It’s great to travel again, but for some of us it’s been a while and travel muscles may be a little rusty.
So for those of us getting back into the groove, here are a few tips and reminders to make your next journey a smooth one.
Passports
If it’s been a while you may have to dust it off – or even find it. Or you may be like my entire family and have to apply for a new one.
If you have booked a trip, check the date it expires as most countries expect it to be valid for at least six months after your trip is over.
Also check its condition. It’s probably been tucked away for a bit and looking a bit sad.
Many countries are becoming increasingly strict about a passport’s physical condition. Even a small tear in the binding could have you back on the plane before you can say ‘disappointing holiday’.
If it is in poor condition, your departing airline will probably cancel the trip before you even leave as under international law they are required to pay for the return flight if your passport is rejected at your destination.
Use our quick guide to check if yours is still holiday worthy.
Insurance
That old chestnut – ‘if you can’t afford insurance, you can’t afford to travel’ – applies more than ever these days.
I’m prepared to risk it on domestic travel but for international travel, it’s the second thing I pay for after flights. And not even a little bit after, within half an hour.
And look at the fine print. The pandemic has shown that the dreaded word ‘cancellation’ pops up now more than ever. Make sure your insurance covers you for everything you need, not just the bare minimum.
Pills and things
Carrying pills and medicine around internationally tends to make border controls a bit twitchy, so it pays to be informed.
Please check with your destination country what you can bring in. Relatively harmless prescription drugs in Australia may be strictly prohibited in other countries.
Check with the country’s embassy, high commission, or consulate to see if your medicine is legal in their country. You must only take enough for your trip. Taking too much medication carries the risk of fines (up to $11,000) or even prison.
And always, always carry a back-up prescription for any drugs you do have.
In my professional career, I have spoken to a few tour guides and their No. 1 bugbear is people who forget their medication and don’t have a prescription for a replacement.
And the reverse is true as well. Even some drugs you can buy over the counter in other countries may be prohibited here.
If you love a bit of vaping – dear god why, but anyway – it also pays to check if these are prohibited at your destination. For example, Singapore will fine you and confiscate any vaping gear at the airport at the very least and you may also face a prison sentence.
Be respectful
Don’t go to a country without any research. Learn a bit about the culture before turning up because it’s often the hidden things that can trip you up.
For example, while the weather in many South Pacific countries would seem to encourage bikini wear, the often-conservative population would frown on you wearing one anywhere else but the beach.
Same for many Southeast Asian countries. It speaks volumes about Australians’ behaviour overseas that Bali has had to establish a new set of guidelines for visitors to the island.
The annoying bit about this is I’m sure the main culprits would not behave at home as they do overseas, but for some reason overseas travel turns a switch in their heads for a free pass at being an idiot.
Have you travelled overseas since restrictions lifted? What tips would you share with fellow travellers? Why not share them in the comments section below?
Also read: Foods to avoid before you take off
