For many travellers, the experience of an overseas holiday brings great anticipation and excitement matched with equal amounts of fear and trepidation. It is quite often the case that people can’t wait for take off but worry that they have not seen to all of the necessary details or made all the appropriate plans.

The good news is that it is possible to travel with reduced stress but maximum enjoyment levels! Here we give an overview of how this is possible:

Book flights and accommodation as far in advance as you can…

It is no secret that the best airfares and tariffs for accommodation tend to be available as far in advance of your departure or arrival dates as possible. Essentially, the further in advance you book, the better the prices that you will be able to secure.

Having made savings on your flights and some accommodation, you are entitled to feel very pleased with yourself and rechannel the savings you have made back into other aspects of your holiday.

Ensure that you have travel insurance cover…

If there is one thing that every traveller should have in place well in advance of their departure from Australia, it is travel insurance cover. Far too often we hear horror stories of people who have failed to purchase a travel insurance policy and have experienced the misfortune of illness, injury, theft or some other unfortunate and unforeseen event while in another country.

Failure to have adequate travel insurance protection is perilous and can end up costing a traveller a lot more than the minimal costs of travel insurance protection. There is no excuse for not having an appropriate policy, particularly when so many options of cheap travel insurance cover can be easily purchased – both online and offline.

Do some research…

While many experienced travellers thrive on the thrill of being spontaneous and making as few plans and commitments as possible, it definitely pays to do some thoughtful research into the places you will go and those that you think you might. Even by learning just a little about some of your destinations, you are bound to feel more confident and prepared and ready for some of the unique features of the places you will visit.

Many travellers find that familiarisation with a map and even some key phrases can help them to be ready to explore their destinations.

Explore accommodation options…

The range of different accommodation options that are available to travellers is quite extensive in many countries. It is usually possible to find clean and pleasant accommodation at a reasonable price in many places and by dedicating yourself to some research and consideration of the options and deals on room rates, it is definitely possible to secure a bargain.

If you take care of a number of matters before your departure and while you are away, it is certainly possible to maximise your enjoyment and minimise your levels of stress in relation to your holiday. By attending to matters such as travel insurance, you are best placed to travel in a way that promotes fun and reduces stress.

How to Travel with Minimal Stress and Maximum Enjoyment is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

For many of us, the overseas holidays that we take require careful saving – saving of money and saving of our leave entitlements. Because they are often so desired and so heartily looked forward to, it is a ‘no brainer’ that we want our holidays to provide fabulous experiences and memories..

If you are to have an excellent holiday, thorough preparation is essential. Like so many things in life, the effort that is put into laying the foundations for your journey is well worth the time that it requires and, feeling confident that you have undertaken thorough research, you are best positioned to enjoy a wonderful holiday abroad.

Generally speaking, holiday preparation is important, but here we outline three good reasons why it is essential:

1:  There are matters that must be organised prior to leaving home

Although so many people thrive on spontaneity and enjoy feeling that they are constrained by as few plans and ‘must dos’ as possible, the fact remains that there are particular matters which must be organised prior to your departure from Australia.

Travel insurance – Travel insurance is an absolute necessity for all travellers journeying outside of Australia. It is dangerous to be lulled into a misguided sense of certainty that travel insurance is an unnecessary and avoidable expense. With a range of flexible and cheap travel insurance options available, there is absolutely no good reason to travel without it.

Remember that having travel insurance cover in place can afford you with a sense of confidence and assurance that, should anything go wrong and you are struck down by illness or injury or some other unfortunate occurrence, you have adequate protection to cover you.

Departure flights – It is perhaps achingly obvious, but preparation for your holiday in the form of your departure flights should be organised well in advance of your departure date. While a feeling of certainty about your plans can help your excitement to grow, booking flights as far in advance as possible usually allows you to secure the flights that you want at the best possible price.

Some visas – Before leaving Australia, you should check to see whether visas are required for the countries to which you will travel. This is an important matter to take care of before you leave the country as it is sometimes impossible to secure visas for travel when you are abroad. Do not leave it until the last minute…check out what is required before you fly out of Australia and do so well in advance of your departure date – your passport may need to be sent away and fast turnaround times cannot always be guaranteed.

2:  Confidence

Being prepared for your travel adventure is infinitely important as it equips you with a feeling of confidence about your arrangements and the experiences that await you. Knowing at least some of your travel details and knowing that you have taken care of many of the most critical matters enables you to relax and prepare for your journey.

Unfortunately, too many people that do not prepare sufficiently experience a sense of panic and stress preceding their departure and find that they are in quite a frantic and stressed state as their holiday begins.

3:  Excitement and anticipation

When you are well prepared and confident that you have crucial details in order, you are best placed to get excited and keenly anticipate the experiences that await you. Quite often, the period of looking forward to a holiday is almost as enjoyable as the holiday itself.

If you use the time that you have prior to the holiday to prepare, research and get organised, you are best placed to maximise your enjoyment of the lead up to your holiday and the experiences you have while travelling abroad.

There is no substitute for thoughtful and careful holiday preparation. Not only do some of the best overseas holidays emerge from astute holiday planning, travellers that are well prepared tend to feel most relaxed and excited as they set off on their journeys.

Why Preparation is Essential to a Great Holiday is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

The world offers absolutely no shortage of wonderful holiday destinations for families. No matter whether you and your family seek a holiday destination that offers sun and sand, snow or safari, there will always be a place in the world that fits the bill perfectly.

When a family travels, there is an awful lot to think about. Of course, it is essential to ensure that all family members have valid passports and other travel documents and it is vital that you ensure your family has appropriate travel insurance cover.

Holiday insurance is critical for every traveller, including those who travel in a family group. A range of cheap travel insurance options exist and, by obtaining a number of travel insurance quotes, you can compare your options and make an informed decision. In this day and age, you can do all of this from the comfort of your own home or office by purchasing online travel insurance. In fact, if your family is likely to travel multiple times in a year, the purchase of yearly travel insurance cover may suit you best.

Of all the amazing holiday destinations in the world, what are some of the best for families?

1:  Africa

Many children are absolutely fascinated by wildlife and nature and of course, many adults and children love animals. For this reason, an African safari can be an amazing holiday option for families and one that never fails to create the most incredible and lasting memories.

2:  Indonesia

While there are many parts of Indonesia, Bali remains the most popular holiday destination for Australian families. In fact, recent years have brought an increased number of Australians to Bali and families enjoy holidaying on the Indonesian island because it is affordable, enjoyable and offers a range of experiences and possibilities in terms of activities and accommodation.

Bali is the preferred holiday destination of many people who want their children to gain insight into other cultures while still providing them with plentiful amounts of fun on their vacation.

3:  Canada

Canada is a great place for a family holiday. It is the second largest of the earth’s countries and is characterised by wide borders that are home to some of the world’s most beautiful and active cities, amazing natural landscapes, unique wildlife and many different cultures and people.

4:  France

It is hardly a surprise that France is the world’s most visited destination for tourists. Paris is of course renowned for being an incredibly romantic and important cultural city, but the rest of France is not to be overlooked, especially for those travelling as a family.

The French landscape is stunning and thoroughly charming and the country is of course rich in history and cultural significance. All sorts of activities are available in France and as most of us are well aware, the delicious cuisine should be enjoyed and savoured.

5:  Singapore

For families looking for a comparatively ‘easy’ place to travel, Singapore is ideal. Singapore is compact and has the bonus of being easy to negotiate – it is quite easy to get around.

Families appreciate the many dining and activity options in Singapore and many people enjoy the fabulous cultural experiences and shopping opportunities on offer.

Spending time together on holidays is important and very memorable for family groups. There are many wonderful holiday destinations for families and places that cater for the types of activities in which the family want to be involved and the type of holiday they aspire to have.

5 Great Holidays for Families is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

Many of us work hard in order to take holidays – not only do we work hard to save money to fund our adventures, we also toil away to accrue enough leave to take holidays. Because holidays represent such a significant investment, it is important to so many of us that we enjoy a great holiday without completely breaking the bank.

Holidays can be expensive…

There is no denying that holidays can quickly become expensive. Of course, there are obvious expenses such as: airfares, accommodation, ground or water-based transport and meals. However, there are a number of other areas that people may not immediately consider that need to be factored into the holiday budget. Such items include: travel insurance, admission fees and a range of incidental costs.

Meeting everyone’s needs:

Another thing that can put pressure on a person and the holiday budget, is the sense of obligation to meet everyone’s needs (if you are travelling as a family or in a group). People in your party are likely to have different tastes when it comes to food, the sights they want to see and the ways that they want to spend time.

If you find yourself in such a situation, you will quite possibly discover that trying to please everyone is emotionally taxing and financially expensive.

So, what can you do to have a great holiday that does not send your broke?

1:  Shop around and compare prices

As most people are aware, you can usually secure the best prices for flights, accommodation and other travel necessities when you book well in advance.

The same applies to travel insurance. There is a variety of cheap travel insurance options available and it is incredibly easy to purchase online travel insurance. Holiday insurance is absolutely vital and no traveller should ever be tempted to think that it is an optional extra or something that they ‘will never need’. Too many travellers have unfortunately discovered that the care or assistance they have required while travelling overseas has proven exorbitantly expensive, because they did not have appropriate and sufficient travel insurance cover in place.

While budget travel insurance can be purchased, all travellers should obtain a number of travel insurance quotes so that the inclusions and exclusions of different policies can be clearly seen and compared.

2:  Gather information

Before leaving home, it is a fabulous idea to do some research and collect information about the activities and sights that you think you and/or your party may enjoy. If travelling with a group, you can ask for the input of other travellers and (ideally), collectively decide on some of the activities and things that you will do while you are away.

Do your best to find out about festivals, events and special celebrations that may take place while you area way. Involvement in special occasions can be very enjoyable and memorable.

3:  Make a plan

Although spontaneity while on holiday can be exciting, having some plans can also help you to feel organised and confident that you will not miss some of the sights and activities that you really want to do.

It can sometimes be daunting to land in a particular place and start to make plans at this time. If you have done some preparation prior to leaving home, you are likely to feel that you are in a better position to make the most of your time away.

Of course, plans must be flexible and open to change. It is almost inevitable that even the most thorough plans will need some modification and amendment.

It is possible to have a great holiday without going broke. With careful planning, research and investigation of your options, money can be saved as a fabulous holiday is simultaneously enjoyed.

How to Have a Great Holiday Without Going Broke is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

Perhaps it is Valentine’s Day, your honeymoon, anniversary or a proposal is imminent…there are many romantic and wonderful occasions that match brilliantly with an incredible overseas destination.

We are indeed fortunate that planet earth spoils us with an abundance of romantic and enchanting places that are just perfect for couples in love. Here we take a look at three of the world’s best.

1:  The Maldives

The secluded islands of the Maldives provide a perfect location for you and your loved one to relax and enjoy stunning natural scenery and perfect weather.

If you are eager for activity, it is possible to snorkel and see the amazing underworld within the Indian Ocean, but otherwise, the Maldives are absolutely perfect for taking it easy and enjoying your time together. You may choose to indulge in wonderful treatments from the spa resorts located on the islands and you are sure to want to take in the most beautiful sunsets, pristine waters and inviting golden sands that characterise these islands.

Thatched roof bungalows provide idyllic romantic holiday accommodation.

2:  The Seychelles

Located off the coast of southern Africa, the Seychelles are a perfect destination for romance as they really do feel as though they are removed from everywhere else – the sense of escapism and isolation is just wonderful.

The Seychelles typically offers amazing sunshine and great beaches, many of which front incredible cliff faces. Some people choose to go exploring (perhaps to Victoria, one of the world’s smallest capital cities) or participate in mountain biking or deep-sea fishing, but most visitors to the Seychelles understandably prefer to spend time relaxing and enjoying being together in one of the world’s most beautiful and truly romantic destinations.

3:  Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are a perfect location for a romantic holiday. Although each island is unique and distinctive, you are all but guaranteed to experience incredible weather, a beautiful coastline and a fabulous array of accommodation possibilities.

While you may be perfectly content to remain on just one island, the close proximity of many islands to each other makes it possible to island hop a little and enjoy the romance and beauty of a number of islands.

With rich cultural heritage, historic significance, delicious local cuisine and stunning scenery, the Greek Islands really do provide the perfect setting for a romantic holiday.

Other arrangements:

While it can be very easy to get caught up in the romance and wonder of your holiday, it is still as vital as ever to ensure that you have the necessary arrangements in order prior to your departure. Passports and visas should be obvious needs and no traveller should neglect to purchase travel insurance.

Holiday insurance is essential for every overseas traveller and with so many cheap travel insurance possibilities on offer, no one should take the risk of travelling without the protection of cover.

Remember too, that it is possible to purchase annual travel insurance (which will generally cover you regardless of how often your travel in a twelve month period) and by obtaining a number of travel insurance quotes, you can compare the possibilities and make a decision on the cover that best matches your needs.

If you are looking for a romantic holiday destination, the great news is that there is no shortage of international locations that are absolutely perfect for romance and togetherness.

3 of the World’s Most Romantic Destinations is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

Generally speaking, Australians love to travel. Our geographic location means that when we travel overseas and, more particularly, to the northern hemisphere, we want to do it well and make the most of the time and opportunities available to us.

Now, more than ever, is a great time for Australians to travel. In fact, many European and other destinations have observed a surge in the number of Australian travellers visiting their parts. Travel is exciting and life enhancing and if the circumstances are conducive, it is a great idea to journey to some of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of the world.

Preparing for your journey:

Although there are many good reasons for Australians to travel internationally, the need to adequately and thoroughly prepare for an overseas trip remains. Of course, passports must be valid and in order and visas secured for some countries.

It is also imperative that every Australian traveller invests in travel insurance and has their holiday insurance cover in order before leaving home. There are many affordable and decidedly cheap travel insurance options available for purchase, further emphasising that any traveller would be foolish not to have travel insurance in place.

It is easy to organise this type of insurance. Travel insurance quotes can be quickly and easily obtained and compared and it is even possible to purchase online travel insurance that does not even require you to leave the comfort of your own home!

Having thoroughly prepared for your adventure, we return to the best reasons for Australians to travel…

1:  The Australian dollar is strong

The strength of the Australian dollar offers many Australians better value for their travels. Because their hard-earned money goes further, many Australians see that the time is ripe for overseas travel and recognise that the dollar compares favourably with a number of international currencies – in a way that it rarely has before.

2:  Variation

While Australia is undoubtedly a place of infinite natural beauty, many travellers are drawn to international destinations that are known and admired for being clean and green. The Scandinavian countries are home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and scenery and the opportunity to visit spectacular fjords, parts of the Arctic wilderness, alpine meadows, amazing mountains, glaciers and beautiful rivers, understandably has great appeal for many Australians.

3:  Cuisine

No matter who you are, or your ideal type of holiday, one of the highlights and most memorable aspects of your overseas holiday is bound to be the different food that you ate and the cuisine that you sampled. Eating and drinking while you are away should be pleasurable and there are few things as wonderful as tasting local delicacies and feasting on traditional, local fare.

Food has the power to bring people together, punctuate celebrations and feature in the most wonderful stories. Given this, food provides a fabulous reason to travel!

Although Australians typically do love to travel, there are some very good reasons for Australians to take off and travel now, not the least of which is the strength of the Australian dollar. It is important that all necessary arrangements (such as passports, visas and travel insurance cover) are in place so that you can relax and make the most of every opportunity available to you while you are away.

3 Reasons for Australians to Travel Now is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

There are those of us that love nothing better than to rest, relax and be as quiet and still as possible when on holidays. And, then there are those of us that do not feel fulfilled unless we are cheating death and thrill seeking. Such a holiday offers the benefits of once in a lifetime experiences and a suite of stories to take back to your ‘real’ world.

If you are embarking on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure there are many things to think about before you depart. One of the most crucial is travel insurance. For all travellers, travel insurance is essential and it is a fact that adrenaline activities pose more risk than other more sedate activities.

An extensive range of cheap travel insurance options are available, as are policies that can be tailored to the type of holiday that you will experience. This means that affordable and appropriate holiday insurance can be secured by those who are definite and unashamed ‘adrenaline junkies’ and it is often possible to buy online travel insurance.

Throughout the world there are some incredible destinations and possibilities for the adrenaline junkie and here we take a look at five of these.

1:  Antarctica

Although it is not a location to which people commonly and typically travel, Antarctica is definitely one of the world’s most amazing travel destinations for those who thrive on high-adrenaline activities. Of course, it is cold, but for those who have the fortitude, experiences such as sea kayaking, ice safaris and a range of snow sports are all available.

2:  The Amazon

In contrast to the ice and chill of Antarctica is the warmth and humidity of the Amazon. Particularly for those who love and are fascinated by wildlife, a journey into the depths of the jungle will leave you breathless. In fact, you are bound to be amazed by the close proximity you may have to animals such as the jaguar and birds such as macaws and toucans.

3:  Costa Rica

Although it is a comparatively small Central American country, there is absolutely no shortage of amazing opportunities for adrenaline junkies in Costa Rica. The area is home to over one hundred active and sleeping volcanoes, as well as rainforests and mangrove swamps. This is contrasted with some of the world’s most clean and unspoilt beaches that have clear and sparkling blue waters.

4:  Egypt

Although it is quite a popular holiday destination, particularly because of the fascinating history of the country, Egypt is also one of the greatest holiday destinations for those who desire adrenaline-charged activities.

In Egypt, it is possible to trek through the deserts or snorkel in the Red Sea…how amazing! And, of course, the historical and archaeological significance of Egypt, paired with its opportunities for adventure, make it the ideal holiday destination for those who love active holidays.

5:  Alaska

Alaska is not only beautiful, it offers so much to do that even the most passionate thrill-seeker will be satisfied. The Alaskan waters are full of wildlife and by joining a sea kayaking adventure, it is possible to get breathtakingly close to whales. Many people love camping along the waters and taking in the incredible views of bald eagles in flight and otters providing entertainment.

For those people that love a holiday full of adrenaline, there are some great destinations throughout the world. As with any other international holiday, travel insurance is a must; but, when you have all arrangements in order you are left to make the most of the international adventure activities on offer.

5 of the Best Holidays for the Adrenaline Junkie is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

We all want to make the best use of our hard-earned dollars as much as possible. As much as anything else, when travelling, many of us like to know that we are receiving good value for our money and capitalising on the experiences that are available.

Travel costs do not only relate to the expense of flights and accommodation. There are many areas of expense in travelling, many of which need to be paid and in place before you depart. For example, it is imperative that you have travel insurance cover in place. It is dangerous and potentially expensive to travel without this form of protection and, with so many flexible and cheap travel insurance options available, there is no excuse not to make this comparatively small investment.

When purchasing travel insurance, fully consider your options — online travel insurance can be secured as can multi trip travel insurance and traveller’s insurance for all types of purposes.

So, when it comes to travel destinations that offer great value, what are some of the world’s best?

1:  Iceland

Iceland is an incredible country characterised by breathtaking volcanoes, ice caps and hot springs. This country has traditionally been an expensive place to travel, but the collapse of the kronur has meant that other international currencies have fared well against it. Suddenly, Iceland has become more affordable and the possibility of seeing such amazing sights has become more realistic and viable for many travellers.

2:  Thailand

Thailand is often recognised for the exceptional value that it offers as a holiday destination. In Thailand, even some of the cheapest accommodation is comfortable and of good quality – certainly more so than in some higher-priced destinations.

It is possible to secure some excellent bargains in Thailand too as many of the major resorts are offering significant discounts in an effort to lure tourists to the country and their particular location. In Thailand, holiday makers can enjoy the great weather, beautiful beaches and a smorgasbord of activities in which to get involved.

3:  London

Can you believe that London (with its reputation for being exorbitantly expensive) has found its way on to the list of great value travel destinations? As an outcome of the Global Financial Crisis, England, but more particularly London, has become increasingly affordable for tourists.

With a more favourable exchange rate, it is possible for travellers to pay less for accommodation, food and some other expenses. If ever there was a time to visit the capital of England, it is in the aftermath of the GFC.

4:  South Africa

In South Africa, the climate is superb, the scenery is breathtaking, it is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, the wildlife is amazing and a huge range of adventure activities are on offer. But, what makes South Africa one of the best value travel destinations is that the cost of living is low. This means that it is possible for holiday makers to enjoy a truly memorable and incredible holiday while enjoying excellent value for money.

5:  Malaysia

For travellers who desire a bargain, Malaysia is a great value travel destination. It is possible to eat quality food at a cheap price and stay in high quality accommodation without paying a ridiculous tariff. This country also offers remarkable variation – from picturesque beaches to unspoilt jungles.

The world is full of amazing destinations, but when travelling, most of us also desire great value. The aforementioned destinations currently offer excellent value and some of the most memorable and incredible sights and experiences available.

5 Great Value Travel Destinations is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

By definition, holidays are supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. However, some polls indicate that going on a holiday ranks among life’s stressful experiences. This is alarming when it is considered that divorce, being sacked from a job and social isolation are also in this list.

So, why are holidays so stressful for some people? Perhaps it has something to do with the often extensive preparations that are necessary before the holiday begins, the need to take care of matters at home and to pack for all sorts of unknown conditions.

However, there are many things that a person can do to reduce levels of anxiety, pressure and concern that are so often present in advance and while on a holiday.

1:  Organise travel insurance

Far too many travellers assume that travel insurance is an ‘optional extra’. This incredibly foolish and risky approach is dangerous – there are a number of cheap travel insurance options available and these can be tailored to suit your needs and the activities of your holiday. For example, you can purchase online travel insurance and multi trip travel insurance. For such a meagre investment, you can gain the confidence that, should the unexpected and dreaded occur, you will be protected and covered.

Of course no one likes to anticipate that something awful will occur, but international travel insurance can eliminate the stress, hardship and disadvantage that will result if something does occur. Knowing that you have reliable travel insurance cover in place can certainly help you to relax and enjoy your holiday.

2:  Book in advance

Of course, you will need to have booked your flights and perhaps other transport and accommodation in advance of your departure. While it can be nice to be a little spontaneous, a certain amount of security comes from knowing that you have lodgings secured and knowing exactly how you will get to them. You may not want to book accommodation for every night of your holiday, but having even a night or two booked early in the holiday can help you to relax, rest a little, enjoy some comfort and plan the next part of your journey.

Keep in mind too that it is often the case that the further in advance you book, the better the price of your flight, other travel or accommodation tariff.

3:  Allow plenty of time

Unfortunately, airports can be stress-inducing places by nature. There are often long queues, flight delays, irate people and stressed out staff.

However, if you allow yourself plenty of time to travel to the airport, check in, proceed through immigration and arrive at your boarding gate, you will find that the whole experience is altogether less stressful and more enjoyable.

Rushing and panicking is not the way that you want to begin or continue your holiday. Allow plenty of time and try to make the most of the whole airport experience. If nothing else, try to enjoy the exciting energy that is also present as people (including you!) set off for all sorts of amazing destinations.

No one sets out to have a stressful and hectic holiday. However, far too many people find that the journey they had long-planned and looked forward to, is not as relaxing and enjoyable as they anticipated.

By taking some steps to be organised and prepared, it is possible to reduce the amount of travel-related stress that you experience.

3 Differences Between Stressful and Relaxing Holidays is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles

In the lead up to your departure for an international holiday, it is common to feel consumed (and even a little overwhelmed) by the preparations that have to be made. As well as making flight and accommodation bookings, your mind sooner or later turns to the seemingly enormous and very confusing task of packing!

While most of the clothing, shoes and even toiletries that you travel with find their way into a suitcase or other bag that will be checked in and carried in the hold of the aircraft, some of the most important and absolutely vital items for a smooth, stress-free and enjoyable trip should be carried in your hand luggage.

Everything from your passport to your travel insurance details needs to be transported in your carry on luggage. Your cabin baggage allocation is limited and security restrictions apply to what can and cannot accompany you on a plane, but here we take a look at four of the essential items to be found in your carry on luggage.

1:  Passports and other travel documents

Your crucial travel documents must always travel with you and certainly not in your checked luggage. Your passport, itinerary, accommodation and transfer details and travel insurance policy should always be carried with you, but kept in a secure, safe and accessible place. Keep in mind too, that photocopies should be made of all your important documents and these should be stored separately from the originals. It is also advisable to leave copies of your important documents with someone at home.

Before travelling, do not fail to take out appropriate and sufficient travel insurance cover, perhaps get a few travel insurance quotes to inform your decision. It is perilous to travel without such protection and with so many flexible and cheap travel insurance options available, there really is no excuse not to cover yourself in this way. Be aware that it is possible to get multi trip travel insurance and online travel insurance.

2:  Fragile and valuable items

Items that are valuable to you or are fragile and could be easily damaged should be carried with you. Checked luggage is often not treated gently and so it is not worth taking the risk – carry breakable and valuable items in your carry on luggage.

Electronic equipment (such as cameras, laptops and electronic games), cash, keys and jewellery apply to this category.

3:  The items that you need to sustain you

In your carry on luggage, you should include enough of the items that would be required to ‘keep you going’ in the event that your checked luggage becomes lost. (This is an unfortunate reality for a surprising number of people). Include at least two changes of underwear, an extra set of clothes, including socks, and all of the prescription or over the counter medicines that you need.

4:  Toiletries

Be sure to include the toiletries that you need and use everyday in your carry on luggage. You may like to pack a toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, items for personal care and hygiene, items used for facial care, a small bottle of shampoo and conditioner and the lotions that you use. To avoid spills, be sure to pack these items in zip lock storage bags.

Knowing what to include in a small carry on bag can be difficult. However, a good rule to follow is to pack as though your carry on bag is the only bag you will have for two days. Ultimately, your carry on luggage should include only the items that you really need and certainly, all of your precious items and travel documentation.

4 Items to Include in Your Carry On Luggage is a post from: Travel Insurance Tips & Articles