Helpful travelling tips ?
Prepare for a safe trip
If you are jetting away soon, you should take it into consideration when packing to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Keep up with local rules and regulations
Be sure to check entry requirements as these can vary from country to country. Check Smart Traveller AU or Safe Travel NZ, and the official government sites for the latest restrictions and requirements for the country you are visiting. Do you need a Visa or are there any forms needed to be completed to enter a country?
Make sure you take out international travel insurance that covers you for your trip including unlimited medical and evacuation. Some destinations have a minimum amount you must be insured for. If you want to enter countries like Thailand or Qatar it is compulsory to have fully comprehensive travel insurance.
Bring additional disinfecting supplies
Although there are no strict Covid rules anymore it is worthwhile to pack some small bottles of hand sanitiser for cleaning hands regularly. Disinfecting wipes will come in handy for wiping down aeroplane trays, and seats. Wipes come in handy especially in India for wiping around the rims of glasses and cutlery to ensure your utensils are hygienic.
Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are durable and lightweight bags allowing you to group similar items like (underwear, accessories, tops, and beachwear) and pack them together in one cube. This makes for easy unpacking and repacking.
Roll, don’t fold
Roll-up your clothes as this takes up less space and can prevent wrinkling. If you have a heavier item or winter jacket, this can always be folded at the bottom of your suitcase.
Pack heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase. If you are travelling on a budget airline and you don’t have a limited weight limit, you can always wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane.
Be ready for worst-case scenarios
Pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on
Although lost luggage has improved, baggage delays are, even if your flight is short and direct. Pack an extra set of clothes (especially a change of socks and underwear) – handy for a stopover if you want to freshen up.
Share suitcases if you are travelling as a family. Pack a set of each person’s essentials in every suitcase, in case some bags get delayed or go missing.
Pack a Powerboard
Handy for charging multiple devices as most hotel rooms have minimal power points. A multi-power board can charge multiple devices in one go.
Doing laundry on your travels
If you are travelling for a long period, you are going to need to do laundry on your travels. You might not be near a laundromat, and hotel laundry services can be expensive. A handy tip is to pack a plastic bag for damp clothes, a laundry bag, laundry powder, Sard Wonder soap for stains, and a metal coat hanger with 3-4 pegs. Note: On flights no more than 350 grams of laundry powder is allowed in your carry-on luggage.
To avoid your clothes smelling like dirty laundry, a good idea is to pack scented Dryer Sheets. Be careful with dryer sheets though. They are great for masking odours but you might end up smelling like lavender with your clean clothes and it is embarrassing when someone points this out on a train. Use with caution. Another option is packing potpourri or scented sachets.
Always pack shoes separately in a plastic bag to avoid getting any dirt on your clothes or smelling out your suitcase.
Packing for the season
Packing for winter
Pack layers for cold weather
Go for lightweight layers rather than packing a bulky winter jacket. With layers, you can always add or remove depending on the temperature outside. Waterproof boots, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves might come in handy too.
Choose a down jacket over wool
A puffy down jacket can easily be stuffed into your daypack as an extra layer of warmth on super chilly days, used as a pillow on the flight or rolled away into a small pouch to save space. Snaffle Travel have purchased Kathmandu puffer jackets and they are lightweight and warm and suitable for sitting in a grandstand on a cold and windy day. Look out for the sales as you may pick up a bargain at certain times of the year.
Packing for spring
Bring clothing for changing weather conditions
Weather can be interchangeable in spring with chilly mornings, warm afternoons, wet, dry, and even four seasons in one day. Pack clothes that are breathable, insulating, sweat-absorbing and quick-drying. Merino wool clothing is an excellent choice and remember to bring layers to add and take off quickly…
Packing for summer
Lightweight summer clothes
Don’t forget sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a sunhat, sunglasses, beachwear and a towel too.
Packing for Autumn
Pack for changeable weather
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, with sunny days, chilly evenings, and the occasional afternoon downpour. Make sure you pack a loose-fitting waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker, and a small folding umbrella might come in handy too. A plastic poncho kept in your bag may come in handy if you get caught out in a heavy downpour or an unexpected storm.
Pack for other activities
Packing for horse riding holidays
Snaffle Travel recommends you pack your approved riding helmet, as you don’t want to borrow one. You don’t know the history of the helmet and you can easily pack clothing into the helmet. Riding vest with pockets, cotton riding pants or jodhpurs, riding chaps and boots to go over your pants, Ariats with a heel are generally ok for trails, riding gloves, a bum bag to store small items on the ride, i.e: mobile phone, lip balm etc. Make sure your travel insurance covers horse riding.
Bring a First aid kit
Cuts, scrapes, blisters, and unexpected serious injuries could always happen while you’re out there, so make sure you’re fully prepared for every scenario. Pack a small first aid kit with essentials including antiseptic wipes, headache tablets, band-aids, and any allergy medication like antihistamines. Don’t forget Lip Balm which is great for protecting and healing damaged lips, you can also apply lip balm to your face to prevent windburn. Snaffle Travel always packs a small first aid kit on all our tours.
If you need help planning your next trip, contact Snaffle Travel at info@snaffletravel.com.au
