Back to basics: All the little things to remember when planning a trip

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Approximately 9.6 million Australians travelled overseas in 2025, but how many of them were adequately prepared for their trip? In the flurry of excitement and activity that comes with planning a trip, it's easy to get caught up in checking off the big-ticket items on your to-do list like choosing flights or the places you'd like to visit, however this risks overshadowing smaller yet still important details.

Though at first glance they may seem to be minor, these details can have a significant impact on the smoothness and your overall enjoyment of the trip. Even experienced travellers might realise only once they've reached their destination that they've forgotten to pack something as basic as a travel adaptor to charge their phone. To prevent such situations from occurring, here are five often-overlooked aspects of travel that are worth considering before you jet off.

It's easy to assume that taxis or ride-sharing services will always be the go-to, but many cities offer a range of alternative transport options that may suit your needs better. Cities like London, Tokyo, and New York have vast, reliable networks of public transportation which are well-connected and relatively inexpensive. However, the system's efficiency and ease of use can differ by city, so it's worth researching ahead of time.

Consider researching which apps locals use to navigate public transport at your destination and downloading them to your phone before you leave. If visiting different cities around Australia, you might want to look into e-scooters for riding around the Perth CBD, or cheap parking at Crown Melbourne so that you can explore the city at your own pace without worrying about the hassle of making sure you don't miss the last train back to your accommodation.

When you're overseas, the last thing you want after a long day of international travel is to find yourself with a dead phone and no way to charge it. Many countries use different power plug designs and voltage systems. If you're not prepared, you might find yourself unable to charge your essential devices. Before you leave, check the power plug type and voltage in the country you're visiting. You will want to ensure that you have the correct adaptor, and if needed, a voltage converter to avoid frying your electronics. Visiting multiple destinations? Universal adaptors will make your life much easier and have the bonus of taking up less space in your luggage.

According to SITA, in 2024 an average of 6.9 bags per 1000 passengers were mishandled by airlines globally. If you fancy your chances and want to roll the dice, then this tip might not be for you, however one of the simplest yet most effective tips for a stress-free journey is to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Far from being unnecessary, this change of clothes could save you if your checked luggage is delayed, lost, or damaged by the airline. Having a spare outfit on hand can also prevent you from having to spend your first day running around buying new pairs of underwear in a foreign city rather than settling in and enjoying yourself. Additionally, a change of clothes is useful for unexpected situations like a spill on the plane or if you want to freshen up upon arrival before heading out for your first adventure.

There are so many bits and pieces that make our day-to-day lives that much easier, however these are easy to forget when you are preparing your suitcase. Before you zip up your luggage, take a moment to think about what items you use daily. For instance, taking an empty reusable water bottle will not only keep you hydrated while you're walking the streets of your destination, but will also stop you from feeling parched on the flight. After all, the combination of dry air in the plane and having to wait for the flight attendants to pour you a small cup of water (which never seems quite enough) can make for a very dry throat. Other items like tissues, hand sanitiser and pain-relief medication can also come in handy. Additionally, don't forget to check the weather forecast before you depart and pack accessories accordingly. Even if you plan on going someplace sunny, you will thank yourself for packing a travel-sized umbrella or raincoat in the event of an unexpected downpour.

Travelling can be an exciting or stressful adventure, depending on how you prepare. As you have read, researching how you will get around your destination, charge your devices and stay connected is very important. The same can certainly be said of making sure that you've packed both your carry-on and your checked luggage appropriately. Careful planning before you embark on your journey will enable everything to go smoothly and allow you to enjoy your time away from home. Happy travels!