Ten tips for better travel
As international travel continues to increase in 2023, I’ve put together a list of ten things that will help make your re-entry into the world of travel seamless and enjoyable. The world of travel has changed, and it is not uncommon to feel nervous given we have had two years without the joy of travelling.
Passport
My number one tip is to check the validity of your passports. Many countries require a minimum validity of six months on your passport for entry and given many of us have had our passports getting dusty in the back of a drawer, now in the time to pull it out and check. My next tip is to apply for passports early. While the turnaround time is getting better it can take up to 12 weeks to receive a new passport. Better to apply early to avoid paying urgent fees or adding additional stress and anxiety to travelling, which should be fun!
Travel Insurance
As the saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” This is even more important as we reenter the world after the pandemic. The Travel Elixir works with a range of insurance providers that all provide cover for COVID-19 (*some exclusions and limitations apply) and can provide comprehensive PDF documents outlining what is covered and what isn’t. If you used to rely on credit card insurance before the pandemic, it is worth checking what they will and won’t cover in this new age of travel (especially around Coronavirus). Consider taking out insurance as soon as you deposit for your trip to protect your investment.
packing tips
This could almost be a post in itself, but my first tip is to pack light. I’m sure everyone has heard of a friend or family member who has struggled with delayed or lost luggage since our international borders opened. If you can, travel with a carry-on suitcase. Not sure how to pack light? Check out YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for videos from pro-packers.
If packing light is just not possible, my next tip would be to invest in a luggage tracker. The Apple Air Tags are a worthwhile investment, starting at AUD$49 for 1. Pack a change of clothes, any valuables and your important medications in your carry-on luggage just in case your suitcase goes AWOL. And make sure your suitcase is labelled with a distinctive tag and includes your contact details so the airline can reach out to you.
I also offer a service called Blue Ribbon Bags, which will track and expedite the return of your delayed baggage for 96 hours from the time your flight lands. This service can be easily added onto any booking and is just USD$5 per bag.
use a travel professional
If you haven’t used a travel advisor before the pandemic, now is the time to do so. Travel is complicated these days and from assisting with cancelled or delayed flights, finding availability in sold out destinations and ensuring your travel is seamless, our bag of tricks is endless. We have the General Managers of the best hotels on speed dial and have been working hard for the past few years to produce miracles for travellers around the world. Now is the golden age of the Travel Advisor and we have never been more passionate about changing the conversation from one of valuing our collective knowledge. You have a preferred doctor, financial advisor, personal trainer, nutritionist and local coffee shop. Isn’t it time you found yourself a travel advisor?
Allow time for spontaneity
Now that we are able to travel, there is a lot of enthusiasm to get back out there, and we have had so long to dream of where we will go. When planning trips for my clients, I am always looking for ways to incorporate slow and mindful travel. Gone are the days of spending one night in a place and travelling onto the next destination. Consider focusing on one country or region and taking the time to really soak up the atmosphere. Spending a minimum of three nights in a destination allows you to explore at a slower pace. Put down the phone, lose the map and allow for some magic to unfold in between your plans.
Be flexible
Travel is not without its challenges these days, so try to build in some flexibility to your trips. Aim to arrive a few days before an event in case of any travel delays. Arrive at the airport earlier than you think you might need to (I usually recommend 3 hours for international travel and 2 hours for domestic travel). Above all else, make sure you pack your sense of humour and understand that travel is a privilege, and everyone is doing their best in challenging circumstances to get you from A to B.
Check visas, entry, exit and transit requirements
Initially when borders reopened travel was much more complicated and at times, I felt more like a lawyer trying to decipher policies from each country that were often different. We had to not only consider the countries you were flying into, but also ports of transit. Thankfully, things are getting easier every day as we move to living with COVID-19. However, aside from working with a travel professional I would recommend travellers bookmark Smarttraveller in Australia and also Sherpa for the most up to date information. Some countries that didn’t require a visa for entry before the pandemic have now introduced new requirements. Many countries are still restricting entry to those who aren’t vaccinated. If this is you, check before you book to ensure you won’t have issues on arrival.
Plan those bucket list trips
We have all had plenty of time to think about what life after the pandemic will look like. I have spoken to many of my clients about developing a travel blueprint. There is no time like the present to ensure you tick off those bucket lists. When you begin to work with an experienced travel advisor like The Travel Elixir it is always wonderful to have a conversation about future destinations you are interested in as well as the present trip. I can make notes and keep these in mind when I see specials come through or help you to plan out a roadmap to ensure you get to achieve all of your travel dreams.
Consider travelling off season or to less popular destinations
At The Travel Elixir our aim is to try and encourage you to travel mindfully and leave a destination better than you found it. This means avoiding adding to overcrowding in popular destinations by either travelling off season or asking for similar destinations that aren’t as popular. Places like the Amalfi Coast, Puglia and certain destinations in Greece tend to be really uncomfortable in peak season. Instead of paying inflated prices for accommodation and struggling to find transport, consider asking what destinations we believe aren’t yet trending and head there instead. You’ll be ahead of the curve and can truly call yourself an “influencer”.
Educate yourself before you go
It is always a good idea to educate yourself on your destination before you go. Learn a few useful phrases of the local language. Find out what the local customs are especially if you are travelling solo as a woman and make sure you respect these. After all, you are a visitor to their home. It’s always a great idea to read some books or watch films or documentaries on the history of the region you are visiting and any pivotal moments. The more you understand about your destination, the richer the travel experience becomes.
