You’ve saved for ages, and you’ve got a rough idea of what you want to see and do – before you go, check the Travel Advice section of Smart Traveller. This website can give you useful information on entering and leaving the country you are going to, what to do if you find yourself in need of help overseas, and information about any current international security situations.

You can also register your trip with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through Smart Traveller – registering will help DFAT to know if you are in an affected area in the case of an emergency situation, and enable them to notify you (or your family back home) with the latest safety advice.