Travel checklist

2. Get Healthy
Obtain proper medical advice before you go - visit the Department of Health website at health.gov.au for all the latest updates and your local doctor will be able to help you with vaccination advice for the particular countries you’re visiting.

3. Read up on your trip
The do’s & don’ts, transport, weather, culture. Respect local customs by packing a ‘conservative’ outfit too – in some areas of the Middle East & Asia and in some religious instances, you’ll need to cover up from your shoulders down to your knees.

4. Check your ATM cards
Make sure they’ll work overseas and exchange just enough cash to cover your arrival. It’s best to take a mixture of money – credit card, debit card or Travelex cash card, plus cash to cover your butt! And if all else fails; call mum for an emergency transfer!

5. Scan and email
Copies of your Passport, travel insurance policy, emergency phone & card numbers, as well your ticket details. Leave another set with family or friends too. And it’s also handy to have copies of your itinerary and hotel receipts in one place, just in case.

6. Get snap happy
Think all-things-camera. Make sure your memory card/s are big enough (you’ll want to snap everything you see!) and pack extra batteries – there’ll be times
you don’t have access to power & you don’t want your camera dying at Machu Picchu!

7. Get Internet savvy
Make mum & dad happy by registering your travel plans with smartraveller.gov.au so you’re contactable in an emergency. Set up a Skype account too so you can chat to and SEE your lover, your mates or your folks when you’re feeling homesick. Then…

8. Set up a Travel blog!
It’s free and easy to set one up at blogs.statravel.com.au! Blog like a budding travel journo and keep your entire crew updated – you can even share your stories
to your Facebook profile so everyone will know when you’ve made a new post!

9. Packing 101
Always travel as light as possible! But make sure you squeeze in an inflatable pillow, sleeping mask, international power adapters, an extra change of clothes (or undies) in your hand luggage, socks for the plane, baby wipes to freshenup & a lightweight rain coat.

10. Try to avoid jetlag
Drink plenty of water and stick to simple foods. Avoid too many bevvies although you’ll likely get the giggles & fall fast asleep! Try to acclimatise to your time zone as soon as you land– if you arrive in London at 7am, don’t go to sleep! Struggle through.

11. Transport 101
Getting on a train or bus when you’re travelling is like cherished rest time! So use your luggage to your advantage; suitcases double as a fantastic seat on packed trains, and backpacks make an excellent pillow – it’ll save you from getting robbed too!

12. Sleeping 101
If you’re a bit of a clean freak, take a travel sheet (thinner version of a sleeping bag) to sleep in; you’ll love it! Take extra locks for your luggage & for lockers in hostels too, and make sure you have printed directions to where you’re staying!

13. Buy a phrase book
How will you ask your lovely (non-English speaking) Spanish host to book a taxi to Madrid airport to catch your 9am flight the next morning? Simple. Carry a phrase book everywhere! It could seriously save your life (or at least you missing your next flight!).

14. Eating 101
Food is glorious but it can get expensive. If you’re eating out, eat inside instead of on the sidewalk (in Europe they charge extra for sitting outdoors!). And make sure you pack a pocket knife; you can stock up on fruit, bread, cheese and eat on the run!

15. Do something ridiculous
Last but definitely not least! It’s important to get out of your comfort zone, and if that means stripping down to your undies and jumping into a Mykonos nightclub pool at sunrise, or eating Ox’s balls in Vietnam – then go for it. You only live once, eh?!