Travel Tools & Resources

Welcome to Jetsettr's Travel Resources & Tools! We've used our own travel experience to compile a growing list of gadgets and links to help you plan, understand and get in touch with all the things that matter when you're organising a trip away.

Browse the topics and resources below to find the area you'd like information on. Then simply read the content, follow the links or download the tools and get on your way to making your trip a reality!

Topics

Consular Services

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• Smart Traveller

Smart Traveller is the Australian Government's travel advisory and consular information service.

Smart Traveller is a central destination for you to gain important information on everything from travel bulletins and advice to a registration service so that the Australian Government can contact you in case of an emergency. Take some time to check it out before you travel.

Destination Info & Guides

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• Jetsettr's Destination Guides

• Other Information Sources

To find out more information on your chosen destination/s, you can source information from:

• Books
• Brochures
• Friends and family
• Government departments
• Guide books (e.g. Lonely Planet)
• Internet (Jetsettr's Destination Guides provide helpful links to websites with heaps of handy info!)
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Travel Agents
• Travel Shows

• TripAdvisor

Follow the link below to access TripAdvisor's free travel resources

Health

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Before you go, book an appointment with your doctor/medical centre and any other health care professionals that are appropriate to you for a health check. Use this visit to obtain spare prescriptions for glasses/contact lenses and medicines etc. and to stock up on what you will need for the duration of the trip

At least 6 weeks prior to departure and depending on your destination, you may also need to be immunized or for example, you may need to commence anti-malarial medication. There are medical clinics that specialise in travel medication so opt for one of these if you've got one near by. If not, most local medical centres also provide these services. If they don't they should at least be able to direct you to one that does.

Consider taking a first aid kit with you to treat minor injuries and ailments and ensure you include medication to treat vomiting and diarrhoea.

If you become seriously ill or injured whilst travelling immediately contact your travel insurance company or representative or the Australian consul or embassy for assistance.

Jetsettr Tip

• Don't forget the mosquito repellent
• Wherever possible, only drink bottled, boiled water or treated water
• Try to only eat fruit and vegetables that you can peel.

If you become unwell after you return from your trip (even if it's weeks later) it's important to visit your doctor and advise them of your symptoms and the countries you visited.

Itineraries

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• Jetsettr Itinerary Template

Get organised with the Jetsettr Itinerary Template!

Simply record all of your accommodation info on the form and then print a few copies, keeping one with your travel documents and giving the others to friends and family to help them keep in touch with you while you're away. It also comes in really handy if you need to change, cancel add to your accommodation while you're on the road.

Download the Jetsettr Itinerary Template (Requires Microsoft Word XP or higher to open)

Keeping In Touch

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• Keeping Contact Template

The Jetsettr Keeping Contact form helps your friends and family to stay in touch while you're away by allowing you to record your contact details as well as also explaining how to call and SMS international phone numbers. When you're finished, just print and give them out!

Download the Jetsettr Keeping Contact Template (Requires Microsoft Word XP or higher to open)

• Travel SIM, SIM Card Service

Forget international roaming! Use this international SIM card to cut costs and keep in contact with family and friends.

What is Travel Sim?

TravelSIM is a mobile phone service for international travellers.

• TravelSIM allows you to use your own mobile phone when you travel to another country without having to use expensive international roaming services enabling you to greatly reduce the cost of using your mobile phone in another country - how much could you save?
  
• TravelSIM works in over 150 countries - which countries?
  
• TravelSIM is a prepaid service. There are no contracts, no set-up fees and no minimum spends. So is TravelSIM right for you?
  
• TravelSIM is based in Australia so they are easy to contact if you have any support.

How does Travel Sim work?

TravelSIM works by simply replacing your normal SIM card with the TravelSIM SIM card when you travel.

• TravelSIM uses smart SIM card technology
• TravelSIM uses the same mobile phone networks as other carriers
• TravelSIM works like any other mobile phone service, with one small difference:

When you dial a phone number with TravelSIM, and after a short delay, your phone will ring. You simply answer your phone as normal and you will be connected through to the person whom you are trying to call. Simple!

• With TravelSIM you can use your existing mobile phone handset. Is your handset compatible?

Jetsettr Tip

Rhiannon used a TravelSIM SIM card during her recent trip overseas...

"I came across the TravelSIM SIM-card service whilst researching for my overseas trip last year. I had been overseas in previous years and used international roaming through my mobile phone service provider at home, to keep in touch with family and friends. Although I was only away for 10 days, it ended up as a very expensive way to stay in contact with home."

"I found numerous other international mobile services during my research but TravelSIM provided significantly lower calling rates and huge savings over the entirety of my trip. Although at first I wondered how good the service would prove to be - especially after reading about the small difference in receiving and making calls, I can now say without hesitation that after 3 months of travelling through Europe and the UK, I can genuinely recommend TravelSIM to fellow travellers. It saved me heaps of money and provided me with a hassle-free way of keeping in touch with loved-ones."

Purchase a TravelSIM SIM card or Find out more about TravelSIM

LAGS - On-board Liquids, Aerosols & Gels Regulations

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The rules regarding carrying liquids, aerosols and gels on-board planes have recently changed.

The general rule for international flights is as follows:

All liquids, aerosols and gels to be carried onboard MUST be in a clear, re-sealable plastic pouch of 1 litre or less capacity and within bottles of no more than 100ml.
Larger liquids, aerosols and gels must be packed within your check-in luggage to go in the cargo hull of the plane.

A full explanation of the rules for LAG's as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development website.

You'll find everything you need to comply with these regulations at www.jetsettr.com.au. We stock wide selection of travel pouches and travel bottles in sets and individually that comply with these rules. Shop for Travel Pouches & Travel Bottles.

Packing

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• Jetsettr Packing List

Where to start with an empty suitcase, hmmm…

The Jetsettr Packing List of course! Use this comprehensive packing list to consider everything you might need to take with you and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting anything ever again.

Download the Jetsettr Packing List (Requires Microsoft Word XP or higher to open)

Passports

A current passport is required for all overseas travel and is used for many purposes before and during your trip including identification, applying for visas and exchanging traveller's cheques along the way. Some countries will require at least 6 months validity on your passport so even if you currently have a passport, a passport renewal may be necessary.

To apply for a passport you will need:

• Passport Application Form
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (one of which needs to be certified by a JP or similar)
• Proof of your Australian citizenship - must be the ORIGINAL copy (e.g. birth certificate)
• Proof of your current name and address
• Payment of the passport application fee
• Attend a passport application interview

For information on and application forms for Australian Passports, please visit www.passports.gov.au

Australia Post also provides services relating to Australian and British Passport Applications such as passport photographs, application forms and interviews.

Visit www.auspost.com.au for more information. When you get to the Australia Post homepage click on the ‘General Services' tab on the top navigation menu next to ‘Home' and then on ‘Passport Applications' which sits near the bottom of the left-hand navigation options on the following page.

Jetsettr Tip

Don’t get stuck running around a foreign city trying to find somewhere to get passport photos taken! Always carry a few spare passport photos with you when you are travelling. They are sometimes required for train and bus passes and student cards overseas and if you happen to lose your passport, you will need them to have the passport re-issued.

Protect your passport with a passport cover and keep it safe with a travel document wallet. Jetsettr has a great range of passport holders and travel document wallets to keep your investment safe and secure for the duration of your trip and for many years to come.

Browse our range of passport covers and travel document wallets.

Security - At Home & Away

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• Jetsettr Pre-Departure List

Use the Jetsettr Pre-Departure List to mark off everything you need to do at home before you leave for your trip. It conveniently lists and enables you to record important information such as where you can obtain emergency finance down to who will mind your pets while you’re away. Just tick off each job as its completed and then print a copy for your travel documents wallet.

Download the Jetsettr Pre-Departure List (Requires Microsoft Word XP or higher to open)

At Home

There are things you will need to organise in the months before your trip. For example, you will need to think about whether you will need to arrange for your letterbox to be cleared and decide whether you will turn off your electricity, gas and water and defrost your fridge and freezer if you are travelling for a longer period of time.

On the morning before you go, remember to lock all windows and doors and turn on timers if applicable.

Use the Jetsettr Pre-Departure List (download link above) to help remember everything you need to do.

While You're Away

Luggage will be more secure if locked and easily identified. To achieve this:

• Use key or combination locks to secure all zips on luggage
• Use a luggage strap to keep it closed suitcases closed if locks, handles or zips are broken.
• Place luggage 

Take care carrying important documents, tickets and vouchers, cash, traveller’s cheques and credit cards etc. by:

• Carrying your wallet/purse in your front pocket
• Holding day packs and other bags tightly with the straps close to your body
• Don't carry large amounts of cash in one place - pickpockets and bag snatchers are rife in crowded areas throughout the globe. Consider a money belts or pouches to keep these items secure
• Use the hotel security box or in-room safe to store valuables and never leave them unsecured in your room
• Ensure you have at least 2 copies of tickets and passports etc. keeping one set in your travel documents wallet and the other in your suitcase or safe. It is also a good idea to leave a set of copies, including your itinerary with someone at home.

You’ll find everything you need to keep your belongings secure at www.jetsettr.com.au. From locks to luggage tags, document wallets to camera bags. Shop now for:

Camera Bags
Locks
Luggage Straps & Accessory Sets
Luggage Tags
Passport Covers & Travel Document Wallets

Travel Adaptors, Sockets, Voltage & Phone Compatibility

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We all need to use electrical gadgets overseas whether it's our mobile phone, laptop or hairdryer and because electrical sockets and plugs, power (voltage) and telephone sockets and systems vary around the world, it's important to understand these variations means for you.

Travel Adaptors, Sockets & Plugs

The shape, number and arrangement of plug pins and socket holes differ throughout the world.

Travel adaptors convert plug configurations from one style to another, enabling you to plug your appliance into an international electrical socket.

To determine which adaptor/s are appropriate for your chosen destinations, check out the:

• Korjo Travel Adaptor Guide or;

• Design Go Adaptor Guide then,

Shop for travel adaptors

Please note that travel adaptors do not convert voltage so you must also make sure that your appliance and the power supply applicable to that country are compatible. Read the next section on Voltage for more information.

Jetsettr stocks travel adaptors from trusted brands like Korjo and Design go. Search for and purchase Travel Adaptors.

Voltage

Generally, there are two main voltage systems employed throughout the world:

• 110 volt (actually 100-120 volt) - utilised in USA, Canada, Spain & Japan
• 220 volt (actually 200-250 volt) - utilised in the rest of the world

Simply put, the power supply available at the socket is approximately twice as powerful in 220 volt countries as in 110 volt countries.

Electrical appliances are manufactured to be used at either 110 volts, 220 volts or both (they may have a 110-220v switch, or work automatically on either).

If you have a 220 volt appliance, and you plug it into an 110v source, the product will not receive as much power as it was designed to use resulting in the appliance working slowly or not at all.

If you have a 110 volt appliance and plug it into a 220 volt power source, the product will receive more power than it was designed to use - this will cause damage to the product, the protective fuse and/or the power source.

Where possible, travel with dual voltage appliances - i.e. those that can work on 110 or 220v systems.

Australia and New Zealand use 240v power sources.

You'll discover a collection of dual-voltage appliances at www.jetsettr.com.au from hairdryers to straighteners. Check out our range of dual voltage travel appliances.

Phone Compatibility

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Telecommunication systems vary across the world and even within some countries. Many mobile phones will not work in other non-compatible countries. If you want to take your own mobile phone and SIM card, you can check their compatibility for different countries with your service provider.

If your SIM card is not compatible with the telecommunications system of the destination you are travelling to or if you want to avoid the usually exorbitant costs of international roaming.

 Consider Travel SIM for a fantastic, cost-effective option that still allows you to use your own mobile phone while travelling.

Travel Funds

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You've decided on an itinerary and you know who you want to fly with, but where is the money going to come from to get you there? Carefully planning a budget and deciding on how you will access your money while you're travelling is the key to keeping your journey running smoothly.

Firstly, will you require a personal loan, do you have the money saved or is the trip being paid for by some other means like family?

Secondly, how will you access and carry money throughout your trip?

Fortunately, there are lots of options these days with regards to accessing and carrying your cash while overseas which include:

Cash

It is imperative to always have some local currency in the form of cash on hand before you arrive at your destination. It's a good idea to order some foreign currency before you go to save the hassle and generally higher fees or lower exchange rates associated with currency exchange outlets in convenient places such as airports.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash in one place and be aware of currency limits when entering other countries.

Pros

Convenient and easily exchanged

Cons

There is no recourse or protection is cash is lost or stolen.

Cash-Passports

Available from most bigger banks, Cash-passports are a relatively new product to the market that enable you to exchange your own money (from a selected bank account that you choose during the application process) into one or more currency which is then transferred onto your ‘cash-passport' card.

Pros

Similar to ‘topping-up' credit for your mobile with a pre-paid phone card, a Cash-passport provides greater protection from fraudulent activities than a credit or debit card in that if the cash-passport card is lost or stolen, it cannot be linked back to you or your chosen bank account.

Also, the exchange rate is guaranteed for the day of exchange meaning that you don't have to worry about fluctuations in the exchange rate for the duration of your trip.

Cons

It can only be used to withdraw cash from ATM's and cannot be used in Eftpos terminals like a credit or debit card.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted around the world and so provide a convenient and easy way to exchange money in exchange for goods and/or services whilst travelling.

Pros

Although some people may consider the next point a con, one of the most obvious benefits to using a credit card on your trip is that it enables you to pay for things using credit! Of course it also means that you don't need to carry cash or cash alternatives like traveller's cheques.

Using a credit card whilst travelling offers you one of the better methods of re-course should you have the card or any money stolen from unauthorized use. And now that the bigger financial institutions provide greater protection from fraudulent activities with 24/7 monitoring of transactions made on your account, you can use your credit card with more confidence that in previous years.

Cons

Unfortunately there are scams they prey on unsuspecting travellers using credit cards on their holiday like hotels that take a credit card imprint to make unauthorized transactions to ATM scammers that use fake devices to take credit card details and pin numbers so often it is best to limit the use of your credit card when abroad, where possible.

Also, be aware of the additional fees associated with using credit and debit cards overseas. On top of the exchange rate for that day you may also pay a fee from your own bank and the bank being used to make the transaction.

Ensure your card is valid for the duration of your trip.

Debit Cards

Debit Cards are part Eftpos card and part credit card! They use your own money to purchase goods and services but are as widely accepted throughout the world as Visa and Mastercard.

Pros

Debit cards enable you to use your own money so you can be confident of what you're spending whist also benefiting from the convenience of a credit card due to it being accepted everywhere your credit card is.

Cons

Like credit cards, using a debit card can make you a victim of fraudulent activity through unauthorized transactions and ATM devices.

Also, be aware of the additional fees associated with using credit and debit cards overseas. On top of the exchange rate for that day you may also pay a fee from your own bank and the bank being used to make the transaction.

Ensure your card is valid for the duration of your trip.

Travellers' Cheques

Pros

They can be purchased in a wide range of currencies and offer good recourse with cheques being reimbursed if they are lost or stolen.

Cons

They are a big and bulky option, especially when you compare them to small and light-weight credit, debit and cash-passport cards.

Hotels will often charge to exchange travellers' cheques and are not in the habit of offering competitive rates of exchange.

Jetsettr Tip

Choose a mixture of cash and at least two other options so that whatever the circumstance, you’ll always have access to your money.

Travel Insurance

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Travel Insurance is essential for all travellers'. Unfortunately, luggage and valuables do sometimes get lost or stolen and if you need medical attention while you're away, the cost in other countries can be enormous. In most circumstances, travel insurance will help compensate you for your loss. However, before you decide on a travel insurance policy, make sure that you carefully read the policy document so that you understand what is covered and what isn't.

Visas

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A visa is an official stamp of a government or country which is imprinted in your passport evidencing your ability to enter into that country for a specified time and purpose. The issue of a visa usually requires the payment of a fee, and sometimes requires photos, copies of tickets and other documentation. Not all countries require visa for entry and for those that don't, your passport is sufficient. From time to time, countries may also change their entry requirements so it is imperative that you have up to date information on visa requirements. To determine whether a visa is required for the country you are travelling to you can:

• Consult your travel agent
• Contact the consulate of the country you are travelling to
• Source information from travel brochures from your local travel agency (some of which will contain updated information regarding visa requirements)

Downloads & Templates

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Destination Guides
Packing List
Pre-Departure List
Itinerary Template
Keeping Contact Template
Design Go Travel Adaptor Guide
Korjo Travel Adaptor Guide

Links

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Smart Traveller- www.smarttraveller.gov.au

Smart Traveller is the Australian Government's travel advisory and consular information service.

Travel SIM - www.travelsim.com.au

Travel SIM is the provider of an international SIM card service that can be used with your own mobile phone.

Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Depvelopment -
www.infrastructure.gov.au

The Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development provides up-to-date information on the On-board Liquids, Aerosols & Gels regulation (LAGS).

Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (Passports) - www.passports.gov.au

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade is the Australian government's passport service.

Australia Post - www.auspost.com.au

Australia Post offers a wide range of services relating to obtaining an Australian or British Passport.