Planning a trip overseas?
It’s not as simple as booking a flight and stuffing some clothes into a suitcase. Thousands of Australians get into difficulties overseas every year that could have been prevented with some forward planning.
The problem?
The majority procrastinate until the eleventh hour. Something goes awry — and their dream vacation becomes a NIGHTMARE!
The good news:
A few simple precautions before you go can guard against most typical travel mishaps. And most of them only take minutes to prepare.
Here is what you need to know…
What’s inside:
- Why Pre-Trip Planning Really Matters
- The 7x Precautions To Take Before You Leave
- Common Mistakes To Avoid
Why Pre-Trip Planning Really Matters
Traveling abroad is exciting. However there are also dangers you probably never consider.
Think about it…
Lost luggage. Medical emergencies. Cancelled flights. Stolen passports. In the blink of an eye your travels can go from dream holiday to nightmare. It happens every day to people who thought “that won’t happen to me”. Smartraveller says that one in six Australians (16%) were not covered by travel insurance on their last trip overseas.
That is a scary number.
Taking the right precautions can mean saving yourself thousands of dollars and many hours of stress. The best part is most are free or very inexpensive to fix before you go.
Let’s jump into the precautions you need to take…
Sort Out Your Travel Documents Early
This is the first thing you should do.
Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining when you intend to return home. Many destinations will deny you entry if you have less than 6 months validity remaining on your passport. Instant holiday cancellation right there.
Here is what to check:
- Passport expiry date – must be valid for 6+ months
- Visa requirements – some countries need them arranged in advance
- Blank pages – you need at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps
Also, make copies of everything. If your passport is lost or stolen, those copies will save you days waiting at the embassy.
Get Proper Travel Cover Before You Book
Here is one of the biggest mistakes travellers make…
They make their reservations and procrastinate on buying insurance. Or even worse — they forgo insurance altogether to save money.
Bad idea.
If you are only travelling internationally once this year then a good international travel insurance policy is exactly what you need. Single trip travel insurance covers you from the time you book your one trip all the way through until you return home safely. If something goes wrong before you leave you are still covered.
What can single trip travel insurance cover?
- Overseas medical bills
- Trip cancellations and delays
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Emergency evacuation
- Rental car excess
They are quite staggering statistics. Recent research revealed 14% of Australians were under insured for their last overseas adventure. When considering travellers younger than 30, that rises to 23%.
Do not be that person.
Research Your Destination Properly
Not every country is the same. Something that’s perfectly legal in your home country could land you in jail in another.
Take time to look up:
- Local laws and customs – drinking in public, dress codes, photography regulations
- Areas to avoid – some parts of major tourist cities are genuinely dangerous
- Weather patterns – monsoon season, extreme heat or cyclones
- Political situations – protests, unrest or government advisories
Smartraveller is excellent free resource for this. Spend 10 minutes reading Smartraveller advice for your destination before you depart and it could save your holiday.
Sort Your Vaccinations & Health Prep
Do not leave your health to chance.
Some countries make you get certain vaccinations before they’ll even let you in. Other countries simply recommend them for your protection. No matter what, make an appointment with a travel doctor 6-8 weeks prior.
Here is what to think about:
- Required vaccinations for entry
- Recommended vaccinations for the region
- Prescription medications you need to bring
- A basic first-aid kit for minor issues
You should also have a letter from your doctor explaining you are traveling with prescription drugs. Different countries have strict policies on drugs and you could get into trouble at customs.
Secure Your Home & Finances
This one is often overlooked but so important.
For your home:
- Ask a neighbour or friend to check in regularly
- Put lights on timers to make it look occupied
- Stop mail and package deliveries
- Lock all windows and doors properly
For your money:
- Tell your bank about your travel plans
- Take a backup card in case one gets blocked
- Carry some local cash for emergencies
Cards can become blocked if your bank detects “suspicious” foreign transactions. A simple 5-minute call beforehand can prevent you from being stranded abroad without money.
Pack Smart & Protect Your Belongings
Packing is not just about clothes.
Imagine your checked bag is lost or delayed. Do you have enough to sustain yourself?
Always pack these in your carry-on:
- Passport and travel documents
- Any prescription medications
- A change of clothes
- Phone charger and travel adapter
Do not put anything valuable in checked baggage. Cameras, jewellery, and electronics should always be carried on board. Also, utilize luggage locks — they are inexpensive and they do work.
Register With Smartraveller
This is a free service that most Aussies do not use.
By registering your trip with Smartraveller, you let the Australian government know you are travelling abroad. If a major incident occurs (eg earthquake, terrorist attack), they can more easily keep you informed and assist with your return.
It takes 5 minutes and could genuinely save your life.
Bringing It All Together
A great overseas holiday starts with great preparation.
Australian travellers who return with the best experiences from their trips are the ones who do their research before they go. They:
- Check their documents weeks in advance
- Get proper travel cover sorted early
- Research their destination and local laws
- Sort their health prep and vaccinations
- Secure their home and finances
- Pack smart and register with Smartraveller
Sure, it takes time. But when things go wrong — and they usually will — you’ll thank yourself.
Traveling abroad is one of the greatest things you can do in life. However, it will only remain that way if you insure yourself against the unexpected. Spend an hour or two going through this list before your next adventure, and you’ll be set with peace of mind.
Safe travels!
