"Travel because life is short and the world is big - Stephanie B"
TRAVELLER ESSENTIALS
Before you leave, check the NZ Govt website 'Safe Travel', here you can check in on any restrictions, travel advisories and more to stay better informed
Other useful links include:
- NZ Government Unite Against COVID-19
- World Health Organisation
- The Ministry of Health
- IATA - International Air Transport Association
- Immigration New Zealand
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Before you leave home, it’s always a good idea to have and run through a check-off list to ensure you are well prepared and don’t forget anything
General Items to Include
- Check the latest Travel Advice
- Register your travel and contact details on the Safe Travel website for emergencies
- Ensure you have the right travel Insurance booked for your needs, Speak to your ITA professional for information on Travel Insurance providers
- Provide a close family or friend with a copy of your travel plans
- Make sure you have all the right valid travel documentation including Passport, Visa, Vaccine, Travel Declaration etc (keep a copy somewhere safe)
- Check general health advisories for the destinations you are travelling to
- Have accessible a mixture of foreign currency (e.g. don't get stuck only having a credit card where it's not accepted)
- Beware of local laws and cultures of the destination you are travelling to and ensure you abide by them.
General Luggage Packing
- Luggage - ensure you adhere to your flight weight restrictions
- Luggage Bag - ensure your bag is in good working condition, nothing worse than 3 weeks with a squeaky wheel or a faulty bag
- Luggage Tags - ensure every bag well labelled and tag is securely attached
- Plastic and Ziplock bags - these are most handy when you are required to keep small carry on items in zip lock bags for custom screenings etc
Personal Luggage Packing List
Always ideal to create a list of the things you want to and need to take.
- Clothes suitable for the climate - layers are best if you are travelling over multiple seasons
- Pack suitable clothes for the destination - some culture may require shoulders or legs to be covered especially if you are entering sacred places such a temples ad churches
- Summer Clothes - include swimming togs, resort wear, Sunhat, sunglasses, kaftan or sarong, skirts, shorts, shirts and lightweight tops and cardigans
- Layer Options, summer destinations - Remember often evenings can be cooler so take cardigans, lightweight jackets
- Winter Clothes - include trousers, jeans, joggers, long tights, thermals layers, jumpers or tops that carry warmth like merino are ideal as they pack small, warm windproof jacket, beanie/hat and scarves, gloves
- Layer Options, Winter destinations - thermals, long sleeve tops, vests, scarves, lightweight jackets or softshell jackets
- Raincoat or windproof coat
- Footwear - always take suitable footwear
- Personal Medication - carry some in your carry on (as well as your main bag) and have extra in case of delays
- Jewellery - if you are taking anything special is it noted & included on your Travel Insurance policy
- Toiletries - toothbrush & paste, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, deodorant, soap/body wash,
- First Aid - including sanitiser, suncream, lip balm, Panadol, insect repellent, antibiotic cream, motion sickness tablets, berocca tablets, tweezers/small scissors
- Extra Items - small sewing kit, multi universal adapter, torch,
Documentation to Take
Always ensure well ahead of schedule that your passport is valid and in good condition.
- Passport
- Visa
- Medical documentation including all applicable vaccines and also record/certificate or Dr letter for any prescription medication you are carrying
- Travel Declaration
- Travel Documentation and itinerary
Trusted Family/Friend/Neighbour
- Copy of your Passport information page
- Copy of your Travel Itinerary
- your contact details while away in case of emergencies (phone and email)
As well ask them to:
- Check on your home regularly (turn on lights etc)
- Collect the mail regularly
- Mow the laws if you are away from an extended time
Plan for your home to be cared for while you are away:
- Arrange for a friend or hour sitter to look after your house if possible
- Ask a neighbour to check your mailbox daily and water your plants every few days
- Book the pets into pet care for the duration of your holiday or get a pet sitter
- Organise for your lawns to be mowed if you are away for an extended time
- Lock all doors, windows and garage
- Ask a family member to check on your property and be your point of contact if needed ensure they have access (keys/security if needed)
- Cancel any unrequired subscriptions eg: My Food Bag, Newspaper, Milk, Magazines
- If away for an extended period ensure Fridge is empty, and all appliances have power is turned off at the wall
- Ensure your valuables are kept safe and updated on your insurance policies (have you kept a list of these including serial Ref and photos