Travelling Must - Dos

Travelling Must-Dos: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Travelling is exciting. The countdown, the packing, choosing your outfits, planning what you’re going to see and do — it’s all part of the adventure.

But amongst all the excitement, there are a few things that are easy to overlook. A little preparation before you leave can make a huge difference once you’re away.

So, here are some of our travelling must-dos to help make your next trip smoother, easier and more enjoyable.

1. Check Your Documents

Before you do anything else, check your passport, visas and entry requirements.

Don't assume that because you've travelled somewhere before, the requirements will be the same this time. Passport validity rules and visa requirements can vary between destinations.

It's also a good idea to keep copies of important documents somewhere secure, as well as having access to your booking information while you're away.

Our tip: Don't leave passport checks until the week before you travel!

2. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you'll never need — but you'll be very glad you have it if something goes wrong.

Illness, cancellations, lost luggage and unexpected travel disruption can happen, even when you've planned everything perfectly.

Make sure your policy is appropriate for your destination and covers any activities you're planning to enjoy, particularly if you're skiing, cruising, taking part in adventure activities or travelling with pre-existing circumstances that need to be declared.

3. Think About Money

Before you go, check how you'll access your money abroad.

Let your bank know if necessary, check whether your cards charge foreign transaction fees and consider taking a small amount of local currency with you.

You don't want your first experience in a new destination to be discovering that the taxi driver doesn't accept your preferred payment method!

4. Pack Your Chargers & Adapters

It sounds obvious, but we've all been there.

Make sure you have the right travel adapter, charging cables and any portable batteries you need.

And don't forget the things you rely on every day — phones, watches, cameras, tablets and e-readers all need power.

5. Don't Forget Your Essentials

Think beyond your clothes when you're packing.

Medication, glasses or contact lenses, prescriptions, toiletries, sunscreen and basic first-aid essentials can all be easily forgotten.

If you're travelling with children, add their essentials to the list too — favourite snacks, comfort items, entertainment and anything they rely on at home.

6. Download Before You Go

A few minutes of preparation can save you a lot of hassle when you're away.

Download your:

• Boarding passes

• Hotel and transfer information

• Maps

• Translation apps

• Travel apps

• Entertainment for flights and journeys

It's also worth saving important information somewhere you can access it without an internet connection.

7. Research Your Destination

You don't need to plan every minute of your holiday, but knowing a little about where you're going can make your trip so much better.

Research local customs, transport, tipping, weather, currency and any places you really don't want to miss.

And then leave some space for the unexpected.

8. Don't Overplan

This might sound strange coming from someone who loves planning travel, but you don't need an itinerary for every minute of every day.

Plan the things that matter. Book the experiences that could sell out. Know where you're going and how you're getting there.

But leave time to wander.

Some of the best travel memories come from the restaurant you stumbled across, the little street you decided to explore or the beach you found by accident.

9. Pack Smart

You don't need to take your entire wardrobe with you.

Think about what you'll actually wear, check the weather and consider what facilities your accommodation provides.

And always keep your most important items — documents, medication, valuables and anything you absolutely couldn't travel without — in your hand luggage.

Bonus tip: Leave a little room in your suitcase.

You're almost certainly going to find something you want to bring home!

 10. Try Something New

This might be the most important travelling must-do of all.

Try the local food. Learn a few words of the language. Take the slightly different route. Speak to locals. Visit somewhere that wasn't on your original list.

You don't have to do something spectacular.

Sometimes the smallest experiences become the stories you tell for years.

And Finally… Enjoy It

Not everything will go perfectly.

Flights can be delayed. Weather can change. Restaurants can disappoint. Plans can go wrong.

That's travel.

Try not to let the little things take over. Put the phone down occasionally, look around and appreciate where you are.

You're somewhere new. You're making memories. You're travelling.

And that's something worth enjoying.