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Dust off your passport, because that trip you've been daydreaming about is looking like the real deal. But before you get your suitcase out of storage, these are our top tips for international travel.
1. Getting sick
Nothing says “holiday buzzkill” like a surprise hospital visit abroad—especially if you're somewhere your travel insurance doesn’t reach. Medical bills overseas can stack up faster than a cab ride in New York during rush hour.
Browse travel insurance options and check what level of overseas medical cover is available and whether or not the policy suits your needs. It could help if the unexpected hits—like a dodgy street food or a surprise sprained ankle while hiking the Alps.
2. Visas
Your suitcase might be packed, but you won’t be going anywhere if the country you’re headed to slams the door in your face for not having the right paperwork. Some countries are visa-free, some need e-visas, and some? Well, they make it as complicated as assembling flat-pack furniture.
Do your research early, and always use official government websites for applications. Pro tip: check entry and exit requirements too—some countries want proof of onward travel or specific vaccine certificates before you enter.
3. Staying connected
International roaming fees still exist, and they’re ridiculously expensive. Before you board that plane, think about your data. Consider grabbing a travel SIM or eSIM, especially if you're going to be abroad for more than a few days.
Many countries offer affordable prepaid SIMs at the airport, or you can snag one online before you leave. No one needs to be $300 deep in telco debt for Facetiming at sunset with someone back home.
4. Watch out for dodgy health and visa companies
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That goes for "official-looking" visa services, overly cheap tours, or random people offering to "fix" your documents outside an embassy. Scammers are clever, persistent, and really good at making themselves look legit.
Stick to well-known platforms, cross-check websites, check urls and trust your gut. Oh, and always book through reputable travel providers. No shady back-alley bookings.
5. Book smart, book early
Spontaneity sounds romantic until your dream beach villa is booked out for six months and flights are more expensive than your rent. These days, the early bird really does get the best deals (and the best seat by the pool).
Set alerts for flights and book accommodation well in advance. Don’t forget that tours, events, and even restaurants in some cities can fill up weeks ahead.
6. Consider getting your travel insurance before you go
The earlier you purchase travel insurance, the earlier you may qualify for some pre-trip cancellation benefits that could come in handy if you or your travel partner is struck ill before your trip and you have to cancel.
7. Pack light, you're not moving house
Sure, you might need three types of shoes, but do you really need five jackets? Overpacking is the most common rookie error and the number one reason for overweight baggage fees (aka paying $75 to bring that ‘just in case’ extra pair of jeans).
Lay out everything you plan to pack—then remove half of it. And if you forget something important like a charger or shampoo, the world sells things. You’ll survive. Here’s our travel packing list if you need ideas.
8. Hygiene first
This one is good advice for the ages (and helpful for avoiding gastro in Bali) but it's become even more pertinent in a post-pandemic world. Carry antibacterial hand sanitiser with you and think about good hygiene practices – washing hands frequently, ensuring you eat with clean utensils and drink only filtered or bottled water when in doubt.
9. Local laws and customs aren't optional
What’s perfectly normal in your hometown might raise eyebrows (or get you fined) abroad. From chewing gum bans to dress codes at religious sites, every country has its quirks—and its non-negotiables.
Take a few minutes to read up on local customs, etiquette, and laws before you go. Being culturally aware isn’t just polite—it could save you from awkward or even dangerous situations. And yes, that includes double-checking what’s legal to bring into the country too (leave the salami at home).
10. Money moves
You’ve arrived. You're excited. You tap your card at a café in Lisbon—and it gets declined. Awkward. Always let your bank know you're travelling to avoid random blocks.
Better yet, bring a travel card or debit card with low international fees. And while we’re here: don’t rely on just one form of payment. Have a backup card and some local currency on you—especially for smaller towns, markets, or street food stalls that definitely don’t take Apple Pay.
11. Vaccinations and medications: don't leave it to the last minute
Some countries still require proof of certain vaccinations, especially if you're coming from regions where certain diseases are present.
If you rely on any regular medication, make sure you bring enough for the whole trip—plus a little extra, just in case. Keep it in its original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription. Oh, and some medications that are legal at home might be banned overseas—check before you pack or risk having your pills confiscated at customs.
Please note: The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.
12. Emergency contacts
If something goes wrong, you’ll want help fast—and not just in the form of panicked texts in a group chat. Before you go, jot down the local emergency numbers for police, ambulance, and fire (they’re not all 000), the address and number of your country’s embassy or consulate, and your travel insurer’s emergency contact line.
Keep it in your phone and somewhere physical, just in case you lose your device.
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