It is one of the easiest things to cut from a travel budget. It is also one of the worst decisions you can make. What Happened on a Recent US Trip On a recent trip to the United States I got sick. A standard GP visit cost $275 USD. A simple test on top of …
Travel Tips
Stop Booking Hotels Based on Stars Alone
A five-star rating means nothing if the hotel does not suit how you actually travel. Location Should Match Your Travel Style Take Singapore as an example. The Marina Bay Sands is stunning and genuinely self-contained. If you want luxury, a casino, and everything under one roof, it delivers. But if you want to explore, eat …
Emirates First Class with Qantas Points is About to Get a Lot More Expensive
If redeeming Qantas Points for Emirates First Class is on your bucket list, time is running out to lock in the current rates. What is Changing From 31 March 2026, Qantas is increasing the points required for Emirates reward seats. First Class redemptions jump by around 20% across the board. Melbourne to London in Emirates …
Never Book a Long-Haul Flight on Hope
Long-haul travel is expensive. Basing it on uncertainty is how you end up stranded in a hotel, waiting on something that never happens. Confirmed Details Only If your trip depends on a meeting, a reunion, or any event involving another person, you need a confirmed time and place before you book. Not a “probably,” not …
This Tiny Rule Could Ruin Your Entire Trip
One small overlooked detail has derailed the trips of even experienced travellers. Check your passport expiry date before you book anything. The 6-Month Passport Rule Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. It is not enough for it to simply be “not expired.” Airlines enforce …
Jet Lag Can Ruin Your Trip: Here’s How to Beat It
Jet lag is real, and if you don’t have a plan for it, it can eat into the first day or two of your trip before you’ve even found your feet. A Real Example: Miami to Madrid Flying overnight from Miami to Madrid, I landed in the afternoon completely exhausted after a rough flight. Rather …
Stop Overpacking: How to Pack Smart for Stress-Free Travel
Overpacking is one of the easiest ways to ruin a trip before it even starts. Heavy bags mean extra fees, tired shoulders, and wasted energy, all before you’ve seen a single sight. Build Your Packing List Around Your Itinerary The fix is simple: pack for what you’re actually doing, not what you might do. Going …
You’ve Probably Been Robbed at the Airport (And Didn’t Even Know It)
Most travellers don’t realise they’re losing money the moment they land. Airport currency exchange looks convenient, but that convenience comes at a serious cost. The Hidden Cost of Airport Currency Exchange Exchange desks at airports typically offer unfavourable rates combined with high fees. It might not sound like much, but even a 2-cent difference in …