Some recent online advice
- Arrange for appropriate VISAs or ETS before leaving. Contact the embassy for each country.
- Not learning a few local customs before visiting a foreign country. You might offend a dress code.
- Understand tipping. Sometimes this is expected. Sometimes it is seen to be an insult.
- Over packing. There a weight limits for luggage on planes. And you can’t wear all those clothes at once. Choose the few correct items and just take them.
- Check the weather forecast, but be prepared for the worst because the forecast is sometimes wrong.
- Making the mistake only trying the familiar things. The whole point of being on holiday is to get away from all that. Try a few different flavours of ice cream. Ask for local recommendations.
- Spending all your time on the smartphone. Use the net connection to find some good locations to visit, and by all means take photos. But your phone is a means to an end.
- Direct booking of hotels and online reservation sites both have their advantages. Use both.
- Make sure the passport is renewed for at least 6 months. Some countries won’t let you in without at least 6 month on the passport.
- Register with smart traveller.gov website.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans. They might block your card if it is used overseas.
- Electronics power systems are different overseas. USB cables are universal. By a local USB charger for you devices. Or use USB on a hotel TV.
- Book at least the first night at a hotel.
- Buy travel insurance. If something goes wrong you will need this.
- Make copies of all documents including your passport. Email these to yourself so you can always access them online.
- Star adjusting for the time zone change before you leave to avoid jet lag.
- Make sure to adjust or suspend your mobile plan. Don’t pay for your phone while overseas.
- There a limits on liquids when traveling. Plans allow 3.4 ounces. Put all containers filled with liquid on sealed plastic bags.
- Either make sure your credit card works overseas, or arrange for a travel card. Don’t use money changers at the airport.
- Remember that you can buy some items at your destination. You can buy some decent walking shoes.
- Get vaccinations were necessary. Having these well in advance will prevent side effects on the plane.
- Double check flight times.
- Always leave an hour between connecting flights. And collect and re-check your luggage form the first plane to the second.
- Use a Sydney airport shuttle bus to make sure you are on time for your flight, and so you can be collected on your return journey. A Sydney airport shuttle means you can relax, even sleep, on your journey.
