- Insurance — purchase travel insurance before, or as soon as possible once you have paid the deposit for your trip. Nominate a family member or friend to amend your policy on your behalf or organise a Power of Attorney if your trip is lengthy. It is always a good idea to plan for the unexpected, so consider an Enduring Power of Attorney, even if you are not travelling!
Registration — register your details with your Department of Foreign Affairs so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. - Passport — check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the period for which you are travelling and more than 1 page blank
- Visas — organise necessary visas before you leave.
Credit cards — check your credit card expiry dates and limits. - Money — organise any traveller’s cheques, credit cards and/or cash you need for your journey. It is important to find out about the currency laws in the countries you will visit, as some laws will restrict how much money you can bring with you.
- Travel documents — make at least two copies of your important travel documents e.g. passport, visas, itinerary, travel insurance policy, traveller’s cheques and tickets. Take your originals and a copy with you on your journey and leave a copy with a family member or friend.
- Vaccinations — visit your doctor prior to departure, or contact our Emergency Assistance Hotline regarding any vaccinations or any other precautions that may be recommended.
- Medications — check that any medications you are taking with you are legal in the country you will visit. If you need to take essential medication with you, make sure that you carry a letter of approval from your doctor or dentist
- Drivers licence — check that your drivers licence is acceptable in the countries you will visit. You may need to get an International Driving Permit which can be obtained from an auto club or association where you hold your current drivers licence.
Adaptor plugs/chargers — make sure you bring your chargers and any adaptor plugs for any electrical equipment that you will take with you. - Checking-in — confirm the minimum check-in time with your airline prior to your departure.
- Deliveries/bills — cancel any deliveries, e.g. milk and newspapers, and pay any bills prior to your departure. Ask a friend or relative to collect your mail and keep an eye on your home while you are away.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — minimise the risk of DVT while travelling by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks, and by exercising the lower limbs regularly to encourage blood flow.
Baggage labels — clearly label all of your luggage. Never leave your luggage unattended in a public place, and don’t offer to carry anyone else’s luggage through customs. - Local laws and customs — be aware of the laws and customs in the countries you will visit. Consular assistance cannot override these laws even where they appear harsh or unjust by your countries standards.
- Visit your consular travel site for more travel tips and travel advice eg travel warnings regarding you destination.
- Damaged luggage — check your luggage as soon as you arrive at your destination. If you suspect your luggage has been damaged or tampered with, report it immediately to the airline and airport/port officials. If your luggage has been damaged or tampered with, seek compensation from the airline or airport/port and get written confirmation of the incident from them.
- Emergency Numbers – make sure you have all contact details for your Insurance providers, and emergency contacts at your arrival destination.
- Shopping Bag – Yes, Bali has gone plastic bag free, so you may wish to bring your environmentally friendly grocery bag!
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Travel Checklist
To help you prepare for your trip, use this handy checklist to check off important items before you travel – the following will help you to have a safe and smooth journey.
