Introduction

Lost luggage, medical emergencies, travel disruptions, theft—these are the unexpected surprises that can accompany travelling.

While they can be difficult enough to manage in the comfort of your own home, they become even more daunting when in a foreign country.

To keep your holiday truly stress-free and enjoyable, consider travel insurance as your secret weapon. It acts as a financial safety net, ensuring you can tackle unexpected situations with confidence and ease.

Introduction

Michael was twenty-something and eager for adventure when he spotted the advertisement. It read, “Japanese schools seeking English teachers. No experience necessary – we train you.”

What followed changed Michael’s life forever as he successfully completed the organiser’s training program, and embarked on a year of living and working in Japan.

Introduction

Even for seasoned travellers there’s a little bit of magic involved in hopping on a plane in Australia today and disembarking in a far-off destination like Istanbul or London tomorrow. For most people their travels will be a safe and wonderful experience, but things can go wrong. While you can’t control everything, a little bit of preparation can help to create cheerful memories.

Let’s start with something most people don’t associate with an overseas holiday - make sure your Will and powers of attorney are up to date and your executor and/or attorney know where to find important information.

Description

You might remember the movie, “The Holiday” starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. Two women are experiencing relationship problems so they exchange their houses for a holiday away from men. Kate swaps her quaint English cottage for Cameron’s LA mansion. Both love the extreme differences but, of course, there are men everywhere they go! (It ends happily ever after.)

In the ten years since that movie debuted, house swapping has taken the world by storm. It’s no longer a way to escape from our problems, but a wonderfully affordable accommodation option – and there are now thousands of homes of all shapes and sizes across the world to swap.

Introduction

Most of us would never travel overseas without first taking out travel insurance with medical cover.

But what about if you are travelling overseas for a lengthy period, say two months or more, and you are already paying a monthly premium to your Australian private health fund?

Introduction

Seeing more of Australia or travelling to unusual parts of the world are included on most people’s "bucket lists". After a lifetime of work, reduced job and family commitments present the retiree with the ‘problem’ of how to fill the void. Travelling is an ideal and popular solution 

Introduction

Are TV travel documentaries not close up and personal enough for you? Would you prefer to actually be there, immersing yourself in the environment, amongst the people, eating local delicacies, but you’re not sure if your budget can take you further than your lounge room?

An overseas holiday doesn't have to be outrageously expensive, especially if you follow these money saving tips. You may be surprised how far your money can take you.

Introduction

When you’re away from home it’s even more important to make your money go as far as possible. You don’t want to miss great opportunities while you are away but then again you don’t want to face a mammoth credit card bill upon your return. Here are a few ideas to help make your dollar go further while abroad.