Unfortunately, we’re not all travellers like Beyoncé, dropping dough on private jets and 100-star accommodations, without a second thought.
For most of us, there’s a strict budget to consider when it comes to holidaying abroad. Cheap flights and package accommodation aside, there are a few items every traveller needs that shouldn’t be compromised because of cost.
Here are the essentials you should pay a little more for, in order to have the best time away.
Luggage
I can assure you, nothing is more embarrassing than the zipper on your dodgy suitcase breaking as it comes around the baggage carousel, spilling your underwear across everyone’s luggage. Learn from my mistakes, people. Whether it’s a duffel or a rolling suitcase, you shouldn’t skimp on quality luggage.
This is especially so if it is a backpack. Spend some extra dollars on one that is waterproof, has solid back support and strong, adjustable straps. Otherwise you’ll be spending your dollars on masseurs, physios and chiropractors when you get back home with a ruined body.
Insurance
This one seems like a big old “DUH” but it is baffling how many people still consider travel insurance as an optional extra. Comprehensive travel insurance should be the first purchase you make to cover for potential cancellation fees and lost deposits. The cost of medical support overseas can leave you with crippling debt if you’re not insured. It’s all part of Murphy’s law, jinxing magic and just the annoying power of the universe – the majority of the time everything will be fine, but the one time you don’t cover yourself something will go wrong.
Wherever you’re travelling and whatever your needs may be, Allianz travel insurance is an excellent option. They have a range of options to provide the right cover for your budget and have access to a global medical network along with dedicated assistance staff in 34 countries. If something happens on your travels you have access to an Australian-based call centre 24/7.
Things to pack: insurance. Image via iStock.
Shoes
While you can get around your hometown in a pair of cheap flats, keep in mind that your holiday will almost always involve more (and more intensive) walking than your day-to-day fare. Nothing ruins a great day of sight seeing like blisters, sore heels or a sole-hole getting your socks soaked. Invest in a solid pair of sneakers, boots or joggers and ensure they have good arch support.
A local SIM card
No, I am not suggesting you sit on Facebook instead of enjoying the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. But having a reliable and regular Internet connection when you’re out and about overseas is unbeatable.
Before I started picking up a SIM card as soon as I got off the plane, I relied on screen shots of Google Maps directions, which would inevitably end in tears. I usually ended up spending more time locating a Starbucks for Wi-Fi to figure out public transport options than I did at my destinations. Spending a little bit extra on a local sim card with a data package will save so much time and effort when it comes to your daily adventures.
"I relied on screen shots of Google Maps directions, which would inevitably end in tears." Image via iStock.
Camera
Of course, of course your travels are aaaaall about the memories however it is nice to be able to look back on the highlights from time to time. But when those memories are blurry, out of focus and lacking a good zoom function it can be pretty disappointing.
With the smartphones on the market these days it’s unlikely you’ll ever be travelling with a crap camera. But even the professional level ones are quite reasonably priced and very worth the investment.
Transport
This one is contentious; there may be many who would disagree with me here. After years of travelling I would strongly suggest shelling out on the better transport option when it comes to the crunch. But hell, even I don’t follow my own advice, just last year my transit to Madrid took a record 40-hours thanks to stop overs in Brisbane, Singapore and Zurich just because I was desperate for a cheaper fare.
Instead of choosing the broken down bus followed by a rickshaw and a five-kilometre hike, pay for the more expensive but ultimately easier option. You’ll have fewer stories about sleeping in train stations to regale the grand-kids with but you’ll have more of your sanity intact. I’ve slept in enough train stations to tell you this.
While we're on the topic, here are some of our favourite Instagram travel snaps from @thetravellinglight:
Top Comments
While phone cameras are great these days, I would recommend a proper camera if photos are important to you and you plan on taking a ton. Cameras can drain your phone's battery down and finding a place to charge your phone can be a pain when you're out and about.
I totally agree about good luggage! My cheapo suitcase was broken somewhere between Sydney and LAX and I had to get some tape from the check-in desk at American Airlines and hope it would hold until New York. Spent my first day in NYC wandering around looking for a new suitcase and found a little luggage shop with half price Samsonite. Best suitcase ever! I'll never go cheap again - it's a great investment.
I could not agree more that insurance is the most important thing! And don't skimp on it either. I have dutifully paid my premiums for my many trips over 10 years and never made a claim until last year. An un-diagnosed heart problem reared it's head and I spend 2 weeks in ICU and was medevac-ed on a private jet before being flown home business class with my mum who rushed over to look after me. $500,000 later I'm all sorted. I think I've spend about $4,000 over the years on insurance - pretty sweet deal.
Make sure you go with a reputable agency. My insurance agent didn't bat an eyelid at ANY of the costs incurred. I could have had surgery in Bolivia where I fell ill however the insurance company wanted a trusted and recommended surgeon so they flew me to Peru to a state of the art hospital at significant cost to them. The last thing you need when you're sick is to be fighting with your insurance to get the best possible care because they want to keep costs down!
Hey, may I ask which travel insurance you use? I'm going to Thailand in November and would like to be prepared! Glad you're ok now 😊