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From ultimate packing tips to clever travel hacks, we’ve collected the best tips to ensure that your next travel experience is smooth and hassle-free. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned traveller, we’re here to help you feel prepared and ready to make the most of every moment.
Why is it that when we’re at home, we can happily wear the same three favourite outfits for weeks on end, but when we’re packing for a holiday, we feel compelled to prepare for every possible scenario from black-tie cocktail party to jungle expedition? And do you really need eight pairs of swimmers and four pairs of shoes for that weekend getaway? You can avoid the impulse to overpack by embracing a “less is more” philosophy, opting for versatile clothing options that can be layered, mixed and matched.
Organising your clothes into packing cubes is an effective way to ensure that you pack light. It also makes it easier to find things, helps to prevent creasing, and creates additional packing space for those all-important souvenirs. Many travellers opt to roll their clothes instead of folding them as this also helps to reduce wrinkles – after all, who wants to spend their precious holiday time ironing?
Handy items to add to your packing list:
Is it time to treat yourself to some new luggage? Opt for a new travel backpack, with lots of clever pockets and padded storage for all your devices, or a brightly coloured suitcase that will stand out from the crowd at the luggage carousel. You can also decorate your luggage with ribbons, stickers or unique luggage tags; as well as making the baggage collection process a bit easier, it’s less likely that someone will confuse your luggage for their own.
A stress-free holiday starts with a stress-free airport experience, so give yourself plenty of time to check in, pass through security, and deal with any unexpected delays along the way.
There is always a possibility that your luggage will go on an unexpected side quest without you, but a delayed suitcase doesn’t have to mean a delayed start to your holiday fun. Always pack your essentials in your carry on bag: basic toiletries and medications, a charger for your devices, any important documents, and enough changes of clothes to get you through at least your first couple of days. Trackable luggage tags are a simple but highly effective way to be prepared in the unfortunate event that you become separated from your luggage at some point during your holiday.
Triple-check your documents before your holiday begins, checking that all your documents match your travel plans. Ensure that the names on your documents match those in your passport – even if you’ve been with the same personal travel manager for years. Maybe you’ve changed your name after getting married or divorced; maybe you use your middle name in everyday life. Share any updates with your personal travel manager to avoid unnecessary stress at check-in.
It’s also essential that you check your passport validity – especially if you’re planning a long trip, as many countries require your passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. If you need a visa for your destination or transit points, always use the links provided by your personal travel manager to avoid falling for scam websites.
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind for your travel plans. Talk to your personal travel manager about the best policy to suit your needs.
Scan or take photos of important documents and email them to yourself and someone at home. It can also be useful to take a printed copy with you, keeping them separate from the originals in case you lose them. Important documents include your passport, travel insurance, itinerary, tickets, credit card numbers, driver’s license, and international driving permit. If there’s a safe in your hotel room, you can use it to securely store the originals while you’re out and about each day.
If you intend to drive overseas, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a useful travel document that is required for renting a vehicle in many countries. Additionally, most car rental companies will require a credit card imprint before allowing you to hire a vehicle.
If you can’t carry enough medication for your entire trip, a letter from your doctor that details what you are taking, the prescribed dosage and its purpose, can make the process of obtaining medication during your travels more straightforward. Ask your doctor for written confirmation that your medications are prescribed and for personal use, as this can help to ease your way through customs checkpoints in countries where certain medications are illegal.
We recommend packing all essentials, including medication and Invisalign, in your carry-on luggage. If your checked bags get lost en route, you won’t have to start your holiday tracking down a doctor and pharmacist to arrange replacements.
If you use a debit card or credit card that doesn’t charge transaction fees, it can save you money even while you’re spending it. Don’t forget to take some local currency, ideally in smaller denominations, for those instances when paying by card isn’t an option – or if you’re visiting a destination where tipping is expected. There are numerous apps that are useful for helping you manage your finances while you’re travelling.
The smart phone is a vital accessory for most travellers: as well as being your main method of communication, it can act as camera, translator, guidebook, map and banking system. Free Wi-Fi is often available at local cafes, restaurants, hotels and public libraries, or you can check with your mobile service provider about data roaming options. Alternatively, you could buy a local SIM card to stay connected. It’s also helpful to install apps like Uber, Grab or other local transport apps before you depart.
Before heading off on your next adventure, take time to research local cultural practices and phrases – what seems normal to you may be strange or offensive behaviour in your holiday destination. Keeping an open mind, knowing how to behave and how to use some basic phrases will improve your interactions and demonstrate your respect for the local culture.
Local tipping practices can vary, so check what’s expected in the destinations you are visiting. You can add even more authenticity to your holiday by checking out any local festivals or events that are taking place during your stay.
We believe that the best holidays happen when we embrace the unexpected and enjoy the ride. With the right preparation (and our fabulous travel tips), you can sidestep common travel hassles and focus on making incredible memories. For more travel tips, talk to your personal travel manager.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
