Travel the World Like an Aussie with These 4 Tips

It’s no secret that Australians like to travel. Study results from Wotif-Travel released in late 2016 indicate that they tend to travel internationally more often that staying in-country.

So, when they travel abroad, they seek adventure, cultural experiences, and unique dining opportunities. Perhaps this describes your travel style, too. Regardless of the thrill of choice, traveling Aussies budget for Australian travel insurance. This desire to have experiences outside of the norm leads to a plethora of possible variables that can inhibit a memorable experience.

Here are five tips to consider before undertaking the next quest:

1 – Plan, Plan, Plan Ahead

Carefully research where you plan to travel and decide what you want to do. If you are heading to a wintery destination, consider the typical regional weather conditions and possible travel warnings or delays that may occur.

Weather variables are not limited to snowfall. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes may contribute to the potential for weather problems depending on where you decide to visit.

Other considerations are natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, flooding and mudslides. The recent eruptions in Bali are a great example of how travel plans changed for thousands of people from all around the globe. Many had to cancel their visit resulting in a loss of reservation fees or for those already there, they were stuck waiting for the next opportunity to leave.

Another example is in the United States, where the recent wildfires in Northern California and subsequent rain and mudslides have made a tremendous impact in obvious ways as well as subtle ways. Subtly, the fires have changed the wine country terrain, production outflow, and availability, affecting the overall industry. So, if you were planning to go to the Napa Valley wine country for a tasting affair, anticipate changes.

While these natural disasters may not prevent your travel in the region, it means that expectations about your experience may need to be adjusted.

2 – Expect the Unexpected

So, now you’ve done your homework, booked transportation, arranged accommodations, and now it’s time to decide what to do when you arrive at your chosen destination. As mentioned, Australians look for adventure, and it comes in all shapes and sizes from zip lining in Costa Rica to riding a mountain coaster in Switzerland, or perhaps, your thing is hiking Machu Picchu. Regardless of the thrill of choice, traveling Aussies budget for Australian travel insurance.

Adventures, by definition, have an intrinsic risk involved. While no one wants to have a calamity that brings an untimely end to a vacation, the wise traveler will understand and take responsibility for a potential fiasco.

3 – City Thrills

Exploring the offerings of cities in another country is always a great option for vacationers. Some countries host charming or majestic castles and palaces, exotic and lush gardens, or meandering museums rich in history and artistic beauty.

Other cities revolve around casual and relaxing activities such as swimming in the ocean or a private pool, sunbathing on the beach with a frothy beverage, or haute couture shopping.

While these activities are not as adventurous as riding a camel in Arabia, it is necessary to be aware of the potential pitfalls of city exploration – pickpockets, careless drivers and con artists to name a few of the obvious.

Additionally, sunburns or heat stroke can sneak up on a beach bound sun worshipper. Having one adult beverage too many by the pool can end in heartbreak if you are not aware of the city’s regulations. Trekking over uneven castle cobblestones can quickly turn an ankle, hobbling a visitor.

The key is to prepare in advance by:

• Looking up reliable transportation to get you back to your hotel or B&B if you like to imbibe.
• Shopping for and testing appropriate footwear before rambling over ancient ruins.
• Checking the tide tables for the beach you choose your vitamin D therapy location.
• Alerting your credit card company of your travel plans so that Visa doesn’t decide for you that the fabulous new velvet hat with the flowers and feathers on the brim is outside of your typical spending habits.

4 – Think Before You Eat

Seeking a cultural experience through another ethnicities food is a common aspiration with world travelers. The rising popularity of food related travel television programs is making it common practice to travel with the intent of eating all manner of food once thought exotic. Virtually nothing is off limits or taboo; insects, extremely spicy tucker, and a variety of raw foods are consumed with regularity.

These foodie aspirations are certainly appealing, but also fraught with an element of potential hazard. Guaranteed, no food trekker wants to spend their holiday in their hotel room, or worse, in the hospital with any manner of food related illness.

Sampling unusual food close to home can help you learn your body’s limits and prepare your internal system for whatever cuisine shock you subject your body to while overseas, thus saving you from hotel or hospital room induced cabin fever.

So, there are many good reasons for buying travel insurance, but the main lesson is what Aussies have figured out – expect the unexpected. It’s how to be a savvy and happy traveler.

How do you prepare for travel around the globe? Share your tips in the comments below.

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