10 peace of mind essentials before travelling
Travelling is one of the most exciting, rewarding experiences you can have, creating lasting memories for you and your family. It can border on being stressful if you don’t plan ahead and get organised early on.
With that in mind, here are 10 peace of mind essentials to take care of before travelling to make your trip pass smoothly and without any last minute dramas!
1. Secure your home and possessions
Before you head off, check your house doors and windows to make sure they are locked. Ensure the garage is locked up and garden sheds are secure.
Speak to the neighbours and see if someone can keep an eye on the house while you’re away and if you use an alarm service, let them know about your travel plans and provide an emergency contact just in case.
2. Check the expiry date of your passport
Most international flights require at least 3-6 month’s validity on a passport, while some countries also require a tourist visa. Check the requirements and if you need to, head to your nearest Australia Post Office to renew your passport or order a new one if this is your first time overseas.
The passport and visa photos will need to meet certain requirements so make sure your photographer is up-to-speed on differing international conditions.
3. Put your mail on hold
Suspend your postal delivery by putting a hold on your mail and avoid returning to an overflowing letter box.
Remember to set this up in advance, as most mail holds require a few business days’ notice to get set up, then pop in to your local Australia Post Office when you get back to collect your mail.
4. Take out travel insurance
Highly recommended for international travel, a good insurance policy will give peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones.
Illness and injury abroad can be an expensive experience – travel insurance will help cover the costs, plus give you coverage for cancelled flights and unanticipated accommodation stays.
5. Organise care for the family pets
Have you made sure that someone is looking after your beloved pets while you are away?
As soon as you have a travel date, get in touch with a trusted kennel or even a local pet sitter to arrange your furry friend’s booking. Kennels often fill up quickly, particularly at peak travel times of the year, so plan ahead and take care of the booking well in advance of your trip.
6. Buy some foreign currency
Unfavourable exchange rates, commission charges, a lack of buyback discounts… don’t get caught out changing your money into foreign currency at the destination.
Head to an American Express Currency Exchange store inside selected Australia Post Offices to get fast access to over 60 foreign currencies with $0 commission.
7. Arrange transport to and from the airport
Is someone taking you to the airport in the small hours of the morning? Do you have transportation lined up for when you return?
Remove unwanted stress by organising a friend to take you to and from the airport or book a reputable shuttle service and share the ride with other travellers for a fraction of the cost of a taxi.
8. Keep a TravelSIM topped up
Using a mobile phone and staying connected while overseas can be a costly business.
Take control of your data and phone call spending by topping up a TravelSIM, and get easy access to people and information without the shock of a hefty phone bill when you get back.
9. Put a halt on orders and payments
Once you have a firm travel date and your dream holiday is fast approaching, place a temporary stop on those frequent deliveries and services such as newspapers, magazines, house cleaners, gardeners and food orders.
If you’re a gym member, see if they’ll let you suspend your membership for the duration of your trip.
10. Pack a prepaid travel card
Opt for the convenience of cash without the worry of losing it with a prepaid multi-currency travel card.
The multi-currency Cash Passport is accepted at ATMs and wherever MasterCard is taken worldwide, it can be loaded up with foreign currency before you leave and is the safer, sensible way to carry cash when travelling to far-flung places.