I have learned a thing or too having travelled to so many places travelling for business and on family holidays. Below are some of my essential travel tips that can save you a lot of headaches.

SCAN, PRINT AND EMAIL COPIES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND IDENTITY PAPERS
Just in case you lose your passport or just may need it and not having it on hand, always bring a copy. Having a copy scanned and ready to pull up on email is a good back-up.  I often email it to a family or friends just in case there is an emergency situation.  Some hotels insist on a copy on check-in.

GET CHECKED OUT BY A TRAVEL DOCTOR
When travelling, you never know how you will react to local water, bugs or germs. It’s always a good idea to get cleared first.  Travel doctors know what countries are higher risk and if you will need any vaccines.  They will give you the needed shots and the ‘just to be safe’ back-up meds you should bring depending on your destination.  Check out Travel Clinic for your local provider http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/

ALWAYS LEAVE 1/3 OF YOUR SUITCASE SPARE
You may say you are not going to buy anything…..but you will buy stuff….give yourself some extra room!

THINK ABOUT YOUR TRANSPORTATION WHEN PACKING
Nothing is worse than trying to climb hundreds of stairs in a crowded train station with two full, heavy suitcases that you cannot lift. If travelling by train or local public transportation, try to only  travel with one suitcase preferably on wheels and a small day pack.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
Don’t just get, know the policy and use it if you qualify. You may be surprised that a late flight could mean you miss your train and need to rent a car…it’s covered.  You may be surprised that if you break your camera or laptop while travelling….it’s covered.  And best of all, if a flight cancelled, the extra night in the hotel, food and transportation are all covered.  Not only may you find opportunities to get refunded, but it also means that when disasters strike, you know what is covered and you can stress and little less.  If you need to go to hospital in a foreign country call your insurance provider first and they will tell you what hospital to go to and I guarantee it will be one of the better hospitals.

ASK ABOUT THE LOCAL ROAD RULES
It is important to check out the road rules if you are renting a car.  They are generally different and if you don’t know it can make your trip very stressful. Check it out before you go or ask when renting a car.  If you are travelling to a country that English is not the first language you will need an international drivers licence purchased from the RACV.

ALWAYS KEEP SOME EXTRA CASH HIDDEN
It can even happen to us seasoned travellers, you have lost or gotten your wallet stolen. It’s always a safe measure to keep a little extra cash someplace other than your wallet.  Take a couple of credit cards and keep them separate so you have a backup if one is stolen or compromised.

Snaffle Travel is a Travel company that specialises in Equestrian travel.  If you have any questions send us an email at info@snaffletravel.com.au.