30 Tips To Prepare For Your Trip

See your doctor to check if you’re fit to travel. Each year around 1,000 Australians* die overseas and one of the main causes is due to a pre-existing medical condition.

Your doctor may find symptoms of potential problems that could occur overseas and start treatment or advise you on a course of action. Having an unknown pre-existing medical condition could turn into a serious emergency situation if you discover it overseas or on a cruise ship.

Pre-existing medical conditions can also affect your travel insurance policy, so it is best to know about them.

Bring enough of your regular medication to last you for your entire trip, plus a bit more than you’ll need just in case you’re delayed getting home.

A pharmacy can pack all your medication into a blister pack with daily doses so you won’t have to take multiple packets and bottles or a month’s supply for a one-week trip.

You may require a letter from your doctor and to keep medication in its original packaging.

• It takes two shots over a 6 month period to complete Hepatitis A and B vaccines, so prepare well in advance. 
• Find out what vaccinations you need for your trip destination and plan well in advance.
• If you're visiting South America you may need to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to board your return flight.

Some common gestures might be offensive or misinterpreted such as:

• Kissing in public in Dubai is a punishable offence
• Crossing your fingers in Vietnam is offensive
• Pointing at something with your index finger is considered rude in Africa

Knowing what tips a taxi driver, concierge or restaurant expects may save you from offending someone or ending up in an argument over a few dollars.

• Find out where the safe neighbourhoods are and the areas you should avoid.
• Know where the services you may need are such as public transport, shops and the medical centre. 
• Read reviews and posts from seasoned travellers on travel forums like TripAdvisor and Frommer’s so you know what to expect.

Know how to say a few key phrases like:

• Hello
• Yes
• No
• Please
• Thank you
• Sorry
• Good bye
• I need help
• Where is the police station?
• Where is the hospital?

Be able to say that you have a food allergy (or take a photo of the food) or medical condition.

Learn how to say the address of your accommodation in the local language. Failing that, ask for a business card with the address of your accommodation and put it in your wallet or take a picture of your hotel and its name.

• T-shirts and shorts are okay for the USA, but not in the Middle East and some Asian countries.
• Wearing anything above your shoulders such as sunglasses or a hat when visiting a village in Fiji can be disrespectful.
• When visiting religious buildings, dress modestly. Both men and women should cover as much skin as possible. Ideally, wear a long sleeve shirt and pants or a long dress, at a minimum cover your shoulders and legs. Women should also be prepared to cover their hair.  

• Get the details of the nearest hospital or medical centre particularly if you are travelling with children or are a senior.
• Know the location of the Australian Embassy, or the British Embassy if there isn’t an Australian one.
• Save the contact details of the local police.

• Put a copy of your travel insurance certificate in your wallet and save it on your mobile phone so you’ll have the details immediately at hand.
• Call the Australian Government 24 hour consular assistance number: +61 2 6261 3305
• In an emergency, call your travel insurance company ASAP for emergency assistance and advice.
• If you’re in hospital and physically unable to contact emergency assistance, request the hospital to do so on your behalf.

• It makes it easier for your family to reach you if there is an emergency at home.
• Your family can track you down if they’re worried about your welfare.
• You can be accounted for if there is an emergency at your destination such as an earthquake or terrorist act.
• You should be aware that consular assistance isn’t guaranteed - you’re still responsible for your own actions, choices and medical costs.
• When you register, your information is protected by Australian privacy laws.

• ‘Do Not Travel’ and ‘Reconsider Your Need To Travel’ country status updates.
• Travel warnings like political unrest or natural disasters.
• Overseas health alerts such as Zika, SARS or Avian Flu.

• Give them copies of your travel documents and itinerary.
• Keep them updated if your plans change.
• Give a trusted family member or friend authority to make changes or enquiries to your flights and travel insurance policy. It may come in handy if it’s not convenient or easy for you to do so on your trip.
• Knowing in advance what to do or who to contact in an emergency can save you time and stress.

• Consider the number of electronic devices you’re taking – do you really need a mobile, tablet, laptop, camera, video camera and GoPro?
• Unless you really have to, leave anything expensive like that fabulous Louis Vuitton hand bag, Prada sunglasses, jewellery or leather jacket at home.
• Pack international power adapters and portable phone chargers.
• Clothes and shoes should be multi-purpose and appropriate for the weather, uneven ground, slippery surfaces and the country you’re visiting.
• Pack your important documents where it’s less noticeable to anyone who may go through your bag.

• Ensure you have receipts.
• If you don’t have receipts, locate the charge on your credit card statement or take photos of what you’re taking.
• Record the serial numbers.
• Items you should have a record of:
  • Mobile phone
  • Tablets
  • Laptop
  • Camera
  • Video camera
  • Gaming consoles
  • Jewellery
  • Hearing aids
  • Glasses
  • Sunglasses
  • Handbags
  • Luggage
  • Expensive clothing such as: leather jackets, designer clothing, suits, belts, shoes.

Trust your gut. If a taxi driver seems weird, you find yourself in a dodgy part of town or a person you’re talking to doesn’t seem quite right or you feel uncomfortable, get out of there.

• Just because you’re overseas, doesn’t mean it’s the best place or time to try new activities. Consider where you’re doing the activity, how much regulation there is and whether you’d be better off doing it before you go or when you get home.
• Due to the sanitation standards, getting a tattoo in Bali is a riskier choice than at home.
• You may be better getting on a motorbike for the first time at home before trying it for the first on the frantic roads of Vietnam or Greece where you’ll be riding on the right hand side of the road.  
• The adrenalin rush of running with the bulls may be alluring, but be sure you want to take the risk, particularly when your travel insurance is unlikely to cover you for it.

We all relax on holidays a bit but self-control may be your best travel companion, especially when it comes to alcohol, drugs and sexual behaviour. All of these activities can be more dangerous overseas as alcohol can be bootleg, drug use can carry harsh penalties and STIs can be more prevalent.  

Pack smart and save some room for your common sense and souvenirs!