The Adventuress Travel Tips

Planning Trip –

• Advise your bank each country you are visiting so they are aware that the transactions are legit otherwise the bank will assume the credit card may be stolen and place a hold on the credit card.
• Always double check all your travel documents.
• Write a what to bring list.
• Always purchase travel insurance domestically and internationally so you are covered prior to the holiday and on your return in case of unforeseen incidences.
• Buy concert, festival or museum tickets in advance to save waiting in long queues  and/or secure a ticket.
• Check-in to flights online on time to have a decent seat.
• Pre-book activities to avoid disappointment.
• Purchase a Travel Money card. If you are an Australian citizen the CBA or Citibank both offer good Travel Money cards.
• Research destination as much as possible.
• Reserve tables at a couple of nice restaurants in each city that you are interested in. You would be surprised how busy restaurants are especially during summer anywhere. You can refer to TripAdvisor to see what the latest comments are. e.g the Australian site is –  www.tripadvisor.com.au

Transport – 

• How to get to and from your destination.
• Locate where air and sea, railway and coach terminals are before traveling.
• Check schedules including the timing of services and their days of operation.
• Check if fares have any conditions attached to them e.g baggage allowances.
• Check information on driving conditions and distances with major highways and scenic routes.

Things to See and Do – 

• Check what attractions offer and where they are located.
• Check operating hours and cost of admission of attractions to avoid disappointment.
• Check sport, entertainment and leisure activities.
• Check special events that you could enjoy and/or that could disrupt travel services.
• Look up major scenic attractions such as mountains, lakes, deserts, forests, lakes and rivers you can visit and the do and dont’s. You don’t want to hike a mountain that you are not able to physically complete.

Places to Stay – 

• Check accommodations are close to services and attractions.
• Check facilities at each property have restaurants, swimming pool, gym, business centre (for printer use).
• Check facilities in the room for i.e TV, Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
• Check accommodation rates for options such as breakfast included or kids stay free deals.

Local Economy – 

• Local currency.
• Exchange rate to your own currency.
• Banking, shopping and post office hours.
• Any tax added to the price of goods and services.
• Is tipping expected and how much to tip.
• Check if your credit card/s are accepted widely or at all.
• Does the country have safe, reliable automated banking. Always make sure you know what the main banks are and which are best to use.

Climate –

• Check the location of travel and it’s surrounding.

Culture – 

• Check language, religion, traditions and customs.
• Any taboo behaviour to avoid offending locals e.g Dubai you can not hold hands with your partner.
• Verify if there are any festivals and public holidays during your travels.

Health and Safety –

• Any health risks including diseases, any hazards from animals or insects in the region via http://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
• Any local conditions that can threaten health and safety such as street demonstrations or more serious via http://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
• Weather disasters or threats of bad weather that could threaten safety such as storm warnings and fire weather warnings e.g for Australia check the Bureau of Meteorology.

Required Documentation – 

• Entry requirements for overseas travel including compulsory visas and/or vaccinations.
• Requirements for entry, a return ticket and/or sufficient funds for the length of stay.

Customs and Quarantine –

• Ensure your passport is still valid, the majority of countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passport to be able to gain entry into their country.
• Check visa requirements before entering another country, never rely on a travel agent only.
• What can legally be brought into and taken out of a country, including duty-free allowances.
• Look at baggage allowances for each carrier and make sure to pay the additional fee for the extra kilos you may have prior to checking in online as airports charge more at the airport check-in.
• Check the smart traveller website for travel advice and warnings –http://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

What to Pack – 

• Always bring a jumper, jacket or cardigan for those cooler temperatures.
• Bring a good sunscreen protection.
• Bring an eye mask and ear plugs for the plane.
• Bring a small umbrella as it could rain at some stage and it saves you money and time shopping for one.
• Bring your own medications to avoid paying hefty prices overseas including motion sickness tablets.
• Pack sticky tape, scissors, tweezers and deodorant in your checked in luggage only.
• Comfortable shoes for lots of walking and shoes you can wear if it rains.
• Language book for where you are travelling, always great to know a few phrases. The locals love if you make an effort.
• Mosquito repellent – For Australians, I recommend Off or Bushland preferably a repellent with DEET as it is the best and safest repellent.
• Portable hard drive or USB stick to save your holiday pictures whilst away.
• Put a bright colour ribbon on your suitcase to locate your piece of luggage at the airport carousel.
• Roll up clothes in your suitcase rather than fold to save space and less wrinkles.

Going to an Airport –

• Ensure you have 2 pens on you when checking in and not in your suitacase as it is best to complete your Immigration card prior to going through Custom gates.
• Arrive at Domestic flights 1 hour prior.
• Arrive at International airports 2 hours prior to flight departure in case of long queues at check-in or delays in customs.
• Only have your name, phone number and maybe email address on your luggage tag.

Note – However always check your itineraries for check-in information too.

Special Note: Doing alot research before you travel will make your travels much easier and more enjoyable. From choosing the best area in the city to stay for the things you want to see, to museum and gallery opening times, special events /festivals taking place while you are there to where you can get a good coffee or meal.

Hope you find some of The Adventuress tips handy.