Travel Tips - 50 Of The Best To Save Your Holiday

Whether you're travelling half way around the world or simply getting on a plane or a train for a few hours, there are a number of things that you may kick yourself for not remembering - such as renewing your passport or bringing your toothbrush.

Here we have a huge list of 22 travel tips, and the other 28 can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the page. Without further ado, let's get this article started:

• Phoning home? When travelling overseas, buy a phone-card instead of using your mobile phone. If you purchase an international SIM card for your mobile phone, you must pay the extra call costs when someone rings you. Pricey.

• Jetlag ain't pretty. If you arrive in the day after a long flight feeling like a drowned rat, fight the temptation to sink into the hotel bed and never rise. Go for a walk to stay awake. And, for a New Age approach to cure jetlag, try essential oils such as eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemongrass or peppermint dabbed on your forehead or on the balls of your feet. 

• How much? Consider buying a gadget that includes not only a digital clock and a calendaer to keep track of time, but a calculator to work out those exchange rates. After all, how can you call yourself a serious haggler if you don't know the prices? And if you're new to haggling, click here for the low-down.

• Bonjour! Ola! Make an effort to learn basic language greetings. Use them at bus stops, restaurants and bars. That way, you'll get to meet the locals. It's amazing what a smile and a "hullo" in the local language can do.

• Ski savvy. If you're at the snow, don't be caught tearing down the slopes without waterproof clothing! And layer your clothes. Take your mum's advice, too, and wear a hat. Did you know that half of your body heat can be lost through your head?

• If you're bound for the snow, make sure there is anti-freeze in the radiator of your hire car. There is nothing worse than sitting by the side of an icy road waiting for help.

• Lonely Planet's World Food books on Morocco, Vietnam, Italy, Thailand, and Spain are excellent. As well as featuring local delicacies, each book comes with a brief dictionary at the front, with phrases from "Please" and "Thank you" to "I'm a vegetarian" and the essential "'Where's the toilet?". They cost between about 15 and 25 bucks.

• Serious shopaholics heading to New York should not miss the bargain-priced designer label clothes available from Century 21 at 12 Cortlandt Street and at Filene's Basement at 620 6th Avenue. You get the best, at the cheapest prices.

• To avoid being stuck with no money through loss or theft, divide your money into cash, traveller's cheques and credit card, then keep each version on different parts of your body.

• A perfect way take in the scenery and the food in a foreign land is to have a picnic lunch in a park or by the sea using fresh, local market produce. Beats bland fast food takeaway any day.

• Know thy camera. Snapshots are okay, but consider taking as photo class before you leave for really mind-blowing shots on your travels. Also, don't forget to label each roll of used film as you go, for those ancients who haven't converted to digital cameras or iPhones yet!

• Females heading to non-Western countries, such as Islamic countries, should wear loose clothes. Dress in long skirts and pants and don't bear your shoulders. Shorts are a no-no.

• To combat travel sickness, take ginger and vitamin B6 one hour before boarding. Aromatherapy oils said to reduce travel sickness symptoms include mandarin, peppermint, spearmint and lavender.

• Flaunting camera gear, jewellery and designer shopping bags can encourage theft. Be discreet. Try not to look like a tourist. Also, read the map and get your bearings before you head out into the streets. Staring quizzically at maps and landmarks makes you a certain soft target.

• It's always great to attend one of the truly great sporting contests overseas. And it's not as hard as you think, thanks to the techno wizardry of the Internerd. For example, to book tickets to Wimbledon, contact www.wimbledon.com.

• If you're considering travelling to a politically hostile country, contact the relevant Embassy in Australia before you go, and find out the trouble spots. Getting swept up into a local political squabble is not very bright.

• Take an airport van or a bus to and from the airport. They're usually much cheaper than taxis and, if you ask nicely, they may drop you off at your hotel door.

• If you are snorkelling or swimming, make sure that your back and all other exposed areas are well- covered by sunscreen. Four days lying on your tummy in agony can ruin an otherwise great holiday.

• If you plan to drive overseas, make sure your Australian driver's licence is current to obtain an international driving licence.

• Stop at the curb. When crossing the road, look in both directions and remember that traffic may be coming from the opposite direction you're used to. It sounds elementary, but so many people have near death experiences when crossing roads overseas.

• Pack a torch and cold water in your day bag when you're visiting the pyramid tombs in Egypt. You won't think you will dehydrate, but you do.

• In North Queensland, watch out for box jellyfish if you plan to swim. They are present in the water around Cairns from late October to June, and in Rockhampton from December to March. Box jellyfish thrive after local rain when the sea is calm.