Natasha

General Travel Tips

• Take photocopies of your passports with you and always leave copies of passports; credit cards etc. with someone at home for a backup should you lose your documents.
• Try and find that extra time to plan each trip carefully ensuring that everything is taken into account. I believe that drawing on a travel agents experience, knowledge and training in planning a trip is well worth the effort. Trying to fix some poor or rushed planning, especially when one is overseas, will be inconvenient, take even more time and invariably will cost additional money. If your trip is short, try to pre-book as much as you can - then you can relax into your trip with your only consideration being what you will visit that day instead of queuing for tickets or trying to arrange accommodation at the last moment. If you are going for a longer holiday, then freewheeling is great and offers more flexibility but have some points in the trip as set for keeping timing in check.
• Check passport validity and always ensure that valid visas have been issued. It is essential that travel insurance relevant to your travel is taken out (ski cover is additional if one is going skiing). Requiring medical attention while overseas without any travel insurance is a guaranteed disaster. Check if there are any vaccination requirements.
• Be aware. One can never be too careful with regards to looking after your own safety, travel documents, luggage etc. 
• Common sense, following and heeding all precautions is essential. Refer to the Smartraveller website which gives invaluable information on the country you are visiting with general information along with up to date issues relating to that country. www. smartraveller.gov.au
• Keep the wearing of jewellery and the carrying of valuables to an absolute minimum.
• Baggage has become very tricky with varying weight limits, different pricing and restrictions now in effect across the different airlines. My advice is to check the baggage limits and costs carefully and have it all prepaid prior to arriving at the airport.