Travel Tips To Make Your Travelling Easier

  1. Learn about the culture of the country before you visit it
  2. Forget about your map and all the guide books, ometimes it's better to stroll along the streets and discover things that aren't listed anywhere in the guides but are nonetheless great and interesting and more fun.
  3. Visit local restaurants and bars. They are much cheaper and you can try the traditional specialities and even meet the locals.
  4. Bring a pillow with you for those long bus journeys.
  5. Enjoy your holiday and don't try planning too much.
  6. Get one of those thin money belts that fit inside your clothes. That way you can carry your passport and money with you at all times.
  7. Be open to everything which may happen to you. There is always something new to learn.

Top 10 Travel Tips
  1. Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive free e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.
  2. Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.
  3. Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online or at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so we can contact you in an emergency.
  4. Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.
  5. Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
  6. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.
  7. Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.
  8. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
  9. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.
  10. Before departing Australia check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.

This information was provided by Smart Traveller. Click here for more information.

International Driving Permits

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid driver licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic driver licence. IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs. An IDP is a requirement for renting a vehicle in many countries.

To obtain an International Driving Permit, please contact the relevant IDP authority in your state:

New South Wales
NRMA City Branch

Queensland
RACQ Ltd.(Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited)

Victoria
RACV(Royal Automobile Club of Victoria)

South Australia
RAA(Royal Automobile Association of South Australia, Inc)

Western Australia
RAC(Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (Incorporated)

Tasmania
RACT(Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited)

Northern Territory
AANT(Automobile Association of Northern Territory Inc)