Essential Travel Tips

Travel mishaps can happen when you least expect them. From skiing accidents in Vancouver to insect bites in Indonesia, travel insurance helps protect you from the unexpected so you can travel with security and confidence. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance with your tickets.

• Cover for Medical Emergencies: Many travel insurance policies cover overseas hospital expenses, allowing you to focus on care, not costs, if you or a loved one needs medical attention.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Travelling can be tricky with pre-existing medical conditions. Some premium policies provide coverage for these conditions, ensuring you have assistance when you need it.
• Cruise Cover: Did you know injuries on a cruise are not covered by ACC? A good travel insurance policy can cover medical expenses and the costs to transport you home if needed.
• Frequent Flyers: If you travel often, consider an annual multi-trip policy. These can offer great value and cover all your journeys for an entire year.

Talk to one of our helpful team, and we can point you in the right direction to purchase the travel insurance that best matches your needs.

Travelling somewhere new is exciting, but it's vital to be aware of your surroundings and identify red flags. Follow these tips to make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.

• Research, Research, Research: Get to know your destination before you arrive. Read reviews, check government websites for travel alerts, and consult locals if you can, so you are prepared for the environment.
• When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do: Try to blend in. Dressing like the locals can make you less vulnerable to crimes and scams. Protective clothing also makes you a less likely target for pickpockets.
• Guard Your Passport: Your passport is your most valuable document abroad. Keep it with you at all times, stored protectively in a waterproof bag and secured in a pocket away from direct visibility.
• Share Your Whereabouts: Whether travelling solo or in a group, let someone back home know your itinerary. In an emergency, this can be a vital tool if communication breaks down.
• Hotel Safety: Always book hotels in well-populated areas and read reviews beforehand. When checking into your room, sweep through the entire space before settling in, and always keep your door locked.

Navigating border requirements is a crucial part of international travel. It is the traveler’s responsibility to find the correct information and obtain the correct visa for their destination.

• Passport Validity: All countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel. It is your responsibility to check and renew your passport if required.
• Customs & Illegal Items: Rules about what you can and cannot carry vary by country. An item legal in your home country may be illegal elsewhere. Always check customs rules to avoid carrying prohibited substances.
• Biosecurity: Be aware of biosecurity rules, especially in Pacific and Western countries. You must declare all food, dairy, meat, and animal products. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines or refusal of entry.

While multi-currency credit cards are convenient and widely accepted, it's always wise to have some local currency on hand for smaller shops, markets, or emergencies.

• Currency Exchange: Avoid dodgy-looking local exchange shops. Always rely on well-known and trusted sources like banks or official exchange offices to get the best rates and avoid scams.
• Card Security: Do not use your credit or debit cards with untrustworthy retailers, as they may be skimming and sharing your card details. Be vigilant about where you use your card.
• Emergency Cash: Always carry enough local cash to get you through the day or to catch a ride back to your hotel in an emergency.