Before You Travel

 

Travel Documents

Ensure you have all your travel documents from electronic tickets to hotel, transfer and tour vouchers. Make sure you have a valid passport and any other relevant documentation required for your destination. See below.

 

Make copies of your Electronic Tickets, Itineraries, Travel vouchers and other documents, keep these separate. Email electronic copies to your personal email or a trusted person for back-up copies or easy access in an emergency.

 

Lastly, make sure that the details on each document are correct. Check that names match passports and or other identification. Check that the dates and times stipulated on the documents match your planned itinerary. For hotels, transfers, tours and other land arrangements make sure you have a local contact number in case of emergency.

 

Pre-arranged Transport and Land Arrangements

Ensure that you have received any documentation and/or confirmation for any pre-arranged land arrangements. Make sure instructions are clear and that you understand the procedure for claiming or redeeming your land arrangements. Make sure you obtain a local contact number just in case.

 

Be sure to check that all documentation received is valid. If in doubt reconfirm your arrangements with the supplier by phoning their local contact.

 

Pay close attention to meeting points, times and other important instructions.

If in doubt give us or the supplier a call.

 

Confirm your flight

While it’s no longer necessary to re-confirm your flight it’s always good practice to call the airline prior to your scheduled flight to check if there have been any changes or cancellations. A quick phone call can save you from the hassle of missing a flight or arriving too early. Make sure you leave a local contact number for the airline to contact you incase of any last minute changes.

 

Passport

Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after the date of scheduled return. Some airlines may refuse check-in if the passport is due to expire in less than 6 months.

 

We recommend that you renew your passport 1 year prior to expiry incase of any emergencies.

 

For more info visit http://www.passports.gov.au

 

Visa & Entry Requirements

Some countries require a visa to allow you to enter. Other countries such as the U.S.A. require that you apply for a Travel Authorisation online at least 72 hours for prior screening. Please check with the relevant consulate or embassy in your local city.

 

Please allow sufficient time for visa processing. Fee and conditions may apply.

 

It is the passenger’s responsibility for having the relevant documentation. However, we can assist you with any visa information and processing.

 

For more info on visas or to search for a specific visa visit http://www.immi.gov.au/visawizard/

 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not compulsory, and some travelers may have not found any need for travel insurance. However, the extra money spent goes a long way in any overseas emergency. Travel insurance can save you potentially thousands in overseas emergency hospital, medical and dental expenses.

Travel insurance also covers you for the loss and even damage of luggage and personal items, personal liability, travel delay expenses and at worse permanent disability and even death. When the unimaginable happens travel insurance is there for added peace of mind. Whilst many might view travel insurance as an ‘added expense’ it is there to protect your from unfortunate  and unexpected expenses.

 

Still not convinced? Read this article published by The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

 

Why all Australians should take out travel insurance before going overseas

For most Australians overseas travel is a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, however, every day our consular officers deal with human tragedies involving the death, injury or hospitalisation of Australians abroad. Each year we handle over 20,000 cases involving Australians in difficulty overseas. This includes over 700 hospitalisations, 600 deaths and 100 evacuations of Australians to another location for medical purposes.
In cases where victims are not covered by travel insurance, such personal tragedies are further compounded by a long-term financial burden. Hospitalisation, medical evacuations, or even the return of the deceased's remains to Australia, can be very expensive. Daily hospitalisation costs in Southeast Asia regularly exceed $800; return of remains from Europe in excess of $10,000. The cost of medical evacuations from the United States regularly range from $75,000 to $95,000 and sometimes up to $300,000. The department has handled medical evacuations from nearby Bali in which costs have exceeded $60,000… Read more >>

 

To obtain a quote or to apply for discount travel insurance online click here.

 

Money

Exchange some money before you leave to ensure that you have sufficient local currency for use on your arrival at your destination. Banks and foreign exchange tellers can assist you with changing your money. Money can also be exchanged at the airport but exhange rates may vary. Do some research before exchanging your money.

 

If you are traveling straight to a provincial area or remote location away from local or major cities make sure you exchange a sufficient amount of money for your length of stay.

 

Whilst major credit cards are accepted widely not all locations may have the facilities for transaction. For security, only use your credit card in major cities and at trusted locations. A cash advance facility on your credit card may help you obtain cash in emergency situations. Your debit card may also allow you to withdraw money at overseas ATMs. Contact your bank or credit card provider for more information.

 

Traveler’s cheques are also a safe and secure way to carry money overseas. Be sure that your destination accepts traveler’s cheques.

 

Weather and Climate

Make sure you are aware of the weather, season and climate at your destination. Pack the right clothing and dress appopriately. Other countries and cultures may also have strict dress codes and practices.

 

Be sure to educate yourself and observe local laws to save yourself from any embarassment. Like the old saying, When In Rome....

 

Destination Information

Do your research and obtain as much information about your destination as you can. Your travel agent or travel supplier can assist you with information and/or point you in the right direction. The internet holds a wealth of information but make sure it’s from a trusted source.

 

You can also contact the country’s consulate or embassy and local tourism board.

 

For up-to-date travel info and travel warnings visit http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au