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2007-11-06T22:08:00.001-08:00

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Travelling Tips

2007-10-29T00:11:00.001-07:00

If you have your own travelling tips that you would like to share with other travellers, then please visit the Explorer Forum and enter your useful tips for others to read.

Before Leaving
* Allow plenty of time to get the relevant visa.

* Read up about your destinations before leaving so you can enjoy yourself straight away on arrival. Check out travel deals that are available on the Internet.

* Don't buy loads of new clothes - be ruthless when packing - most people can manage with half what they take.

* Take an extra duffel bag - it can be used as a day bag and to bring back a few souvenirs.

* Don't pack your passport in your rucksack - keep it in your hand luggage with your tickets.

* Try and memorise your passport number incase you lose it!

* Write down addresses of friends and family, you may want to send postcards to, in a small address book.

* Arrange for diabetic/vegetarian/vegan meals for your flight with your travel agent.

* Remove old destination tags to avoid confusion

* On the day of your flight call the airport to check that your flight is on time.

* Find out how many 'carry on bags' your airlina allows - luggage 20"x15"x10" is average

* Purchase some water purification tablets if you are planning a stop over in a country with suspect water sources

* Pack essentials such as a toothbrush, clean underwear and money in hand luggage, incase your check in bags get lost.

During Journey
* Reduce the pain of popping ears; suck a sweet, swallow hard or gently blow your nose.

* Try to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated- the cabins highly pressurised air is very dry.

* Ask cabin crew if you can move to a row of unoccupied seats so you can travel in style.

* Minimise jet lag by adjusting your watch to 'local' time along your journey.

* Walk around a little on the plane to help circulation and make the most of any refuel stops for a good stretch.

* Try to sleep during the Australian night (the airlines normally turn the lights off to help).

On Arrival
* Try to be as alert as you can; weary travellers make easy prey for pickpockets etc.

* Avoid making long distance calls from your hotel room; it's likely to attract a huge premium.

* Make sure any taxi you get into is legitimate to avoid any shady goings on

* If hiring a car, collision damage insurance/waiver is a good investment

* If hiring a car carefully check it for dents, scratches etc and insist the rental company makes a written note to confirm.

* Carry a 2nd 'dummy' wallet with a small amount of cash in case you are mugged - not likely in Australia.

* Be aware of the fierce Australian sun - use sunscreen, wear shades and lip protection.

* Check for hazardous currents/ tides or dangerous marine life before swimming/surfing etc.

It is a Good Idea to...* Book internal airline tickets at least three weeks in advance for discount.

* Open a bank account in Australia if it is your intention to stay for more than a month.

* Get vaccinations for other foreign destinations before leaving.

* Never let a stranger look after your bag - they may steal or put something in there.

* Use reduced rate phone cards to phone home.

* Travel in a group, it is safer, cheaper and more fun.

* Plan a rough itenirary of where you would like to go.

* Book internal flights or transport before you go, as sometimes discounts are available.

* Travel in the southern states during the Summer and the northern states during the Winter.

* Buy a map if you are planning on driving, or a relevant map if you are planning on doing some serious bushwalking.

* Find the suitable Insurance policy that covers money, medical and activities.

Equipment
* Camping/sports towels are extremely small and lightweight, they don't smell and can be packed damp.

* Shaving oil rather than shaving cream saves valuable storage space and weight.

* A small first aid kit could be very useful for minor injuries.

* Swiss army style knives are a good idea for peeling fruit, cutting toe nails etc.

* A wide brimmed hat or cap can be very useful for preventing sun stroke on very hot days.

* High factor sun cream will help to minimise the risks of sun burn and skin cancer.

* Good quality sun glasses will make you look cool and stop you from cooking your eyes

* Ear plugs can be a real 'God send' when there is a loud snorer in your dorm!

* Headache tablets for hangovers etc.

* A lightweight showerproof jacket can be useful as it does rain in Oz, sometimes very hard.

* Clothes that don't run (so you only have to do one washing load for everything).

* Comfortable shoes that don't take up much room, and are suitable for various occassions.

The Ruck Sack
* A 65 litre rucksack should definitely be large enough.

* A rucksack which opens up like a suitcase is excellent for keeping clothes crease free and easily accessible.

* A rucksack with a detachable smaller bag is desirable. They are ideal for day trips etc.

* Wire Ruck Sack security bags are available to safeguard your valuables.

* A rucksack with an additional removable water proof cover can be a good investment.