Traveller’s Ultimate Checklist
Print screen metro layouts and local maps to orientate yourself.
Use our traveller’s checklist to help guide your preparations and optimise your experience.
Packing
Ear plugs and eye mask: Minimise interruptions and stimulus, to sleep easily in rowdy hotels, on noisy transportation, and to recharge with day-time booster naps.
Neck pillow and travel blanket (scarf/sarong): Make less-than-comfortable situations, comfortable.
Tissues: Doubles as toilet paper, serviettes and a cleaning apparatus.
Zip-lock plastic bags: Store small items like toiletries and cords. Keep miscellaneous coins out of your wallet. Separate dirty clothes from clean clothes.
Strapping tape: Doubles as a band aid or a quick fix for a broken shoe/item of clothing.
Hand sanitiser: Clean your hands quickly, without water or a rest room, before you eat.
Double headed power adapter: Eliminate lost hours waiting for your phone and camera to recharge, charge multiple items at the same time.
First aid kit (ibuprofen, antiseptic, band aids etc.): Prevent small pains/aches from ruining your plans.
Haven’t worn it, don’t pack it: Avoid ill-fitting items of clothing or shoes.
Tag your bag: Place a bright ribbon or distinctive sticker on your bag, so you'll never have to wonder which is yours on the carousel.
Money
Know the exchange rate: Do some rough conversion, so you have an idea of what things actually cost, e.g. 10000 Indonesian Rupiah = 1 Australian Dollar / 1 Great British Pound = 1.7 Australian Dollar.
Get a traveller's credit card: Avoid international conversion fees. We recommend Velocity Global Wallet.
Withdraw cash in large sums: Avoid ATM fees for multiple withdrawals.
Carry small notes/coins: Many small to medium sized businesses don’t accept large notes, and service providers like taxis often don't carry change.
Spend your coins before you leave: Coins cannot be exchanged.
Phone
Buy a local pre-paid SIM card: Phone calls/messages and data will be a lot cheaper than global roaming charges.
Use Wi-Fi rather than data: Avoid excessive roaming data charges.
Print screen metro layouts and local maps: To orientate yourself.
Use Google Maps offline function: Access maps on-the-go without Wi-Fi or data.
Getting Around
Write down addresses (and nearby landmarks): Make asking for directions easy.
Hire a GPS for your rental car: Take the stress off your navigator, and get there on time.
Don’t get in a cab that doesn’t have a meter: Avoid excessive fares.
Walk a street or two back from the touristy areas: The price drops by half.
Paper Work
Travel insurance: If you travel overseas more than twice a year, consider a frequent travel policy to save money. We recommend Allianz Frequent Traveller Insurance.
Scan your documents (passport, visa and driver's licence): Email them to yourself before you go, so that you can access them with webmail anywhere, and also leave copies at home with your family.
Health
Drink water: It’s important to keep hydrated while on-the-move.
Jet-lag: Force yourself to adapt to the time zone at your destination. Rehydrate, eat and sleep by local time.
In-flight health: Rise, walk and stretch as often as possible and drink plenty of water.
Workout on-the-go: Travel with a small item like skipping rope or a stretch band.
Wear sunscreen: Apply it regularly to protect your skin regardless of the temperature or weather.
