Travelling overseas is an exciting prospect for many young Australians. Being prepared helps make your trip safe and fun. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website has the information you need to know before you go.
The essentials
Before you travel, remember to do these important things:
- Find out about your destination. Check Smartraveller for travel advice and read up on local laws and customs.
- Get your documents and insurance sorted. Make sure your passport and visas are current and always buy travel insurance.
- Check health advice for your destination. See if there are health risks or vaccines you need.
- Pack carefully. Consider your medications, airline baggage rules, restricted items, local weather, and what to do if your bags go missing.
- Plan for emergencies. Keep paper copies of your ID and important documents. Know what to do if something goes wrong while you’re overseas.
Visit the ‘Basics’ page on Smartraveller for a full list of travel tips.
Advice for school leavers
Planning to go overseas after finishing school? Smartraveller has special advice on:
- Partying safely for you and your mates
- Backpacking and travelling on a budget
- Volunteering in a developing country.
Getting help overseas
If something serious happens and you’re not sure what to do, ask for help.
- Contact local authorities first. Smartraveller lists emergency contact numbers in each destination’s 'Where to get help' section
- Let your friends or family know what is happening
- If you’re a victim of crime, your travel insurance company might need a police report.
You can also call the Australian Government 24‑hour emergency hotline from overseas on +61 2 6261 3305. They can help in some situations, but not all.
For more details, read the Consular Services Charter.