Before You Travel

Passports

Your passport is crucial when travelling abroad. When you begin planning your international holiday, please ensure that your passport is up-to-date and has at least six months validity left on it from the date that you return home.

For current information about passports in Australia, visit the Australia Post website or ask your Travel Whizz.

Visas

Many countries around the world require foreign travellers to obtain a visa to permit entry to their country. Some visas are electronic, while others require a physical document or endorsement in your passport. We recommend researching the visa requirements of your intended travel destinations before you make your booking. Ask your Travel Whizz how they can help you.

Foreign Currency

Before you travel, be sure to plan how much foreign currency you will take with you, whether it is cash or on a card. It’s handy to travel with some local currency, particularly when you are arriving outside of regular business hours. That way you can pay for food or incidentals easily. Be aware of the best rates available to you and avoid buying currency from vendors who charge a high commission. When travelling with larger amounts of cash, we recommend only carrying with you what is necessary and that you carry it in multiple locations on your person and in bags, purses, pockets or money belts, while securely storing the remainder at your accommodation.

Travel Advice

For current travel advice, we recommend visiting the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website. We also recommend registering your trip on the Smart Traveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in the event of an emergency.

Healthy Travel

It’s important to look after yourself in the lead up to, during and following your travels. We recommend speaking with your GP when planning to travel overseas to see if any immunisations or other precautions are necessary.

Before long haul journeys, try to get as much rest as possible and stay hydrated. We recommend drinking bottled water when overseas. Don’t forget to do your in-flight exercises and when you arrive, go for a walk or visit your hotel’s gym or pool for a light workout to help your body unwind. Jet lag effects many travellers, and the general rule of thumb is it takes approximately one day per time zone crossed to recover, so don’t plan anything too strenuous on your first day or two if you can help it.