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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
The TID team lives and breathes travel. We’re exposed to industry experts, destination guides and insider intel daily, but when it comes down to it, the advice we trust most comes from people who’ve actually been there. So, we’ve rounded up our favourite travel tips – the ones you can genuinely pack with you.What Happens at the Airport, Stays at the Airport
Travel can turn even the calmest people into emotional loose cannons. Flights, fatigue, customs queues, language barriers – it’s a lot. UX Designer Libbie says it best: “When you’re tired and stressed, emotional rationale goes out the window. If you or your travel partner has a meltdown, don’t let it ruin the trip. Leave it at the airport door.” Moral of the story? Gate-check the drama.Don’t Just Visit. Immerse Yourself.
Window shopping is for malls, not destinations. It’s tempting to cram as many cities as possible into your annual leave (especially when you’re travelling from Australia), but TID’s Web Designer Eva prefers to slow it right down. “We like to stay longer in fewer places and pretend we’re locals for a bit.” More time means flexibility. You can stop at that cool Paris café and still see the Mona Lisa – no sprinting required. Eva’s bonus tip: Plan a full-day walking tour. “We walked 20km around Paris and it was the best day of our honeymoon.” Pack the comfy shoes. Always.The Best Souvenir? A Skill You Can Take Home
Souvenirs are great... until your shelves are full and you're out of space.Marketing Manager Erin has a smarter solution:
“Always add a cooking class to your itinerary. You’ll eat amazing food and bring home recipes you can recreate.” Authentic flavours, zero clutter, maximum bragging rights. Win-win.Impress the Locals (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Learning just a few words in the local language goes a long way. “They’re great ice breakers, especially when you need directions,” says Nuthany, TID’s Performance Marketing Specialist. You don’t need to be fluent. A simple hello, thank you, or excuse me shows respect – and usually earns a smile (or better service).Look After Yourself (Future You Will Thank You)
Holidays are for relaxing routines, but keeping up some self-care can go a long way – after all, the last place you want a dry skin flare-up is when you’re headed to a beach resort. Marketing Executive Rebecca never flies without lip balm: “Planes dry me out so badly. Vaseline is non-negotiable.”Pack your common sense
Senior Manager and well-travelled extraordinaire Milly agrees that, while traveis for letting loose, it’s best to keep your spidey senses switched on. She has one very important warning: “Never assume a hostel’s ‘filtered’ water actually is. Double-check, or prepare for many… many… bathroom trips.” Noted. Loud and clear.“AI? Not I”, says Milly.
AI is a brilliant planning tool, but not a flawless one. “Don’t rely on it alone,” Milly warns. “Some AI itineraries are sending people to places that don’t exist.” (Yes, really. The BBC covered it). Use AI as one tool, cross-check everything, and always verify locations.The Practical Stuff (That Makes Life Easier)
Pack smart: “If you’re moving around a lot, you won’t always have laundry access,” says Milly.Choose quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabrics and pack lighter than you think. Make one packing list. Reuse forever.
Senior Marketing Manager Wendy’s tip: “Spend 10 minutes creating a master packing list and reuse it for every trip.” Less stress. More phone space for photos. Kid hack 101:
If you’re travelling with kids, do not underestimate the power of snacks. Sally, TID’s Marketing Executive, swears by this rule: “Pack familiar snacks for kids, and pack lots of them. We take a whole carry-on with snacks and have never regretted it yet.” Flights, delays, long drives... snacks solve more problems than you think.
And TID's hottest tip?
Consider travel insurance, of course.
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies may assist with travel insurance cover to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.
Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Consider the PDS and TMD and if the product is right for you.
One Last Thing…
Remember: you’re visiting a different culture. Sure, they may have shops, but they might not stock the everyday basics you’re used to.
Final TIDbit, courtesy of Milly, who once went without a hairbrush for 3 weeks in the Caribbean humidity:
“Don't assume you’ll be able to buy the things you rely on back home. If there is something you must have, pack it.”
Not permission to overpack... just a reminder that some essentials are essential.
Travel smarter, stress less, and leave the airport drama where it belongs.