Travel Insurance – don’t travel too light!
Michael and I are planning our own overseas trip! Time to air out suitcases and argue about the practicalities of taking the kitchen sink. We’ve also been a couple of sick people for the past week or so, having caught a flu bug. So what happens when you’re sick and very far from home? Many travellers don’t bother with travel insurance. They see it as an unnecessary cost, but it is? The first time I travelled to Europe to meet Michael’s rallies, I made it as far as Auckland before I was rushed to an emergency medical clinic with a suspected annuerism. Fortunately it was just a vicious migraine. However, we had to cancel our connecting flight to Singapore and rebook – our travel insurance covered this unexpected cost. Peace of mind can be a costly business but then again, so is an astronomical hospital bill.
Footwear
“Do we need proper hiking boots?” Well, unless you’re going on a recognised tramping trip, the answer is no – just good sturdy walking shoes for our many carefully laid walking tracks. And for goodness sake, if you’re buying new shoes for your trip, wear them in well in advance of your travel. Blisters are not fun!
The checking-behind-you habit
Get into the habit of checking behind you as you leave the plane, car, boat, bus…and yes, even bathrooms. I-pads and cellphones have a way of blending in with the decor. Had a client a few years back who left the country before remembering the $1000 carefully put away in the wall safe of her suite. Fortunately we managed to contact the Manager and their honest staff who retrieved the money and returned it via the guest’s bank account.
What to wear?
Remember, that in our blessed little country you can experience 4 seasons in one day! Pack accordingly, but keep it light. New Zealand is a very casual country and people don’t dress up for everyday living. There are one or two high end lodges in New Zealand where men are expected to wear formal jacket and tie to dinner but most of the time tidy and casual are the only guidelines.
Check the house rules
Unless you’re in a self-contained accommodation (with cooking facilities), cooking in your room is definitely NOT permitted. You may also notice that toilet and shower facilities work differently to that of your homeland. Good hosts are expected to explain these matters to guests but they don’t always. Don’t hesitate to ask the hosts about the bathroom facilities. Save yourself the awkwardness of having to explain the accidential flooding in the bathroom, especially on your first night’s stay.
Legitimate complaints:
Genuine complaints should be aired immediately at the time of your stay. Give the service provider a chance to put it right and make you happy. A good host should NEVER respond with childish comments such as “well, nobody else has ever complained about that before”. If they do, then shame on them! We stayed at a beautiful luxury B & B in Akaroa a couple of years ago. I mentioned to the hosts that the toilet seat in our ensuite was loose. By the time we returned from dinner a few hours later, the seat had been fixed.
Check seasonal availablity:
Your friends may have told you about a great boutique vineyard or a tour of a birdlife breeding colony. Not all attractions are opened all-year round. Many vineyards close for wine tastings and some tours only operate in the sumner. Also be aware that there are sometimes age and weight restrictions especially those relating to adventure tours.
Above all…
…remember that Kiwis (the two-legged kind) will do anything to help a traveller and you’ll never be without a helping hand. Have a great New Zealand holiday!
