1 Get Travel Insurance . If you can’t afford it, then DON’T TRAVEL . Also make sure you tick any relevant extras such as Skiing, Motorbikes etc otherwise you will be up for a hefty bill.

2 Leave your regular wallet at home , only take what you need …. Credit card, if driving driving licence . Really you don’t need your store cards , membership cards etc .On that buy a RDI wallet that protects you from scanning your details.

3 Take a credit card even if only for emergencies, Check out cards that don’t charge for every overseas purchase it adds up. Also if hiring a car or motor home you need high credit limit on your card , I have personally witnessed a couple in tears when they were unable to rent their camper van for their Dream holiday.

4 Leave at least a day buffer especially if you are joining a cruise or tour. Delays happen give yourself breathing room.

This also applies to shows etc again flying from LA to JFK I’ve had passengers freak out as we circled JFK ( getting caught between the moon & New York City) to miss Hamilton on Broadway

5 Pack your medications in your carry on bag. Also take your prescription some countries ban some substances like codeine so check .

Also I always take paracetamol, antibiotics, etc just to be safe.

6 Take copies of your passport, credit cards , driving licence leave a copy with your emergency contact at home & save copies in a email to yourself.

Also let at least one person know your itinerary & let them know updates.

7 Sometimes it worth the extra money to book cruise tours with the cruise line.

If the bus is late in getting back you will be ok , however if you go via independent travel route you may be waving goodbye. Also if you miss a port due to inclement weather you will receive a refund.

( personal experience while cruising from Buenos Aires to Santiago, we booked our big tours with cruise line & received a full refund when we didn’t get into the port, other passengers were scrambling to try to contact their tour operators. )

8 Pack swimwear & 🩴 thongs, flip flops . You never know when you might be taking a dip. A invigorating dip while hiking the Milford track , a hot tub after a day skiing , thermal pools in the Andes YOU NEVER KNOW and let’s face it it’s not too much to pack

9 Check local custom’s especially if visiting religious sites, a good idea is to carry a big scarf or sarong for around shoulders etc.

Also ask if you can take photos of people , it’s their country & respect goes a long way.

10 Last but not least try to learn a few words in the language your visiting . Please , Thankyou, excuse me , hello & goodbye are good staples to have

ONE MORE THING !

Have fun, embrace the thrill, excitement & remember not everything goes as planned usually this makes the best travel stories when you relive holiday.