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Travel Tips: planning

Before you go

Plan a travel route on Google Earth. The program can actually show how to get from one place to another, including the satellite picture to see how scenic the trip will be.
Susan

Before you go, make sure you and your travelling companions have compatible styles - there's nothing worse than discovering after you get there that you like to shop while they like temple-tours .
Joanna

Planning and inspiration websites

Travel forums appear intimidating but I have found loads of travel information and even new friends. Don't be afraid to ask loads of questions.
Sandra

Buy an international phone card before you leave home. It saves worries if your mobile doesn't work or trying to buy one in a foreign country.
Coirinna

Always use the internet - you will find honest reviews and great deals!
Nicole

At the end of your trip, give something back - spend half an hour writing online reviews for fellow travellers!
Andrew

Use TripAdvisor.com to plan your trip. It’s free and has reviews from world-wide travelers on everything you need to know about your destination.
Johana

The internet is a goldmine for cheap flights, accommodation and travel insurance. Travel agents are definitely a thing of the past!
Michael

The internet can save you so much money and hassle. Travel Agents can't compete. Expedia & Viator are excellent!
Stephen

Accommodation

Elderly travellers - don't be afraid to go to backpackers or hostels. You can save a heap of money and meet great people.
Heather

Join a home exchange network or couchsurfing.com for low cost quality accommodation.
Steve

Travel Tips: packing

Gadgets

Work out how to use your camera before you get to your destination!
Bronwyn

Carry a backup memory card for your camera, you'd be surprised how many pictures you can take!
Lisa

When you get to your destination, buy a local pre-paid sim card for your phone as this saves a bunch on international roaming costs. Also, don't forget to take your old handset (most of us have one) and not the fancy handset you have on contract on. If you lose your old phone, you won't be too upset or end up with a big bill
Gary

Packing

Take a small roll of toilet tissue with you when travelling through Asia, as the public toilets rarely provide you with this essential toiletry item.
Ian

Take a sarong! Great in hot or cold weather as a sheet, towel, shoulder wrap bag. Small, light and dries easily.
Fran

Line your suitcase with a large garbage bag then Ppck directly into the plastic bag. If your suitcase gets wet, at least your luggage won't.
Jocelyn

Tie different coloured lanyards to useful items that tend to get lost in your suitcase. The long strips of colour makes them easy to find.
John

Carry a pen and notepad with you wherever you go. You never know who you might meet, what you might find, jot down directions etc.
Mathew

Try and remember when packing that other countries do have washing machines so you don't have to pack so much!
Claire

Pack antibacterial wipes! Great for quickly cleaning your hands and face when you're on the go and can't get to a bathroom.
Marsha

Take some plastic ziplock bags - they're good for rubbish, little bits and pieces, plus those accidents (like vomiting!) that seem to happen at the worst possible time
Stephanie

Keep the plastic when you pick up clothes from the Dry-Cleaners - it is great for keeping your clothes 'wrinkle-free' in your suitcase.
Clare

Take some gaffer-tape - it ties down luggage, holds up mozzie nets, repairs ripped clothes. It has almost infinite uses!
Jason

Include a microfibre handtowel that packs away small for those essential showers whilst in transit
Karen

Take a pen and notepad - a diary is free entertainment on long bus rides and doubles as an address book for people you meet. You never know, it might even lead to a place to stay on your next trip.
Genna

A plastic supermarket bag is amazingly useful - use it as a makeshift umbrella, a dry seat cover for wet ground, protection from leaking shampoos... and 101 other things.
Tony

When packing suitcases, put some of your belongings in your partner's case and vice versa. That way if your case is lost you will still have some clothes.
Betty

When packing for a trip, lay out all the clothes you want to take, look at them for a few days and then put at least fifty percent back in the cupboard.
Susan

Wear zip-up layers of clothing - they're much easier to take on and off when the weather changes.
Shannon

Roll clothes instead of folding to keep them in much better shape without creases.
Linda

A few tips to make your laundry chores easy - always pack budget-brand shampoo which is great to use as a detergent and an elasticised clothesline too .
Kerryn

Always take away old undies: that way you can save money on laundry when you throw them away. In many countries, you can often buy new ones cheaply.
Terry

Travel Tips: destinations

Destinations

If you're going to Bali check out the Bali Travel Forum website - it's full of help and tips from regular travellers.
Anne

Go to the USA after September. As it's the end of summer, you'll get good weather but reduced crowds.
Geff

In Japan, great but cheap meals can be bought at the food level of large department stores after 8pm. They fire-sale for closing, but the food is still being freshly cooked!
Mandy

Try cruising; the big ships are your hotel and transport all over the world. You know how much it costs before going, you unpack once and nearly every day is in a new and exciting place.
Susan

Watch the Tour de France on TV during July and get great ideas for places to visit in La Belle France.
GH Walsh

If you visiting Disneyworld, Save money and time, by buying your tickets prior at www.undercovertourist.com
Andrew

When booking hotels in China use an online service that gives you a printable address instruction - you can give it straight to the taxi driver who might not speak very good English.
Robin

If you are going to do business in China, hire a local business assistant to help with negotiating - very inexpensive.
Jacqui

Travel Tips: airports & flying

Airports and Flying

Board your plane with the last few people. If it is overbooked in economy you might just be upgraded - I was!
Narelle

Most airlines now allow online check-in which allows you to choose your seats days before you get to the airport.
Richard

Always leave at least 2 hours between connecting flights. It’s better to arrive a few hours later than wait 2 days for your bags.
Janet

Jet-lag

When you arrive at your destination go for a long walk to orient yourself and to get your circulation going again after the flight.
Julie

Reduce jetlag by setting your watch to the time at your destination before take-off, then scheduling meals and sleep as though you have already arrived.
Adrian

To get the best start to your holiday, get into the local time zone by staying up during daylight hours during the first day.
Carl

Travel Tips: safety

Be vigilant. Beware gypsies, pickpockets, people offering to take your photo or pretending to throw a baby to you!
Desrae

Buy TSA approved locks so homeland security can check your baggage without breaking your locks.
Melanie

Take spare passport photos. Some countries require exit as well as entry visas, but may issue one on the spot if you can supply photos.
Kim

Leave a photocopy of your passport and other important documents with somebody at home who has access to a fax machine.
Danita

Carry a dummy wallet! It's safer to have old one with a couple of expired cards and a few dollars in it, and keep your real cards and cash hidden in another bag.
Louisa

Make sure you have registered your travels with the DFAT's SmartTraveller service for your family's peace of mind.
Dean

Avoid becoming a target for thieves. Don't look lost or out of place - go into a shop to ask for directions, not on the street.
Clare

Wisdom is something we gain 30 seconds after we needed it, That is why insurance is vital.
Teresa

Worried about losing your luggage? Take a photo of it. It's easier than trying to describe it, especially if you don't speak the language.
Kevin

Don't try to save a couple of dollars for the taxi fare by walking - you might be mugged, which is more expensive and unpleasant than just coughing up for a taxi fare.
Jacqueline

It's ok to be scared of new places and experiences - if you never leave home, you'll never really live. But just in case, make sure you've got travel insurance!
Susan

If you find money belts uncomfortable, sew a small, flat pouch on the inside front of your pants, skirts or shorts. It's perfect for storing cash and cards discretely.
Daniela

A convenient and safe way to keep copies of your important documents such as passports, insurance policies and photos is to store them on your password protected flash drive or MP3 player.
Wayne

In case you need to make an insurance claim or find lost baggage, ensure you have a list of the contents of your suitcase. It's also handy for airport security and maximum weight flight restrictions.
Oswald

Travel Tips: on the road

Eating Out

If you're prepared to pretend it's chicken, you really do increase your eating options...
Adrian

If you eat where the locals eat, you're guaranteed better taste, quality and price. Not to mention, it's so much more memorable.
Sophia

Money and budgets

To save carrying travellers cheques, put all your cash on to your credit card and use it to purchase goods and services. The currency conversion fees are a lot less than withdrawing through ATM's worldwide.
Cameron

Only carry the money you need for a day in your wallet - keep the rest secure on your body out of sight- keep credit cards separate too! Fiona

How to tip in the USA: (yes, even if you didn't like the service, still tip them 10% . If you thought it was ok, 15%. And if it was fantastic, 20% Elias

Never get emotional over bartering, remember the exchange rate and don't get upset over 50 rupee.
Aaron

On the Road

For crease-free shirts, take them from your travel bag & hang up in bathroom. When you take a hot shower, close the door so the steam will help drop out the creases.
Debra

Use the sticky part of airport baggage labels to de-fluff clothing.
Jasmin

Use Google Maps to print out maps for friends, relatives & accommodation addresses. Don't forget to take them with you - it saves heaps of time looking at big, bulky maps.
Michael

Travelling on a budget? If you're looking for a good, but affordable restaurant, ask the cab driver where he goes when he takes his wife/girlfriend out. Undoubtedly, you will get great food at reasonable prices.
Gerhard

If you're travelling through many countries, it's a great idea to take a pocket sized atlas, especially when you need to find towns and cities you haven't heard of before. This was very helpful to me when applying for jobs as a nanny across Europe
Nicole

When you're on the road and you see a public toilet - go! You just don't know when you will see another.
Marie

When you can, use your feet. They are an important and fulfilling way to see what you don't on a tour bus!
Mandy

Ever tried to cross the busy city streets of Asia? Here's my tip... Avoid eye contact with oncoming traffic as it only seems to confuse them and never, ever stop in the middle of the road to re-check. Try to pick the best time, take a deep breath, maintain a consistent pace and go for it. May the force be with you.
Andrew

Travel Tips: travel with kids

Travel with Kids

I travel with three children under four and my advice is to forget about rules and routines while away on holidays. They will still be there ready for you to get back into as soon as you walk through the front door!
Tammy

Involve your kids in the planning of your trip and get a map for each child. You will soon realise how self-sufficient and quickly they learn.
Renae

When travelling with children, select direct flights at times which accommodate children's sleep and meal times. No discounts will compensate for irritable children!
Jenny

When flying with children always make sure you have a change of clothes for you and the children - you never know when a drink will get spilt or someone will vomit!!!
Siobhan

When traveling overseas with kids (even older ones), don't try and get them to see or do too much; it all becomes a bit of a drag. Let them just soak up the new places and people your with.
Barbara

Don't tell your children your travel date or destination until the last minute - the anticipation and suspense is fun for them and young children don't have any concept of time.
Michelle

Download talking books onto the kids' iPods for longer trips. Especially when they are unable to read a book or the lights are out in the plane.
Jacqueline

Travel Tips: wanderlust

Philosophy of Travel

There is no such thing as being lost - just scenery you didn't plan on seeing.
Brittany

Just do it. Do it now. Don't let others talk you out of it. Go to places you've always dreamed of going.
Shane

Never be afraid to embrace new places and remember that one amateur built the Ark but a large group of professionals built the Titanic.
Graham

Allow enough time in your travel plans to explore places on foot. Go walking and you will experience so much more and connect with what's real. Just looking out of a car or bus window is a little like watching TV.
Ian

Travel light, eat right, avoid things that bite, watch out for fights, be careful of heights, and spend less on where you stay at night!
Andrew

Make as many lists as you need to feel in control, but at the end of the day give yourself a break if you forget something. After all, a break is just that, time out from constant responsibility!
Sarah

Always start any complaint with the magic words "I was wondering if you could help me...". It is amazing just how often this leads to a satisfactory solution.
Tim

Before you sit down with a travel agent or "destination specialist", know yourself first. Don't take the neighbour's holiday... take your own!
Deion

A hotel receptionist commented about my lost luggage, "You don't have a problem, you just have a situation. It will get sorted... Now get on with your holiday!"
Ian

Heard on a public transportation vehicle in Scotland,"When you exit the bus, please be sure to lower your head and watch your step. If you miss your step and hit your head, please lower your voice and watch your language. Thank you". Keep a sense of humour!
Sarah

Culture

Don't try to travel too cheaply at the expense of savouring a country's delights
Anne

Learn how to say please and thank-you in the local language; it makes all the difference.
Tamara

Top Hotel Booking sites

Through our regular feedback surveys, we've asked TID customers for the top travel websites that they'd recommend. It's a great list of the Top Hotel Booking WebSites that we'd like to share with you - enjoy!

wotif.com.au

Online hotel bookings with instant confirmation
Wotif.com sells accommodation online in more than 44 countries. Our great rates, broad accommodation range, easy-to-use site and 24/7 Customer Service Centre have made us the most popular way for business and leisure travellers in Australia and New Zealand to book accommodation online

RealHolidays.com.au

Holiday rental bookings with instant confirmation
Discover how easy it is to save time and money finding the property you want. We can offer everything you need to get the best deal available. Australia's biggest and best site for property listing.

Asiarooms.com

Your room service
AsiaRooms.com provides a wide range of 78,142 hotels around the world, 136,200 reviews from our customers, hotel pictures, travel guides... Our rates are Discounted and include All Taxes! Previously these special rates were available exclusively to travel agents and corporations. AsiaRooms makes them available to everyone.

Lastminute.com.au

Compare last minute accommodation, flights & holidays
We give our customers the inside track on how to find smarter, affordable, inspirational travel and leisure solutions that help them make the most of every lastminute.

Hostelworld.com

Sleep Easy
Hostelworld.com provides on-line confirmed bookings for hostels, budget accommodation centres and package tours, as well as comprehensive content such as city and country guides. All bookings are made securely, in real-time and are guaranteed for you.

Priceline.com

Priceline.com gives leisure travelers the inside track to the best travel deals and discounts around. With our exclusive deal search technology and negotiating power, priceline consistently delivers more ways to save on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, vacation packages and cruises than anyone else.

Agoda.com

go smarter. go agoda
Book hotels, earn points and save money! Agoda is an online hotel reservations service which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices in Asia.

NomadsWorld.com

Backpack in style!
Book your accommodation, cheap packages, tours, diving , rail passes and bus passes here.

YHA.com.au

Clean, safe, comfortable, affordable and fun! YHA backpacker and youth hostels offer much more than a bed and are located in all major destinations around Australia. Find a bed, plan and book online.

Top Flight Booking sites

Through our regular feedback surveys, we've asked TID customers for the top travel websites that they'd recommend. It's a great list of the Top Flight Booking WebSites that we'd like to share with you - enjoy!

Bestflights.com.au

Best Flights is fast becoming known as one of, if not the most innovative, pro-active retail travel companies in the country and a major supplier of discounted air fares to the Australian public.

Expedia.com.au

Expedia is the world's leading online travel agency, bringing you a huge selection of cheap flights, car hire, hotel reservations and holiday packages and travel guides from top destinations around the world.

Jetabroad.com

Jetabroad is a Sydney-based, global online travel agency committed to providing a range of innovative flight solutions typically not offered by other online travel providers - such as stopovers, multi-city itineraries and innovative fare combinations.

Kayak.com

Kayak is a multi-award winning travel search engine. Which means we search hundreds of travel sites from all over the world, provide the information to you in an easy-to-use display and send you directly to the source to make your purchase. In short, you are in control of your travel choices.

Sidestep.com

The traveler's search engine. We search over 200 travel websites to bring you the very best travel values on the web.

Travel Insurance Quote

Regardless of who you fly with or who you book with, make sure you stay safe while travelling.

Top Travel Information sites

Through our regular feedback surveys, we've asked TID customers for the top travel websites that they'd recommend. It's a great list of the Top Travel Information Websites that we'd like to share with you - enjoy!

Lonelyplanet.com

Travel guides, information and advice.
Hardly needing an introduction, Lonely Planet is the world's leading travel guidebook publisher. Get destination information, buy books or tap into the Thorn Tree traveller community to get up-to-the-minute answers and advice.

Tripadvisor.com

Get the truth. Then Go.
Get recommendations from over 15 million traveler reviews and opinions of hotels, vacations and more.

Fodors.com

For choice travel experiences
More than an online resource, Fodors.com connects you to a like-minded community of selective travelers-living, learning, and traveling on their terms. Together, our books, our website, and you make it possible for every trip to be a trip of a lifetime.

Roughguides.com

Rough Guides publish travel guides to hundreds of worldwide destinations so whether you want an extreme adventure or a relaxing retreat, start planning your escape on roughguides.com

Virtualtourist.com

Real travelers. Real info
The single largest source of unbiased, user-generated travel content in the world. Real travel tips, reviews and photos from real people who have actually been there and done that; this is what makes the travel content on VirtualTourist so useful

Frommers.com

the best trips start here
We want to help you explore your travel destinations the way locals do. Whether you're venturing close to home or across the globe, whether your budget is limited or limitless, we strive to live up to your discerning approach to travel by delivering the most candid and reliable information on this Web site and in our guidebooks.

Top Adventure & Tours sites

Through our regular feedback surveys, we've asked TID customers for the top travel websites that they'd recommend. It's a great list of the Top Tours and Adventure Travel Sites that we'd like to share with you - enjoy!

Connections Travel

travel experiences with a difference
we strive to offer travel experiences with a difference, and have been doing so for more than 30 years. We can take you through just about every corner of Australia, around tropical Fiji, plus we have the North & South Islands of New Zealand well and truly covered!

Intrepidtravel.com

real life experiences
With a huge variety of tours available, Intrepid travellers explore the world's most amazing places. Come with us to discover real people, real cultures and incredible real life experiences along the way.

i-to-i.com

meaningful travel
i-to-i can help arrange your trip, from a simple two-week volunteer placement to a combined volunteering adventure lasting over two months.

Worldexpeditions.com

Take the path less travelled
World Expeditions specialises in trekking and adventure travel holidays with small groups across 7 continents. We have earned our top reputation through the unique experiences that we provide in the field, through our environmental philosophy of minimal impact travel, and for the special quality of giving something back to the communities we visit.

Peregrineadventures.com

The spirit of adventure
Small group adventure tours and holidays worldwide. Including walking, trekking, mountaineering, cycling, sailing adventures, wildlife safaris, wilderness journeys, expedition cruises, cultural and family holidays that embrace innovation, quality, value and challenge.

Adventurous Women

Sharing the spirit of discovery
Gather a group of girlfriends, bring a sister, mother, daughter or friend or simply come on your own and meet new friends - Adventurous Women is all about having fun and experiencing LIFE!!!

Kumuka.com

venture a little further
Kumuka Worldwide is a leading company specialising in worldwide adventure tours. With over 450 exciting tours, ranging from 2 days to 35 weeks, covering 75 countries, spanning 7 continents, making use of a wide variety of transport and accommodation styles, with some departures available all year round, you really are spoilt for choice with Kumuka.

tucantravel.com

Take the adventure of a lifetime
Tucan Travel is one of the largest and most successful adventure tour operators, offering five unique styles of adventure travel worldwide. With over 300 high quality group expeditions on offer as well as a strong range of independent travel packages, anyone can check availability, book online and take the adventure of a lifetime with us.

holidayswithkids.com.au

Family travel specialists
Australia's leading family travel and lifestyle magazine and website, helps parents to plan the family holiday of a lifetime, wherever you want to go in the world.

Visitbritain.com.au

Whether you need inspiration for your trip or practical travel advice, VisitBritain has everything you need to plan your perfect holiday to Britain.

www.go2africa.com

The complete Africa travel guide & reservation service for your African safari. Over 10,000 pages of hotels, tours & safaris.

Destination Africa

African adventure tours
Destinations Africa is dedicated to providing guests with exceptional travel experiences to spectacular African destinations. You are assured of the best in personal service and seamless travel while you mix luxury with the excitement of the wild and untamed.

www.baliwaves.com

The original Bali surf report
Dedicated to providing surfers with reports, images, videos and general info on the No.1 surfing holiday destination

Top Travel Safety & Advice sites

Smartraveller.gov.au

The Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service
Up to the moment travel advisories for every country in the world and registration for Australian citizens so we can contact you in an emergency

Healthinsite.gov.au

Your gateway to reliable health information
wide range of up-to-date and quality assessed information on important health topics such as diabetes, cancer, mental health and asthma (An Australian Govt website)

Traveldoctor.com.au

The Travel Doctor TMVC website provides vaccination advice, travel health advice, clinic details and current health alerts for overseas travel.

Dfat.gov.au

The Australian Government's Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade website - lists all Australian embassies and consulates across the globe as well as links to visa advice and passport applications.

Visalink.com.au

Offers a prompt and professional online travel visa advice and processing service to the Australian travel industry, corporations and directly with travellers. We provide you with the latest visa advice, and handle the ever changing visa application process to all embassies and consulates