Planning a holiday? Let’s be honest – there’s much more to sort out beyond picking a beachfront apartment or a forest hideaway. From snagging the best flight deals to finding the perfect home away from home and even lining up your in-flight entertainment (napping doesn’t count), it all requires serious prep.
Sitting on unused points, a stash of annual leave, and an ever-growing bucket list of places to visit? Deciding where to go can feel like a gargantuan task. Luckily, we’re here with our ultimate travel tips – from finding the perfect time to travel and staying connected to booking car rentals and securing travel insurance. Whether you’re booking for four people or four generations, we’re here to make it easier. A bit of travel planning now means more time savouring every moment later – because let’s face it, that’s what a holiday is all about.
Scroll on for our holiday travel guide and holiday preparation tips for every kind of trip.
Our best travel tips for a holiday to remember!
Destinations
Sure, spontaneity might seem charming, but a well-researched holiday plan means you’ll avoid feeling like a headless chook in a foreign airport. Here’s where to begin with our top travel tips:
Where should you go?
Start by making a list of dream spots, research what each place offers and see which vibe matches your vacay vision. For example, Australia is rich in top holiday destinations from the Great Barrier Reef to Tasmania’s rugged trails or Byron Bay’s laidback vibe – there’s something for everyone.
Where should you go?
Travelling during holidays and peak season:
We’re firmly of the mind that any time is a great time to gallivant the world, but there’s no denying the beauty that comes with holiday travel in the peak season.
Imagine Whistler blanketed in snow, basking in the golden glow of an Italian summer (living la dolce vita, anyone?), or catching epic displays of nature like the Great Migration in Africa or cherry blossoms blooming across Japan. The trade-off? Larger crowds, higher rates and more reasons to be organised if you’re planning to travel during holidays.
Shoulder season:
Holiday travel in the shoulder season means you’re more likely to snap up a deal on a hotel, get a front-row view of the Trevi Fountain and finally secure a table at that typically booked-out restaurant. Sure, the weather might keep you on your toes, but it might be a more relaxed, rewarding experience.
Buy essential items for travelling
Packing for a trip is basically its own sport. Between preparing for what you know and what you don’t, you can easily end up with a suitcase full of stuff that doesn’t cover either. Here’s our set list of essentials to reduce packing stress:
Travel documents and currency:
Health:
Lip balm
Water bottle and filter
Hand sanitiser
Hand cream
Ear plugs
Sunscreen
Tech:
Portable phone charger
Headphones
Adapter
Camera
Travel accessories:
Toiletries:
Toiletries bottles
Moisturiser
Shampoo and conditioner
Buy your tickets for travelling
Last minute prices are no joke. Book your flights or train tickets as soon as you decide on a destination. If you're thinking about travel during holidays, consider travelling on off-peak days or times to avoid the crowds.
Before you get too excited, don’t forget to check the travel restrictions, visa conditions and any other requirements.
Book your accommodation
Book through a travel app
Booking accommodation online has never been easier. But with a bevy of options, it can feel like a jungle out there. Here are a few travel apps to check out and the benefits they have to offer:
Booking.com: Best for research and comparing your options. Plus, flexible cancellation policies and honest reviews make it a reliable choice.
Agoda: Best for hunting down a good deal. Loyal members get rewarded with exclusive mobile-only steals, and the app’s so user-friendly, that even your nan could book a bargain in minutes.
Luxury Escapes: Best for travel packages with fantastic inclusions. Score even more with discounted gift cards (up to 10% off!) and a cheeky $50 off your first booking to kick-start your getaway in style.
Airbnb: Best for unique stays and larger rentals that feel like home. Their platform has it all—and with detailed reviews, you’ll know exactly what you’re walking into.
Hit up the hotel
Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel instead of the travel apps can score you a better deal – or better yet – a sneaky upgrade, hidden sale or complimentary breakfast.
Do your homework
Before you book, be sure to dive into those reviews – you don’t want to end up in a disaster masquerading as paradise. A ‘prime location’ could also mean you’re sleeping next to the world’s loudest beach club and those ‘incredible views’ might come with a side of six flights of stairs (and no elevator).
Platforms like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews and even Airbnb are goldmines for feedback. Scope out the essentials – how comfy is the bed, how close it is to the action, and, yes, whether the Wi-Fi actually works (trust us, it matters).
Getting your vehicle ready
Take the scenic route to incredible destinations that are all yours to explore by car. Here are our top travel tips to help you prep for your road trip:
Organising car hire
For travellers flying to their dream destinations, make your holiday even more epic by turning part of it into a road trip adventure. Hit the open road and explore the untouched coastlines of southern Greece or zoom down Germany’s legendary, no-speed-limit Autobahn – all made possible with a rental car.
Make sure you’ve secured a rental before you land and have all your paperwork in order – some places require an internal driving license if you’re planning on driving abroad.
Driving your own vehicle
If you’re trading a plane ticket for a road trip in your own car, don’t hit the road without giving your ride some much-needed TLC first. Sure, ripping through the Gibb River Road is a mesmerising experience, but nothing ruins the adventure faster than an unexpected detour to the mechanic.
Check the tyres, top off the fluids, and give your car the once-over it deserves – you’ll thank yourself when the only surprises you encounter are scenic views, not engine troubles.
Prepare a plan for activities
Even if you’re planning a classic ‘flop and drop’ holiday (yes, it’s a thing), a bit of research can turn your downtime into an adventure of a lifetime. Dare to explore beyond the hotel and you might just uncover local gems and top experiences that will add some serious pizazz to your trip. From adrenaline-pumping activities to tucked-away cafes and immersive wining and dining, knowing what’s available ensures you won’t miss out.
Get travel insurance (while travelling overseas)
In the whirlwind of trip planning, it’s easy to overlook travel insurance – until something goes sideways. Just make sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully, so you’re clear on what’s covered. Here’s a rundown of some benefits of having travel insurance:
Overseas medical emergencies
Getting sick or injured abroad can hit you hard, turning your holiday into a financial nightmare – a night in a hospital in Vietnam can cost you up to $2,500, while in New York it’s $20,000.
Trip cancellation
If unforeseen travel warnings or event force you to cancel or cut your trip short, travel insurance can help recover non-refundable booking costs like flights, hotels, and tours.
Lost or stolen luggage
Losing your luggage is a headache – especially when you’ve taken great care to pack everything you need. Travel insurance may reimburse you for the replacement of lost or stolen items.
Emergency medical evacuation
If you need to be evacuated due to a medical emergency, travel insurance can cover the costly transport to a nearby facility or even back home.
Get proper mobile plans to keep connected
Being on the road doesn’t mean you have to be out of touch. Whether you’re on a weekend camping trip, tackling the Big Lap of Australia, or travelling overseas, staying in touch is non-negotiable. From booking impromptu hotel stays to navigating unknown streets or catching up with family, a mobile plan with solid network coverage isn’t a luxury – it’s essential.
And when you’re heading abroad, global roaming keeps you connected wherever you are, letting you focus on the adventure without worrying about surprise charges or phone blackouts.
Do a last moment check
A quick last-minute check can save you from any surprises. Double-check your details, keep your travel documents handy, glance at the weather forecast, and don’t forget to set up any essential navigation travel apps or emergency contacts.
Experience hassle-free travel planning with Superloop internet
When planning your dream holiday or snagging an unbelievable all-inclusive deal, the last thing you want is slow internet or buffering while booking flights, hotels, or checking your itinerary.
Superloop’s range of plans ensures seamless holiday planning, whether you're managing a six-week itinerary or finalising trip details. With the footprint to upgrade from your slow copper service to NBN’s Fibre-to-the-premise expanding, now’s the perfect time to upgrade to a plan that suits your needs.
Superloop’s NBN fast internet plans:
