My first international trip in 5 years,

(and the first PC – Post Covid!)

 

 

There’s a few things worth remembering, or learning, to ensure international travel runs smoothly.

 

Travel Insurance

Don’t let travel insurance be an after-thought!

Your health, money, travel arrangements and belongings can, and should be protected.

For international travel especially, you need to consider this when you originally pay a deposit on your trip, so that your hard-earned funds are protected.

There are special inclusions, such as cruising and snow-sports, and of course, there’s always exclusions too.

Reach out to discuss your circumstances and ensure you have the best cover for YOU!.

 

Passport to success

Is your passport still valid?

Many people’s passports lapsed during the Covid years (including mine)!  Prices are due to increase in July 2024) for Aussie passport renewals.  Renew sooner rather than later, to save yourself some cash.

 

Timing – Overnight vs Daytime flights

We flew on a day flight direct with Jetstar from Brisbane to Osaka, arriving into Osaka in the evening.  Unfortunately this was the only direct option.  Personally I prefer to arrive into a new place in the daylight hours, so that you can get oriented, allow the initial excitement wave to peak, and pass, and then settle in for a good nap, waking up ready to “hit the ground running”.

I also find it easier to sleep on a night flight, as cabin lights are all dimmed and everyone is generally in “resting mode”.

I love helping clients with these kind of details, depending on their preferences and circumstances.  Like to watch the sunrise or sunset?  I can allocate seating so you get the experiences you love.

 

Pack like a Pro

Liquids – all liquids must be in containers less than 100ml (toothpaste, moisturiser etc).  If you have a water bottle, empty it, keep it, and take it through security.  It’s handy to have on the plane.  Ask for it to be filled up as often as you like – it’s important to stay hydrated.

Pack some comfy socks in your carry-on, as well as toothpaste & toothbrush, moisturiser and lozenges (that airplane air can get pretty dry!)

I was very thankful for the 20kg pre-purchased checked baggage allowance, a fair portion of which were gifts.  (See Japan – Culture Hints 101)

 

 

*** TOP TIP – Noise cancellation earphones are one of modern technologies greatest gifts to air travellers.  Highly recommend!

 

 

 

 

APP-solutely Useful! – Get to know your Apps!

 

 

 

 

Here’s my most tried and tested.

Do you have any great travel Apps to share?  Let me know, so I can add them to the list.

 

 

• Currency Conversion – I love using xe.com – super easy App to use.
• Maps – I use Apple’s inbuilt Map App, for getting around easily.  I particularly like being able to point in a particular direction and know which way I’m going, a super useful thing indeed, especially when signage in Japanese can be difficult to decipher.
•  Travel Money Card – Pelikin – it’s free and fast to join, with 22 Currency Wallets, that offer free account loads.  You receive a virtual card and 2x Plastic Cards.  Accepted anywhere Visa is accepted.
• Phone SIM – with Data – check your phone is unlocked and roaming turned on, for the price you’re aware of!
• Japanese Translator App – good for English to Japanese, but not so much for the reverse.
• Photo Translator – Turns your camera into a Translator (ie take a photo of Japanese text and it will be translated into English!). Super useful for train travel, or deciphering menus.
• Google Translate – with voice recognition and verbal translation, makes having a 2-way conversation quick and fun!

 

 

 

 

Japan Arrivals

Save yourself time and complete immigration online!  I cleared through Customs and Immigration pretty easily, having pre-completed the Visit Japan immigration process online, meaning we simply had to present our QR codes and passports.

I easily purchased tickets for the Haruka Limited Express train to Kyoto – a 75 minute journey, via Osaka.  Decorated in Hello Kitty paraphernalia, the kitsch is alive and well in Japan!