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Travel Tips
If you decide to do some travelling during the summer break or whether you are returning home for the holidays, perhaps you are planning to do some travelling across Australia, or simply relaxing in Melbourne - make sure you take the time to read about safety first.
For travel advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade visit www.smarttraveller.gov.au for helpful tips while you plan your travel.
- Check Customs and Quarantine – different countries have different regulations on what you can bring in to the country. Be aware of the penalties of banned drugs. If you are travelling with prescribed drugs, try and obtain a letter of authorisation from your doctor.
- Book and purchase your ticket in advance – As most students travel during the peak season, book in early to avoid disappointment with your travel dates. In some cases, you may be required to pay additional costs.
- Check with your travel agent or airlines about your baggage entitlements on your particular airlines. There are also limits to the size and weight of your cabin baggage, hand carry. Try not to pack more luggage than you can carry.
- Pack your own bags; never let anyone else pack them for you. Pack any medication in your cabin baggage so it is available when you need it. Pack enough essential items in your hand carry in-case your luggage is lost. Clearly label your entire luggage, including the inside of the luggage, in case outside labels are accidentally removed.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your flight. Carry a warm jacket, so you can adjust to the different conditions inside and outside the plane. Avoid leaving large areas of the body uncovered. Steer clear of shorts or skirts because they do not cover extremities. Wear non-restrictive clothing as this allows you greater movement. Wearing fully enclosed leather low-healed laced or buckled shoes, boots or tennis shoes is recommended. Avoid sandals and high healed dress shoes. Keep your footwear on during the flight.
- To avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis) exercise your legs while seated and go for a walk at least once an hour. Dehydration can also increase the risk of DVT, so drink plenty of water or other fluids. Alcohol and coffee are not recommended as they are diuretics (they cause you to lose fluids).
- Passengers may not bring on board an aircraft any knives, sharp and/or pointed objects, and certain sports equipment.
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas. Fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
- Never leave belongings unattended or with strangers, especially at airports or stations and never accept packages from strangers.
- Register your details and travel plans with the local embassy or consulate. Some countries will have travel advices and if you are intending to travel to a country where the security situation is volatile, it is recommended that you register your details.
- Make copies of your travel documents – make copies of your passport, visa (if needed), photo, and airline tickets. Leave a copy with family or friends and take a copy with you.
- Tell someone where you are going – keep in regular contact with family and friends back home by email or phone and leave a copy of your travel plans.
- Dental services are not covered by your Overseas Student Health Cover. Have any necessary dental work done before you leave home. Consider carrying a spare pair of eyeglasses.
- Have the right money – Ensure that you have sufficient funds for travel plans and have the correct currency. At your hotel, keep valuables and cash in a safe deposit box or in the hotel safe.
- Read up on where you are travelling – Information about your destination will prepare your travel plans. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are travelling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
- Find the weather forecast for your arrival in Melbourne, or other destinations.
- Find the local time & date anywhere in the world
