So, you’re making arrangements to travel overseas: you’ve booked flights, arranged accommodation and converted cash to the local currency. But before you zip up your suitcase and leave it all behind, inform these people of your departure.
Neighbours, friends, relatives
Chances are you’ve been boasting about your upcoming trip the past few months, so your family, friends and relatives already know you’ll be away. It’s a wise idea to provide some or all of these people with your travel itinerary in case a problem arises, either at home or overseas. In addition, try to leave a photocopy of your passport and flight information with someone you trust, such as a relative.
Australian Government
Before you leave, register your travel on the Smart Traveller government website. Doing this will help the Australian Government locate you if a crisis occurs in the country you’re visiting. You can also sign up to receive travel warnings and advice about the region in which you’re travelling.
Mobile phone network provider
Contacting your mobile service provider before you leave could help you avoid a hefty phone bill when you return. Check to see what your data allowance is (it often advisable to switch data roaming off on your handset and just connect to wifi when overseas). However, you might be better off seeing if your mobile provider has an international plan that works for you.
Australia Post
If you’re going to be away for longer than a week, you can sign up to Australia Post’s Mail Hold service, which keeps your mail secure while you’re gone and then delivers it when you’re back. Doing this not only keeps your mail safe but also avoids making your home look like no one’s home, which can make it prone to being burgled.
Banks and credit card companies
It’s worth making a phone call to your bank and credit card company to let them know that your accounts and credit cards will be in use overseas. Both banks and credit card companies keep a close eye on unusual activity outside of your home country, and may they choose to freeze your account if they suspect fraud.
Health insurance provider
As well as taking out travel insurance, check to see what your private health insurer will cover you for in the case that you require medical attention while overseas. Your provider can also advise you on any health check-ups and vaccinations you may need to have.
Can you think of anyone else that you would notify of your travel plans?
Related articles:
What to do if you lose your passport
Europe ends mobile roaming charges
Your travel checklist
