Let’s be real: even though holidays are supposed to be relaxing, they can sometimes be tiring and stressful. From planning out your itinerary to trying to pack everything in your suitcase, these moments can make a holiday seem like a chore. However, holidays are meant to be enjoyable, and with a few tips, you can make your trip one to remember. We have put together our top traveller tips to make your next holiday easier!
Plan your money
If you’re an international traveller, it’s vital that you have your money sorted so you don’t end up with empty pockets. Study currency rates online to know how much you’ll need to spend. It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand. Place an order about a week before you leave, as some banks may not have the currency available in stock.
All travellers need to make sure they plan out their budget. It can often be tempting to overspend while on holiday, which can leave you clinging onto savings when you get home. Know how much you need to spend on accommodation, and necessities like travel and food. Once you have that all planned out, make a limit on how much you can spend on additional expenses like entertainment and shopping.
Take safety measures
This happens more times than you think: travellers will be stuck on holidays and they’ll need assistance that they’re not covered for. Make sure you take out insurance, and when you do, know exactly what you’re covered for. Some people make the mistake of thinking they’ll be covered for everything, while there are actually some conditions on the fine print that they miss.
It’s also a good idea to make digital and physical copies of your passport, ID, itinerary, insurance details and photos of your belongings. If something gets stolen or you become injured, you’ll be needing back-ups or evidence.
Remember to check the Smart Traveller website before leaving Australia.
Be flexible
While it is necessary to book things like flights and accommodation, try to avoid booking every single activity and necessity. Things may change that may end up costing you precious time and money, including unexpected sickness, new opportunities and change of mind. Try leaving some days unplanned. This way if you discover something that takes your fancy, you won’t have anything stopping you from doing it. With Melbourne Airport being so large, one of our traveller tips is to leave plenty of time to check-in and pass through security.
Avoid packing too much
One of the most common mistakes travellers make is packing their suitcase until it’s completely full. Not only will this make it equally as frustrating to repack once you’re leaving, but you’ll have no room for shopping and souvenirs. Only pack the necessities, and only one or two varieties of clothing items. Try rolling up your clothes to make more room. You can also pack smaller items like underwear and toiletries in smaller bags. It is one of our top traveller tips.
Don’t Expect to See Everything
In huge cities like Melbourne and Sydney, you may want to see every single attraction available. However, this may leave you spending so little time at each destination that you won’t be able to fully enjoy it. It may also cause you to spend more money that you should. Make a list of all the things that interest you and rank them from most desirable to least desirable. You can then pick a handful of places and activities, depending on the length of your stay. Plus, if you leave room in your itinerary, you may be able to fit another activity in.