Your first overseas trip from Australia

Put the flights and hotel on one timeline

Write down each flight in local time and mark the date you land. Use that date for your first hotel night. If you land well before check-in, ask about luggage storage and keep your first outing close to the hotel. On the way back, plan around checkout and the airport transfer before buying any timed tickets.

Compare the total for your group

Put the fare, baggage, airport transfers, room taxes and any overnight stop in one list. Compare the amount for the whole group in AUD using the same exchange-rate assumption. Keep refundable and prepaid options on separate lines, and record the last date you can cancel each booking. This makes it easier to see whether a cheaper itinerary also gives up flexibility you need.

Choose one anchor activity per day

Pick a neighbourhood and one thing you would be disappointed to miss. Put the other stops within easy reach and choose an indoor alternative. Leave the first evening and last morning loose. For a short trip, a central room can buy more useful time than adding another attraction to the list.

Save the details you need offline

Keep a copy of your airline booking, accommodation address, first transfer instructions and insurance contact details. Check official entry and transit requirements for every country on your itinerary, including any connection where you need to collect and recheck your bags.

Check official Australian travel advice

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