Travel Tips to Make Your Trip Easier

Posted on: August 16th, 2018 by Lizandra Santillan No Comments

 Packing a suitcase with a passport

Your trip is just a few days away! To make your travels easier, here’s a list of 15 travel tips from the pros at About Australia.

Are the butterflies setting in yet? With your trip just days away, we’d like to share a collection of our best and most useful travel tips. As experts in travel to the South Pacific, these are personal tips we’ve discovered on our own travels to help make your vacation completely stress-free.

1. Secure Travel Documents

My one travel tip would be to secure travel documents. An easy way to do so would be to take photos and keep digital copies on a Cloud or Google Drive or by emailing them to yourself.Lei, Destination Specialist

Keeping online digital copies of your important travel documents such as passports, trip vouchers, flight confirmations, travel insurance and important phone numbers ensures you can access them even if you lose them or your phone!

2. Be Sure You Can Stay in Touch

People using smartphones credit rawpixel.com

Check with your cellphone provider if your package includes an international roaming  package and check the cost for calls. Most providers offer free texting. If you prefer to switch your SIM Card, make sure your phone is unlocked to use an international SIM Card. SIM Cards let you keep almost all the same benefits you enjoy at home, but you pay local rates. And you can pay as you go!Ana, Destination Specialist

We like to recommend taking a break from your phone while on vacation, but we understand sometimes you need to get in touch back home. SIM cards are a great and easy way to stay connected while you travel.

3. Keep Tabs on Your Credit Card

Check the expiration date of your credit card and the amount of credit available to you. Do not forget any credit card purchases made just before you leave.Ana

Don’t forget to confirm your travel dates with your bank and credit card company so they don’t freeze your account when they see foreign transactions!

Keep in mind that Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, while American Express cards may not be as widely accepted. Discover Cards are generally not accepted.

4. Pack a Travel Adapter for Your Electronic Devices

If the hotel does not offer a hair dryer and you want to bring yours, make sure it is a dual voltage device that can accept both 110-240V and can be used all around the world using a travel adapter.Ana

Surprisingly, one question we often get is about hair dryers. Many hotels offer hair dryers, but sometimes it’s good to take your own just in case.

As with any of your electronic devices that requires plugging in to an outlet, you’ll need to make sure your device is compatible with the electrical power specifications in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Have a look at the plate on your electrical devices – if it says 110-240v you’ll just a need plug adapter. 

5. Bring a Waterproof Bag

Snorkelers

Have a waterproof bag of sorts so you can take it with you if you’re going to a beach destination or on water adventures such as snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. There are options they explain to you on the way out that you can upgrade to, but you need to have your wallet to do so!Chris, Destination Specialist

When traveling Down Under, it’s inevitable – you’ll often find yourself surrounded by water. Keep your important belongings such as wallets or phones safe with a waterproof bag that you can keep on yourself throughout your tours.

6. Prepare Your Home

Unplug all electrical appliances and remove all perishable goods. Arrange for the care of any pets. You may want to consider notifying your local police station that you will be away for a certain period of time and let them know who has a spare key.Ana

One thing that might not be at the top of your checklist is preparing your home for your absence. If you don’t have a house-sitter while you’re away, it’s important to take those extra measures to ensure the safety of your home.

And of course, the comfort of your furry friends.

7. Exhaust Yourself the Day Before Your Flight

Your flight is a red-eye, departing at night and arriving in the morning, so you’ll want to get as much sleep as possible. You’ll board, dinner will be served, then it’s lights out. If you take a look around, most people will be asleep.Darin, Destination Specialist

It really helps to tire yourself out the day before to make falling asleep on the plane that much easier. Even if you can’t imagine yourself ever getting comfortable enough to fall asleep on a plane, there’s no way you can resist sleep if you can barely keep your eyes open!

8. Make the Space Your Own

I like remove all the stuff I don’t need from the seat pocket and toss it up in the overhead bin. This gives me more space to store the things I want easy access to on the flight, like my iPad and book. I basically get rid of everything provided, except the sick bag, which I use to consolidate my trash. I also bring along some antibacterial wipes and wipe down my area. I don’t want to get a cold from that last person in my seat! That would totally ruin my vacation. Melissa, Marketing Manager

This is your new home for the next 12 – 17 hours – you’ll want to be as cozy as possible!

9. Get On Your Destination’s Timezone

Phone screen displaying time credit rawpixel.com

One of my favorite tips is to set your watch or phone to your destination’s time zone as soon as you board the plane. This helps with adjusting yourself to their time. I also found it extremely helpful for timing my sleep schedule on the plane so I’d be fresh and ready to go once I landed.Lizandra, Digital Marketing Specialist

This is a great way to prepare for the time difference during your trip and keep jet lag at bay.

10. Treat the In-Flight Crew

I get the best perks on flights because I always bring a little treat for the in-flight crew. We’re about to spend 15 hours together, so I like to start off on their good side.

I’ve done a basket of little soaps, a box of chocolates and even homemade trail mix – to name a few. I write a note with something like, “Hello fight crew! Thanks so much for all you do! Cheers, ____ (seat 45C).” It’s always a welcomed gesture and this simple act of kindness really goes a long way.Melissa

Aside from that warm feeling you get from being nice to people, you also might get a perk!

11. Bring Something to Keep Comfortable

Bring a blanket or a pillow. I also like to bring a good book. I get a lot of reading done when I fly.Darin

Little things like your favorite blanket and pillow, or even your favorite book, can help ease flight anxiety. Having something familiar with you on your trip can comfort you more than you might think.

12. Stay Hydrated on Your Flight

The Australian wines available on your flight are tempting, but don’t get carried away. Drink lots of water.Koda, Destination Specialist

Perhaps it’s your go-to for catching sleep on a plane, but trust us – you’ll want to keep the drinks to a limit. The air tends to be really dry on planes due to the cabin pressure, and waking up dehydrated is a terrible way to start your trip. Drinking plenty of water helps you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

13. Get Ready for Bed Just as Normal

It might help if you bring along a change of clothes and your toothbrush (if you forget this, ask for one). Performing your nightly ritual may help you sleep more soundly. Cuddle up with your airline provided blanket and pillow and try to get a full night’s rest. Most airlines will also have sleep masks available should you need them.Melissa

Getting ready for bed just as you usually would can help you fall asleep easier on your long-haul flight. We recommend getting ready for bed once the lights are turned down after dinner.

14. Stay Awake on Your First Day

If your body is just begging to take a nap, resist with all willpower! Powering through your first day in Australia is essential for overcoming jetlag.Lizandra

Just as it’s important to get a good night’s rest on your flight, you absolutely need to stay awake on your first day in your destination. Walking tours, leisurely sightseeing tours or even simply exploring your arrival city on your own are great ways to begin your first day. The fresh air alone after your long-haul flight makes these simple adventures worth it.

15. Don’t Lose Sight

Travel has come a long way. We used to travel by covered wagons for months and now we’re flying through the sky – it’s amazing. It’s what you make of it.Darin

You’re about to go on the trip of a lifetime to a bucket list destination. Sometimes the small details get in the way of the pure joy of traveling to another part of the world. But it’s important not to lose sight of the incredible journey ahead. Let your wanderlust take hold and your excitement lead the way.

As your Destination Experts, we’ve already squared away every detail of your trip. All you need to do is just enjoy the ride.