Travel Tips

This page is going to evolve as and when we learn things.

Overall our trip was July - Sept 22 and some of the things we learned.

Use a travel agent

Most important thing is to use a travel agent, airlines chop and change flights and it is such a hassle re-booking flights. My sister and brother-in-law used a travel agent for their round-the-world ticket and they were amazing. I have put Jodie's details below, she was exceptional and helpful. We used Amex for our tickets and equally, they were amazing.

Travel Insurance

The age-old debate. My sister did extensive research on this subject as they were also doing a cruise. All insurance didn't cover you for COVID,

Certain countries have reciprocal medical agreements with Australia, so it is well worth knowing this.

ATMs

Apparently in Italy you must only use ATMs attached to a bank, as there are several accounts of tourists using ATMs from convenient points (they have them dotted around the place) and their credit cards have been copied and fraudulent charges taken place.

Money

We opened a Wize account many years ago for the convenience of moving money (ha ha that sounds dodgy). Basically the free account gives you a credit card which is available on Apple and Google Pay. You can create bank accounts for most currencies - doing this gives you a bank account and credit card with that currency. Soundy complicated but it isn't, it is very very convenient.

We transferred AUD into our AUD account and then moved money to GBP or Euros as we needed it. Exchange rates are comparable with bank accounts and charges very competitive.

Connecting Flights

I have no idea is this is just luck or sensible. We had long lay overs and got our luggage at the end. Jen and Neil had a shorter connection Perth to Sydney then Vancouver and their luggage was in Sydney for a few days. When we landed at Heathrow and in the Baggage hall there were literally thousands of suitcases just banked up, uncollected, lost waiting for reuniting with their owners.

Tracking Luggage and Golf Clubs

Jen's idea and I copied it. It was brilliant. We bought some Apple "airtags" and put them in our luggage and golf bags and we were able to track them. Jen knew when they landed in Vancouver that their bags were still in Sydney. You just click the Find me app on your phone and it shows you where your tags (aka bags) are. When we have lost bags before you wait til all the bags arrive and then queue with the others to lodge an application. This way you know straight away and can go directly to lost baggage and lodge your claim.

Also convenient for keeping track of mums and other things.