Does it pay to plan ahead when you travel?

You may be keen to go wherever the wind takes you, or you might be a plan-to-the-hour type of traveller. There are benefits to both styles.

Travellers often fall into two categories—the planned and the unplanned—and more than likely, you already know which of the two camps you belong to, or if you sit somewhere in between.

Whatever your preference, we look at some of the pros and cons of both approaches, which may provide some food for thought before you embark on your next journey.

Why it’s great not having a schedule

Travelling without a set timetable is often something that’s associated with youth. For example, as a young backpacker, you probably have less commitments and more time to explore.

As people get older, uncharted travel may seem a little less realistic. Although, with many Australians likely to spend 20 years or more in retirement, life after work could be a great time to have a little less structure when it comes to your next trip.

Here are some of the benefits of travelling with fewer plans.

• • You’ve got access to last-minute deals

• • There’s an element of surprise

• • You have more time to explore

• You can step outside your comfort zone

When planning can have its benefits

It might be more your style to have every day, every meal and every event mapped out in advance, or it might just be a necessity to accommodate things like limited time, limited money, work, kids, or all of the above!

So, how does it pay to plan ahead?

• • You time it right

• • You make savings

• • Transport is available

• Your events are sorted

Things you should do either way

Of course all travel requires a minimum amount of planning—you’ve got to buy a ticket if you’re going overseas right? With that in mind, always consider the following before you travel:

• • Paperwork – check your paperwork is sorted, including that your visas and passport are valid. Keep in mind, some countries may refuse you entry if you have less than six months’ validity on your passport, beyond the period of your intended stay.ⁱ

• • Insurance – if something happens before you head off, or you lose something, are injured or sick along the way, you’ll be glad to have the right travel insurance organised before you go. With nearly one in four Aussie travellers experiencing a loss on their most recent overseas trip (that’d be covered by most travel insurance policies) it may provide peace of mind.ⁱⁱ

• • Money – knowing you have enough money for the trip and that it’s accessible is also worthwhile, as well as ensuring you have a little extra set aside in case of an emergency.

• • Your health – make sure you get the necessary vaccinations for where you’re going. Remember, some countries (in places such as Africa, South America, and Asia) also require proof of vaccination against some diseases as a condition of entry.ⁱⁱⁱ

• Your safety – take note of what’s happening around the world on the government’s Smart Traveller website. And, ensure you’re across the customs and laws of the places that you intend on visiting.

What else you may want to consider

There are pros and cons to different planning approaches, but ultimately it’ll come down to what suits you, your circumstances and commitments, and what you feel most comfortable with.

The main thing to ensure is you’re covered if things take an unexpected turn, and that regardless of your timetable (or lack thereof), that you have fun along the way. After all, that’s what holidays are all about!

i Australian Passport Office – Passport validity and foreign visas paragraph 2

ii Survey of Australians’ Travel Insurance Behaviour 2016 page 9

iii Smart Traveller – Health Checks and Vaccinations 8, 12

One in three Aussies travel without protection