Travel Essentials: Passports, Visas & Insurance

Passports

Before anything else, make sure your passport is valid for long enough beyond your travel dates. Many countries require at least six months of validity, and some airlines may refuse boarding if it doesn’t meet the requirement.
It’s also worth checking that you still have enough blank pages for stamps and visas, especially if you’re travelling through multiple countries.

Visas

Visa rules differ from country to country. Some destinations welcome Australian travellers with visa-free entry, while others require an online application or a full in-person process.
To avoid delays:

• Confirm the visa requirements for every destination on your itinerary
• Prepare any supporting documents early
• Submit your application well ahead of time
• This simple step helps prevent unexpected issues at check-in or immigration.

Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most important (yet most overlooked) parts of preparing for a trip. It protects you from a range of unexpected events like medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, lost luggage or trip interruptions.
For travellers wanting reliable, international-ready protection, WAS Insurance offers a variety of overseas travel insurance options suitable for short getaways, extended trips and everything in between. Having a trusted provider means you can explore confidently, knowing you’re supported if things don’t go to plan.

Preparation doesn’t need to be complicated. By double-checking your passport, understanding your visa requirements and securing the right insurance, you’re already setting yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable journey. With these essentials in place, all that’s left to do is relax, board your flight and enjoy the adventure ahead.

Memorise Emergency Phone Numbers

Don’t forget your hotel address, hotline, and (if you have one) your guide’s number. Write them in a small notebook or save them in your phone. It’s a lifesaver if something happens in a foreign country, and it’s also handy to show a taxi driver so they take you to the right place.

Have Digital and Paper Backups of Everything

Besides keeping originals safe, make photocopies or scan: ID card, passport, driver’s licence, etc. If you lose your passport overseas, these copies make dealing with the embassy much easier. Also keep copies of your travel companions’ documents just in case.

Research Your Destination Thoroughly

Before you leave, read up on your destination: books, websites, or ask people who’ve been there. For international trips, note down the exact local emergency numbers. Proper research is the one thing you can’t skip if you want a safe trip.

Quick hack: Hit up Smartraveller.gov.au, Reddit threads, or TikTok travel accounts. Know the dodgy areas, common scams, and the local emergency numbers before you land.

Choose Appropriate Clothing

What you wear can affect your safety. Respect local customs and rules – some countries have strict dress codes. Dressing too revealing or inappropriately can cause unnecessary trouble, so don’t take it lightly.

Avoid Getting Too Familiar with Strangers

Making local friends is great for learning the culture, but don’t be overly trusting or get too close to people you’ve just met. You never know what might happen, so stay alert. Also limit eating or drinking heavily with strangers.

Public Wi-Fi Is Not Your Mate

We all use public Wi-Fi when travelling, but it’s not always secure. Never log into banking, work email or any private accounts on public networks. Stick to your mobile data to avoid nasty surprises.

Download Offline Maps and Translation Apps

Google Maps and Google Translate need internet most of the time, but you can download offline versions. Before you go, download the maps of your destination and the language pack for Translate. That way you can still get around and communicate safely even with no signal.

Stay safe out there and keep the good times rolling. Nothing kills a trip faster than a lost passport, a surprise hospital bill or a dodgy scam.