Planning That Trip Of A Lifetime? Handy Travel Hints And Tips
idea of a trip of lifetime may seem a little novel, but it's still the
dream of thousands of people. Nowadays though, you don't have to wait
until retirement to head off into the sunset.If you're thinking of
organising a trip that takes you from one end of the world to the
other, it's best to plan ahead before you get up and go. After all,
when you're lazing back on a sun-drenched beach in Tahiti, the last
thing you want to worry about is whether you paid your credit card
bill before you left home. (You may get a nasty surprise at the hotel
reception and a declined card.)Here are some handy travel tips and
timely reminders.Seasonal differencesWhen it's fall and winter in the
northern hemisphere, it's the complete opposite in the southern
hemisphere - spring and summer. If you're planning to spend time in
different zones, you'll need to pack different weights of clothing and
footwear.Security updatesThere are strict new security measures and
luggage requirements both carry on and checked luggage with global
airlines. Check your local sites for specific advice and understand
what you can take on board and check in. Many previously "innocent"
items are now prohibited.
To lock...or not If you're flying to the US, there are new procedures in
place for your carry on and checked luggage. If your bag is locked, the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may open it and screen the
contents. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags, but you
can prevent this by using a TSA-recognized locking mechanism. These
"special" locks can be opened by TSA using tools provided by participating
industry members and can be bought at popular retail outlets.Check your
house and contents insuranceIf you're travelling for several weeks, get a
house sitter or someone to check on your property regularly. Some home
insurance policies may not be valid if your property is left unoccupied. I
found hsbc home and contents cover that gives you 60 days coverage if you
go away. Take a look for yourself.Cashed up? You can't get far without
money, so organise some traveller's cheques and local currency. You could
take a Cash Passport plastic card with you as a handy alternative to
cheques. It gives access to local currency from any Visa-linked ATM
overseas. You load it up with a deposit in one of four popular
currencies: US dollars, Euros, Sterling or Aussie dollars.Credit cards are
widely accepted in most places, but make sure you have paid your bill
before you leave home and top up the balance with additional funds. Put
your card bill on direct debit to your savings or cheque account so the
balance is paid off each month.ATMs are not everywhere While ATM cards are
widely accepted around the world, not all ATM cards may work overseas. If
you are going off the beaten track, there's every chance you won't find a
handy ATM in a shopping mall as you trek to marvel at those thousand
year-old temple ruins. Take some local cash for small purchases, meals
and taxi fares.Tasty adviceIf you have a long wait, miss a connection or
arrive in the middle of the night at your destination, carry high-protein
snacks or granola bars to keep up your energy levels. It might be hours
before your next meal. An ipod is also a good companion to have in between
flights. Just plug in and chill out.
Travel insurance for peace of mind What if something went wrong and you
needed to be airlifted home? That would make a dent in your savings. No
one likes to think about something going wrong, annual travel insurance
offers some sort of security. Searching online, I came across hsbc travel
insurance cover that you can use for both a single trip or on an annual
basis. The great advantage is it offers a 24 hour multi lingual service,
medical referral and travel emergency help. You don't want to be stuck in
pain with no one understanding your screams!Make copies of your documents
and plans It's a smart idea to make copies of your passport details,
insurance policy, travellers' cheques, visas and credit card numbers.
Carry one copy separately from the originals and leave a copy with someone
at home.There's a big world out there. Bon voyage.
Cathy Howley is Creative Manager and Copywriter at Options Strategy,
Melbourne. The digital agency with the strategy edge. [web:
options-strategy .com] If you're looking for insurance before you head
off, get a quote for hsbc home and contents cover and hsbc travel
insurance cover
visaaustralia24.com/australia-travel-visa-requirements-rules-conditions-details-for-us-citizens/
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