How exciting to see lots of people embracing the idea to travel again, both domestically and internationally.

There are lots of things to consider:
Check your passport – most countries require you to have a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport from your planned return date. There is a backlog of passport applications to be processed because, understandably, everyone has waited until the time has come that we can travel to renew.

Insurance – a lot of companies have stopped offering travel insurance, and I understand quite a few of the credit card companies have also stopped covering travel. Travelling Places has agreements in place with Cover-More and NIB, so ask us for a quote and also for details of what they cover.

To travel virtually anywhere (including domestically), you are required to be fully vaccinated. Just about all countries have a requirement that you have a PCR test immediately before travel. Some countries are relaxing this rule to allow rapid antigen tests. PCR tests for international travel have to be taken at specific test sites where they will provide you with a certificate of clearance for travel and these cost around $150 per person, although there is a test site at Brisbane International airport that charges under $100 and gives you the results in under 2 hours.

The Australian government currently requires you to have a PCR test before you return to Australia – this regulation may change as time goes on.

The government website www.smarttraveller.gov.au is a source of information both on the requirements to enter Australia and also to research the requirements to enter other countries. Beware: requirements change almost daily.

Masks to the ready. Everywhere has a requirement for mask-wearing – from arrival in an airport and while on the plane. Carry your own because you can’t rely on places to hand out free masks, as happens in Australia.
Interestingly, the pandemic has accelerated technologies that specialise in contactless environments. Think airports and self-check-in, QR codes to access restaurant menus or digital check-in for hotels. Life has become more difficult without a smartphone.
Cleaning protocols have been ramped up in all areas. From your aircraft, cruise ship and hotel, the enhanced hygiene regimes make us all feel more comfortable.

To keep distance, a lot of places have restricted access, limiting visitor numbers. Ensure you prebook the must-see places on your next trip to avoid disappointment!

So where are people travelling to? Domestic travel is still on the list for everyone, it’s easy, and we feel comfortable about travelling at home. With this in mind, book early – I was researching Port Douglas for a family over the June/July holidays, and it was virtually impossible to secure accommodation. So, pre-planning is a good option. However, the last two weeks have seen Travelling Places book more international travel than local. Europe and North America are the hot destinations, with a few to Antarctica too!

Contact Travelling Places on P: 07 55451600 E: travel@travellingplaces.com.au