on a long flight with a naff entertainment menu. Download whatever you might need to liven up your journey – podcasts, that language tuition video you’ve been ignoring, the complete Mr Bean collection or whatever makes the time pass.
Download essential travel apps
Navigation apps such as Google Maps, apps for the airlines you’ll be flying, hotels where you’ll be staying and car-hire operators, currency converters, Google Translate, TripIt, weather apps, The Fork and the Michelin Guide are some of the apps that will make your travels smoother.
Homeland security
Leaving an empty residence? Is there a neighbour or someone else you can trust to empty the mailbox, collect any deliveries or otherwise remove signals that say “I’m away”? A timer that activates lights at strategic times is a great investment.
The back-up plan
Leave copies of your essential documents with someone you can contact in an emergency. Passport, travel insurance policy number, driver’s licence, a copy of your flight, accommodation and tour booking details, and front and back shots of the cards you’ll be using are all vital if any of those go missing while you’re away. Another great idea is to store all those documents in the cloud as well. Google One gives you 15Gb of storage for free.
Weather check
Will you need a puffer jacket and boots or a T-shirt and sandals when you arrive at your destination? Be prepared – it’s easy to check before you hop on the aircraft.
Make a plan for day one
What are you going to do when you get there? Hit the pool and have a massage, catch up with friends and relatives or head for that museum that has been on your wish list? Even if you can’t stick to it, have an idea of what you want to do.
Make a packing list
Packing lists can save you from forgetting vital items. There are heaps of online lists, and while they’re never quite right, pick one that looks close that you can tailor to fit your needs.
Snap a picture of your open suitcase
If your bag goes off on a long goodbye and never comes back, you’ll need to make a claim with your travel insurer or with the operator that caused the loss. Chances are you won’t remember everything inside, so snap a picture before you close it up. The evidence will also help with your claim. Also take a picture of your closed case when you get to the airport, which will help identify it.
Tell friends and family
Let them know where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone and how to contact you. If anything should happen while you’re away, and they don’t hear from you, they will know where to start looking.
Did we miss anything? Post your tips and comments below.
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