So Far From Home - A Travel Checklist
By Clare Bertolus Whether
you're jaunting through Europe's finest cities for the summer, or
backpacking to Bangkok- if you're leaving home for more than two weeks
at a time then you need to do some planning. From visas to money,
from luggage to injections, the prospect of getting organised can seem
daunting. But it's vital that you get your stuff in order if you're
going to minimise stress levels and enjoy your travel.
Visas and Paperwork
Possibly
even more important than your traveler's tube of Vegemite, your
paperwork is your lifeline if things go pear shaped. There are a few
things you'll need to get through your time away.
Passport
It
should be valid for six months after you enter the last country you
plan to visit. This is because some countries will not allow you in
unless your passport is valid for at least six months after entry.
Australian citizens can apply for passports and renewals through the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at www.dfat.gov.au.
Visa
You
need to find out if you will require a visa for the country to which
you are travelling. A lot of countries will sell them for
a small fee upon entry. But if they don't and you turn up without a
visa, then your trip will be cut very short, straight back on the
plane. To quickly figure out if you need visa for your trip first check
out the destinations section of www.lonelyplanet.com. Which is usually up to date and accurate.
If you need a Visa
Use the web to track down the official consulate site and get the
details. Make sure that you apply for the correct visa. Foreign
nationals breaching visa conditions are not usually looked upon kindly.
Only call the consulate or embassy as a last resort, or if you like
sitting in phone queues at odd times of the day for hours on end. Do be
aware of fake visa websites. If you're unsure that it's the official
deal, double check the contact details on the DFAT website.
Whilst
passport application is quite speedy these days, visa application can
take time. So apply early. In some cases it can take weeks or even
months to jump through all the right hoops to receive the required
paperwork. But your trip will run much more smoothly with the correct
visa than without it.
Leave at least one copy of every document
you take with you with someone at home. If you lose a passport or visa
it can be hard to replace unless you can prove you had it in the first
place.
Insurance
Ok,
so it's not glamorous. But in some countries hospitals will leave you
to bleed to death on the street unless you can prove that you have the
means to pay them for your health care. Get insurance. It's not that
expensive and will come back to you in spades if something serious goes
down.
Most travel agents will sell decent insurance along with
your airfares. If you don't have a travel agent, or don't want their
insurance, look online for a variety of companies which sell travel
specific insurance.
Money
Turning
up in a foreign country and realising that they have no money is a
traveler's worst nightmare. Most of the time Visa and Cirrus/Maestro
bankcards will work in any ATM. Popular destinations will have plenty
of tourist friendly cash points and currency exchange facilities.
But
the motto when it comes to money is be prepared. Don't rely one hundred
percent on being able to use the internet to transfer money.
Sometimes using the internet for banking just isn't safe or there is no
internet access available. Similarly, with exchanging money, it's best
to do it sooner rather than later if you think there may not be a
currency exchange booth about.
It's preferable to always
have more than one method of payment up your sleeve. But remember, cash
will always be acceptable where lack of technology or isolation could
have you beaten. Using cash also saves hefty transaction fees on your
cards.
Leave someone at home in charge of your banking details.
This may include passwords and the ability to access your funds in an
emergency.
Injections and Health
If
your traveling to Africa, Asia or South America for any period of time
then a trip to the travel doctor is essential. A travel doctor will be
able to advise you as to medication or vaccinations required to travel
to your destination. As well as the health risks associated with
traveling to third world countries.
Your local G.P's office
may have a doctor who specialises in travel consultation. If not,
simply search “travel doctors” in the phone book or online to find one
in your area.
You should see a travel doctor six to eight weeks
before your departure date. Some vaccinations must be taken in a course
of three or four shots over a period of time and doctors like to leave
time for side effects to occur.
Vaccinations and medication can
be expensive, depending on where you're going, the costs can soar above
several hundred dollars. So if your budget is tight, make sure you
consider a trip to the travel doctor in your planning.
Wars and Conflict
It
might not be everybody's cup of tea, But if you're dead-set on
traveling into an unstable region then there are a few things you need
to do first.
Don't
be surprised if your trip is cut short or canceled. Conflict zones are
not ideal travel destinations and unstable governments are notorious
for canceling entry visas and barring travel at the drop of a hat.
Accommodation
Use
your common sense here. If it's Florence in summer then you will need
to book. Unless you want to sleep on the street or pay with your body
parts for a room that's not really worth the loss of a leg.
On
the other hand, if you're visiting a less popular destination, or going
in low season, sometimes prices are better if you just turn up and
scout around.
For convenience sake it's always better to book beforehand, especially if you're arriving at an unusual hour.
Some of the best sites for service and price comparison:
Luggage and Travel Paraphernalia
It sounds stupid, you're going to take a bag right? But have a think about what sort of bag you're going to take.
If
you're going to be on the go all the time and you're traveling cheap
then a backpack is probably best for you. Get good quality one from a
store like Kathmandu (www.kathmandu.com.au) to avoid annoying breakages and save your back.
Alternatively,
if you're staying in one place for a long period of time, a suitcase is
better. Try one with wheel for convenience.
Make sure that you
only take what you really need. If you're not going to be washing your
own clothes, you don't need a laundry kit!
It's not always
fun. But the hours that go into planning your trip will save you hours
of hassle whilst traveling. So get organising! |
