Pre-departure Checklist

Planning a trip abroad means numerous tasks to achieve. Some are exciting, others are less so. But all of them have to be done, and, often, in good time before your departure. Below are some of the essential tasks that I’ve been tackling over the past few months, and some I still need to sort.

June 2022: Renewing my passports

Passports are vital for international travel. As a dual citizen, I have two, both of which expired several months (or more) ago. Renewing both of them was at the top of my pre-Australia to-do list. After getting the appropriate photos taken, I was able to apply for a renewed UK passport online. My Australian one I had to do in-person at Australia House in London, by appointment with hard copies of my passport photo. It took several weeks for my new UK passport to arrive, and a few months for my Australian one due to a delay, caused by an issue with my photograph. Australian passport photo specifications are different to those for a UK passport, which I knew, but unfortunately there was still an issue with the photograph I supplied. I was abroad in Europe when I found out, so when I got back, I hurried to get a third photo taken and sent it off with my fingers crossed that it would be right this time. Thankfully, my new photo was accepted, and a few weeks later I received a brand new Australian passport in the post. I’m really glad I started the process with plenty of time before I needed them.

July 2022 onwards: Planning my first steps

This has been an exciting endeavour, but difficult too. I’ve been trying to juggle my goal of staying flexible and open to opportunities that arrive, while also maintaining a sense of security. Perth hostel's are already pretty booked up for the next few weeks, so I'm having to secure my accommodation plenty in of advance. At the same time, searching and feeling inspired by opportunity is such a fun part of the experience, so I’ve been trying not to get bogged down with figuring out all the details at once. In July, I booked my flight, and then last month I booked my first week’s stay in a hostel. Since then I've also booked a road trip in South West Western Australia, and a further week in a hostel. Most of all, I’m trying to follow what sparks excitement and fulfils my intentions for adventure.

September 2022: Getting the gear

When I returned from my backpacking trip to France and Spain in September, I started a list of everything I need to take to Australia. I learnt from what I had and hadn't taken abroad this time to help me make a list I’m satisfied with, and since then I’ve been working on collecting the items I didn’t have or needed to replace. It’s been especially good to consider what I need several months in advance so I can budget effectively for them. Having recently had a birthday, and with Christmas coming up, I’ve also been able to enlist the help of friends and family who wanted to gift me things I can use.

October 2022: Sorting travel insurance

I found choosing the right travel insurance quite overwhelming as I compared lots of options online. I wasn’t sure for a while what I actually needed – hence why I didn’t buy it as early as I probably ‘should’ have. I know it’s generally recommended to buy as soon as you start booking things, and I booked my flight months before. But for a while, I kept going back and forth on different prices and packages (much like I did with my flight). In the end, I’m just glad I’ve got something! I’m hoping it’ll be something I never need to think about again, but you never know what’s going to happen, so the security of having some insurance is comforting.

December 2022: Organising medication 

I’ve had a look into the laws of bringing prescription medication over the border, and worked out that I’ll need to contact my doctor about securing some medication to take with me. I’m also going to ask for an official letter that explains that I am entitled to carry the medication. I’m not sure how necessary the letter is, but I want to cover my bases to eliminate any worry.

*

This isn’t an exclusive list of the preparations I’ve been making, but it covers some of the most essential: things that I’ve spent a considerable time thinking about and working on. I really enjoy making lists; I find them helpful in ensuring I get things done, and in gaining a sense of control. Writing helps me develop my thoughts and focus my needs. That’s one of the reasons I’m keeping this blog.