Travel Tips

Preparation is the key to travel overseas. With just a little effort you can easily plan ahead for a memorable honeymoon. Here are ten travel tips to get you started.

1. Travel insurance – Always prepare for the worst by taking out comprehensive travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any adventure activities in which you plan to participate.

2. Health – See your doctor for a check-up and determine what vaccinations you’ll need at least eight weeks before you leave. For any pre-existing ailments bring medication with you. If you wear eyeglasses consider taking a spare pair.

3. Visa and passport requirements – Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and you get visas for all the countries you plan to visit or transit.

4. Stay in contact – Advise friends and family of your travel itinerary or register your travel and contact details online at www.smartraveller.gov.au or at the local Australian embassy once you arrive.

5. Documents – Make copies of your passport, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy with you in a separate place to the originals and leave one copy with someone at home. Or scan all of your important documents and email them to yourself for instant access anywhere in the world.

6. Cash currency – Exchange a small amount of currency before you leave home and the remainder once you get there. For better exchange rates use a bank or exchange shop rather than a hotel. Or load cash into a Cash Passport Card (ATM withdrawal transaction fees of AUD3.75 but currency conversion is locked-in) or a bank debit card (ATM withdrawal transaction fees of AUD5 plus 3% of value).

Alternatively, use American Express Traveller Cheques, which provide a locked-in currency rate, are redeemable at AMEX offices worldwide free of charge and can be replaced if lost or stolen within 24 hours and do not expire.

7. Spare photos – Carry additional passport size photos with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

8. Calling home – Consider buying a prepaid phone card or international SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards can be bought for specific countries and some include free incoming calls. Sign up for Skype if you plan on bringing your Ipad or laptop. It's absolutely free and you can chat for as long as you like.

9. Research – Research about a country and its people before you arrive. Learn a few words of the local language and some local customs so as not to offend.

10. Watch out – Avoid being a target of crime. Watch out for scams, be pragmatic when wearing jewellery and try not to carry excessive amounts of cash.