Things to do before travelling overseas

Here's the ultimate pre-travel checklist to help you prep like a pro and travel like a boss. Buckle up, let’s get started!

1. Passport and visas: your golden ticket

First and foremost, make sure your passport is up-to-date, and has at least six months left before it expires. Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck at the airport after realising your passport’s gone MIA - especially when there can be a language barrier.

2. Travel insurance: the unsung hero

Picture this: you're surfing an impressive wave, feeling unstoppable, when an unexpected wipeout catches you off guard. That's when travel insurance can help come to the rescue - saving the day (and possibly your wallet if you can find it after the crash). It can help cover costs associated with overseas medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and heaps more. It’s the safety net you hope you never need, but are grateful to have when you do, so get a quick quote online and pick the policy which best suits your trip.

3. Health prep: shots, meds, and more

No one wants to get sick on holidays, but it happens (ever heard of Bali belly?!). So, check if you need any vaccinations for your destination before you go. Plus, it always helps to pack a mini pharmacy with all the essentials like painkillers, antihistamines, and any prescription meds you might need - finding a late-night pharmacy in a town you’ve never been to isn’t as fun as it sounds. And don’t forget some hand sanitiser - germs don’t take holidays!

4. Show me the money!

Give your bank a heads-up about your travel plans so they don’t flag your card for “suspicious activity”. It’s recommended to carry a mix of cash and cards, but don’t keep it all in one spot.

A travel card or a hidden money belt is often helpful, just keep it low-key when you’re pulling out your money in public places.

5. Packing: the art of Tetris

Pack light, pack right. Make a list of the basics: clothes, toiletries, and chargers. Try rolling your clothes to save space and keep them wrinkle free (top tip). Don’t forget a universal adapter, unless you’re up for the challenge of charging your phone with nothing but sheer determination. Lastly, remember, always pack an extra pair of socks and jocks in your hand luggage - just in case.

6. Itinerary: plan, but don’t over plan

Holidays can go quick, so it’s always good to have a rough plan of the spots you want to see and things you want to do so you can maximise your holiday time, but don’t forget to also leave some room for a bit of spontaneity! Some of the best travel stories come from the unexpected (but safe) detours. Keep that camera handy so you can relive and share the memories when you’re back home too.

7. Copies of important documents

How many times have you been told to always make copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance policy, and any other important docs you might need while travelling? There’s a reason for that - it’s important. Store them separately from the originals, and for the tech-savvy travelers, you can even store digital copies on your phone or the cloud. It’s like having a backup for your backup - just in case.

8. Travel apps: your digital BFF

Grab all the must-have travel apps like Google Maps, Duolingo, and TripAdvisor to help you get around, translate, and find the best local hot spots to enjoy. And make sure you’ve got a decent VPN (that’s fancy tech talk) - because safe online browsing means you can relax and enjoy your trip with less hassles.

9. Local research: know before you go

Learn a few phrases in the local language. "Hello," "Thank you," and "Where’s the bathroom?" can help save you from some awkward moments. Do a bit of homework on the local customs and get to know where you’re going - you don’t want to accidentally make a mess of tipping or any other etiquettes.

10. Stay on the grid

Switching off for a while is great but so is staying safe. Check your mobile phone’s international roaming plans or get a local SIM card to stay connected. You’ll need it for things like maps, banking, or any unexpected situations. And, of course, for posting those awesome travel pics to make your friends back home seriously jealous.

11. Home sweet home: prep for departure

If you’re heading off for a few days or weeks, make sure your home is also sorted before you leave. Get someone to water your plants, grab your mail, and don’t forget to feed the goldfish - he’s got his own little routine going on. You could save a few bucks and unplug those appliances to save energy and avoid any mishaps. Coming back to a waterlogged apartment isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time.

Last (but not least) …

Get everything for your trip sorted and help leave the stress behind with this pre-travel checklist. Pack up, grab your travel insurance, and get ready for an epic adventure. Go on, have fun, and create some amazing memories.

Bon voyage!