PEDESTRIAN.TV has teamed up with Smartraveller to help you prep for your next overseas trip.
So, you’re going on a big trip overseas and don’t know what you should do before you go? Well, worry not, because I’m here to give you the ultimate pre-travel checklist.
I know we can get swept up in the excitement of the trip, but it’s essential to ask yourself the important questions: Is my passport up to date? Do I have the correct travel insurance? Did I charge all my devices? What if I accidentally packed a shuriken?
If you’re months, weeks or days away from your trip and want to arrive at the airport with everything sorted, here’s your checklist to come prepared.
7. Check your passport
If you’re headed overseas, check the expiry date of your passport. Some countries won’t let you enter if your passport expires within six months of the date your trip ends. If you need a new passport, don’t forget to allow a minimum of six weeks to receive it.
Make sure that you’ve packed your passport securely into your carry-on the night before and the morning of your flight. The last thing you want is to find out you’ve left it at home or, worse, checked it in with your luggage.
6. Check you’re following visa and entry requirements
Unfortunately, travelling overseas for a vacation isn’t as simple as buying a ticket and hopping on the plane. Depending on why you’re travelling and for how long, you may need to apply for a foreign visa.
For some countries, such as America, you must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This outlines why you’re visiting the country, for how long, and where you’ll stay.
Some countries may even require you to have certain vaccinations.
So, before you get swept up in the excitement of your ‘Hawaii 2025’ group chat, make sure everyone is aligned on the conditions of entry before it’s too late.
5. Get travel insurance
I know, I know. No one wants to buy travel insurance, but it’s vital for trips overseas.
It’s obvious that travel insurance is essential to support you if your flight is cancelled, leaving you stranded in another country and needing a place to stay.
However, one of travel insurance’s most important benefits is covering medical emergencies. Medical assistance is usually the highest unexpected cost for Australians overseas, as healthcare isn’t subsidised. Travel insurance may cover these expenses.
It’s also recommended you investigate what travel insurance you’ll need for your trip. If you’re going on a cruise for example, you’ll need to purchase specific travel insurance for the right holiday. The same goes for how you travel. If you plan on riding a motorcycle instead of driving a car, you’ll need to ensure your travel insurance covers that.
If you’re stumped on where to find solid info, check out Smartraveller. The Australian Government site maintains travel advisories for over 175 destinations. It has a bunch of information and resources regarding travel insurance, along with advice on safety, health, local laws, travel, and local contacts to help you plan and enjoy your journey.
4. Sign up for free travel advice updates
Imagine this: you’re about to head to the airport for the next leg of your trip only to find out the roads are flooded. If only there were some way you could anticipate a delay so you could have a backup plan just in case.
This is why signing up for free travel updates on sites like Smartraveller is vital. These provide the latest info for the destinations on your itinerary, including new or increased risks. So, if your holiday destination is experiencing typhoon-related weather, political unrest or a terrorist threat, you’ll be alerted ahead of time.
3. Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs
Nobody wants to have a ‘viral incident‘ and insult an entire country and its people. But seriously, it’s about safety. Knowing the laws of the country you’re visiting and obeying these even if they appear harsh or unfair will keep you safe and ensure you’re returning to Australia when you planned to, without an international incident.
It’s important to remember that some of your everyday habits might come across as rude (or literally illegal) in a different country. These could be things like how you order from a restaurant, what attire is acceptable, and whether or not you need to wear a helmet while on a scooter (which you should always do, by the way). You could even get into legal trouble depending on a country’s policy on vaping or chewing gum.
If you want to be confident about moving around the country, check out Smartraveller for detailed information on what laws you should be aware of.
2. Learn common phrases
While I’m sure most of us have been keeping up with our Duolingo streaks (right?), if you plan to fly off anywhere, it’s good practice to learn simple phrases that will help you get around the country.
For example, it’s important to learn phrases like introductions, how to order food, asking for directions, and even letting others know you’re not fluent in the language so others can understand the language barrier. It’s amazing how much further you’ll get with a simple “Hola” or “Selamat Pagi” up your sleeve. If you don’t speak French, then attempt a “s’il vous plaît” in Paris at your own risk.
1. Update the security on your devices
Depending on where you’re travelling overseas, you may need to adjust how carefully you handle the security of your devices. No matter what, when you travel, you should treat your devices as securely as you would your passport.
In some countries (I’m not going to name any names), it can be recommended that you don’t use your smartphone in public. This can be because tourists encounter higher amounts of theft or because it can be a safety issue.
It’s recommended that you only bring your essential devices when you travel and that they have strong security. That means passcodes, two-factor authentication, and ensuring that any information on your device won’t compromise your health and safety.
For mobile devices, it’s easy to forget that your current SIM card might not work in a different country. Some may choose to coast on free public Wi-Fi, but they are putting themselves at exceptional risk of having their information stolen.
For this reason, most travel agencies recommend obtaining a local SIM card, either by buying one before you leave or by purchasing an eSIM within the country. These can offer a better price and provide wider coverage and enhanced security.
Traveling can be the best time of your life, but make sure you avoid getting stuck in tricky situations by checking off your pre-travel list. Only then can you let yourself ease into the holiday mindset while sipping that beachside Piña colada.
For more tips on travelling overseas, check out Smartraveller. If you’d like up-to-date information on your trip destination, be sure to subscribe to Smartraveller for free destination updates.
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