COTA Insurance’s Top Travel Tips
Travelling creates a multitude of opportunities to experience new cultures, tantalising tastes, and breathtaking sights. However, it also poses several challenges that could make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and one you’ll want to forget. For avid travellers, here are eleven travel tips that could save you time, money, and worry on your next adventure.
Research
Before setting off, conduct thorough research about your destination. Resources such as travel agents and the internet can provide invaluable information about your potential dream destination. Consider factors such as climate, culture, accessibility, political situation, cuisine, available experiences, time-constraints and budget. The more you know, the more you can make informed choices to help make the most out of your travel experience.
Helpful resources before booking any travel plans:
- Australian Government Travel Advice – www.smartraveller.gov.au
- Reviews from other travellers – www.tripadvisor.com.au
Planning
Start planning and making bookings by cross-referencing the availabilities of preferred flights, accommodation and activities/tours. Track any relevant costs, dates and times in writing. Use a spreadsheet or make notes to keep track. Travel agents can also assist with this.
Tips:
- Limit planned activities and allow yourself the time to be spontaneous.
- Plan for rest days throughout your itinerary to recover from long journeys or after long sightseeing days.
- Be informed around any terms and conditions relating to cancellations or booking changes.
Travel Insurance
Consider travel insurance for your trip. It can offer a range of cover options that may assist if a travel mishap occurs, from medical emergencies to cancellations or delays. Seniors may wish to consider policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions and health cover. Some travel insurance also includes repatriation should you need to return home due to illness or emergency.
Click here to get a quote on COTA Travel insurance.
Pack Smart
Packing can be an art form. The trick is to pack versatile clothing suited to a variety of occasions and layers for changing weather. When packing, prioritise comfort and convenience. Choose lightweight luggage with wheels and include comfortable walking shoes, any medications (and copies of your prescriptions) and remember to leave room for any purchases you might make while away. Always check the airlines luggage specifications to make sure you adhere to size and weight guidelines.
Tips:
- Download our packing lists HERE
- Rolling clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles.
- Always carry essential medications in your hand luggage, along with a doctor’s note explaining what they are and why they’re necessary.
Transport
Choose trusted transportation. Whether it’s a taxi service or a tour bus, it should have strong safety records and offer convenience, such as hotel pick-up and drop-off services.
Most cities have a public transport system available. To best utilise these services, buy a day or week pass, this is usually the most economical, know where you are going and your destination and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
Currency and shopping
Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any surprise locks on your cards while you are away. Also, bring a mix of payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and a small amount of local currency. Prepaid travel cards may also be a good idea.
If you plan to shop up a storm on your holiday, its best to scrub up on some local language basics and research the local protocols, do you need to barter or when and where to shop and get the best bargains.
Tips:
- Read our advice on sticking to a holiday budget HERE.
Experiences
While the popular sights are a must-see, exploring lesser-known areas can offer a more authentic and memorable experience. Ask locals for recommendations on the best places to visit, eat, and relax.
Part of enjoying the travel experience is also about travelling at your own pace, indulging in local cultures and creating memories to last a lifetime. Remember, it’s about the journey as much as the destination.
Tips:
- Plan your travel experiences to meet everyone’s needs or take turns in choosing plans.
- Remember to allow for relaxation days and not book too many experiences.
Recording memories
Whether through photos, journaling, or even social media updates, documenting your trip helps preserve memories, tells your story, and inspires others. While doing this, remember to take time to absorb the moment through your own eyes, don’t spend all day looking through a camera lense! Make sure you are familiar with your camera, and allow time to record your memories while away.
Tips:
- Keeping brochures from your adventures can help remember details to record later.
- Remember to include yourself in your photos, don’t be shy to ask other tourists to take photos of you.
- Buy postcards so you have records of the iconic tourist attractions!
Culture
Locals appreciate it when you make the effort to speak their language and follow cultural etiquette. Learn basic greetings, questions, and phrases. This can also opens doors to richer cultural exchanges. Research and follow relevant cultural and religious traditions to show respect for your destination. For example removing shoes and/or wearing appropriate clothing in religious places.
Sleep, eat, and stay hydrated
The simple things can make or break a trip. Ensure you get enough rest, stay hydrated (especially in hot climates), and eat at regular intervals to keep your energy up. Try new foods in moderation and stick to cooked dishes to avoid stomach upsets. Its important to remember that changes in climate and cuisine may have a more significant impact as we age.
Stay connected
Avoid hefty roaming charges by purchasing a local SIM card or make sure you have an appropriate international phone plan. You can also consider using free Wi-Fi where available and installing one of the many communication apps available that allow you to message and even make voice calls for free, within your phone’s data plan.
Staying connected helps you find directions, translate languages on-the-go, and share your experiences with friends and family. Regular contact with family or friends not only keeps them reassured but can also be a lifeline in case of emergencies.
Tips: download travel apps before you leave. Check out these top travel apps.
Travel is one of life’s greatest adventures, and whether you’re just beginning to explore the world or you’re a seasoned traveller seeking added security, these travel tips ensure that your travels are as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
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Insurance and Membership Services Limited ABN 59 057 159 743, AR 246235 trading as COTA Travel Insurance is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd, ABN 81 115 932 173, AFS Licence No 308461 and act as nib’s agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
