It’s always good to prepare yourself for a big trip away, so we’ve put together some useful tips to help you get organised.

Take as little as possible.

Remember, you can buy things when you're away. And they might even be cheaper than at home.

If you haven't already got a backpack get one that opens from the front and make sure it fits well. Easy access and comfort are essentials for travelling!

Make the most of the space you have in your rucksack.

Roll your clothes rather than folding them.

Passport (Valid for the duration of your trip)

Air Tickets

Travellers Cheques, Credit Card, Cash

Travel Insurance Documents

UK or International Driver’s Licence

International Student Card / Proof of Age Card

iPod / MP3 Player

Camera & Charger

Mobile Phone & Charger

Worldwide Plug Adaptor

Padlock for your Luggage

Jumper or Jacket (It gets cold occasionally)

At least 2 pairs of Underpants

- Set up Internet Banking. It makes managing your money easy.

- Make a family member a signatory of your accounts so they can take care of anything that may arise on your behalf.

- Organise a Direct Debit to pay your credit card monthly minimum.

- All major credit and debit cards are accepted.

- Travellers cheques are accepted but must be in Australian dollars.

- When withdrawing money from cash machines there is usually a small fee.

- In an emergency, you can use Western Union to transfer money.

- Always ask for seconds on the plane. Even if you're full you can store it in your backpack for later.

- Carry rice everywhere. When you go out for dinner you can just ask for some hot water.

- Shave your head. You'll save money on shampoo, haircuts, combs and mousse.

- Walk everywhere. (Sydney to Melbourne takes about 3 weeks.) You'll get to see everything & get fit as well.

- Drink water or take appetite suppressants before eating out.

in Australia...

Compared to the UK, things in Oz are generally cheaper.

1 Night in a Hostel Dorm Room £10

Meal at a Restaurant £5-10

Kebab (with Cheese!) £3

2-Minute Noodles 30p

3-Minute Noodles 20p

Boxed Wine (4 litres!) £5

Beer £2.50p

Haircut £15

Bad Haircut £5

Bus up the East Coast £100

Campervan Hire (per day) £25

Petrol (per litre) 70p

Bikini Wax £10

Fake Moustache £3

A Bad Haircut

Make sure you have Travel Insurance and check that the cover is appropriate for you.

It doesn't cost much and can cover you against medical expenses, theft of your belongings & missed flights. For a great deal on travel insurance check out our Travel Insurance page.

Australia is a safe place. However, you still need to take general precautions to ensure that you and your belongings are safe.

- Do not carry large amounts of cash.

- Always use hostel safes for your important documents, money and expensive stuff.

- Lock your backpack when you leave your bag in your dorm room.

- Always tell someone where you are going.

- Take care in the ocean. Avoid swimming alone and watch out for rips.

- Try not to fall out of a top bunk. It hurts.

Being sick sucks.

Being sick when you're travelling really sucks!

Go to your doctors a few weeks before you travel for a quick checkup and to stock up on contraceptive pills, inhalers, or any medication that you may need.

Australia and the UK have a reciprocal health agreement whereby you will have access to free medical treatment whilst in Oz. We will provide you with the necessary 'Medicare' card.

You will not need any vaccinations for travel in Australia. It is a relatively safe place. (Apart from the sharks. And snakes. And spiders. And jellyfish. And crocodiles.)

Due to a gaping hole in the Ozone layer, the sun in Australia burns skin fast. Wear sunscreen!

Wear Sunscreen

If you've got a good travel tip let us know. Just type it in below!

“Photocopy all your important documents before you go and leave them with someone reliable at home. Email yourself your flight details, insurance policy info, passport number, travellers cheques numbers & important contact numbers, like your bank's contact number from abroad.”

                                                        - Danny Cannon, Guildford

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