Overseas Travel Hints and Tips
Before you leave
Give a family member or friend a copy of your itinerary so they can contact you in an emergency.
Knowledge is power
This is particularly important when it comes to weather. You don't want to arrive for your long awaited trip to St Tropez, sun block and swimmers in hand, to find a deserted, grey village in the middle of winter. And monsoon season in India could be best avoided. So have a general plan on where you are going to visit in which month and read up about the climate expectations. This will help you pack effectively too!
Cultural difference
It's an unwritten rule that when we are travelling, we respect the culture of the country we are visiting. In many places this will be made obvious, wearing shorts and singlets to visit many famous churches and mosques, simply won't wash. And if women don't want to cover their heads it is best not to visit some Arab countries. To make things easy for everyone, make no waves and try not to antagonise locals, whether deliberately or not.
Arriving at your destination
Always aim to arrive in a new town during daylight. It is more difficult to get your bearings at night. And then there are the added annoyances of bank and ticket offices being closed, public transport on a less frequent service and less options if you simply don't like where you've ended up!
Reserve your accommodation
Especially during popular holiday times, it is worthwhile reserving accommodation in advance. Weeks ahead isn't always necessary, but your travels will run more smoothly if you've made a call ahead to ensure a bed will be available for you when you arrive. You can book international hostels online through the Hostelling International website. Most hostels also accept reservations by e-mail and fax with your credit card details. While trying "Do you have a bed available for tonight?" in a foreign language, from a public telephone at a noisy railway station is all part of the travelling experience, it's not one you'll enjoy every day!
Customs in other countries
To keep costs really low, in a few countries you may be asked to make your own bed and keep your room tidy, and do the odd chore around the hostel. Smoking is not allowed in bedrooms and most hostels are totally smoke-free. Some hostels may have a bar on the premises while others may be alcohol-free. In many countries, sleeping bags are not acceptable for reasons of hygiene: Bed bugs aren't fun! So buy a sleeping sheet from a YHA Travel Centre prior to departure - or hire one from the hostel.
Travel Insurance
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Although you may be healthy, accidents happen all the time. Without a comprehensive travel insurance policy, ambulances, time in hospital, loss of baggage and last minute cancellations can cost thousands of dollars. YHA members get discounts on International Travel Insurance for hundreds of travel destinations worldwide. Buy international travel insurance here.
Communication
Taking your Australian mobile overseas can prove very expensive. International roaming means you are charged high per minute rates to make AND receive calls. Also, be aware of the high cost for using mobile data plans to send and receive e-mails and browse the web. Look at alternative low cost options to communicate with home – email, SKYPE, Facebook (on Wi-Fi or from an internet cafe), prepaid local or international SIM cards. YHA members receive a discount on ekit International SIM cards that will ensure substantial savings on calling from overseas. Buy here before you travel.
Taking money overseas
It’s best to take your travel money in different forms:
• Cash for daily expenses
• Travellers cheques, pre-paid travel cards or debit cards for the bulk of your funds
• Credit cards for unexpected or larger expenditures
Talk to your bank or financial institution to find out about their debit card options for travellers. Make sure you let your credit card provider know you will be travelling – otherwise your account may be frozen when you try to use it overseas.
Manage Your Money
Gone are the days where you need a bank to transfer your money internationally. Online money transfers are safe and secure through providers such as Tranzfers where you also receive 24 hour service, low flat fees, no bank fees, and your own dedicated dealer. For more tips and hints on the best way to get more for your money when making an international money transfer visit www.tranzfers.com/yha.
Travel Advice 
To keep pace with changes overseas, visit smartraveller.gov.au. It contains handy tips for overseas travel, advice on issues commonly affecting Australians overseas and the latest security updates. To find out more visit smartraveller.gov.au, telephone 1300 139 281, or speak to your local travel agent.
