The holiday season has kicked off and though many New Zealanders stay at home to enjoy the warm weather and festivities with their families – many don’t.  

Below are top travel tips recommended by Southern Cross Travel Insurance, to help make sure all bases are covered for a safe and hassle-free trip.

Before you go:

o Read up on the destination on the internet or in travel books and be aware of any danger spots or local tourist scams.

o Check travel advisories i.e. www.safetravel.govt.nz to ensure no warnings have been issued for your destination which could affect your insurance policy.

o Check to see if your travel insurance provider offers cover for pre-existing medical conditions as many don’t.

o Take photocopies of your passport and credit cards to leave with someone at home – this makes it easier to get replacements.

o Give someone at home your travel itinerary and contact details of your GP in case you need specialist medical treatment.

o Make a note of your bank’s helpline number and your mobile phone company’s helpline in case you need to cancel missing cards or a stolen phone.

o Ensure you have enough of your medication to last the journey – take a bit more than you think you need. Don’t pack it all in one bag in case a bag goes missing.  And take what you can in carry on bags rather than checked-in luggage.

o If you are planning to take valuable jewellery/equipment – get it valued before you go but if possible, leave it at home.

o Split valuables between people and take it in carry on bags rather than checked-in luggage.

On the move:

o Always check your seat and seat pocket before you leave the plane. One of the most common insurance claims is lost personal items while on the plane.

o When sleeping on the plane, put valuables out of sight. Theft on planes is more common than you think.

o Allow plenty of time to make your flight. Check how long it takes to get to the airport.

o If your flight is delayed while overseas keep all the receipts for accommodation, meals, taxis etc to claim these expenses back from the airline.

o Keep receipts when you get currency or withdraw cash to prove your loss if you need to.

o Always file a police report if something is stolen. If you don’t speak the local language ask someone from the hotel to accompany you.

o Don’t assume a locked hotel room is safe – keep valuables on you or use the hotel’s safe at reception.

o Always get a locker in a backpackers’ hostel – and take your own padlock rather than one provided by the hostel.

o Retain receipts and a copy of the medical report if you require medical treatment.

o If the medical treatment is going to be serious or lengthy, call your travel insurance provider in advance to discuss cover.o If the airline loses your baggage, make your claim with the airline first. If they lost it, they are liable.

o If you decide to stay away longer, call your travel insurer to extend your policy.