Top 10 Practical Travel Tips
Here are our top ten practical travel tips to make your travel experience go more smoothly:
1. Dryer sheets remove static from your hair and clothing and make your suitcase smell awesome while taking up virtually no room. Likewise pack a pashmina, sarong or large scarf - from snuggling up in the plane, getting from your room to the pool, covering your head and shoulders in a sacred place you’ll find many uses for one.
2. Take just one travel adaptor but (unless you’re cruising) take a 6 port power board, better still if it’s one of the newer ones with at least 4 USB slots. Then you can leave all the bulky parts of your chargers at home and make use of the power board- many of the places you may stay in will have limited power outlets so if you want to have your phone, ipad, and cameras charged and ready for your adventures be prepared. Cruise lines will usually confiscate power boards so don’t even bother there.
3. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers and email it to yourself, along with the phone numbers and addresses of any embassies in countries you will be travelling in. Then if there is an emergency you can have all the information to hand when you need it.
4. Call your bank before you leave and put a travel alert on your card. While you’re at it, jot down their international customer service number and email that to yourself, if your card is stolen or lost, you’ll know who to call.
5. Use a Travel card as well as other credit or debit cards. There are lots on the market and even if they get skimmed or stolen they aren’t connected to your other accounts at home. They can be preloaded with several different currencies and you (or someone at home) can top them up if they need it.
6. Obey the laws of the country you're visiting even if these seem harsh or unfair by Australian standards. Don't expect to be treated differently from the locals just because you're Australian.
7. If you don’t speak the local language of the place you are heading, then at least learn the following: Please, Thank you, Good morning and most importantly, how to order your morning coffee the way you like it
8. Pack those shoes you only wear “around the house”. At some point during your trip, you won’t care what you look like. You will only care about being comfortable. You can always dump them before the return trip if you need the luggage space.
9. Toilet paper is not a given in many parts of the world. Always carry one of those little packets of tissues with you.
10. Take out Comprehensive Travel insurance and ensure it covers you for the places you plan to visit and the things you plan to do.